Author Archive

Lauren C. Williams

Senior Editor

Lauren C. Williams

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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Science & Tech

Marine Makers: How I MEF Troops Are Putting 3D Printers to Work

From generator covers to car parts, a Marine describes how additive manufacturing helps his unit get on with its mission.

Defense Systems

The Army Is Putting All Its Network Efforts Under One Roof

By October, Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical is expected to absorb network portfolios from its sister PEO for enterprise services.

Defense Systems

The Marines Are Launching a Software Factory

We talked with Lt. Col. Charlie Bahk about plans to start up at the Army’s facility in Austin, Texas.

Defense Systems

Companies Prepare to Spend More on Cybersecurity Under New Rules

Despite some complaints about the White House's new tack, industry leaders say most recognize the need for better defenses.

Defense Systems

Sketching Out the Rules for Offensive Cyber Operations

The White House released the first-ever National Cybersecurity Strategy this week. It leaves the door open for more defined use cases for cyber operations.

Defense Systems

Could the Pentagon Use a Little ChatGPT?

The Air Force’s top tech leader said the AI technology, or something like it, could help “rapidly pull together information” such as figuring out who’s in charge of an organization.

Threats

U.S. Lacked ‘Political Will’, Resources To Build Up Afghan Forces, Report Finds

Biden, Trump administrations didn’t account for low morale, which was “one of the main contributors” to the collapse of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces amid the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021.

Defense Systems

How The Navy Trains Its Info Warfare Officers Needs Work

The goal is to expand the training into virtual and synthetic environments in the next few years.

Policy

Coast Guard to Triple Western-Pacific Deployments, Policy Chief Says

The small maritime service is contending with data and connectivity challenges as it looks to expand its presence in the Pacific.

Policy

Marines to Begin Testing Leased Vessel for Pier-less Operations

The service is leasing three commercial Stern Landing Vessels as it waits for the Landing Ship Medium to arrive.

Threats

Americans are Disturbingly ‘Ill-Informed and Naive’ on China, Navy’s Intel Chief Says

Recent balloon incident brought some attention to the possible threat, but not enough, says Rear Adm. Michael Studeman.

Defense Systems

Send Me Software, Not Hardware, Navy Infowar Leader Says

“Boxes of computers” aren’t so helpful aboard space-limited ships, Rear Adm. Doug Small said.

Defense Systems

Tougher Cybersecurity Rules May Be More than a Year Away—But Don’t Wait to Get Ready

Contractors should prepare for independent checks on their data systems, and maybe more reporting requirements as well.

Defense Systems

DOD Should Map the Competing Incentives that Hinder Innovation, Says Air Force 3-Star

That might point the way to needed cultural and structural changes, the service’s strategy-and-requirements leader told the Defense Innovation Board.

Science & Tech

The Pentagon’s Innovation Shop Wants More Influence in 2023

The agency wants to be part of program executives’ acquisition strategies and to spread more commercial-based tech across the department.

Science & Tech

The Army’s Longtime Cloud Chief Looks Back—and Forward

Paul Puckett talks about what the service has accomplished in cloud computing since 2019, what’s left undone, and what’s next.