Defense Systems

Next up for drones: Transformer-style helicopters

DARPA’s ARES would have modules for cargo transport, medical evacuation and ISR.

Defense Systems

DOD adds three Cray supercomputers to its HPC program

The XC30 supercomputers, along with Sonexion storage systems, will go to the Air Force and Navy.

Defense Systems

Army wants to mine social media in Europe

Analysis of social media and open-source information would help monitor extremist activities.

Defense Systems

U.S. cyber plan seen as good first step, workforce issues remain

A government cybersecurity framework seeks to protect critical infrastructure, but industry groups continued to stress the need for training to keep up with threats.

Policy

Complicated Vote Sends Simple Message from Congress: Don't Mess With Vets

Senators voted overwhelmingly to restore $6 billion in proposed veterans' benefit cuts, but paid with further sequester offsets. By Stacy Kaper

Science & Tech

Secret Military Contractors Will Soon Mine Your Tweets

The military wants to use detailed social media data mining to identify violent extremist influences around the world. By Bob Brewin

Business

Lost Your CAC Card? Prove It, Says the Pentagon

In a new rule, DOD will require troops and employees wanting a replacement ID to provide certified proof that they lost their common access card. By Aliya Sternstein

Business

Here's Why Cutting 20 Percent of Hagel's Staff Is a Bad Idea

The Defense Department’s plan to cut across staff headquarters by 20 percent at least deserves independent analysis. By Robert Ogden

Science & Tech

How Big Data Could Help the U.S. Predict the Next Snowden

DNI James Clapper wants intelligence workers put into a big data cloud the U.S. can surveil, and it just might work. by Patrick Tucker

Defense Systems

Marines test unmanned vehicle for base perimeter defense

MDARS can conduct autonomous, random patrols and detect intruders.

Defense Systems

DOD to require documentation for lost, stolen ID cards

Department will soon make mandatory what has been an optional policy for replacing Common Access Cards.

Science & Tech

Now You Can Track U.S. Drone Killings on an App

A new iPhone app will buzz your pocket each time the United States kills someone with a drone. By Robinson Meyer

Threats

Al-Qaeda Isn't Dying: It's 'Morphing and Franchising'

DNI James Clapper and DIA Director Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn concede that al-Qaeda is not on the "path to defeat." By Sara Sorcher

Threats

U.S. May Have to Wait for Karzai's Successor to Get Troop Deal

James Clapper, director of national intelligence, said he doesn't believe Afghan President Hamid Karzai will sign a troop deal before he leaves office. By Sara Sorcher

Defense Systems

Memex: The next generation of deep-Web search?

DARPA wants to develop a broader, deeper search engine to support DOD missions, starting with the fight against human trafficking.

Defense Systems

Air Force expects delay in GPS III satellite delivery

Exelis and Lockheed Martin continue to deal with navigational payload problems.

Science & Tech

Navy's Aegis Missile Defense Is Ready for Prime Time

Say what you will about ground-based interceptors, but Navy’s Aegis ballistic missile defense system is already on patrol and ready. By Scott C. Truver

Science & Tech

DARPA Wants to Help You Search the Web Better

DARPA has kicked off a project to fine tune web searches by topical domain rather than subject. By Bob Brewin

Threats

Does Building Ski Resorts Fight Terrorism?

Skiing, like other forms of tourism, offers the potential for developing areas with few other resources. By Oliver Kaplan

Threats

Is Syria Now a Direct Threat to United States?

The militancy nurtured by the civil war appears to be spreading—just as diplomacy falters. By David Rohde