- Two 101st Soldiers killed by IED device while on patrol *…*
September 4, 2010 – We salute you and honor you and other heroes serving in harms way. Our heart-felt sympathy to your family and friends.
- *U.S. Army* Delays Ground Combat Vehicle – Defense News
September 4, 2010 – Granted these vehicles have a serious lead-time (7 years), but wouldn’t it ...
Military News you may have missed – September 1, 2010
- to learn more about suicide prevention – NEVER LEAVE A MARINE *…*
August 28, 2010 – There is help out there. Let’s make sure our brave heroes have the best medical care possible.
- Privatising war
August 27, 2010 – Quite a thoughtful article on the risks of ceding effective control of our US military to private contractors. It is often simply question of loyalty and integrity vs. ...
Military News you may have missed – August 22, 2010
- And I Thought U.S. *Military Procurement* Was Slow
August 21, 2010 – Looks like our British allies have been afflicted by the same military procurement virus that has devastated the US military procurement system. Is there anyone we can fully trust?
- Northrop Grumman wins $300 million contract from *US Army*
August 21, 2010 – Significant upgrade in communications security for our ...
Shared News from SFTT – August 14, 2010
- *US* Marine Corps must redefine mission: Gates
August 14, 2010 – Not sure it makes a lot of sense for the Marine Corps to redefine their mission. Isn’t that the responsibility of the Secreatry of Defense in consultation with the other military service components, Congress and other govenment Departments and agencies?
- Fallen Heroes: Army Spc. Faith R. Hinkley
August 14, 2010 – Excellent point. Despite the wind-down ...
Military News you may have missed – August 8, 2010
- BAE Systems Displays Ultra Lightweight Warrior (ULW) Infantry *…*
August 7, 2010 – The development and deployment of light and effective body armor is to be applauded. Nevertheless, considering the US Army’s and DoD’s shoddy test procedures and questionable contract awards as documented in GAO studies, we are hopeful that all new military protective gear is properly tested and its suppliers vetted.
- A Sergeant’s ...
New Helmet Sensor to detect Traumatic Brain Injuries
BAE Systems unveiled its latest concussion sensor for soldier helmets, named Headborne Energy Analysis and Diagnostic System (“HEADS”). Reportedly, about 7,000 1st generation sensors have already been installed in helmets of U.S. military warriors. The new devices feature much more effective reporting capabilities that will hopefully help in getting medical attention quicker to those that need it.
The HEADS smart sensor is also designed to provide ...
Continue Reading →Military News Items You May Have Missed – July 31, 2010
- Google Alerts – body armor – Former *Body*-*Armor* Executive on Trial for Fraud – Blogrunner
July 27, 2010 – This long trial is finally drawing to a close. It is sad to think that body armor used by the majority of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq have been supplied by a company run by Mr. Brooks. Point Blank Armor is now in Chapter 11. Can’t we do better for our troops?
- Google Alerts – military ...
Rules of Engagement: Battlefield Dilemma
The Washington recently aired a story on the increased frustration with the “Rules of Engagement” governing military personnel deployed in Afghanistan. The story, written by Rajiv Chandrasekaran, documents several incidences where US troops under attack were not able call in additional support for fear of wounding or killing civilians. Said one disgruntled soldier interviewed for the Washington Post article, ‘”this is not how you fight a war, at least not in Kandahar, we’ve been handcuffed by our chain of command.”
According to ...
Continue Reading →DOD Calls for Changes in Military Procurement Practices
In a delightful article published by Huffington Post entitled “Pentagon’s New Contractor Policy Doesn’t Scare the Defense Industry At All,” Huffington’s editors sadly conclude that recently announced measures to improve the efficiency of the military’s procurement process are likely to produce little more than a yawn from contractors who have long thrived on the ineptitude of the Defense Department.
In a June 28th Memorandum for Acquisition Professionals, Defense Department ...
M2 Heavy Machine Gun Fails Troops in Afghanistan: More on DoDIG Report
As readers of SFTT News are aware, I had previously reported on the blithering incompetence demonstrated by the US Army and DoD in the procurement of spare parts for the M2 Heavy Machine Gun that is essential to the survival of our troops in Afghanistan. “Blithering incompetence” are my words, but reading the Department of Defense Inspector General (“DoDIG”) on the Defense Logistics Agency (“DLA”) handling of critical spare parts for the M2, my words seem mild compared ...
Continue Reading →