SIGNAL Magazine

For U.S. Defense Department computing to reach max efficiency, it's going to have to reach for the sky-the proverbial clouds, to be exact. But network transition takes time-and the process must be evolutionary for it to bring systems and users aboard smoothly.

U.S. Joint Forces Command, slated for final disestablishment this August, has been the closing shop heard 'round the world. Jointness among forces has been achieved, according to decision makers, so "mission accomplished." Next up: Deciding the way forward built upon JFCOM's legacy.

As the U.S. Coast Guard examines new ways to consolidate its logistics systems into a single business model, it is using social media platforms to open a dialogue with government and industry.

In this month's SIGNAL Magazine, Capt. Joseph A. Grace Jr., USN (Ret.), makes some interesting points about the new Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) that will be replacing the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) once the contract for the latter expires. Grace wonders if this is the best approach, noting the general success of the NMCI after the early years of growing pains. His notion is that we will have to endure another long round of troubleshooting with the NGEN, and he wonders whether this is the best use of resources (not to mention taxpayer money) given that the NMCI has resolved most of its early problems, at least as far as it could have "within the constraints of policy, procedure and security-three very difficult masters," according to Grace.

Laptop computer users access Wifi at a local cafe, or drive through a tollbooth without stopping to pay, thanks to established seamless connectivity. The U.S. Navy's CANES network aims to equip sailors with similar but secure capabilities, enhancing overall efficiency in their daily operations.

Injured warfighters, formerly relegated to desk jobs or early retirement, now may have a new lease on military life. Advanced prosthetics give these brave troops the option of returning to active service-a nearly foreign concept in previous wars.

The U.S. Army National Guard is ramping up training opportunities for troops to fight back against the deadliest weapon in war zones-the improvised explosive device (IED).

Israel overcomes geographic limitations to its security, defense and scientific endeavors by reaching for the sky-space, in particular-with upgraded and innovative new satellite technologies.

In an era of social media and WikiLeaks, information assurance is critical to the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps. And Brig. Gen. Kevin Nally, USMC, chief information technology officer, has his hands full ensuring that information flows smoothly and securely throughout the service.

With the end of the space shuttle program in sight, NASA is shifting its focus on orbital access to the private sector and building a commercial infrastructure.