tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78119013854306477892024-02-20T10:34:41.519-06:00Security Clearance CentralNews and resources about the process, procedure, & implementation of issuing security clearances. Interaction between the federal government, contractors, corporations, intelligence, spy, counterintelligence, and DoD funded university research and development (R&D). Employment & Military Transistion [TAP] resources.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-37392814861202578972010-06-18T15:49:00.000-05:002010-06-18T15:50:16.237-05:00Your Resume Impress or Distress?You carefully drafted and crafted your resume. You targeted, translated and revised it more than a few times. Before you send it out into the cold, cruel world, understand one important thing about your resume.<br /><br />You spent way more time on it than a potential employer will…at least initially. It’s no secret that the competition for existing jobs today is beyond stiff with employers sometimes receiving hundreds of resumes for one job opening.<br /><br />This rather dismal fact of life means your resume has to stand out. It has to outshine the others big time. It has to truly grab the attention of the person reading it. And, as if that isn’t enough already, it has to manage to do this in 30 seconds or less. That, sadly, is about all the time it will get before an employer decides to keep it for follow-up later on or toss it into the ever-growing thanks, but no thanks stack.<br /><br />Even when the unemployment rate is not hovering near the 10% mark, potential employers just don’t take or make the time to read your sterling document of qualifications word for word on the first round of resume eliminations.<br /><br />Granted, it doesn’t seem fair. Alas, dear job seeker, it is what it is.<br /><br />Once you’ve accepted the painful reality of it all, go the extra step to increase your chances of making it to round two and a potential interview...<a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/cleared-news/145/your-resume-impress-or-distress">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-65470580248389725772010-05-17T12:59:00.001-05:002010-06-18T15:48:47.275-05:00YouTube - Alcohol Consumption and Security Clearances<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aG60zKKptsc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aG60zKKptsc&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="181"></embed></object>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-56566809563593214052010-02-01T17:04:00.001-06:002010-02-01T17:06:50.211-06:00Possible Shortage of Cyber Security ProfessionalsWith the Department of Homeland Security poised to hire up to 1,000 cyber security engineers, developers and analysts over the next three years, many believe the demand for computer/cyber security professionals might outweigh the supply. Indeed, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano authorized her department to streamline its hiring process, which usually takes months.<br /><br />That's the good news. The challenge: Cyber security is a relatively new and evolving field that, for many technology professionals, requires knowledge of multiple disciplines and relatively new credentials.<br /><blockquote><br />"We already had the plan to grow our cyber workforce, but what the secretary did is give the authority to DHS to make direct hires like most private sector companies," says Amy Kudwa, DHS spokesperson. "The direct hire authority from the Office of Personal Management will significantly streamline the process, reducing the timeline to a matter of days or weeks." </blockquote><br />...<a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/cleared-news/97/possible-shortage-of-cyber-security-professionals">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-24832234982743783032009-05-13T09:21:00.001-05:002009-05-13T09:32:41.350-05:00Resume Tips for Analysis OccupationsTips from the Intelligence Community when apply for these jobs.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): </span>Analysts across the Community work in many different specialty areas. As a result, relevant skills, knowledge, and education vary according to the specialty area in which the analyst works. Analysts may possess expertise of a particular country or geographic region or may understand a particular issue in-depth. Carefully read the job vacancy announcement and ensure your resume includes job-related technical expertise. Examples include mathematics/statistical analysis, regional studies, and science and technology (e.g., aeronautical science).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Education:</span> Include diplomas or degrees awarded from educational institutions. Many of the agencies require a bachelor's degree or a more advanced degree. Some common fields of study include political science, regional studies, international affairs, geography, economics, engineering, or physical or life sciences. Do not submit transcripts unless the agency requests them. Some agencies request grade point averages for each educational institution you have attended.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): </span>While technical KSAs may vary depending on the specific agency and job vacancy announcement, many general KSAs are relevant to any Analysis occupation. Whenever possible, highlight your capabilities in these areas. In particular, emphasize:<br /><br /> * Written communication skills such as the ability to write concise prose<br /> * Critical thinking/analytical skills<br /> * Reading comprehension skills<br /> * Problem-solving skills<br /> * Interpersonal skills<br /> * Research skills (e.g., to collect and evaluate data, synthesize large amounts of information)<br /> * Oral expression (briefing) skills<br /> * The ability to think creatively<br /> * The ability to work in a team environment (i.e., to be a "team player")<br /> * The ability to work independently<br /> * The ability to work under tight deadlines and perform effectively under pressure<br /> * Knowledge of the Internet/Internet searching capabilities (and other computer related expertise)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Foreign Language:</span> Foreign language proficiency is essential (or desirable) for some job vacancies. It is to your advantage to disclose any expertise you have in this area. Be specific. List each language. If known, outline your level of proficiency with respect to key tasks such as reading, writing, listening, translation, and transcription. Specific training courses, other instruction, or experience in foreign languages should also be outlined.