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Category: Military Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: CNRC Launches “Top Doc” in Fort Lauderdale

    Source: United States Navy

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Navy Recruiting Command launched its national initiative pilot program, “Top Doc,” showcasing Medical Corps capabilities and career paths at Nova Southeastern University’s Fort Lauderdale campus on Saturday, July 12.

    “Top Doc,” is designed to draw in a wide variety of people in various stages of their medical career path. This includes medical students, residents, residency program leaders and staff, and attending physicians in any type of practice or specialty.

    “The involvement of a scholarly team of professionals, enabled by Nova Southeastern University’s prestigious health sciences programs, is a cornerstone of our excitement for launching the ‘Top Doc,’ pilot in South Florida, where we’ve received unparalleled community support,” said Capt. Tara Mcginnis, medical officer programs officer, Navy Recruiting Command. “This event captivates Florida residents by showcasing Navy Medicine’s advanced emergency care techniques, directly relevant to the state’s veteran and active-duty communities. It offers local medical professionals and students the chance to explore rewarding careers in Navy Medicine, while residents take pride in the military-civilian partnerships fostered here.”

    Mcginnis believes the “Top Doc” initiative prioritizes the Medical Corps by attracting top medical talent from medical schools, residencies, and direct accessions.

    “The experience offers military medical trainees and staff the opportunity to collaborate with civilian healthcare programs, foster a mutual exchange of knowledge, innovation, and service,” said Navy Counselor (Recruiting) 1st Class Jason Catano, assigned to the Hometown Medical Recruiter pilot program with Medical Accessions, Navy Recruiting Command. “The whole intent with this is to bring that all to the table and also give an opportunity to have hands-on training with the different professionals that are here from different career fields.”

    Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), the headquarters for Navy Medicine, was represented at “Top Doc,” by surgeons, an anesthesiologist, and a dermatologist. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) instructors, Nurse Corps officers, and enlisted hospital corpsmen also lent their experience and expertise to the event.

    Matthew Chenworth, senior director of military affairs for Nova Southeastern University and Marine Corps veteran, believes ensuring connecting the university’s students, faculty, and staff with the military is a top priority. Chenworth says NSU’s collaboration on “Top Doc,” and the long-standing relationship with NTAG Miami helps to achieve that goal.

    “We’ve been coordinating a lot of scholarship opportunities specifically with our medical students who are looking to serve their country as a medical officer with the United States Navy upon their graduation,” said Chenworth. “We introduced [“Top Doc”] to our pre-medicine students, our nursing students, and to those who are currently within our health profession division that are going to be [Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Medical Doctors, and Physician Assistants]. We also extended the invite to our public safety office as well because those might be skills that our security officers here on campus may need.”

    This joint effort brought in local medical professionals and community leaders, adding to the value of the event. Dr. Joshua Lenchus, former Florida Medical Association president, and Dr. Aeyal Oren, general surgeon in private practice, spent time working with simulation manikins and leading procedural demonstrations.

    “It was a big role to step into, but I have prior experience doing simulation experience with my training down in Miami as well as dealing with the military because we ran trauma simulations there as well,” said Lenchus. “I think that the opportunities in the military are tremendous and there’s never enough gratitude that we can pay to the people who choose to put on the uniform and serve this country.”

    Lenchus believes that while financial aid is extremely important, the leadership development gained through the military’s specialized training and coursework—often not available in the civilian sector—is equally vital.

    Those in attendance gained insights from active-duty and reserve healthcare professionals working in the fleet.

    Navy Medicine personnel presented specialized training capabilities on simulation tools, such as the TCCC Cut Suit, used to train medical personnel in treating battlefield traumas. Several presenters shared information sessions explaining the availability and requirements of medical officer programs and how they applied those programs in their careers.

    Lt. Gahen Pendlebury, a full-time out-service medical officer and, emergency medicine resident, facilitated at the event.

    “What I’ve realized through talking with civilian colleagues is that there are a lot of misconceptions [about military careers],” said Pendlebury. “Some people think that they’re too old, and they are no where near that. Some think that because they went to a Caribbean school, they can’t join as physicians. There are all sorts of entryways. These types of events really help not only expand Navy branding, but really help people understand that it’s not too late and that there are different pathways.”

    Pendlebury believes there is a need for these kinds of events where interested people can obtain information about different career paths in Navy Medicine whether as active duty or reserve Sailors.

    David Missel, a first-year optometry student at NSU and Navy medical officer applicant, said he attended “Top Doc,” to learn more about Navy Medicine and to celebrate his commitment to serve upon graduation.

    “I decided to come here today because I’ve really had a passion for the Navy ever since I was a little kid,” said Missel. “I didn’t even know that I could be an optometrist in the Navy until very recently. Speaking to a recruiter and other people in the Navy, the more I learned about it the more I realize that this is such an amazing program and it’s a wonderful career opportunity. I’m just really looking forward to diving into this.”

    Navy Medicine, represented by more than 44,000 highly trained military and civilian health care professionals, provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter any time, any place.

    Missed the event but want to learn about Navy Medicine opportunities? Visit www.navy.com/navy-medicine or call 1-800-USA-NAVY for information.

    NTAG Miami, has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the Fleet.

    Navy Recruiting Command consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions, Navy Recruiting Reserve Command, and 26 NTAGs that serve more than 970 recruiting stations around the world. Their mission is to attract the highest quality candidates to assure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Holloman AFB medics enhance fitness and expeditionary capabilities in Medic-X exercise

    Source: United States Airforce

    HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —  The medics of the 49th Medical Group added a new layer of depth to their monthly training day by incorporating field tactics and wartime medical practice in a Medic-X exercise on July 16, 2025.

    The training consisted of 16 stations and substations that ranged from spinal immobilization to infection control to post-mortem protocol, all scenarios that are critically important for a medic to know but unlikely to experience in a clinical setting such as the clinic at Holloman Air Force Base.

    “Gone are the days when a medic would only be expected to perform duties within their specific specialty – our medics need to be versatile and better equipped to provide speedy and effective support to the warfighter,” said U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Estrada, 49th MDG senior enlisted leader. “That versatile mindset is what our medical group education and training team has used to shape our Medic-X and other hands-on training.”

    The Air Force is one of the most lethal parts of the Department of Defense, and the flipside of lethality is the medical skill needed to keep the warfighters in the fight downrange. This more hands-on approach to training was brought about after an education and training member went through the intense two-week Tactical Combat Casualty Care Tier 3 course and realized how important it would be to bring lessons learned to the entire medical group.

    “We’re focusing on operating in an austere environment where it’s not going to be calm, it’s not going to be like day-to-day clinic operations,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Natasha Lindbloom, 49th MDG education and training flight commander. “You could tell somebody to recite the alphabet, but if it’s stressful, they’re going to mess it up. We want our people to be able to do this until they can perform these simple tasks under pressure.”

    Although we cannot mirror a battlefield environment, we can put our medics in situations where critical thinking and a sense of urgency fuels their training to ‘kick in.’Chief Master Sgt. Jason Estrada, 49th MDG senior enlisted leader

    Coupled with the chance to exercise underutilized but combat-effective skills, the exercise served to underscore the importance of medics who are fit to fight and capable of doing what’s needed when it’s needed in a stressful and possibly deadly environment. A low-crawl obstacle course was put together using furniture and gear inside the clinic, streamlining the flow of training and simulating a more realistic urban environment.

    “Although we cannot mirror a battlefield environment, we can put our medics in situations where critical thinking and a sense of urgency fuels their training to ‘kick in,’” Estrada said. “Since so few of our current medics possess the real-world experience, it’s our training team that brings these scenarios to life with realism and pressure-induced decision making, which results in the desired sets & reps our teams need to build muscle memory.

    Constant Improvement

    Medic-X training exercises are not a new concept for medical personnel; in fact, Medic-X was rolled out across the enterprise two years ago and has provided quarterly training objectives to all Defense Health Agency members. The ever-changing global environment and nature of future warfare were other driving factors in the 49th MDG collectively getting ahead of the curve and practicing these critical wartime skills on top of staying adept at their daily clinical duties.

    “I’m hoping this gives people the mindset of ‘Hey, I know I’m in this job right now and I’m comfortable, but I’m not always going to be comfortable if we’re put in these situations in real life,’” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Claire Pruitt, 49th MDG education and training program manager.

    All Airmen take TCCC Tier-1 training that covers the basics of what was formerly known as self-aid and buddy care, while all medics are required to take Tier-2 training to gain more expertise in the ability to treat wounds sustained in combat. Tier-3 training is optional but available for all medics and provides a realistic, grueling experience of austere field conditions and the physical limits that medics can be pushed to in wartime.

    “There’s going to be a bit of a shock factor for people working in a clinic, where even though we’re incredibly busy, a lot of it is just administrative work instead of intense, hands-on medical practice,” Pruitt said. “I’m trying to integrate some of the things that they did with us in a physical aspect at the Tier 3 training so that these Airmen have more experience and understand that if they have to do this in real life tomorrow, it’s not going to be easy. They’ll have to think about getting the patient out of the combat zone, treating their wounds, stopping the bleeding, loading them onto a helicopter, etc.”

    The success of the first iteration of integrated field work with Medic-X has laid the groundwork for an ever-improving series of exercises to better prepare Team Holloman’s medics for unpredictable and challenging fights of future conflict.

    “Today’s potential adversaries are better equipped and more prepared than any potential foe has ever been,” Estrada said. “For that reason, every uniform-wearing member of our military needs to understand that he/she is one bad day, one ill-guided decision, one perceived threatful action away from finding themselves, in support of our country, inside a combat environment where the old rules may not apply.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand downgrades diplomatic ties with Cambodia after border mine incident, Phnom Penh denies allegations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, July 23 (Xinhua) — Thailand downgraded its diplomatic ties with Cambodia on Wednesday after a landmine incident in a border area injured Thai soldiers, with the Cambodian side rejecting Thailand’s accusations.

    Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai ordered the downgrading of diplomatic relations, the recall of the Thai ambassador to Cambodia and the expulsion of the Cambodian ambassador, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

    “Thailand will continue to consider the level of bilateral relations with Cambodia,” the document says.

    In addition, Phumtham Vechayachai instructed the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a note of protest to Cambodia in connection with the incident.

    Five soldiers were injured in a mine explosion while patrolling the border area, including one with serious leg injuries, the Thai army said. Three Thai soldiers were also injured in a similar mine explosion near the disputed area last week.

    Thai officials said the mines had been planted only recently and accused Cambodia of violating the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention).

    The situation on the Thai-Cambodian border remains tense since a brief exchange of fire between the two sides in the disputed border area in late May left a Cambodian soldier dead.

    Cambodia on Wednesday rejected Thai allegations that Thai troops were injured in a landmine explosion, saying the incident occurred because the Thai side deviated from mutually agreed patrol routes.

    As Deputy Secretary of State and spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense Lieutenant General Mali Socheata indicated, the defense ministry completely rejects the baseless accusations made by the Thai side in connection with the injury of five Thai soldiers due to a mine explosion on July 23.

