Defense Systems

DOD to slash senior-level civilian positions

The Defense Department is in the process of cutting 209 civilian senior executive positions, with 126 to be eliminated and 83 downgraded.

Defense Systems

$4.5B budget cut won't keep Air Force from new ventures in 2012

Although the Air Force's budget is smaller for fiscal 2012, savings gained through efficiency measures will be applied to readiness and modernization, official says.

Defense Systems

Army's new deputy PEO talks shop

Terry Watson, the Army's new deputy program executive officer for enterprise information systems, talked with staff writer Amber Corrin about her experience so far and the challenges she sees ahead.

Defense Systems

DOD budget focuses on future conflict needs

The Defense Department's proposed $553 billion budget for fiscal 2012 marks a modest increase.

Defense Systems

Joint Forces commander details plans for closure

Contractor jobs, as well as military and civilian government roles, will be cut as a new, leaner organization focuses on training and education, Army Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Joint Forces Command, says.

Defense Systems

Army pursuing high-tech data sharing at the tactical edge

The Army is pursuing new technology for sharing information amid the challenges of the combat theater.

Defense Systems

Mission specialization might help solve DOD's funding woes

In an era of tight budgets and ongoing conflict, specialization is an intriguing idea, but experts question whether it would save money.

Defense Systems

Joint tactical radios approved for aircraft integration

Next-generation radio terminals aim to improve situational awareness and communications for deployed forces.

Defense Systems

DOD faces massive streamlining challenge

The Defense Department will overhaul its numerous business systems and processes as part of plans to streamline and transform, according to two top DOD officials.

Defense Systems

Dominance in cyberspace might not be possible

U.S. military cyber operations are complicated by undefined landscape, undeveloped understanding and Washington politics, according to top Navy officials.

Defense Systems

Navy's souped-up acquisition strategy would save $35B

The Navy's effiency plans will hinge on streamlining personnel, buying smarter and closely examining major programs, says Robert Work, the military service's under secretary.

Defense Systems

Navy takes holistic approach to interoperability

Top naval engineer says plans to improve interoperability will include broader views of networks and systems, new roadmaps for IT operations and new workers with system-of-systems expertise.

Defense Systems

Tech-savvy Navy personnel still need IT training

Familiarity with popular technologies doesn't yield an IT expert, says Rear Adm. Patrick Brady, commander of Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.

Defense Systems

Training ranges help boost cyber warfare readiness

The Defense Department Information Assurance Range and Marine Corps Cyber Range are two examples of how the military is training troops to operate in cyberspace just as they do in air and space, on land and at sea.

Defense Systems

Navy must adjust to evolving conflict, says vice admiral

As the Navy faces a rapidly changing world of asymmetric warfare, it must evolve its training and capabilities and sharpen its unique skills to secure the maritime domain, Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander of the Third Fleet, said in the kickoff address for AFCEA West 2011.

Defense Systems

Rumored Army CIO nominee gets official nod

White House nomination is the next step in the confirmation process.

Defense Systems

New DOD CIO lays out top priorities

New Defense Department CIO Teri Takai calls for partnerships and maximizing technology as the department seeks to evolve.

Defense Systems

DOD tackles information security in the cloud

DOD officials are determining how to make mandatory cloud computing work for the military's security needs.

Defense Systems

Navy’s next-gen shipboard IT passes critical milestone

The Navy’s next-generation Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services project has met key standards to proceed with acquisition efforts and also engineering and manufacturing development.

Defense Systems

DOD social media rules to expire soon

With the expiration date approaching on the Defense Department's official social media policy, the potential loss of access to popular sites like YouTube and Facebook is creating concern.