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Internships or Related Experience:</span> Include job-related experience such as summer internships with government or industry. Laboratory or other research experience may be important for some positions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Military Experience:</span> Specify any military experience you possess including your rank and job-related experience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Specialized Background:</span> If relevant, include any specialized background you may have such as previous employment as a military or civilian pilot, navigator, or air traffic controller.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overseas/In Country Experience:</span> Previous travel, study, work abroad, or residency in overseas locations may be important for some positions. Outline your familiarity with each country/region.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Publications: </span>List or reference publications (or presentations at professional conferences) that demonstrate your technical expertise. In some cases, resume page limits may not allow you to list publications or presentations. However, some on-line resume capabilities include an open text "comments" field for you to provide additional information. If relevant, you may want to mention that you have published in the technical area.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Professional Licenses and Certifications:</span> List job-related licenses and certifications.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Training Courses:</span> Outline any professional training you may have obtained that is directly relevant to the job vacancy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Honors, Awards, and Other Accomplishments:</span> List any honors, awards, or other accomplishments that are job-related and demonstrate your technical expertise. For example, list professional memberships or performance awards you have received.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clearances:</span> It is to your advantage to indicate if you currently or previously possess(ed) a clearance (such as a Top Secret clearance).<br /><br />source: <a href="http://www.intelligence.gov/0-restipsanalysis.shtml">intelligence.gov</a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-49742978348854426702009-05-07T09:26:00.000-05:002009-05-13T09:29:23.470-05:00Poll finds Uncle Sam's popularity up among job seekersWith the condition of the economy, more Americans are interested in federal jobs, according to a Gallup poll released on Thursday. Between 2006 and 2009, the number of respondents who told Gallup they were considering federal employment rose from 24 percent to 40 percent...However, 45 percent Gallup poll respondents said applying for a federal job was difficult, and 47 percent said it took a great deal more time than applying for jobs outside government...<a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42685">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-23435761038899070152009-04-29T09:24:00.000-05:002009-05-13T09:25:19.696-05:00Drug Involvement and Security ClearancesA 2003 national survey of drug use showed that about 60% of Americans between 19 and 30 years of age had used an illegal drug and about 20% had used a prescription drug for nonmedical reasons some time in their lives.<br /><br />Like many other issues, the security concern related to past drug abuse focuses more on applicants’ demonstrated willingness and ability to abstain from future drug involvement than on their past conduct. Experimentation with drugs, particularly marijuana, is fairly common behavior during a person’s formative years. Such experimentation is usually benign and does not result in chronic or long-term use for most people...<a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/news.php?articleID=79">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-52458563616724148422009-04-10T09:30:00.000-05:002009-05-13T09:30:54.458-05:00Defense industry faces major shiftsIn unveiling a proposed fiscal 2010 budget of $534 billion — up 4 percent from this year — Gates wants to cut some key programs and boost others, directly affecting companies such as Bethesda defense and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin and Rockville defense contractor BAE Systems. He also wants to cut the number of private contract workers from 39 percent of the Pentagon work force to the pre-2001 level of 26 percent, replacing them with full-time government employees...<a href="http://www.gazette.net/stories/04102009/businew172434_32483.shtml">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-41623743205170159082009-02-13T09:33:00.000-06:002009-05-13T09:34:26.457-05:00Federal contractors are likely to benefit from stimulus plan<span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">Despite an expected slowdown in Defense spending during the next several years, the stimulus package will include billions in spending for both federal agencies and state and local governments -- some of which will trickle down to contractors. The government likely will award contracts to increase energy efficiency in federal buildings, expand health care information technology, and continue military construction projects...Defense spending currently represents roughly 4 percent of the gross domestic product...