    “Cambodia has repeatedly reminded the Thai side of the presence of large numbers of uncleared mines and explosive remnants of war in these areas and called on the Thai side to avoid violating mutually agreed patrol routes as stipulated in the 2000 memorandum of understanding,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

    Mali Socheata added that the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces reaffirm their full support for the Cambodian government’s position on resolving the border issue with Thailand through peaceful means and based on international law. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: U.S.-Philippine Airmen strengthen ties during Cope Thunder 25-2

    Source: United States Airforce

    PACAF participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a unique platform that integrates U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhances interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements.

    CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines (AFNS) —  

    U.S. Pacific Air Forces and Philippine Air Force members participated in Cope Thunder 25-2, a bilateral training conducted across multiple locations in the Philippines. The exercise aimed to strengthen partnerships and support the Philippine Air Force’s modernization efforts, promoting regional and global stability.

    Established in the Philippines in 1976, Cope Thunder provides a unique platform to integrate U.S. and Philippine Air Forces and enhance interoperability through bilateral fighter training, subject matter expert exchanges and key leadership engagements. Cope Thunder 25-2 also marked the first time a U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II squadron has deployed to the Philippines.

    “It’s obvious that this isn’t a relationship that’s simply on paper,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Mussler, 421st Mission Generation Force Element commander. “We’ve been integrating with them for a long time, and their mentality and approach to operations is very similar to ours.”

    Subject matter expert exchanges during the exercise enabled U.S. and Philippine Airmen in similar career fields to share best practices and effective techniques aimed at improving day-to-day operations for both forces. These exchanges included maintenance, firefighting, airfield operations, electromagnetic warfare and basic fighter manoeuvres with U.S. and Philippine pilots flying side by side.

    U.S. Air Force maintainers, assigned to the 421st Mission Generation Force Element, depart the flightline after conducting preflight operations on an F-35A Lightning II during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The exercise enhances interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the Philippine Air Force and supported the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)
    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Arnaldo Puente Mendez, 421st Mission Generation Force Element aerospace ground equipment maintainer, briefs Philippine Air Force airmen on a self-generating nitrogen servicing cart during Cope Thunder 25-2 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 9, 2025. During the subject matter expert exchange, U.S. Airmen provided valuable insight into equipment used for aircraft maintenance, supporting Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown)
    U.S. Air Force Capt. Tyler Rico, second to the left, and Capt. Toney Fisher, right, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A pilots, coordinate flight plans with Philippine Air Force pilots during the Cope Thunder 25-2 exercise at Clark Air Base, Philippines, July 7, 2025. The training conducted between the U.S. and Philippine Air Force strengthens both the ability to respond together for potential future crises, contingencies and natural disasters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aden Brown) (Image blurred for operational security)

    “We worked closely with the PAF pilots, and it was clear they are professional and highly capable aviators that employ their weapon systems with skill and precision,” said Capt. Tobey Fisher, 421st Mission Generation Force Element F-35A instructor pilot. “Additionally, this exercise afforded the 421st MGFE the opportunity to operate at a remote airfield with minimal support.”

    The F-35A maintenance team supported Cope Thunder 25-2 with a lean, agile team, operating with roughly one-third of the personnel they typically have at their home station.

    “It’s really cool to see such a small team come here and execute the mission,” said Maj. Clinton Bialcak, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron commander, referring to executing the F-35 maintenance mission. “I think everyone in the region, in the world and in the Department of Defense sees that we can do it and they can rely on us.”

    The U.S. Air Force’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with regional allies and partners.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Next-gen TOC-L systems announced to boost agile C2 capabilities

    Source: United States Airforce

    The DAF has announced the upgrade of the Tactical Operations Center-Light capability with its Major Release 2 prototype, designed to advance contributions to Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control.

    ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

    The Department of the Air Force recently announced the upgrade of the Tactical Operations Center-Light capability with its Major Release 2 prototype, July 22.

    This rapid prototyping effort, developed with support from long-standing industry partners, will deliver more than 40 next-generation TOC-L systems designed to advance the DAF’s contribution to Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control.

    “This has been a major push from our team and industry partners to see the TOC-L MR2 prototype developed with all the lessons learned from MR1,” said Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey, DAF’s Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management. “This achievement truly embodies our agile acquisition approach, setting the stage for a phased deployment where we can rapidly field operationally relevant upgrades based on feedback from the field.”

    Managed by DAF PEO C3BM’s Advanced Battle Management System Division, the TOC-L integrates data from multiple sources to create a synchronized air picture. The MR2 prototype represents a crucial leap forward for the TOC-L. While 16 MR1 prototypes focused on minimizing the system’s physical footprint, MR2 also prioritizes enhanced integration capabilities.

    “The MR2 aims to enhance portability, survivability, mobility and ease of use through reduced size, weight, power, while featuring improved usability and maintainability to reduce training time and improve operational readiness,” said Lt. Col. Micah Graber, ABMS Deployable Systems Branch materiel leader. “The system will also feature ABMS Digital Infrastructure and Cloud-Based Command and Control software capability for enhanced enterprise interoperability and expanded data access within the DAF BATTLE NETWORK.”  

    This shift from maneuverability to integration leveraged insights gained from the MR1 prototype’s first operational deployment to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, which provided real-world capability assessment. Along with data from prior experiments, recent participation in the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence Capstone 5 also played a vital role in directly informing MR2 requirements, focusing on the system’s integration with other key technologies.   

    “The plan for the MR2 prototypes builds upon the lessons learned from the original 16,” said Stephen Ciulla, ABMS TOC-L program manager. “The potential use cases and operational possibilities have expanded over the last 18 months and MR2 development includes more rigorous testing and design validation to ensure that functional and operational requirements are met.”

    The MR2 prototype will serve as the execution arm of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK by utilizing ABMS DI to communicate to various sensors and C2 systems, according to Ciulla. This bridges communication gaps between disparate systems, facilitating seamless cross-domain integration and interoperability. CBC2 functionality additionally employs advanced software and artificial intelligence to assist battle managers in prioritizing and executing actions, while advancing human-machine teaming.

    “MR2’s integration advancements, enabled by ABMS DI and CBC2, will enable seamless information sharing and improved coordination among warfighters in contested environments, leading to a more cohesive and effective force,” Graber said. “This enhanced interoperability translates into tangible operational advancements by allowing for better-informed decisions and more decisive actions across all levels – tactical, operational and strategic.”

    The TOC-L prototype is a critical component of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK, contributing to enhanced situational awareness and decision-making across the battlespace. The MR2 prototype underscores the Air Force’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to the warfighter, ensuring decisive advantage in future conflicts.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby Observes Atlantic Alliance 2025 Amphibious Operations with U.S. and Allied Forces

    Source: United States Navy

    Acting Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby joined U.S., Dutch and British forces on June 30 to observe an amphibious assault during Atlantic Alliance 2025 (AA25), the premier East Coast naval integration exercise focused on improving joint readiness and interoperability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Italian and U.S. Combined Naval Force Integrates in Mediterranean Sea

    Source: United States Navy

    ADRIATIC SEA – The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), all assigned to Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), integrated their force with Italian Navy frigate ITS Spartaco Schergat (F598) beginning July 20, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating 53 Years Since the Launch of Landsat 1

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Illustration of Landsat 1

    With a swarm of satellites now circling the Earth, it’s easy to take for granted the unique value of monitoring our home planet from space. In the 1970s, however, the idea was still novel. When the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1)—what we now call Landsat 1—launched in 1972, it posed the following question: could we manage our natural resources using remotely-sensed data? The answer, 53 years on, is a resounding “yes.” 

    Even before the launch of ERTS-1, there were 305 proposed investigations across various disciplines, according to the ERTS-A Press Kit.  

    Members of the Landsat project office understood the value of the program would depend on the practical and widespread uses of the data collected by the ERTS Multispectral Scanner (MSS) instrument. In June 1970, NASA requested proposals for the use of data from researchers around the world. (Etter Mack). The accepted proposals came from a diverse range of institutions including universities, industry, non-profit organizations, and federal and state government agencies, demonstrating the broad interest in utilizing this new Earth observation capability. These were categorized into different scientific disciplines, covering everything from agriculture and forestry to geology and hydrology. 

    The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which planned the ERTS program alongside NASA, was the largest operational user of ERTS-1 data. In the first years of ERTS-1 in orbit, the USGS used the data to monitor strip mining, locate oil and mineral deposits, map flooding, and identify land use change. The USGS also played a large role in encouraging the widespread use of remote sensing by developing new techniques, providing training, and encouraging operational use programs throughout the federal government and beyond. 

    Between the launches of ERTS-1 and ERTS-2 (later renamed Landsat 2), the USGS and three other federal agencies—the Department of Agriculture, the Army Corp of Engineers, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—began investigating how they could use ERTS data. The Department of Agriculture identified major applications areas, including inventorying and monitoring agricultural, range, and forested lands; tracking changes in the urban-rural interface; and monitoring wildlife habitat for management. The Army Corps of Engineers used ERTS-1 data for the National Dam Safety Program, to develop large-area environmental impact statements, and to study the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the U.S. In anticipation of the launch of ERTS-2, the Corps of Engineers planned multiple NASA-funded investigations focused on reservoir management, coastal planning, and environmental impact prediction. NOAA used ERTS-1 data to improve aeronautical charts and identified further operational uses of ERTS data including water quality monitoring, impact assessments of human activity on fisheries, and snow cover analysis. 

    Landsat 1 fundamentally changed Earth observation. Its groundbreaking MSS was the first Earth-observing instrument designed to obtain calibration data in orbit and established standards for satellite-based Earth observation. What began as an experimental satellite,  has grown into one of the longest-running and most valuable Earth observation programs in the world. Today, the Landsat archive supports billions in annual economic benefits across sectors like agriculture, forestry, water resources, geology and mineral exploration, and environmental monitoring. Research in each of these key application areas has grown as each new Landsat mission innovated on previous technology. That legacy continues and will expand with the next generation of Landsat satellites.

    References

    Allaway, H.; Witten, D.; McDavid, J.; Finley, D.; Bottorff, M.; Handy, J.; Thomas, C. ERTS-B Press Kit; NASA: Washington, D.C., 20546, 1975. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Project_ERTS_B/9JjX7fSnhyUC?hl=en&gbpv=1

    McRoberts, J.; Lynch, J. ERTS Press Kit; NASA: Washington, D.C., 20546, 1972. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19760066719/downloads/19760066719.p…

    Pamela Etter Mack. Viewing the Earth : The Social Construction of the Landsat Satellite System; Mit Press: Cambridge, Mass., 1990.

    Timothy C. Bidwell and Cheryl A. Mitchell. Author index to published ERTS-1 Reports. Sioux Falls, SD: Technicolor Graphics under contract to USGS EROS Data Center, 86. 1975. https://pubs.usgs.gov/unnumbered/70159283/report.pdf

    Return to all Landsat Headlines

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GRUVE Lab

    Source: NASA

    The GRUVE (Glenn Reconfigurable User-Interface and Virtual Reality Exploration) Lab is located within the GVIS Lab. It is home to the CAVE, which is predominantly used for mission scenarios and to tour virtual environments of NASA facilities.

