News Briefs
DISA and GSA Partner for Acquisition
A Defense
Service Invigorates Nuclear
The U.S. Air Force has activated the Air Force Global Strike Command. The command coalesces the service’s strategic nuclear forces, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and nuclear bomber forces under a single commander. Combatant commanders soon will have the forces to conduct strategic nuclear deterrence in global strike operations through ICBM, B-2 and B-52 operations. The Air Force also has established an air staff directorate to ensure clarity and consistency for the nuclear mission at headquarters. In addition, a nuclear panel has been created to advocate for resources for the nuclear mission; a nuclear sustainment has been unified under the
Turn Your Computer Off
Federal government and industry employees are being asked to turn off their computers and peripherals when they leave the office on August 27. The 2nd Annual Power IT Down Day could save the federal government more than $20,000 in one night—and that’s assuming only 1 percent participation. Over the course of a year, this simple act could save the government $8.5 million. The request comes from a four-company alliance that includes Microsoft and Intel. As a tangible example of what the money saved can accomplish, the alliance will donate at least $20,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Barracuda Flies Over
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed and manufactured in Europe has successfully passed a series of tests in
Upgraded Cruiser Completes Operational Trial
The USS Bunker Hill completed the Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) on July 29. The ship recently was modernized with Aegis Advanced Capability Build 08, which is critical to the Aegis Weapon System’s transition to an open architecture platform. The
New Soldier Gear Passes Milestones
The U.S. Army’s Ground Soldier Ensemble (GSE), a situational awareness system for individual soldiers, has completed two major milestones and is nearly ready for production. The GSE provides soldiers with a digital map image of their location and the location of friendly units. Manufactured by Raytheon Company, the GSE links dismounted soldiers to battlefield networks via their personal radios.
Service Revises Acquisition Implementation Plan
The U.S. Air Force has completed a comprehensive restructuring of its installation acquisition implementation strategy, or Installation Acquisition Transformation. Factors such as the recession, failed infrastructure and information technology upgrades, and lessons learned from other efforts caused Air Force officials to re-examine the implementation efforts. The revised plan calls for a new organization that is aligned with the Air Force Materiel Command and will focus on strategic sourcing. The plan also provides a redefined approach that allows strategic sourcing benefits to be realized sooner, and it will use market research to shape requirement and sourcing decisions.
International Missile System Ready for Tests
The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has successfully completed the critical design reviews for all of its major components. Developed by
Program Teaches Stress-Reducing Skills
The U.S. Army is working to improve the resiliency of its soldiers through a new program scheduled to begin in October. The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program is designed to strengthen soldiers emotionally, spiritually and socially, increasing their ability to handle stress. The demands placed on soldiers during wartime demonstrate a need for coping skills. The program will be incorporated at all levels, from basic combat training to the
