Modernization
Rising Star Kristine Beck
Beck harnessed Web 2.0 technology to open new lines of communication with — and among — Military Health System patients and their families. Senior MHS leaders now blog regularly and respond to comments and e-mail messages on the agency’s Web site, www.health.mil.
People
Rising Star Harold Schliesske
Schliesske stepped into a variety of roles to support the deployment and management of biometric systems in Iraq and other tactical environments. He updated systems at 10 installations in Iraq, and the reduced demand for staff and equipment is expected to save $700,000 a year.
People
Rising Star Joseph Kattar
Kattar worked with GSA officials to develop and manage requirements for IT contracts that support the Joint Strike Fighter program. He made a good impression from the start, implementing processes that resolved contract problems that had lingered for more than two years.
Cybersecurity
Biometrics integral to modern combat
Biometrics are essential for modern warfare and can bridge organizational gaps, experts say.
Modernization
DOD health records project hinges on security
Electronic records could lead to a faster, more flexible and more cost-effective system.
Modernization
DOD to review use of social-media technology
Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn orders a review to detail the threats and benefits from using social-networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter.
People
DARPA names Gabriel deputy director
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has selected Kaigham “Ken” Gabriel to serve as its new deputy director, the agency announced.
Cybersecurity
Hathaway's departure renews worries about cyberczar vacancy
The resignation of Melissa Hathaway, the Obama administration’s acting senior director for cyberspace, has brought renewed scrutiny on the administration's effort to secure the online world.
Cybersecurity
Biometrics said vital for combat success
Biometrics said to give combat troops critical capabilities to carry out their missions.
Modernization
Marines: Facebook is not for the few good men
The Marine Corps has banned using social-networking Web sites on the service’s networks because of security concerns.
Cybersecurity
New Coast Guard acquisition chief eyes changes
Rear Adm. Ronald Rábago wants to align the Acquisition Directorate's responsibilities with the Coast Guard's modernization efforts.
People
DOD may ban Twitter, Facebook, other social media
The military is once again considering blocking social-media sites, for security reasons.
Cybersecurity
The great cybersecurity star search
A consortium of private and government organizations has launched a program of competitions and educational opportunities for young people to build the next-generation cybersecurity workforce.
People
The Army's Gary Winkler: Master of change
Winkler explains why change is a natural state — and an imperative — for the service’s information technology portfolio.
Modernization
Myers to head Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Kenneth A. Myers III has been selected to serve as the director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at Fort Belvoir, the Defense Department announced July 27.
People
GAO: VA, DOD said slow on sharing health data
The Veterans Affairs and Defense departments have made progress on health care data interoperability but still fall short in some areas, a new report says.
Modernization
GSA, DISA collaborate on satellite contracts
The agencies are set to join forces to procure future commercial satellite communications. The joint strategy will tackle the impending expiration of contracts set to lapse between 2011 and 2012.
Acquisition