<a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=42013">read more</a>.</span>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-51662523529162128902009-01-17T09:35:00.000-06:002009-05-13T09:36:47.607-05:00Analysts See Steady U.S. SpendingThe core U.S. defense budget is expected to keep growing at 4 percent to 5 percent annually for "the foreseeable future." However, supplemental spending is likely to come down with decreasing troop levels in Iraq...The Obama administration is unlikely to make radical defense spending changes in the near term, but some programs, such as Future Combat Systems and missile defense, could see cuts, and pension expenses might become a bigger problem than previously thought...<a href="http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3888799">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-55019875714248870332008-11-02T14:59:00.000-06:002008-12-02T15:00:39.675-06:00Alcohol and Security ClearancesWhen does drinking become a security concern? Alcohol is legal and its consumption, regardless of quantity, does not by itself trigger a security concern. Alcohol consumption becomes a concern when there has been:<br /><br />•Alcohol-related incident or other evidence of impaired judgment or misconduct while under the influence of alcohol.<br />•Negative impact on work/school performance, finances, personal or professional relationships.<br />•Failure to comply with court-ordered alcohol education, evaluation, treatment, or abstinence.<br />•Diagnosis of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence by a qualified medical professional.<br />•Relapse after completion of an alcohol treatment program...<a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/news.php?articleID=59">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-13757766286665701652008-06-21T13:56:00.000-05:002008-12-02T14:58:25.569-06:00Take Your Pick: Defense Jobs On The RiseGovernment contractors are looking for employees who understand the military system and how to be successful in it.<br /><br />Police work wasn't Robert Cooper's dream job, and it certainly didn't fall into his comfort zone, either. But Cooper also wasn't ready for a headlong plunge into sedentary cubicle work, having served 21 years in the Marine Corps.<br /><br />Cooper retired from the Marines in 2001 as a first sergeant. He found a highly-desirable paramilitary culture, with plenty of opportunities for career advancement, at G4S Wackenhut in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The security services firm is a subsidiary of Group 4 Securicor (G4S) and protects a variety of governmental sites, in addition to commercial and industrial organizations.<br /><br />His leadership skills acquired in the military eventually propelled him to operations manager in Miami, even without a degree in business management. Companies like G4S Wackenhut, which provide management training in addition to security experience, are ideal for former combat Soldiers, Cooper said.<br /><br />Better yet, he's back in his comfort zone and happy about his future.<br /><br />"You want to jump into something you can easily transition into from military life - something that can be used as a stepping stone," Cooper said. "While you're doing that, you can be pursuing other career opportunities, like going to school for a degree. If you go from 24/7 in military service to working someplace in an administrative office, you'll get culture shock."...<a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/news.php?articleID=47">read more</a>.<br /><br />For security cleared jobs >>> <a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/index.php?action=do_search">ClearanceJobs.com</a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-38209700192359926402008-05-02T16:52:00.000-05:002008-12-02T14:56:21.518-06:00Personal Finances and Security ClearancesDelinquent debt is by far the most common financial concern. In adjudicating these cases the following factors are taken into consideration:<br /><br />• Cause of debt<br />• Response to debt<br />• Amount of debt<br /><br />Cause of debt is generally more important than the amount of debt, because it reveals more about a person’s reliability, trustworthiness, and judgment. Of people who seek credit counseling, roughly 50 percent are due to irresponsibility. If the debt was caused by irresponsibility (including reckless behavior) that is likely to continue, the problem is magnified. If the debt occurred due to situations beyond the applicant’s control and the applicant is handling the debt in a reasonable manner (including bankruptcy or debt consolidation), the significance of the problem is substantially reduced. <br /><br />Response to debt is evaluated by the things people do (or don’t do) about delinquent debt. How people deal with debt is often a decisive consideration. Those who ignore their financial responsibilities may also ignore their responsibility to safeguard classified information. Classic indicators of irresponsibility and unethical behavior are:<br /><br />• Changing addresses without notifying creditors<br />• Failure to take reasonable measures to pay or reduce debts<br />• Knowingly issuing bad checks<br />• Increased credit card use immediately before filing for bankruptcy<br /><br />For <a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/news.php?articleID=39">Full Article</a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-23889909568029853182008-04-25T14:49:00.001-05:002008-12-02T14:51:31.726-06:00In Resumes, Key Words RuleKey words are nouns or phrases that communicate your job-related skills, responsibilities or functions. They're important because recruiters search resumes for key word matches when sourcing candidates from databases loaded with job-seeker profiles. The more frequently your resume matches the key words contained in a recruiter's search, the more calls you'll get.