Radar Sweep
Mitchell Institute's ‘Aerospace Advantage’ Podcast, Ep. 14—‘The Merge: Future of the F-35, Long-Range Strike, and the Space Force‘
On the latest episode of the "Aerospace Advantage," podcast, join experts from the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies for a roundtable discussion to explore the present status of the F-35 program amidst increased scrutiny; a showdown that is emerging between the Army and the Air Force over the long-range strike mission; and next steps required for the Space Force to orient itself for long-term success.
DOD Tracking COVID Vaccinations with New Electronic Health Record System
The Defense Department’s relatively new electronic health record system—Military Health System, or MHS, GENESIS—is being used to track vaccinations against COVID-19, building a database of inoculations and ensuring the process is fast and safe for service members.
New Missile Defense Program on Deputy SecDef’s Desk, Awaiting Approval
An official with knowledge of the program said there have been “no decisions” made on the Next Generation Interceptor program, which is awaiting the approval and award of two development contracts.
Offutt’s Nightwatch E-4Bs Move Their (Giant) Tails to Lincoln Airport
That’s where the Nightwatch aircraft will operate for the next 18 months while Offutt’s runway is completely reconstructed for the first time in its 80-year history. Workers began tearing up the old runway early last week.
One Year Later, Commission’s Proposals for Improving Military, Public Service May Get a Serious Look
Congress never seriously considered the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service’s recommendations for the purposes of enacting them in legislation. But that could change, now that the Senate Armed Services Committee is engaged and beginning to consider what it might tackle in next year’s annual defense authorization bill.
Turkey Plans to Deploy Attack Drones from Its Amphibious Assault Ship
The Turkish government hopes to transform its landing helicopter dock Anadolu into a carrier ship for attack drones, and has already begun tests to see if the dock ship is strong enough for the mission.
SDA Seeking New Algorithms to Boost OPIR Target Recognition, Acquisition
The Space Development Agency is looking to improve automated target recognition on overhead persistent infrared sensors and is seeking "emerging algorithms" to help recognize high-velocity targets, to include hypersonic glide vehicles and cruise missiles and maneuvering re-entry vehicles.
Defense Secretary Austin Overruled National Guard Chief on Keeping Troops at Capitol: Memo
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III overruled the chief of the National Guard Bureau with the decision to keep 2,280 National Guard troops at the U.S. Capitol, according to a memo obtained by the Fox News Channel. Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, laid out in the memo his assessment that the National Guard cannot and should not fulfill the Capitol Police's troop request at this time, making the case that the National Guard is already over-stretched due to coronavirus constraints, civil disturbances, and wildfires.
Removed From Command: A Two-Star General’s Mental Health Disaster And Fight to Recover
“Deciding to publicly share my story is a serious matter, but something I had to do. Seeking mental health treatment should be destigmatized and dealt with the same way our culture deals with cancer or a broken arm. We recognize the symptoms, get medical help, recover, and get on with our lives. We don’t blame or shame the sick or injured person for what I call a brain malady. We love, support and help them get well,” writes retired Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, former head of the National Defense University, and his son, Phillip Martin. “But instead, with mental illnesses, we often wait for people to fail before we get them the help they need. We need more scientific research on bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, the “invisible wounds of war,” and brain health more broadly. This research is vital for our broader society, our veteran population, and our serving military.
This Close Up Video Shows B-2 Stealth Bomber’s Control Surfaces During Pre-Flight Checks in Stunning Detail
This rare video shows how the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit’s control surfaces move during checks carried out before taxi.