    GRUVE allows multiple people to view a visualization in 3D together. These visualizations include 3D models of NASA facilities and intricate images created from collected data. 
    Powerful projectors and mirrors, in combination with an infrared motion tracking system and active-shutter glasses, allow viewers to view 3D models and data in perfect perspective. 3D models effectively pop off the screen and remain proportional no matter where the user with the pair of tracking glasses moves in the environment. 
    The CAVE can be driven by either a Windows or Linux computer system, enabling the team to use the best environment for a given problem and software tool. 

    The CAVE’s technology provides a unique advantage for researchers, scientists, engineers, and others. Seeing and analyzing forces and data that would otherwise not be viewable to the human eye allows the observer to understand their subject matter in more detail. 
    Benefits of GRUVE to research include: 

    Providing an immersive environment: with large screens to fill peripheral vision and stereoscopic projection for a real sense of three-dimensional space, more parts of the brain are engaged, and the user is better able to understand problems and solve them faster 

    More effective collaboration: the ability to see each other in the virtual reality environment makes GRUVE better for collaboration than traditional VR technology 

    Seeing complex data and flows in 3D: this makes it easier for both experts and non-experts to understand the data 

    Providing greater resolution and larger display size: this allows details to be displayed without losing their context 

    Delivering faster and more accurate manipulation and viewing of models, including CAD data, with fewer errors: this results in a faster time to market and less re-work 

    All members of NASA Glenn may use GRUVE for their projects.

    Fluid dynamics analysis (CFD) 

    Point cloud data, e.g., LiDAR 

    Virtual design reviews 

    Virtual manufacturing testing 

    Computer Aided Design (CAD) 

    3D imaging data 

    Training and education 

    Virtual procedures 

    Biomedical research 

    Molecular dynamics 

    Virtual building walkthroughs 

    Showroom “theater” 

    Education and outreach 

    Building Information Management (BIM) 

    Big data and data mining 

    Cybersecurity data analysis 

    Safety systems analysis 

    Microfocus CT scan data 

    Electron microscopy 

    3D photos and videos 

    Point cloud data 

    Volume data 

    Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) 

    Computer Aided Design (CAD) 

    Molecular dynamics 

    Linux CAVE node 

    Windows 10 CAVE node 

    CAVE wall 

    Stereo glasses 

    Audio system 

    Tracking system 

    The Windows node attached to the GRUVE Lab runs middleware software, which enables Unity-developed applications to run in the CAVE. This greatly expands the number of VR applications that can be run. 

    Vrui VR Toolkit-based applications such as LiDAR viewer and 3D visualizer 

    VMD – Visual Molecular Dynamics 

    ParaView 

    COVISE– Collaborative Visualization and Simulation Environment

    The GVIS Lab maintains a large collection of computing, visualization, and user interaction devices including: 

    Virtual reality display devices 

    Head-mounted displays 

    Room-scale CAVE 

    Augmented reality head-mounted displays 

    3D displays 

    Psuedo-3D displays 

    Pepper’s Ghost display 

    Persistence of Vision (POV) LED display 

    Light field technology- based displays 

    Projection devices for projected AR 

    Natural user interface devices 

    Hand gesture recognition devices 

    Motion capture devices 

    Cameras for mixed reality 

    Computing hardware 

    High-end laptops 

    High-end desktops 

    High-end tablets and smartphones 

    Stereo 3D camera 

    180/360 camera 

    Flight simulators 

    3D printers 

    All these devices are available for employees to try and test for possible application to their work. 

    Contact Us 
    Need to reach us? You can send an email directly to the GVIS Team (GRC-DL-GVIS@mail.nasa.gov) or to the team leader, Herb Schilling (hschilling@nasa.gov). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The new European internal security strategy: ProtectEU – 18-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On 1 April 2025, the Commission presented the new European internal security strategy, ProtectEU. The strategy is based on experience with previous internal security strategies, research conducted by EU institutions and agencies, including Europol’s SOCTA report, and consultation with all the major stakeholders, including the public. It is part of a wider framework for a safe, secure and resilient EU, and complements the Preparedness Union Strategy, the European Defence White Paper and the European Democracy Shield. Owing to the increasingly complex and constantly developing security threats facing the EU, the strategy develops a whole-of-society approach to security and aims to mainstream security in all new EU legislation, reflecting the awareness of the need for a new way to govern internal security in the EU. The emphasis is on the anticipation of security threats, through sharing intelligence and threat analysis. To support this approach, the strategy proposes to increase the effectiveness of various law enforcement tools, including strengthening Europol and Frontex. Combating online threats continues from the previous strategy, including through a new Cybersecurity Act. The fight against serious and organised crime also continues, coupled with the fight against terrorism. The new strategy also goes beyond the borders of the EU, by concluding partnerships on operational cooperation with key regions. The European Parliament has welcomed the new strategy, which includes several initiatives that the Parliament has been a part of. Notably, the Parliament’s emphasis on the protection of fundamental rights has been embedded in the new strategy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ukrainian school in southwestern city of Chernivtsi reopens after major EU funded renovation

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • School in Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi in southwestern Ukraine reopens after €930,000 renovation funded by EIB
    • Upgrades to Gymnasium No. 20 improve conditions for more than 400 students and teachers
    • Project covered by EIB’s €200 million Ukraine Early Recovery Programme

    A school in the southwestern Ukrainian city of Chernivtsi reopened today after major upgrades funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Gymnasium No. 20 – a primary and middle school – underwent a €930,000 renovation that improved conditions for more than 400 students and teachers.

    Among the students, who range in age from six to 15, are children who have been displaced by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.   

    The works included equipping the school building with full thermal insulation, a new roof, energy‑efficient windows and doors and a heating system that better regulates indoor temperatures and reduces energy costs. In addition, a new ramp and repaired entrances facilitated access to the premises, particularly for more than 10 children with disabilities.

    “The EIB plays a key role in helping Ukrainian municipalities restore essential social infrastructure,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees the bank’s operations in Ukraine. “The renovated school in Chernivtsi is a clear example of how our support brings safer and more inclusive spaces for children to learn and thrive, even in challenging times.”

    The upgrades to Gymnasium No. 20 were completed in six months under a €200 million EIB initiative called the Ukraine Early Recovery Programme. The programme is one of three joint European Union‑EIB recovery initiatives carried out with the Ukrainian Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance and local authorities in participating cities, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

    “Reopening this school is a clear sign that recovery is happening on the ground,” said Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba. “Together with our European partners, we are creating safer, more resilient communities for Ukrainians.”

    Chernivtsi Mayor Roman Klichuk echoed the point: “Thanks to our European partners, more than 400 children and staff now have a warm, safe and modern school that meets their needs.”

    In the Chernivtsi region, or oblast, the EIB is also funding two projects to repair administrative service centres and four projects to upgrade heating, water supply and sewage systems. These initiatives, as was the case with the renovation of Gymnasium No. 20, are being carried out in cooperation with the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration and the Chernivtsi City Council.

    “Every renovated school – like the one in Chernivtsi – is a building block in Ukraine’s recovery,” said Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine. “Together with the EIB, we are working hand in hand with communities across the country to help rebuild a stronger Ukraine.”

    “More renovations to facilities will follow to strengthen the region’s social infrastructure,” said Ruslan Zaparaniuk, head of the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration.

    “Through our partnership with the EIB and local authorities, UNDP is helping Ukraine rebuild more strongly by ensuring recovery investments enhance community resilience and establish sustainable foundations for long-term development,” said UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lootsma. “Projects such as this school renovation in Chernivtsi embody this approach.”

    Background information

    The EIB in Ukraine 

    Present in Ukraine since 2007, the EIB has stepped up its financial support for the country’s resilience and modernisation since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, the EIB has provided €3.6 billion in financing, with almost two-thirds already disbursed. Through its EU for Ukraine (EU4U) Initiative, coupled with its key role in implementing a dedicated window under Pillar 2 of the Ukraine Facility, the EIB is strongly committed to stepping up and accelerating its activities in line with the mandate given by EU leaders and in close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, Member States and international partners. 

    EIB recovery programmes in Ukraine

    The reconstruction of the gymnasium in Chernivtsi was carried out under the Ukraine Early Recovery Programme, one of three recovery initiatives supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). As of July 2025, the EIB has provided €740 million through these programmes to support Ukraine’s recovery.  The funding helps the government to restore essential services in communities across the country – including schools, kindergartens, hospitals, housing, heating and water systems. These EIB-backed programmes are further supported by €15 million in EU grants to facilitate implementation. The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, coordinates and oversees programme implementation, while local authorities and self-governments are responsible for managing recovery sub-projects. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine provides technical assistance to local communities, supporting project implementation and ensuring independent monitoring for transparency and accountability. More information about the programmes is available here.

    Ukrainian school in southwestern city of Chernivtsi reopens after major EU funded renovation
    Ukrainian school in southwestern city of Chernivtsi reopens after major EU funded renovation
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    Ukrainian school in southwestern city of Chernivtsi reopens after major EU funded renovation
    Ukrainian school in southwestern city of Chernivtsi reopens after major EU funded renovation
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify Global Ocean Governing Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), co-chair of the Senate Arctic Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 170 parties, defines the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding the world’s oceans — including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources — and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict.
    “America is an Arctic Nation, but as we fail to assert our rights on the global stage, we allow rival countries to seize opportunities in our maritime territory that should rightfully be ours,” said U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus Co-Chair Senator Angus King (I-ME). “Signing on to the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea would give us our rightful seat at the table for international conversations about territorial rights, navigation, environmental protections and economic opportunities — especially in the race for critical minerals that will unlock our technological future. Every military official and diplomatic appointee I have met with has said that America joining the Law of the Sea Treaty would assist in advancing America’s interests, increase our supply chain resilience, and strengthen our national security. The High North offers historical possibilities for America’s future, but we are holding ourselves back by standing still.”
    UNCLOS — sometimes referred to as the “constitution of the oceans” — is a comprehensive legal framework governing all uses of the world’s oceans and seas, and their resources. It also allows for further development of specific areas of the law of the sea. It is the globally recognized framework for dealing with all matters relating to the law of the sea, governing areas including, but not limited to, environmental control, marine scientific research, economic and commercial activities, and the settlement of disputes relating to ocean matters. Without American agreement to the treaty, the United States cannot enforce their maritime boundaries and rights against nations like China, Japan, and India investing in icebreakers and other High North hardware.
    The treaty was opened for signature on December 10, 1982, and was entered into force on November 16, 1994. The United States signed UNCLOS on July 29, 1994, but the U.S. Senate has not yet voted to ratify the treaty, despite urging from environmental, scientific, labor, and industry organizations.
    In addition to Senator King, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Todd Young (R-IN). The full text of the resolution is available here.
    As Co-Chair of the U.S. Senate Arctic Caucus, Senator King is an advocate for Maine and America’s interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic region — with Maine being the first port in the contiguous 48 states that will see increased traffic via activity in northern waters. Along with Caucus co-chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), King introduced the Arctic Commitment Act in 2022 to improve America’s posture and opportunities in the Arctic. He has been calling for the appointment of an Arctic Ambassador since 2015, and pushed for the confirmation of the first Arctic Ambassador last year. King also laid out the challenges and opportunities of a warming arctic in an article in the Wilson Quarterly, and in last year’s National Defense Authorization Act, he successfully secured the inclusion of provisions including funding authorizations for University of Maine to increase America’s activity and opportunities in the Far North. Earlier this year, in a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Senator King warned the Commander of the United States European Command of the “looming threat” of Arctic aggression.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Indian medical team arrives in Dhaka to treat plane crash victims: MEA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A team of Indian medical specialists arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday night to assist in the treatment of victims injured in the July 21 fighter jet crash in Bangladesh’s capital.