<br /><br />"Key words are really buzz words," explains Wendy Enelow, a trainer and career consultant based in Coleman Falls, Va., and author of Best Key Words for Resumes, Cover Letters and Interviews. "Key words give you power when you are writing your resume. Not only is it important to include key words throughout your resume, but carry the concept throughout all of your job search activities by using the same language in your cover letter and during interviews...<a href="http://www.clearancejobs.com/news.php?articleID=42">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-7988245111740147202008-02-22T08:55:00.001-06:002008-02-22T08:58:43.375-06:00Security Classified and Controlled Information"Security Classified and Controlled Information: History, Status, and Emerging Management Issues," <br />Report for Congress updated January 2, 2008:<br />Congressional Research Service (CRS):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/secrecy/RL33494.pdf">http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/secrecy/RL33494.pdf</a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-86407534803905966242008-02-22T08:45:00.000-06:002008-02-22T08:46:46.249-06:003Com Sale Stymied Over Security ConcernsConcerns about national security could scuttle the $ 2.2 billion sale of networker 3Com Corp., shares of which dropped as much as 20% on Wednesday.<br /><br />Marlborough, Mass.-based 3Com and its two partners -- Bain Capital Partners LLC and Huawei Technologies Co. -- said they would withdraw their application with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States...<a href="http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200802201352DOWJONESDJONLINE000729_FORTUNE5.htm">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-48781250552727736682008-02-21T08:48:00.000-06:002008-02-22T08:50:38.591-06:00FAS: JUSTICE SEES NO MISCONDUCT IN CONFLICT BETWEEN VP AND ISOOThe Department of Justice Office of Professional Responsibility has declined to open an investigation into allegations that Justice Department attorneys improperly refused to respond to the Information Security Oversight Office when it challenged the Office of the Vice President's failure to cooperate with ISOO's oversight of the classification system.<br /><br />In a January 2, 2008 complaint, the Federation of American Scientists had argued that, under the terms of the President's executive order, the Justice Department was obliged to render an opinion on the executive order's applicability to the Office of the Vice President when ISOO asked for it. Yet Justice attorneys at the Office of Legal Counsel refused to do so. (Secrecy News, Jan. 3).<br /><br />The Office of Professional Responsibility was not persuaded.<br /><br />"We have concluded that the facts do not raise an issue of attorney misconduct that requires an investigation by this office," wrote H.<br />Marshall Jarrett, OPR Counsel.<br /><br />"This matter does not involve an allegation of affirmative malfeasance, but rather, the alleged improper failure to perform an act," he wrote.<br /><br />Furthermore, the Justice Department's handling of the matter appeared to be consistent with the support of the Vice President's position against oversight that was expressed by the White House counsel, Mr.<br />Jarrett said.<br /><br />Finally, he suggested, if there are still questions of interpretation of the executive order that remain unresolved, "the ISOO may request an opinion from the Department clarifying the matter."<br /><br />The Department's prior refusal to render such an opinion was the basis of the original complaint.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-69701197427966048982008-02-13T12:09:00.000-06:002008-02-13T12:12:39.585-06:00Debt can saddle students for many years...Alan Collinge, founder of a Web site called StudentLoanJustice.org, a grassroots organization, has heard from about 3,000 people struggling with student loan debt. "These folks are trapped in debt that typically has exploded far and away above anything they originally borrowed."<br /><br />Mr. Collinge, an engineering grad from the University of Southern California and a resident of University Place, Wash., figures his student loans have ballooned above $100,000, ruined his credit ratings and prevented him from getting a security clearance needed for a job.<br /><br />"I literally live in an RV on the wrong side of the tracks, on the bad side of town. I'm one step away from being completely off the grid."...<a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08043/856694-298.stm">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-15870918864656379222008-02-07T14:14:00.000-06:002008-02-07T14:16:33.779-06:00Bush Administration Wants Background Checks Put on Fast TrackBush administration officials hope to resolve one of the government's most vexing problems before leaving office -- how to speed up security clearances for federal employees and contract workers.<br /><br />With the system seemingly broken, companies that do business with the Pentagon and the intelligence agencies have offered luxury cars and signing bonuses of up to $20,000 for people who have the necessary clearances...<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/06/AR2008020604184.html">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-41546558390147500972008-02-06T08:50:00.001-06:002008-02-22T08:53:23.106-06:00OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE ADVANCESThe DNI Open Source Center, which gathers, translates, analyzes, and distributes unclassified open source intelligence from around the world, is steadily growing in capability and impact, according to Doug Naquin, the Center's Director.<br /><br />The Open Source Center, which replaced the CIA's Foreign Broadcast Information Service, is doing more analysis and outreach than its predecessor and is also exploring new media, said Mr. Naquin in a recent speech.