THREATWATCH
Would the Pentagon resort to using nukes to retaliate for a computer network attack? A contributor to Foreign Policy magazine thinks it’s within the realm of possibility.
The Central Intelligence Agency is becoming more and more involved in the conflict in Syria — but do they know what’s going on inside the country?
ON THE FORCE
To forces stationed in Afghanistan, the phased withdrawal is apparently referred to as “retrograde operations.”
U.S. Central Command Chief General Austin replaced outgoing General Mattis yesterday, at a star-studded ceremony in Tampa, Florida. General Mattis is set to retire — to the chagrin of many. As for Austin, his star has continued to rise since assuming control as Director of the Joint Staff in late 2009, a job he inherited from a then-departing-for-Afghanistan General Stanley McChrystal.
The Pentagon updated directives governing the issuance of waivers for enlisted and officers in the U.S. military, as well as refreshed policies and guidance for the new post-9/11 GI Bill.
One forward-operating base will recognize the legacy of a special man.
An explosive ordinance technician assigned to the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command has been awarded his fifth Bronze Star with Valor.
ON TECH
Naval Special Warfare pursues an Android-based atmospherics survey tool.
POTOMAC TWO-STEP
Family of the late General and President Eisenhower aren’t too keen on the idea of a sprawling memorial commemorating his legacy in Washington, D.C.
Senator Inhofe is dead-set on retaining the Overseas Contingency Operations Funds that brought you the surge in Iraq and other fun times.
ON SECRECY – OR LACK THEREOF
The Environmental Protection Agency not only has a wing dedicated to water security issues, it also requires the successful adjudication of a top secret clearance before you can work there.
Tysons Corner: growing fast, expanding slowly.
At Slate, Fred Kaplan disagrees that shifting the drone programs to the Pentagon will facilitate transparency or accountability.
CONTRACT WATCH
Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection anticipate a need to hire a bevy of contractors to “assist in surge instances of high case loads. Candidates must have an active [Top Secret Clearance] to be considered.”