    According to Randhir Jaiswal, the Official Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the team includes two specialists and a nursing assistant from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Safdarjung Hospital-India’s premier burn treatment centres. The team is scheduled to begin its work on Thursday at a designated hospital treating the injured.

    “This evening (July 23), a team of two Indian specialists and a nursing assistant… landed in Dhaka to help with the treatment of the victims of the plane crash tragedy,” Jaiswal said in a post on X, adding that the move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assurance of support to Bangladesh.

    The tragic crash occurred when a Bangladesh Air Force F-7 fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School and College campus in the Diabari area of Dhaka. According to the Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, the incident has claimed 29 lives so far, with 69 others injured. Many of the victims were students, teachers, first responders, and civilians.

    Doctors in Dhaka have expressed concern that the death toll may rise, as at least 25 of the injured are in critical condition with severe burn injuries.

    An official from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka confirmed the arrival of the medical team and reiterated that the doctors hail from specialized burn units in New Delhi. The assistance underscores India’s commitment to regional cooperation and humanitarian response in times of crisis.

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: International Observer Program showcases interoperability, readiness for US partners, allies

    Source: United States Spaceforce

    The Pacific Air Forces’ International Affairs Division organized an International Observer Program (IOP) event during the exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025, a four-day tour to provide insight into the exercise, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 14-17, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Reps. Castor, Tran Reintroduce “Keep Kids Covered Act” to Improve Outcomes, Lower Costs & Support Families Across America

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14) and Derek Tran (CA-45) reintroduced legislation to provide continuous health care coverage for eligible children in Medicaid and CHIP. The Keep Kids Covered Act would expand the 12-month continuous eligibility (CE) protection for children, providing uninterrupted coverage for children until age 6 – a crucial time for their development – and for a 24-month period for children age 6 to 19.

    Continuous eligibility requires states to cover children in CHIP and Medicaid for a defined period of time – without coverage lapse – regardless of changes in circumstances. Access to consistent, high-quality coverage is crucial for children’s development and well-being, particularly in their early years, enabling them to grow into healthy and productive adults. Not only does CE improve short- and long-term health coverage, it lowers costs and reduces churn and financial barriers to care. Too many children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP have lost coverage for procedural reasons, like missing paperwork. The Keep Kids Covered Act would ensure kids and families across the country have access to the lifesaving care they need and deserve. The bill would also ensure that former foster youth have CE until age 26, as the Affordable Care Act intended. 

    Over 37 million children rely on Medicaid and CHIP across the country, but Congressional Republicans’ Big Ugly Budget Bill puts children’s health at risk. At President Trump’s urging, they are cutting $1 trillion in funding from Medicaid, CHIP and the Affordable Care Act and enacting policies that will strip coverage from millions of children in order to give tax breaks to the wealthy and well-connected. Last week, President Trump announced that states will no longer be able to provide enhanced CE for kids with Medicaid and CHIP coverage. And in Florida, Governor DeSantis continues to break the law by throwing children off the state’s CHIP program in violation of the federal 12-month CE protection. Legislation like the Keep Kids Covered Act would act as a bulwark against these harmful state policies.

    “In Florida and across the country, children pay the price when politicians rip health coverage away and create bureaucratic barriers to care,” said Rep. Castor. “The Keep Kids Covered Act will ensure eligible kids across the country can access reliable, stable Medicaid and CHIP coverage so they can live happy, healthy lives. Research has shown that children with health coverage do better in school and grow into more successful adults, lowering costs for everyone. While Congressional Republicans and President Trump have spent the past few months making it more difficult and expensive for kids to access critical health coverage, Democrats are fighting to protect our kids and their future. I’m grateful to my colleagues Rep. Derek Tran and Senator Michael Bennet, as well as the child and family advocates, for their partnership and support of this critical legislation.”

    “As a father of young kids, I know how critical adequate health care is for our children to grow and thrive. No child should be denied access to medical treatment because President Trump and Congressional Republicans wanted to give their billionaire friends a tax break,” said Rep. Tran. “I’m proud to join Rep. Castor in introducing the Keep Kids Covered Act to bring down costs for hard-working families and ensure high-quality access to health care so all of our kids can stay healthy.”

    “In the face of Republicans’ biggest attack on health care access yet, I’m grateful to Rep. Castor for her persistence in protecting health care for our nation’s children,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06). “As the Big Ugly Bill is set to take health care away from millions of Americans, Democrats will keep fighting to minimize coverage gaps, burdensome paperwork requirements, and price hikes for families. The Keep Kids Covered Act is a critical tool in this fight against Republican cuts and will ensure young children continue to have health care coverage.”

    “Pediatricians know how vital it is that children have uninterrupted access to health care coverage that supports them as they grow and develop. As its name states, the Keep Kids Covered Act would help ensure children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP do not face gaps in coverage, providing families with certainty that their children can continue to receive the health care they need. The American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Representative Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) for introducing this important legislation and calls on lawmakers to swiftly advance it,” said Susan J. Kressly, MD, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics President.

    “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive, and no child should miss out on essential health care because of a lapse in coverage,” said Margaret A. Murray, CEO of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP). “For more than 20 years, ACAP has advocated for continuous eligibility for all people covered by Medicaid. We’re pleased that Representative Castor’s reintroduction of the Keep Kids Covered Act advances this priority by ensuring continuous coverage for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.”

    “First Focus Campaign for Children strongly supports the reintroduction of the Keep Kids Covered Act led by Representative Kathy Castor. The legislation makes an important investment in children by ensuring that they have continuous eligibility in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) during their earliest and most critical years of development. This guarantee of coverage provides a powerful antidote to the recently passed budget reconciliation package, which cuts Medicaid and CHIP by hundreds of billions of dollars, jeopardizing the health and well-being of over 37 million children. The Keep Kids Covered Act is a practical, common-sense approach that will provide kids in Medicaid and CHIP with consistent health care coverage, laying a foundation of care that will benefit them throughout their lives.” — Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus Campaign for Children.

    “Rep. Kathy Castor is fighting to protect children’s health care in the wake of Donald Trump and Republicans’ health care emergency,” said Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach. “Republicans’ actions are ripping coverage away from hard-working families and putting children at risk, but Democrats are working to ensure kids can stay covered and get the care they need to grow up healthy and strong. No child should lose care just because Republicans want to fund tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations.”

    “Children’s hospitals witness the critical role Medicaid and CHIP play in providing essential care to more than half of the children they treat, particularly those with serious and complex medical needs. The Keep Kids Covered Act addresses the pressing issue of coverage gaps that can disrupt this vital care, ensuring that no child’s health suffers due to administrative hurdles. By providing continuous, multi-year coverage, this legislation offers much-needed stability and peace of mind to families facing challenging health circumstances. We commend Representatives Castor and Caraveo for their leadership in making sure all children have access to the consistent care they need to lead healthy, successful lives,” said Matthew Cook, President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Association.

    In addition to Reps. Castor and Tran, the Keep Kids Covered Act is cosponsored by Reps. Kim Schrier, Raul Ruiz, Marc Veasey, Nanette Barragán, Lizzie Fletcher, Greg Landsman, Jan Schakowsky, Jennifer McClellan, Darren Soto, Troy Carter, and Doris Matsui. 

    Endorsing organizations include: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Association, Association for Community Affiliated Plans, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, BayCare Health System—St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Hospitals Association, Colorado Children’s Campaign, Families USA, First Focus Campaign for Children, Florida Health Justice Project, Florida Policy Institute, Florida Voices for Health, March of Dimes, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Foster Youth Institute, National League for Nursing, Nemour Children’s Health, Primary Development Corporation, Protect Our Care, The Center for Law and Social Policy, UnidosUS, ZERO TO THREE.  

    The full bill text of the legislation can be viewed here.

    A one-pager about the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: International Observer Program showcases interoperability, readiness for US partners, allies

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: International Observer Program showcases interoperability, readiness for US partners, allies

    The Pacific Air Forces’ International Affairs Division organized an International Observer Program (IOP) event during the exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025, a four-day tour to provide insight into the exercise, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 14-17, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: International Observer Program showcases interoperability, readiness for US partners, allies

    Source: United States Air Force

    The Pacific Air Forces’ International Affairs Division organized an International Observer Program (IOP) event during the exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025, a four-day tour to provide insight into the exercise, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 14-17, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Secures Commitments From Military Nominees to Prevent Civilian Harm, Study the Long-Term Effects of Blast Overpressure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 23, 2025

    Lieutenant General Anderson agrees that following the laws of war to protect civilians is “critical to our success and competition.”

    Vice Admiral Bradley voices support to study the long-term effects of blast overpressure exposure: “People are more important than hardware, and the critical part of those people is the intellectual capacity.”

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Personnel Subcommittee, secured commitments from Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley and Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, nominees to be Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), respectively, on integrating and protecting reforms from Republican and Democratic administrations on civilian harm prevention. Senator Warren also secured support from Vice Admiral Bradley to partner with outside experts to conduct a longitudinal study of blast overpressure.

    Senator Warren has continued to lead the charge in pushing Trump administration nominees to prioritize civilian harm prevention. In his March 2025 nomination hearing, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby agreed with Senator Warren that civilian harm prevention is crucial to national security and that commanders can make better decisions in the field when they are trained on how to avoid civilian casualties.

    During the hearing, Senator Warren highlighted that the outgoing head of SOCOM, General Fenton, confirmed that civilian harm experts have “assisted commanders and their staffs in mitigating civilian harm without compromising lethality” and that their knowledge has “enhanced precision, preserving legitimacy and enabling mission success.” Vice Admiral Bradley committed to keeping civilian harm prevention as a “focus for our command” and affirmed it is “a critical obligation” for all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel using or overseeing lethal force to protect civilians, saying, “it is critical to our success and competition.”

    Similarly, Lieutenant General Anderson said prioritizing civilian harm mitigation planning “is a critically important show of our values” and that he would carry forward efforts to work with regional partners on civilian harm prevention and investigating incidents of civilian harm.

