Author Archive
Lauren C. Williams
Senior Editor

Lauren C. Williams is senior editor for Defense One. She previously covered defense technology and cybersecurity for FCW and Defense Systems. Before then, Williams has reported on several issues, including internet culture, national security, health care, politics and crime for various publications. She has a master's in journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park and a bachelor's in dietetics from the University of Delaware. She can be contacted at lwilliams@govexec.com or follow her on Twitter @lalaurenista.
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Threats
The Hardest Thing About Missile Defense in Guam? Finding the Right Site
There are candidate locations, but nothing is final, said Missile Defense Agency Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
The US Army Is Hunting For More Soldier-Connected Tech
A recent solicitation calls for soldier-centered networking and information technology that will link existing and prototype technologies together.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
The Pentagon’s Plan to Buy Weapons Software Faster
The DOD’s dedicated software acquisition pathway is nearly two years old, and is already being used by a few dozen programs.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Cyber Ambassador Pick Wants to Bring 'Coherence' to Tech Diplomacy Efforts
Nathaniel Fick, the former Marine and head of Center for a New American Security, also wants more deterrence efforts in cyberspace.
- Lauren C. Williams
Threats
Coast Guard Wants Better Internet on Its Ships, and More Recruits
Commandant Fagan ties increased connectivity to operational needs and improving Coasties’ quality of life.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
Faster Attacks Have Cyber Command Looking to Add All-Too-Scarce Experts
“I think the only way that I'm going to be able to do that in the near term is to grow the workforce myself,” command official says.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
A Navy Cyber Effort Is Fixing Thousands of Holes—and Building Tech Talent
A 10th Fleet operation gives tech-curious reservists some training and a real-world mission.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
The Biden Administration Wants To Standardize How the U.S. Conducts Cyber Operations
The White House is reviewing a Trump administration policy that made it easier for U.S. Cyber Command to conduct offensive cyber operations.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Hypersonic Missile-Tracking Satellites Greenlit For Development
The Space Development Agency awarded L3Harris and Northrop Grumman $1.3 billion in contracts to deliver prototypes that track quick-maneuvering hypersonic missiles in flight.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
A Look At Tech Amendments In The 2023 House NDAA
The bill, which boasted several hundred amendments, has provisions that touch on cyber education, spectrum, and satellites.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
New Top Coastie Wants More Data Tools to Help Leaders Make Decisions
Adm. Linda Fagan’s “highest priority” is transforming the service’s talent management system.
- Lauren C. Williams
Defense Systems
Army’s New Plan to ‘Transform’ Soldier Health Care with Technology
Service leaders will boost research into synthetic blood, quantum computing, and more.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Fight With Information, Not Just Munitions, Marine Corps Tells Commanders
A new doctrinal document asks Marines to consider information warfare as they build their battle plans.
- Lauren C. Williams
Business
New Air Force Space Buyer Eyes Fixed-Price Contracts
Frank Calvelli, assistant secretary for Space Acquisition and Integration, said it's "not a bad approach for space things" and could help keep acquisitions on time.
- Lauren C. Williams
Threats
Major Pentagon IT Projects Lack Plans to Secure Networks, Supply Chains: GAO
Watchdog also noted cost increases among most of the Defense Department's top 25 IT efforts.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
Lack of Space National Guard Could Hurt Training, Recruiting
Guardsmen in space-related jobs have trouble getting into Space Force schools, leaders say.
- Lauren C. Williams
Policy
How Much Does Bad Software Cost DOD? Lawmakers Want to Know
The House Armed Services Committee's version of the defense authorization act is getting a provision asking the Pentagon to account for wasted money and lost productivity caused by poorly performing software.
- Lauren C. Williams
Business
How the Pentagon Plans to Manage Inflation in Contracts
Contracting officers are told to "be mindful" of rising costs but to "limit the scope" of adjustment clauses.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
‘Cultural Artifacts’ Are Keeping DOD From Going Big on AI
Policy, budgets, and budget execution are getting in the way, the outgoing head of the joint AI center says.
- Lauren C. Williams
Science & Tech
A Navy 'Cattle Drive' Has Saved $150M in IT Costs
The service's two-year-old effort to consolidate computer systems is to be duplicated across the Pentagon.
- Lauren C. Williams