The SIGNAL Blog

General Atomics Awarded Predator/Reaper Logistics Services Contract

December 26, 2012

George I. Seffers

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., is being awarded a $337,143,633 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee and time and material contract to procure logistics services for the MQ-1 and MQ-9 Predator/Reaper Remotely Piloted Vehicle program. The contracting activity is the Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.

Departments:

Defense

Navy Declares Anchors Aweigh for CANES

December 21, 2012

by Max Cacas

The U.S. Navy has given the green light for the first deployment of a new consolidated shipboard networking system designed to modernize communications on board ships.

Departments:

Defense

The Information Age is Changing the Metaphysics of Intelligence

12/18/2012

Joe Mazzafro

Given the unknowns about whether the world will end on 21 December as foretold by the Mayan Calendar or if the US government will find itself mired at the bottom of “Fiscal Cliff Washington” come New Year’s Day, any discussion about what will hold the Intelligence Community’s (IC) attention in 2013 seems premature. However, despite the notoriety of both of these “black swans,” I remain unabashedly optimistic the Mayan Astrologers have miscalculated and that the IC can muddle through 2013 on $65 billion even if most of it is borrowed money.
Before we get into any soothsaying for 2013 we probably should check my homework on this subject for 2012 when I fearlessly predicted six things that I thought would demand the IC’s attention.

Robotic Autonomous Activities Advance

December 13, 2012

A vision-driven robotic arm will enable the precise long-range delivery of a payload weighing up to one pound into difficult-to-reach environments.

Departments:

Defense

Homeland Security

Intelligence

Cool App-titude: TravelNerd

December 11, 2012

By Rachel Eisenhower

Preparing to travel this holiday season? You're probably already anticipating the long lines, stressful crowds and extra expenses along the way. But the free Airports by TravelNerd app for the iPhone could help you navigate your trip more smoothly.

The free app, launched this month, aims to make your travel experience seamless and more enjoyable. It includes everything from detailed airport maps to information on ground transportation and parking.

It features airport information for more than 50 of the most popular airports across the globe. In addition, the program has more than 200 terminal maps; Wi-Fi availability and pricing details; hours and locations for airport restaurants and shops; parking options and prices; and family-friendly amenities.

Download the free app from the iTunes App Store.

These sites are not affiliated with AFCEA or SIGNAL Magazine, and we are not responsible for the content or quality of the products offered. When visiting new websites, please use proper Internet security procedures.

Military Tracks Earthquake-Related Radiation Contamination

December 6, 2012

By Max Cacas

To monitor the possible effects of radiation on Americans who were in Japan during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and subsequent damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the U.S. Army Public Health Command has launched the Operation Tomodachi Registry website. The site provides location-based radiation dose estimates for the approximately 70,000 department-affiliated adults and children who were in one of 13 mainland Japan locations at the time of the disaster, which included the release of radiation into the environment. It will serve as a public clearinghouse for information on the U.S. Defense Department's response to the crisis in which U.S. troops assisted their Japanese counterparts in relief efforts. The Operation Tomodachi website will be used to build a model for future exposure registries that could be used to manage a range of other events or activities where the potential for environmental exposure to harmful chemical or biological agents is possible. It will be managed as part of the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System. Names, locations and radiation exposure information for service members, civilian contractors, employees and their family members is contained in a secure database.

Departments:

International

Government Laboratories Offer Job Assistance

December 5, 2012

Sandia National Laboratories has created a hiring program that helps wounded warriors get into the work force and develop career-based skills and experience. Under the Wounded Warrior Working Group, Sandia hires qualified applicants for one to three years.

Departments:

Education

Homefront Help: USO Wishbook

December 20, 2012

By Rita Boland

Christmas is almost upon us, and anyone who wants do some extra good with their last-minute spending should check out the USO Wishbook. This alternative giving catalogue enables people to give a gift to someone they know while benefitting the military community. In essence, instead of presenting a material gift directly to a loved one, givers send comforting items to troops, their families or wounded warriors on behalf of that person. After making their purchases, buyers can send e-cards to the original gift recipients (not the military-community members) to let them know about the present bestowed in their honor.

Givers can search for gifts based on interest, price or recipient to find the perfect option. Groups or organizations may want to choose one of the expensive items such as building a bike for a wounded warrior or sponsoring an airdrop.

Homefront Help also has a Facebook page where visitors can gather and share information. If you know of a program that is helping service personnel, veterans or their families please submit that information to Rita Boland, SIGNAL’s news editor.

Cool App-titude: Topi

December 4, 2012

By Rachel Eisenhower

Networking during a major conference can sometimes be like finding a needle in a haystack. The free Topi app for iOS and Android makes it easier to quickly connect.

The app helps conference attendees identify and meet like-minded peers. Browse through people, chat in topic-based rooms, start private group conversations and more.

The more information you share with the app, the more groups and networking opportunities it can suggest. Log in with Facebook, and the app can connect you with friends and create dedicated chatrooms for events.

Anyone organizing a conference can access the Topi website and set up the event within the app. Attendees and users simply download the app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

Homefront Help: Hickory Farms Ships Free to APO/FPO Addresses

December 13, 2012

By Rita Boland

Hickory Farms is once again offering free shippping to APO and FPO addresses on select military Christmas gifts. Time is getting tight to get packages there by December 25, but most of the items are just as good for New Year’s celebrations.

Do you know of other companies offering holiday military discounts or groups doing something special to support the troops this Christmas? Let us know about it here by leaving a comment or post it to the Homefront Help Facebook page.

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