Author Archive

Bob Brewin

Editor at Large

Bob Brewin
Bob Brewin joined Government Executive in April 2007, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience as a journalist focusing on defense issues and technology. Bob covers the world of defense and information technology for Nextgov, and is the author of the “What’s Brewin” blog.
Science & Tech

The Army Wants Lighter Tactical Radios That Won't Overheat on Soldiers

The service's contracting arm has set aside nearly $3 billion for a safer, less cumbersome and longer-range tactical radio. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

The Army Will Provide Wi-Fi in West Africa for the Fight Against Ebola

The Army will help support troops and nongovernmental organizations engaged in the Ebola fight in West Africa by setting up email, video and satellite systems. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

Rumors of the Blackberry's Death (at DOD) Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

There are less than 10,000 Apple and Android devices on the Pentagon's unclassified network. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

Navy Picks Dell for Cloud Email Pilot Program

The Navy has tapped Dell to provide it with a Microsoft enterprise-as-a-service cloud email system for its reservists. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

Preparing for Future Catastrophes, the VA Reaches to the Past

The VA wants a network for two-way radio communication and links to national wired, cellular and IP phone networks in case a crisis knocks out standard communications. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

These Web Sites Are Tracking the Spread of Ebola

Clinicians, governments and humanitarian organizations are tracking the Ebola virus so you don’t have to. By Bob Brewin

Threats

Inside the Mini-Hospitals the Air Force Is Using To Fight Ebola in Africa

The 25-bed Expeditionary Medical Support System—or EMEDS—hospital dispatched to Liberia last month will be used to care for health care personnel in Liberia. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

The Navy Wants a Tactical Cloud

The Office of Naval Research says the cloud infrastructure will exist at the 'tactical edge' of Navy and Marine forces, not ashore. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

DOD's Quest for Better Email Will Test Microsoft's Cloud

The Navy Reserve is the latest Defense Department component to launch a commercial cloud pilot program to lower costs. By Bob Brewin

Business

Review Finds Few Efficiences in the Pentagon's Joint Basing Plan

A new GAO report reveals numerous geographic and technological problems to the Pentagon's plan to consolidate 26 bases into 12 joint facilities. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

Here's the 'Game-Changing' Tech Special Operators Want for Tomorrow's Wars

Directed-energy systems, night vision googles with full color displays and suits you might find in a comic book origin story. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

The Army Wants to Use Its Own Secure 4G LTE Networks

The technology would triple the capacity and speed of the long-troubled Joint Tactical Radio System. By Bob Brewin

Business

The VA Has Way Too Many Websites for Veterans Care

VA Secretary Bob McDonald wants to consolidate the 14 different websites veterans have to choose from to help coordinate their care from the department. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

New DOD-VA Health Records System Coming to More Facilities Soon

One of Obama's 19 initiatives announced this week included a wider launch for a long-awaited health records system. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

The Secret History of the Atom Bomb Is Now Available in Full Online

Arranged in 36 volumes, the final portions of the history of the Manhattan Project's development were posted only recently. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

Navy Ships Will Get $2.5 Billion in Cyber and Intelligence Upgrades

Five companies just won mutli-year contracts to consolidate ship-based networks for future missions. By Bob Brewin

Threats

Australia Joins Assistance Mission for Remaining 4,000 Iraqi Refugees

Cargo planes from the U.S., U.K. and now Australia are all taking turns keeping alive the remaining Iraqi civilians isolated on a mountaintop. By Bob Brewin

Threats

Navy Chief Says the Future of War Lies in 'Information Dominance'

Cyber threats and capabilities are the dominant considerations for a service entering a new era in naval warfare. By Bob Brewin

Business

The VA Paid More Than $40 Million in Improper Claims Last Year

For 2 months in 2013, the Veterans Benefits Administration hurried to eliminate its disability claim backlog. That rush resulted in many costly mistakes. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

The Air Force May Have Already Developed Its New Long-Range Bomber

A recent report to Congress suggests the Pentagon's replacement for its aging bomber fleet is all but ready for production. By Bob Brewin