Drones Change the Battlefield & Bases
Drones are already changing the battlefield and impacting US strategy. Increased robotic controls of drones will likely also reduce the human footprint of counterinsurgency as the technology advances.
Most F-35s Return to Flight
Most F-35s return to flight operations after fuel tubes were inspected. About 20 percent are still awaiting replacement tubes.
Drones Join List of Top Security Threats
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI said drones are one of the greatest national security threats to America, rating them as severe a concern as cybersecurity hacks, critical infrastructure attacks, and terrorism.
Problem With Fuel Tubes Grounds F-35s
The Pentagon said it was grounding its fleet of F-35s, just days after the first crash of an F-35B led investigators to suspect there is a problem with the jet’s fuel tubes. Most of the US’ international partners have followed suit.
Navy Flight Instructors Offered New Career Path, Shoreside
A new billet would allow Navy pilots and naval flight officers to remain in the Navy outside the traditional career path and normal sea/shore rotation. The changes address readiness and retention and allow officers to remain in the Navy later in their careers.
Trump Shifts Military From Counterterrorism to Competition
The Trump administration shifts US military focus from counterterrorism to competition with peer adversaries such as China.
Hunt Is On to Fill Key Pentagon Jobs
The White House and Pentagon are looking for a new slate of senior officers to fill several key jobs with several senior military figures set to retire.
Morning Coffee is Off the Burner
Morning Coffee is off the burner today, in recognition of Columbus Day, but will be back percolating Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018.
Pax River Has a Banner Building Year
Pax River completed a $10 million, two-story addition to the Atlantic Test Range headquarters and a $46 million second aircraft prototyping facility. The base was also awarded $41 million to add more housing this year and $67 million to design a new medical and dental clinic.
New Performance Incentives for F-35, Not for Industry
Lockheed’s contract for future F-35s is tied to performance incentives, but DoD efforts to tie all defense contracts to performance indicators has been withdrawn in the face of industry and congressional outcry.