    Senator Warren also raised her concerns about the high levels of traumatic brain injuries caused by blast overpressure and the need to address the long-term effects—an initiative that has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate versions of the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA). In response, Vice Admiral Bradley supported DoD working with outside experts and organizations to study the long-term effects of blast overpressure.

    “People are more important than hardware, and the critical part of those people are the intellectual capacity… We see them as a critical contract with our operators and our operators’ families to ensure that we keep them sustainable,” said Vice Admiral Bradley.

    Senator Warren secured key wins earlier this month during the markup of the FY26 NDAA, including bipartisan support for a provision requiring DoD to provide a congressional briefing on the feasibility of conducting a study on the long-term effects of blast overpressure exposure. In September 2024, Senator Warren led a forum in Massachusetts on the importance of addressing these issues with leading brain health personnel at DoD and experts from Home Base, a national nonprofit organization in Charlestown that treats invisible wounds of veterans, service members, military families, and families of the fallen.

    Transcript: Hearings to examine the nominations of Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley, USN, to be admiral and Commander, United States Special Operation Command, and Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, USAF, to be general and Commander, United States Africa Command
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    July 22, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to both of you on your nominations.

    So, the American military is built to defeat our enemies, not to create more of them, and that is why Republican and Democratic administrations have worked to reduce risks to innocent civilians as part of military operations. In fact, the last Trump administration issued the DoD’s first instruction to establish policies to mitigate civilian harm after concerns grew about civilian casualties in the campaign against ISIS. Now, one of the tools that commanders now have in the toolkit is working with civilian harm and mitigation response advisors, from refining war games to real attack planning in the Middle East and Africa operations, and more.

    Vice Admiral Bradley, your predecessor at Special Operations Command, recently said that these experts “assisted commanders and their staffs in mitigating civilian harm without compromising lethality.” What’s more, their knowledge “enhanced precision, preserving legitimacy, and enabling mission success.”

    So, Vice Admiral Bradley, if you are confirmed, will you commit to keeping civilian harm prevention experts at SOCOM to advise you and your team?

    Vice Admiral Frank M. Bradley: Senator, first, just to resonate, it is not only an obligation to adhere to the law of armed conflict to protect civilians. It is critical to our success and competition to represent our values. I believe that every uniform, every civilian, and every contractor that is employed or in oversight of the use of lethal force has a critical obligation to be able to do that, and I do commit to keeping that as a focus for our command if confirmed.

    Senator Warren: Thank you. That is a strong answer, and I appreciate it. You know, other tools in the toolkit here are the civilian harm mitigation and response action plan and DOD policy instruction on civilian harm, which outline DoD plans and policies to reduce civilian harm risks. AFRICOM has made progress in implementing these policies, including through training allies and partners on how to reduce risks to innocent civilians. We are serving as a model that our other partners are now beginning to adopt. In May, the Nigerian Air Force announced its own civilian harm prevention plan. These are efforts that save innocent lives.

    Lieutenant General Anderson, if you’re confirmed, will you carry forward these efforts to integrate civilian harm mitigation planning into AFRICOM operations and train allies in the region to help them do the same?

    Lieutenant General Dagvin R.M. Anderson: Senator, to echo Vice Admiral Bradley’s importance of this: this is a critically important show of our values. It’s also important that we maintain the laws of armed conflict, and, when we engage with our partners, that we help them educate and that we model this. And this has been something that when I was at Special Operations Command Africa, we did. We worked with partners, and when we saw things or heard of things that were credible, we encouraged them to investigate and to look into this, and then we gave them assistance as needed in order for them to conduct their own investigation. So I will continue, if confirmed, to take that on at AFRICOM.

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that. I want to get one other point here, because we also need to reduce harm to our own special operators. I’ve worked with Senator Ernst and others on this committee for years to address high levels of brain injury caused by blast over pressure exposed service members have reported debilitating symptoms, from seizures to depression to suicidality. And now, preliminary research is showing high rates of heart disease, chronic pain, hypertension, even links to brain cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Clearly, we have a lot more we need to learn.

    So, let me ask Vice Admiral Bradley, if confirmed, you’ll oversee tens of thousands of Special Operations personnel. Do you support DoD partnering with outside experts to study the long-term effects of blast overpressure?

    Vice Admiral Bradley: Senator, I do. I have seen great benefit from our partnerships with academia and other organizations that are studying this problem critically. Our number one soft truth is that people are more important than hardware, and the critical part of those people is the intellectual capacity. Of course, that is jeopardized by these brain health issues, and we see them as a critical contract with our operators and our operators’ families to ensure that we keep them sustainable.

    Senator Warren: I appreciate that very, very much. If you’re confirmed, I’ll be calling on you to help us with that. There’s language in both the House and the Senate NDAA that would help us get this study, and there are lots of organizations like Home Base Massachusetts who have the expertise to help us get these answers. We owe this to our service members. Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, and Colleagues Press FAA on Federal Workforce Cuts and Use of AI on Aviation Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and nine of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting answers on the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, including among analytical staff who proactively identify safety risks. The senators also inquired about comments by FAA officials suggesting the agency is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze safety data to identify risks.

    “The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 ‘close proximity events’ occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years—reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified…It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy,” the senators continued.  

    “In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs,” the lawmakers wrote. 

    The lawmakers requested the following information by August 11, 2025:

    1. For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings. 
    2. For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
    3. Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
    4. Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses. 
    5. Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace. 
    6. What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis? Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?

    In addition to Warner, Kaine, and Markey, the letter was cosigned by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT). 

    Warner and Kaine have long championed aviation safety and spoken out against federal workforce reductions at the FAA and other agencies. Following the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Warner and Kaine demanded answers from the FAA on additional safety measures to protect the public and expressed concerns about the impact of the “Department of Government Efficiency” in addressing issues that led to the mid-air collision. The senators also introduced legislation to strengthen aviation safety. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully got a provision included in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to require that all Department of Defense aircraft that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. Earlier this year, Kaine invited Jason King, a veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position in the FAA’s safety division, as his guest to the State of the Union address. King was rehired after the State of the Union. 

    Full text of the letter is available here and below: 

    Dear Administrator Bedford,

    The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety. We therefore write to request information on changes in the FAA workforce and their impact on aviation safety, including any analyses that the FAA has conducted on the effects of workforce reductions on the agency’s safety mission. 

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 “close proximity events” occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years — reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in March, the then-Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that the agency missed this warning sign, in part because of the sheer volume of data that FAA personnel must analyze. The Acting Administrator’s testimony illustrated the need for an FAA workforce robust and experienced enough to analyze all relevant data and identify safety risks. It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy.

    Despite this clear need for enhanced analytical capacity, the FAA has instead moved to reduce its workforce during this critical period. In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs. With the Department of Transportation (DOT) pushing personnel to leave via two rounds of the Deferred Resignation Program — under which employees could elect to resign and receive pay until September 2025 — coupled with the federal hiring freeze, federal officials are leaving their jobs and it may be difficult for the FAA to attract new, qualified employees. Although the DOT assured Senators that key FAA safety staff were exempt from firings and the Deferred Resignation Program, the FAA has still not clarified whether it has the staff it needs to ensure the safety of the American public. Estimates from the DOT suggest that between 1,000 and 3,000 employees may leave the agency once the Deferred Resignation Program offers are finalized. According to an internal presentation to FAA management: “Employees are departing the agency in mass quantities across all skill levels.” Most recently, the Department of Transportation may now be able to move ahead with a large Reduction in Force after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing federal agencies to move forward with staffing cuts consistent with existing federal law. This moment — after a tragic crash highlighted critical gaps in aviation safety — seems like precisely the wrong time for the FAA to aggressively shrink its workforce.

    Moreover, the FAA’s recent announcement that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze its data — without explaining whether such AI tools are reliable or effective — provides little reassurance to the public. While we support the use of technology to improve how aviation safety data is used, the decision to rely on technological fixes while simultaneously moving ahead with staffing reductions is deeply worrisome. The FAA has not been transparent with Congress about the types of technology it is now using, whether those technologies are replacing, augmenting, or otherwise impacting the FAA workforce, or whether it requires human review of AI analyses before using any analysis in a safety-related decision. This reliance on technological fixes — without a transparent analysis of the FAA’s workforce levels and capacity— raises questions about the FAA’s commitment to prioritizing safety.

    If the FAA lacks the staff to identify safety risks before future incidents occur, Congress must be informed of this as soon as possible. At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senators questioned FAA officials from the Office of Airports, the Office of Aviation Safety, and the Air Traffic Organization about the personnel reductions at their respective offices and whether their offices had conducted any analysis on the impact of these workforce cuts on aviation safety. Only the head of the FAA Office of Airports — which is charged with planning and developing a safe and efficient national airport system — responded that his Office had conducted such an analysis. Senators urged the FAA to turn over that analysis to the Committee, along with data on any workforce reductions, but to date it has not. It is essential that Congress have sufficient information to understand the impact of recent FAA personnel changes on aviation safety.

    To better understand the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, please provide written responses to the following questions and requests for information by August 11, 2025:

    1. For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings.
    2. For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
    3. Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
    4. Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses.
    5. Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace.
    6. What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis?
      1. Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?
      2. How were these AI tools selected? Please describe the specific testing or evaluation conducted in advance of the implementation of the tools and provide a copy of any reports or conclusions produced. If no testing or evaluation occurred, please explain why not.

    Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine, & Colleagues Press FAA on Federal Workforce Cuts and Use of AI on Aviation Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and nine of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford requesting answers on the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, including among analytical staff who proactively identify safety risks. The senators also inquired about comments by FAA officials suggesting the agency is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze safety data to identify risks.
    “The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety,” the lawmakers wrote.
    “The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 ‘close proximity events’ occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years—reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified…It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy,” the senators continued.
    “In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs,” the lawmakers wrote.
    The lawmakers requested the following information by August 11, 2025:
    For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings.
    For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
    Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
    Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses.
    Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace.
    What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis? Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?
    In addition to Warner, Kaine, and Markey, the letter was cosigned by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    Warner and Kaine have long championed aviation safety and spoken out against federal workforce reductions at the FAA and other agencies. Following the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Warner and Kaine demanded answers from the FAA on additional safety measures to protect the public and expressed concerns about the impact of the “Department of Government Efficiency” in addressing issues that led to the mid-air collision. The senators also introduced legislation to strengthen aviation safety. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, successfully got a provision included in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to require that all Department of Defense aircraft that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. Earlier this year, Kaine invited Jason King, a veteran from Fairfax who was fired from his position in the FAA’s safety division, as his guest to the State of the Union address. King was rehired after the State of the Union.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear Administrator Bedford,
    The tragic crash of American Airlines flight 5342 highlighted serious gaps in our aviation safety system and demonstrated the need for a robust and experienced analytical workforce at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Unfortunately, over the past six months, your agency has significantly reduced its workforce. We are deeply concerned about these reductions’ impact on aviation safety. We therefore write to request information on changes in the FAA workforce and their impact on aviation safety, including any analyses that the FAA has conducted on the effects of workforce reductions on the agency’s safety mission.
    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of American Airlines flight 5342 has demonstrated the need for a robust FAA workforce, beyond the air traffic controllers and other FAA personnel on the front lines of our aviation system. According to the NTSB investigation, more than 15,000 “close proximity events” occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport over the last five years — reflecting a shockingly high trend that the FAA should have identified. At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in March, the then-Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau acknowledged that the agency missed this warning sign, in part because of the sheer volume of data that FAA personnel must analyze. The Acting Administrator’s testimony illustrated the need for an FAA workforce robust and experienced enough to analyze all relevant data and identify safety risks. It’s critical that this Administration ensures the FAA has the workforce capacity to proactively and properly analyze aviation safety data to prevent another crash like the American Airlines flight 5342 tragedy.
    Despite this clear need for enhanced analytical capacity, the FAA has instead moved to reduce its workforce during this critical period. In the aftermath of the crash, the FAA should be analyzing the near miss data from events at Reagan National Airport and reviewing the sufficiency of FAA staffing. Instead, the agency has moved ahead with workforce reductions. In particular, FAA fired hundreds of probationary employees in critical support roles key to assisting air traffic controllers in doing their jobs. With the Department of Transportation (DOT) pushing personnel to leave via two rounds of the Deferred Resignation Program — under which employees could elect to resign and receive pay until September 2025 — coupled with the federal hiring freeze, federal officials are leaving their jobs and it may be difficult for the FAA to attract new, qualified employees. Although the DOT assured Senators that key FAA safety staff were exempt from firings and the Deferred Resignation Program, the FAA has still not clarified whether it has the staff it needs to ensure the safety of the American public. Estimates from the DOT suggest that between 1,000 and 3,000 employees may leave the agency once the Deferred Resignation Program offers are finalized. According to an internal presentation to FAA management: “Employees are departing the agency in mass quantities across all skill levels.” Most recently, the Department of Transportation may now be able to move ahead with a large Reduction in Force after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing federal agencies to move forward with staffing cuts consistent with existing federal law. This moment — after a tragic crash highlighted critical gaps in aviation safety — seems like precisely the wrong time for the FAA to aggressively shrink its workforce.
    Moreover, the FAA’s recent announcement that it is using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze its data — without explaining whether such AI tools are reliable or effective — provides little reassurance to the public. While we support the use of technology to improve how aviation safety data is used, the decision to rely on technological fixes while simultaneously moving ahead with staffing reductions is deeply worrisome. The FAA has not been transparent with Congress about the types of technology it is now using, whether those technologies are replacing, augmenting, or otherwise impacting the FAA workforce, or whether it requires human review of AI analyses before using any analysis in a safety-related decision. This reliance on technological fixes — without a transparent analysis of the FAA’s workforce levels and capacity— raises questions about the FAA’s commitment to prioritizing safety.
    If the FAA lacks the staff to identify safety risks before future incidents occur, Congress must be informed of this as soon as possible. At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senators questioned FAA officials from the Office of Airports, the Office of Aviation Safety, and the Air Traffic Organization about the personnel reductions at their respective offices and whether their offices had conducted any analysis on the impact of these workforce cuts on aviation safety. Only the head of the FAA Office of Airports — which is charged with planning and developing a safe and efficient national airport system — responded that his Office had conducted such an analysis. Senators urged the FAA to turn over that analysis to the Committee, along with data on any workforce reductions, but to date it has not. It is essential that Congress have sufficient information to understand the impact of recent FAA personnel changes on aviation safety.
    To better understand the impact of FAA workforce reductions on aviation safety, please provide written responses to the following questions and requests for information by August 11, 2025:
    For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please provide the (a) number of employees employed as of January 1, 2025, (b) number of employees employed as of July 1, 2025, and (c) the current number of job openings.
    For each FAA line of business and its relevant suboffices, please indicate whether any of its job positions are currently subject to a hiring freeze as of January 20, 2025.
    Please provide the analysis conducted by the Office of Airports related to the impact of workforce cuts on its safety mission.
    Besides the Office of Airports, please explain if any other FAA line of business has conducted an analysis of the impact of workforce cuts on its ability to deliver its mission. If so, please provide those analyses.
    Please explain all relevant FAA lines of business and relevant suboffices charged with identifying aviation safety trends and possible safety risks affecting airport operations in congested airspace.
    What specific AI tools is the FAA using to analyze aviation safety impacts and flight data and how is this improving FAA’s analysis?
    Does the FAA have adequate staff, familiar with these tools, to manage this analysis and ensure the security of the data used and generated by AI?
    How were these AI tools selected? Please describe the specific testing or evaluation conducted in advance of the implementation of the tools and provide a copy of any reports or conclusions produced. If no testing or evaluation occurred, please explain why not.

    Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Attend the July 24 live online event celebrating 10 years of Power BI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Attend the July 24 live online event celebrating 10 years of Power BI

    In 2015, Microsoft Power BI embarked on a mission to empower individuals, teams, and organizations to turn data into insights and action. Since then, we’ve grown into one of the world’s most adopted and beloved business intelligence platforms thanks to an incredible community of customers, partners, MVPs, power users, and data enthusiasts.  

    We want to celebrate this incredible journey by bringing together the global community to celebrate 10 years of Power BI with a live event on YouTube on Thursday, July 24th at 8AM Pacific Time/11AM EST/17:00 CET/21:30 IST. 

    This is a celebration you don’t want to miss! We’ll have Power BI’s own Guy in a Cube reflect on Power BI’s evolution, share behind-the-scenes stories, announce contest winners for our PBI10 data visualization contest, and even share some fun stories from the community. Watch the livestream at aka.ms/pbi10birthday.  

    Livestream attendees will get a special first look at some limited-edition Power BI swag. And if you’re attending the Fabric Community Conference (FabCon) in Vienna this September, you’ll get a chance to grab some swag in person. Our swag party is also going digital, so you can celebrate with us and your colleagues virtually! The download link will be available on our Power BI community site and displayed during the live event.

    We’re also taking this moment to reflect on Power BI’s history and recognize our incredible community. Read more about our journey below. 

    Power BI’s Journey Over the Last Decade 

    Over the last ten years, Power BI has evolved tremendously. It began with a public preview that drew about 500,000 early adopters across 45,000 organizations. Since then, we’ve introduced over 1,500 features, continually adapting Power BI to meet the changing needs of our users. Today, Power BI is trusted by over 375,000 organizations, including 95% of the Fortune 500, and millions of users worldwide. 

    From its early days of empowering business intelligence through Excel integrations to the latest advancements in Copilot in Power BI, each chapter in Power BI’s journey reflects the passion of its community and drive for innovation. The timeline below highlights some of the defining moments along the way. 

    Power BI Customers Leading the Way with Data

    Over the years, Power BI has grown because of the organizations and people who use it every day to drive change. From small businesses to global enterprises across various industries, our customers are the reason Power BI continues to evolve and improve. 

    We’ve seen enterprises such as Walmart’s finance organization standardizing Power BI, democratizing data, and making it available to end users from executive leadership to individual analysts. In the public sector, governments have used Power BI to improve operational efficiency, support vulnerable community members and even transform law enforcement. Non-profits, such as The Salvation Army UK, have leveraged Power BI to better track their outcomes and secure funding through data. And across the ecosystem, partner-built solutions are helping customers optimize everything from supply chains to financial reporting. 

    These stories reflect more than product usage. They highlight creativity, determination, and a shared belief in the power of data to make a difference. To all our customers and partners, thank you for pushing boundaries, sharing your feedback, and building what’s next alongside us. Power BI would not be what it is today without you. 

    Shout out to our MVPs and Community: The Heart of Power BI

    We also want to celebrate our Power BI MVPs—experts and advocates who go above and beyond in the community. In honor of the 10th anniversary, Power BI MVPs from around the globe sent in videos sharing their personal Power BI journeys. These MVP stories are a powerful reminder of what makes the Power BI community special: a shared passion for data, a commitment to helping others, and a culture built on knowledge-sharing.

    In recent weeks, social media has lit up with the #PBI10 hashtag as users around the world share their Power BI pride. From LinkedIn posts highlighting favorite dashboards to nostalgic tweets on X (formerly Twitter) reflecting on the platform’s early days, it’s been incredible to witness the outpouring of memories and creativity.

    Leonardo Almeida recalled building a Power BI report back in 2015 that caught the attention of the President of Brazil and the Minister of Education. Christos Demertzis looked back on a decade-long journey with Power BI, saying, “I still have reports sitting in My Workspace from those early days, and looking back at them now… just WOW. The evolution of the platform has been nothing short of incredible.” And Mike Honey congratulated the Power BI team, sharing, “I clearly remember how electrifying it was when it all came together as Power BI. The product has been my primary focus ever since and has certainly kept me busy. May that continue for the next 10 years!”

    In our community’s Career Hub forums, you can find stories of accountants, teachers, and marketing specialists who taught themselves Power BI and transitioned into roles such as BI analysts and data engineers. Companies of all sizes are investing in Power BI training to up-skill their workforce, recognizing that a data-literate workforce gives them a competitive edge.

    The Power BI Community Forums started with a few thousand early adopters and have grown into millions of members today, sharing knowledge daily. Over 200 Power BI & Fabric User Groups have connected over members with meetups and events. A big thank you to our 500 Power BI user group leaders who connect passionate data enthusiasts across the world every day.

    Thank You and See You at the Celebration!

    Thank you for 10 amazing years!  We can’t wait to celebrate with you and look ahead to the next decade of innovation, and we’re thrilled to continue this journey with all of you. As we like to say: empower yourself, empower others, and let’s keep turning data into insights and action—together. Happy 10th birthday Power BI!

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Dialogue of Civilizations between SCO Countries – 2025” Held in Tianjin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, July 23 (Xinhua) — The “2025 SCO Dialogue of Civilizations” was held in north China’s Tianjin on Wednesday, jointly organized by the State Council Information Office, the Foreign Language Publication and Dissemination Office of China and the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The event is aimed at deepening mutual understanding and strategic trust, and promoting the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.

    More than 300 guests from government departments, think tanks, culture, art, education and other fields from SCO member countries attended the event and held an in-depth exchange of views on the theme “Promoting the Global Initiative of Civilizations – Building a Beautiful Common Home of the SCO”.

    SCO Deputy Secretary General Sohail Khan noted that humanitarian exchanges and people’s diplomacy are embedded in the SCO’s founding documents. The event reflects the organization’s mission to create platforms for mutual understanding, mutual learning and mutual respect for the peoples of Eurasian countries.

    Vice-Rector of the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Zainidin Kurmanov noted that in the context of a complex and turbulent international situation, the global initiative of civilizations, consonant with the “Shanghai spirit”, calls for respect for the diversity of world civilizations, promotion of universal values, and strengthening of international cultural exchanges and cooperation. The initiative is the key to understanding and building a community of shared destiny for humanity.

    First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Deputy Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Dmitry Novikov said that China, through practical actions, is helping the SCO confidently move forward in the direction of unity and mutual trust, peace and tranquility, prosperity and development, good-neighborliness and friendship, as well as equality and justice. He expressed hope for the further implementation of a new type of inter-civilizational dialogue to stimulate mutual learning, mutual enrichment and mutual respect.