<br /><br />"We're looking now at YouTube, which carries some unique and honest-to-goodness intelligence," he said....<br /><br />http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-10480850294331144832008-02-06T08:49:00.000-06:002008-02-06T08:51:07.016-06:00Wanted: Good engineers w/ clearanceWant a $62,000-a-year job in a growing industry an hour's drive from a world-class city? Apply today!<br /><br />Most people would imagine that ad would have no trouble attracting job applicants.<br /><br />But add in the details -- a required master's degree in computer engineering, strong background in higher mathematics, U.S. citizenship and government security clearance -- and that number can suddenly become very small.<br /><br />That's the situation that Leslie Hielema, managing director of the Indiana office of ProLogic Inc., a computer engineering firm specializing in government contracts, finds herself in.<br /><br />Because of the sensitive work her office does for the Department of Defense, Hielema is restricted to hiring U.S. citizens, which eliminates a large portion of the applications she receives from her job postings...<a href="http://www.post-trib.com/news/776781,engineers.article">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-71782808666091217442008-01-31T08:54:00.000-06:002008-02-22T08:55:33.630-06:00PRESIDENT ASKS FOR AGENCY VIEWS ON DECLASSIFICATIONPresident Bush this week ordered executive branch agency heads to respond to dozens of recommendations that were issued earlier this month by the Public Interest Declassification Board, an official advisory group, regarding the declassification of historical records.<br /><br />The Board's report, "Improving Declassification," presented 49 recommendations to increase the utility and productivity of declassification, such as establishment of a National Declassification Center, creation of a public database of declassified documents, expedited declassification of presidential records including the President's Daily Brief, and new procedures for declassification of closed congressional hearing records and other documents.<br /><br />But the President's response increases the likelihood that the Board's recommendations will now receive serious consideration, inside and outside of the executive branch...<br /><br />Great Blog...<br /><a href="http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/">http://www.fas.org/blog/secrecy/</a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-3504643817196822952008-01-28T15:35:00.000-06:002008-01-28T15:51:57.057-06:00No Slowdown For Defense ContractorsGlobal markets may be writhing and the U.S. economy teetering at the brink of recession, but for many of the nation's largest defense firms, the good times keep going.<br /><br />Most have posted big earnings gains in recent years, largely because of record Pentagon spending on weapons programs and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And with the government, not consumers, as their biggest customers, defense contractors appear poised to weather any economic downturn that may lie ahead...<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/26/AR2008012600058.html?hpid=topnews">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-17543976338128850952008-01-28T11:33:00.001-06:002008-01-28T11:33:59.243-06:00US spy satellite falling out of orbit may strike the earth by late FebruaryA large US spy satellite has lost power and could hit the earth in late February or early March, government officials said yesterday.<br /><br />The satellite, which no longer can be controlled, could contain hazardous materials, and it is unknown where on the planet it might come down, they said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the information is classified as secret...<a href="http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/01/27/us_spy_satellite_falling_out_of_orbit_may_strike_the_earth_by_late_february/">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-77844513731808374692008-01-25T16:15:00.000-06:002008-02-07T16:17:20.962-06:00Observers take critical look at DefenseThe landmark 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Act was widely credited with repairing the institutional damage done to the military by the Vietnam War and putting America on the path to military dominance in the 1990s.<br /><br />Often likened to a "constitution" for the Pentagon, the act was aimed at getting the military services to fight together jointly, rather than as separate air, land and sea forces. The reforms led to the military's impressive performance in 1991's Operation Desert Storm and during the initial invasions of both Iraq and Afghanistan...<a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39125&dcn=e_gvet">read more</a>.Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811901385430647789.post-82904745416909280222008-01-17T09:07:00.000-06:002008-01-23T09:12:39.507-06:00U.S. employing Russian weapons scientistsA U.S. program intended to keep Russian weapons scientists employed and prevent them from selling information or assistance to other nations has directed significant amounts of money to scientists not claiming to have weapons-related experience, the Government Accountability Office reported Friday.<br /><br />About 15% of the scientists involved in the cases GAO auditors looked at were born in 1970 or later, making them too young to have had a hand in Soviet-era WMD efforts.<br /><br />"This is contrary to the original intent of the program, which was to reduce the proliferation risk posed by Soviet-era weapons scientists," government auditors wrote in the report...<a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39022&dcn=e_ndw">read more</a>.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://www.govexec.com">Government Executive</a>Jayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06245384256348173417noreply@blogger.com0