    “As the large SCO family expands, we must continuously develop platforms for dialogue among the media, think tanks, cultural and youth circles, fully involve representatives of all spheres in the friendly interaction of the SCO, stimulating their initiative and enthusiasm, and pass on from generation to generation the spirit of SCO friendship based on eternal good-neighborliness and mutual assistance,” said Du Zhanyuan, Director of the PRC Foreign Language Literature Publication and Distribution Office.

    The event included three thematic sub-forums on sustainable development, preservation of cultural heritage and multi-format exchange in the field of visual arts. Following the event, a report was presented on “Common Digital Civilization Community: Chinese Initiatives and the Future of the SCO” and the Tianjin Initiative “Joint Defense of Civilization: SCO Youth in Action”.

    On the sidelines of today’s meeting, the 8th SCO Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition, the SCO Sculpture Exhibition “Light of Unity in Harmony” and the Tianjin Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition were also held, which fully demonstrated the diversity of cultures of the SCO countries and their mutual enrichment. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, King Introduce the CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Coordinating and Aligning Records to Improve and Normalize Governance (CARING) for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025.  The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would require the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement guidelines to ensure tracking of medical documentation after a veteran receives care from a community provider, while measuring the performance of obtaining community care records.  This would enable the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to provide veterans with the standard of care they need and deserve.
    “Our veterans deserve our utmost respect and gratitude,” said Ricketts.  “In order to ensure our veterans receive the best standard of care, it is important that their medical history is shared and available for VA medical centers following care in the community. This bill will help establish guidelines and procedures for VA medical facilities to obtain medical documentation from community care providers.”
    “Veterans in Maine and across the country have sacrificed greatly in service to the nation and it is our job to now return the favor,” said Senator King. “The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025would ensure that veterans have access to the best care by improving information-sharing between community care providers and VA medical centers to reduce the chances of important details falling through the cracks. I am grateful to my colleague, Senator Ricketts, for working with me on this important legislation putting veterans first.”
    The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 would require that the Office of Integrated Veteran Care supervised by the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs:
    Develops guidance for the efforts of medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs in obtaining final medical documentation after a veteran receives services from a community care provider pursuant to a referral from that medical center;
    Establishes goals and related performance measures for medical centers of the Department in obtaining initial and final medical documentation from community care providers;
    Establishes and monitors goals and related performance measures for the completion by such providers of core trainings and ensures that such providers complete the required training course; and
    Takes steps to ensure that the Office of Integrated Veteran Care and any contractor for that Office communicate clear and accurate information to such providers regarding the core trainings recommended or required by that Office, including whether such training is recommended or required.
    This legislation is supported by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
    BACKGROUND:
    Nearly 75% of veterans return to medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for continued care after receiving services from community providers, making the exchange of medical documentation between providers essential to ensuring continuity of care.  The Office of Integrated Veteran Care of the Veterans Health Administration currently lacks systemwide visibility into whether medical documentation from community providers is being received, jeopardizing oversight and clinical coordination.
    As reliance on community care for veterans continues to grow, establishing clear expectations for tracking final documentation and creating monitoring goals and performance measures will enable the Office of Integrated Veteran Care to identify gaps and strengthen the systemwide exchange of information.
    Bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East Peace Process.

    My Foreign Secretary has been unequivocal: the war in Gaza must end now. Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now.

    A ceasefire is within reach and we urge all sides to make it a reality, to secure the release of the hostages, who have been cruelly held by Hamas since 7 October, and to end the appalling suffering of Palestinian civilians.

    I will make three points.

    First, the Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability. Reports and images this week of children dying from starvation are beyond horrific.

    The IDF is shooting at desperate Palestinian civilians on an almost daily basis. Hamas is exploiting this disorder.

    We call on Israel to end these attacks, hold those responsible to account and to work with the UN to implement effective aid distribution in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

    And let me reaffirm the UK’s firm and unequivocal support for the UN and OCHA in their brave efforts to get aid into Gaza.

    We also condemn recent strikes on the WHO in Deir al Balah. Humanitarians and civilians must be protected.

    Second, we condemn Defence Minister Katz’s proposals of forced displacement to Rafah. Illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank continues at pace as well as settler violence, and even terrorism, against Palestinians. This is an accelerating campaign to prevent a Palestinian state.

    We condemn these attacks and call for Israel to hold its citizens to account.

    We also oppose the reintroduction of the E1 settlement plan, which is a flagrant breach of international law.

    Third, we are clear that Hamas must play no future role in the governance of Gaza or be able to threaten Israel’s security again. However, the organisation which represents a credible alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, is being undermined by Israeli actions.

    Israel is withholding $2.6 billion in clearance revenues, crippling the Palestinian economy and pushing essential health and education services to the brink. This is not conducive to Israel’s security.

    President, the United Kingdom is resolute in our commitment to a two-state solution and my Foreign Secretary has been clear that we are prepared to take further action to prevent the forcible erosion of the only viable path to lasting peace.

    Next week’s conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a vital opportunity to demonstrate the strength of international resolve to secure a better future for Israelis, Palestinians and the region.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hearing Wrap Up: Congress Must Act to Advance Nuclear Energy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON—The Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs today held a hearing titled “The New Atomic Age: Advancing America’s Energy Future.” During the hearing, members heard from witnesses about the advent of small and micro modular nuclear reactors and how their development and deployment will advance the use of safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy in the United States. Members emphasized the importance of expanding nuclear energy because of its efficiency and low cost compared to other energy sources.  

    Click here to watch the hearing. 

    Key Takeaways:

    Small and micro modular reactors (SMRs and MMRs) promise to redefine the future of U.S. electricity generation through increases in safe, affordable and accessible nuclear energy. Government overregulation, however, has been holding back the development and deployment of these reactors.  

    • Alex Epstein, President and Founder of the Center for Industrial Progress, stated in his opening testimony that “Whenever we talk about abundant nuclear energy, including SMRs, we need to recognize that the first step is for government to stop doing the immense harm it’s actively doing. And this harm is harm that probably gutted nuclear’s potential for decades. It’s important to recognize that in the 70s, clean, safe nuclear power – and it was very safe, it was the safest form of energy in history, even back then, -became affordable and it quickly grew to 20 percent of American electrical power with the potential to get far more affordable and plentiful. But crushing irrational regulation, including the way the N[uclear] R[egulatory] C[omission] was set up, made nuclear expensive or impossible to build.”

    Supply-chain issues and cultural misconceptions of nuclear energy adversely affect its propagation in the U.S.

    • Joshua Smith, Energy Policy Lead at the Abundance Institute, stated in his opening testimony that “For decades, American engineers built nuclear swiftly, cheaply, and safely…Nuclear’s struggles today aren’t inherent to the technology. They’re the product of outdated, unfit, and counterproductive regulations. Major barriers include [As Low and Reasonably Achievable] and [Linear No-Threshold] standards which impose costs above any kind of offsetting safety benefits, inflexible [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] frameworks that prevent innovation and nuclear’s risk being widely understood. For example, there is no radiation caused deaths associated with Three Mile Island’s release. The Chernobyl disaster is impossible with modern reactor designs and measured in deaths per terawatt hours of electricity production, nuclear is about 800 times safer than coal and 100 times safer than gas generation.” 

    The United States must modernize its approach to electrical grid licensing, permitting and the nuclear industry generally if we want to maintain leadership in the global race for energy efficiency.

    • Joshua Smith said in his opening testimony that “Nuclear entrepreneurs can’t succeed in a system that blocks entry before shovels hit the dirt. Licensing, permitting, and interconnection are all clogged arteries in need of reform alongside nuclear regulations. The core lesson is that we need to not just improve nuclear regulations, but streamline permitting and grid interconnection to enable nuclear power and ensure an affordable and reliable energy supply.”
    • Alex Epstein testified that “[The] NRC should open nuclear innovation zones on federal land. So, the recent [executive orders] rightly encouraged the testing of nuclear reactors on federal lands, which would allow private developers to quickly iterate designs and run safety tests without waiting years. What [the Department of Energy] and [the Department of Defense] can do is formally designate nuclear innovation zones on federal land, and specifically the NRC can issue guidance confirming the data collected on these sites will satisfy what’s called performance-based safety testing requirements of the regulatory code Part 53, and this can dramatically expedite things.”

    Member Highlights:

    Subcommittee Chairman Burlison (R-Mo.) inquired about companies being held back from developing nuclear energy in the United States, and how states are better suited for regulating nuclear energy than the federal government.

    Subcommittee Chairman Burlison: “I was recently told by one company based here in the United States that they will have a fully functioning MMR abroad in the next year. They specifically stated that they couldn’t accomplish that in the United States, that they’d have to go on foreign soil to demonstrate to the American public and the government that their technology is ready. What’s holding back companies like that from doing this in the United States?” 

    Mr. Smith: “Thank you. Fundamentally, the problem is we have too many barriers between people who want to build and their ability to put shovels on the ground and put up structures. So, take one example, it’s important that we do continued modeling. It’s important that we continue doing extensive testing, but we also need to do real life testing rather than just rely on the data that we currently use.”

    …

    Subcommittee Chairman Burlison: “I’m [going to] jump to one of my questions then, regarding the states. How would they be better suited than the federal government for regulating this?” 

    Mr. Smith: “One of the key differences between the designs of the 60s and 70s is today, they’re very, very different, so there’s little need for containment structures in some of these new designs. And part of the problem with having a lot of expertise at the NRC is simply that they have a hammer, they see everything as a nail, and so we have a problem where new companies come in, they don’t need a containment chamber or containment facility for their design, and yet the NRC prescriptive regulations say ‘thou shalt have one.’ And so state level interest can develop new rules that avoid this kind of old problem, and we could do some of this at the federal level of course. There’s room for Congress to get involved and spin off new agencies within the NRC or separately entirely to pursue these new designs. States have already taken the right kinds of steps. Texas has been developing an advanced nuclear working group. Utah similarly has an office of an energy development official who’s purely devoted to nuclear now, in addition to extensive legislative efforts within the state congress.”

    Subcommittee Chairman Burlison also inquired about overbearing regulations and the cultural discussion of nuclear stifling U.S. energy innovation.
     

    Subcommittee Chairman Burlison: “[Can you] speak to how the regulatory process for [technological innovators] who are doing very creative, very innovative stuff might be stifling to that mindset?”

    Mr. Epstein: “I admire these guys for trying because it’s just, so difficult to do things. I mean, for all the reasons I mentioned, the licensing process, it could be difficult to test things, the whole Linear No-Threshold and As Low As Reasonably Achievable. So this, all these dogmas, as I said, can be changed and it’ll just radically open the frontier for innovation where companies like these can go very quickly from idea to action. Right now, there’s just an enormous gap between idea and action. One other thing that needs to change, I think, is the cultural discussion of nuclear we heard from Ranking Member Frost, and I think some others, that Three Mile Island was the problem. But as Scott Perry pointed out, like Three Mile Island, is not fundamentally a problem. [The] fact that the worst nuclear accident we’ve had is something that killed nobody, that should be celebrating nuclear. So we need to stop demonizing nuclear like the Simpsons did. We need to recognize it’s fundamentally safe. It’s not safe primarily because of regulation, it’s safe because the material cannot explode like combustion can.”

    Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) inquired about how the nuclear energy industry is more profitable and cost-efficient for taxpayers than other non-traditional energy industries.

    Rep. Perry: “[Mr. Epstein], if you could just briefly explain how not doing the same thing over and over again for the same kind of design is going to be helpful to the industry, save the industry money, and, in turn, save my bosses, citizens of America—my constituents—money?” 

    Mr. Epstein: “For sure. So, I think it’s really important that you raise the issue of profit, because we absolutely want nuclear energy companies to be able to make a profit by competing to provide the lowest cost, most reliable energy, just like we want phone manufacturers to be able to make a profit providing the most effective phones. AI providing people the most cost-effective AI. There are two kinds of problems that arise. One is when you restrict the ability of profit-making entities to compete by not allowing them to do their jobs, which things like having a new environmental impact statement for every nuclear power plant, even if it’s the exact same thing, that just dramatically increases costs. The other thing that you raised is that when you subsidize inferior forms of energy, that also raises costs…So they take money away from the reliable power plants, reliable power plants get defunded, can’t make a profit. This is why we have a shortage of gas turbines. One of the reasons why nuclear is in bad shape, but we cannot build dispatchable capacity profitably, because we’ve screwed up the markets with subsidies. So, the Big Beautiful Bill, by far the best thing about it, in my opinion, was dramatic cuts to these grid destroying, price increasing solar and wind subsidies.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sift Accelerates Industry Leadership with Product Innovations and Market Recognition in First Half of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sift, the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses, today announced a series of significant milestones achieved in the first half of 2025, demonstrating the company’s continued market leadership and its focus on customer-centric innovation. The period marked new growth in product capabilities, industry recognition, and global expansion initiatives.

    Customer Recognition

    Sift once again secured the #1 ranking across all fraud-related categories in G2’s 2025 Summer Reports, marking the second consecutive year the company has achieved the top position in Fraud Detection, E-Commerce Fraud Protection, and Risk-Based Authentication (RBA). G2 is the world’s largest and most trusted software marketplace and Sift’s recognition is based on the reviews of 500 real Sift users, a 42% increase since the 2024 Summer Reports and 52% more reviews than the closest category competitor.

    Product Innovations: Identity Trust XD Framework

    In March 2025, Sift introduced Identity Trust XD, a groundbreaking innovation that delivers unprecedented visibility into digital identity behavior across multiple dimensions. The new offering accelerates more confident and accurate decisions powered by Sift’s Global Data Network, which processes more than 1 trillion events annually.

    Identity Trust XD transforms fragmented digital identity data into contextual insights, providing crucial, embedded context so that risk teams can make more informed decisions. The solution optimizes resources by minimizing analyst workload, increases revenue by accelerating consumer onboarding, reduces fraud loss through improved decision accuracy, and enhances decision confidence with deeper insights.

    “The first half of 2025 has been transformative for Sift and our customers,” said Kris Nagel, CEO of Sift. “We’re not just evolving our technology—we’re ushering in the era of identity trust to transform fraud decisioning for the market. With Identity Trust XD, businesses can move beyond traditional fraud trade-offs and instead use identity intelligence as a competitive advantage.”

    AI-Powered Capabilities Drive Operational Efficiency

    In May 2025, Sift announced ActivityIQ, a generative AI-powered innovation that identifies and communicates account takeover (ATO) fraud patterns directly in the Sift Console experience that might otherwise go undetected. Built upon Activity Analyzer, ActivityIQ saves analysts significant time by summarizing risk patterns across multiple accounts simultaneously, potentially saving hundreds of hours in aggregate for customers using ATO Defense.

    Additional innovations unveiled in the first half of 2025 include:

    • FIBR In-Console Integration: Brings Sift’s industry-first Fraud Industry Benchmarking Resource directly into the Sift Console, allowing customers to compare their fraud metrics against industry peers without leaving their operational hub.
    • Automatic Chargeback Labeling: Creates a feedback loop for payment fraud prevention by automatically updating machine learning models with chargeback outcomes.
    • Global Identity Insights: Provides comprehensive profile views of user behavior and risk outcomes with other Sift customers, reducing research time and minimizing human error during reviews.

    Partner Program Expansion

    In April 2025, Sift announced a significant expansion of its Partner Program, designed to support partners in transforming digital risk into revenue opportunities. The enhanced program includes multiple partnership categories: Referral Partners, Authorized Resellers, and Service Providers, each aligned with prescribed annual sales revenue goals, technical capabilities, and product certifications.

    The enhanced program reflects Sift’s commitment to enabling partners across multiple engagement models, from referral opportunities to full implementation services, as they serve the rapidly expanding fraud prevention market.

    About Sift

    Sift is the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses. Our deep investments in machine learning and user identity, a data network scoring 1 trillion events per year, and a commitment to long-term customer success empower more than 700 customers to grow fearlessly. Brands including DoorDash, Yelp, and Poshmark rely on Sift to unlock growth and deliver seamless consumer experiences. Visit us at sift.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:

    Victor White
    VP, Corporate Marketing
    press@sift.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Col. Robert LeJeune promoted to colonel in Wyoming National Guard Ceremony

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    By Joseph Coslett

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – With a deep sense of pride in the air, friends, family, and fellow Guardsmen gathered inside the Wyoming Military Department auditorium on July 21, 2025, to witness Lt. Col. Robert LeJeune take the next step in his distinguished career, promotion to the rank of colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

    As the crowd settled into their seats, the soft hum of anticipation filled the room. The official party entered to a standing audience, and the National Anthem played with solemn reverence. A heartfelt invocation was delivered, calling attention to the weight of leadership and the legacy of service that accompanies a new rank.

    Maj. Eric Jacobs served as master of ceremonies, setting a warm tone. He introduced the official party: Maj. Gen. Gregory Porter, The Adjutant General of Wyoming, and Brig. Gen. Edward Lewis, Land Component Commander, both of whom have worked alongside LeJeune throughout his career.

    A spontaneous round of applause broke out when LeJeune’s name was called. His family, wife and daughter, in keeping with military tradition, flowers were presented to both, recognizing the essential role of family in a service member’s success.

    Porter then took the front of the stage with Lejeune standing beside him, reflecting on LeJeune’s career with admiration. Colonel LeJeune’s promotion is not just about what he’s done, Porter said. It’s about the trust we place in his ability to lead, develop others, and continue serving with honor. Promotions like this reaffirm the strength of our force.

    With the audience again rising to their feet, the promotion order was read aloud, invoking the trust and confidence of the Secretaries of the Army. In a joyful moment, his wife and daughter pinned the black eagle rank insignia to LeJeune’s uniform—an emotional reminder of the sacrifices and support behind every milestone.

    The crowd took their seats once more as LeJeune raised his right hand and repeated the Oath of Office, reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the mission of the Army National Guard.

    When it was his turn to speak, LeJeune delivered humble, sincere remarks, thanking his mentors, peers, subordinates, and especially his family.

    The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Army Song, voices joining in a proud chorus, followed by warm congratulations and handshakes in the foyer outside the auditorium.

    This ceremony wasn’t just about a promotion; it is a reminder of what it means to serve and stand together as a Guard family.

    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, promotes Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army Guard chief of staff, to colonel in Cheyenne, Wyoming, July 21, 2025. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Leanna Russell)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Vietnam joint army training kicks off 2025-07-23 19:21:35 The China-Vietnam joint army training kicked off at a training base in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on July 22. Participating troops from both sides attended the opening ceremony.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, July 23 — The China-Vietnam joint army training kicked off at a training base in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on July 22. Participating troops from both sides attended the opening ceremony.

      After the opening ceremony, the Vietnamese participating troops visited the Chinese military’s wheeled vehicles, light arms, recon equipment, drones, protective devices and various other weapons and equipment.

      This event marks the first-ever joint training between the two armies. Focusing on the joint border patrol training, it will conduct mixed-group training around four aspects: joint reconnaissance, joint fire strike, joint rescue and joint logistic support.

      The two sides will carry out the joint training in modules covering eight subjects, including camouflage reconnaissance, unmanned aerial vehicle reconnaissance, live-fire shooting and rescue of the wounded.

      During the training, the two sides will also conduct exchanges, visits, and some cultural activities.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye: 22 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM call with President Erdoğan of Türkiye: 22 July 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday evening.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday evening.

    The two leaders looked ahead to today’s International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul, where their Defence Ministers have taken the next step towards signing a multi-billion-pound export deal of UK-built Typhoon jets to Türkiye. 

    The Prime Minister added that once fully finalised, this enhanced military co-operation will strengthen NATO’s collective defences and keep us safer during uncertain times, as well as sustaining 20,000 UK jobs and driving growth. 

    Turning to the Middle East, they discussed the intolerable situation in Gaza and underlined the urgent need for more aid and an urgent ceasefire, in order to pave the way for a two-state solution and a secure future for Palestinians and Israelis.

    They reiterated their concern about the recent violence in Syria, and agreed that the ceasefire must hold.

    The Prime Minister thanked the President for Türkiye’s convening role in the upcoming talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul today, as well as the discussions due to take place on Iran’s nuclear programme later this week.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Silynxcom Secures $500,000 of New Orders from Israel Defense Forces, Reinforcing Leadership in Tactical Communication Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Netanya, Israel, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (“Silynxcom” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, today announced that it has received new purchase orders valued at approximately $500,000 from the Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”). 

    The orders include Silynxcom’s advanced in-ear headset systems and communication accessories, designed to provide secure, reliable, and combat-proven solutions for IDF personnel across various operational units. These systems feature active sound protection, ambient environmental awareness and seamless integration with professional-grade ruggedized radios, ensuring clear communication in high-intensity environments.

    “We are honored to continue our strong relationship with the IDF, delivering cutting-edge communication solutions tailored to the demands of modern defense operations,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “We believe that these new orders emphasize the confidence in our technology and our commitment to supporting mission-critical operations worldwide.”

    Silynxcom expects to deliver the ordered units in the second half of 2025. The Company believes that this latest milestone reflects the growing global demand for the Company’s innovative tactical communication systems, as defense forces prioritize operational efficiency.

    About Silynxcom Ltd.

    Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company’s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company’s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360° situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company’s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers “in the field.” The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

    For additional informaiton about the company please visit: https://silynxcom.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses: the Company’s belief that these orders emphasize the confidence in its technology and commitment to supporting mission-critical operations worldwide; the expected timing of the delivery of the units; and the belief that these orders reflect the growing global demand for the Company’s innovative tactical communication systems. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 13, 2025, and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC which are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. References and links to websites have been provided in this press release as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference herein.

    Capital Markets & IR Contact
    Michal Efraty
    ir@silynxcom.com

    The MIL Network –