Alert: World News in Brief: Gaza medical challenge, justice for Africa, rising violence in Myanmar

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Alert 12 December 2024

World News in Brief: Gaza medical challenge, justice for Africa, rising violence in Myanmar Ongoing hostilities across the Gaza Strip are making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for trauma patients to get the critical care they need, the UN said on Thursday.  Read more

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DOD Launches SciTechCONNECT to Revolutionize Defense Innovation Collaboration

View Online IMMEDIATE RELEASE DOD Launches SciTechCONNECT to Revolutionize Defense Innovation Collaboration Dec. 12, 2024 The Department of Defense announced today the launch of DoD SciTechConnect, a new platform designed to enhance collaboration with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology. The initiative, which was unveiled on December 3, aims to empower innovators to turn bold ideas into solutions that strengthen national security. "DoD SciTechCONNECT broadens access to our innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration with a diverse array of contributors," said Dr. Aprille J. Ericsson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology. "Through tailored resources and curated events, this initiative ensures that ASD S&T remains at the forefront of technological advancement for the defense of our nation." The platform provides a centralized hub for innovators and organizations to access resources, tools, and opportunities that drive research and technology development. By reducing barriers and streamlining processes, DoD SciTechConnect hopes to accelerate collaboration with the department and position new contributors for success in addressing national security challenges. The platform offers a range of features, including tailored tools and educational resources designed to help innovators navigate the defense technology landscape effectively. It also provides opportunities to build meaningful and inclusive networks for STEM students and foster collaboration across the innovation ecosystem through curated events. DoD SciTechConnect is designed for rapid scaling, with plans to introduce enhanced tools, interactive collaboration spaces, and an expanded calendar of events over the next year. Those who register for the platform will be kept informed of these developments, ensuring they remain at the forefront of defense technology innovation. By joining DoD SciTechConnect, innovators can gain access to critical updates, resources, and event invitations, position themselves or their organization for collaboration opportunities with the department, and contribute to a growing community that is shaping the future of defense technology. Individuals and organizations interested in learning more about DoD SciTechConnect can visit the platform's website at www.DoDSciTechConnect.us to create an account and stay up-to-date on the latest developments.

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DOD Innovation Official Discusses Progress on Replicator

View Online DOD Innovation Official Discusses Progress on Replicator Dec. 12, 2024 | By Joseph Clark The Defense Department is integrating lessons learned from executing the first iteration of its Replicator initiative as it tackles the next phase of the effort to put cutting-edge capabilities in the hands of warfighters, said a senior Defense Innovation Unit official today.  Aditi Kumar, DIU's deputy director, said the department is on track to meet its goal of fielding thousands of autonomous systems across multiple warfighting domains under Replicator 1 and has begun executing the second phase of the initiative focused on counter drone capabilities.   "Looking back when was first launched and thinking through the timelines of how we are going to do this in 24 months it was very daunting," Kumar said during a discussion hosted by the Hudson Institute, a policy think tank, in Washington. "Sixteen months in, though, we're in good shape."  Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks unveiled the Replicator initiative in August 2023 as one approach DOD is taking to meet the challenges laid out in the National Defense Strategy, which identifies China as the United States' pacing challenge.     The first iteration of the initiative is focused on fielding thousands of autonomous systems across multiple domains within the next 18 to 24 months, as part of the Pentagon's strategy to counter China's rapid armed forces buildup.  It focuses on fielding "attritable" capabilities — platforms that are unmanned and built affordably — allowing commanders to tolerate a higher degree of risk in employing them.  "Our acquisition enterprise is sprinting, and our commercial vendors are sprinting to pull these off the production lines and get them into the hands of the warfighter," Kumar said today.   She added that a key, overarching goal of replicator is improving the defense acquisition process more broadly and accelerating the development and fielding of critical defense technologies.  To that end, DIU remains focused on taking lessons learned from each iteration of Replicator and applying them to the next.   In September, Hicks set the direction for Replicator 2 which will focus on countering the threat posed by small, uncrewed arial systems to warfighters and defense installations.  Countering unmanned systems has emerged as a focus area for the Pentagon, which has identified unmanned aerial systems as a significant threat to U.S. personnel and facilities abroad and, increasingly, in the U.S. homeland.   Last week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed a classified strategy for countering the threat posed by unmanned systems aimed at unifying DOD's approach across domains.   In outlining the focus for Replicator 2, Hicks also set an 18-to-24-month timeline to put capabilities in the hands of warfighters.   Kumar said DIU is on track to meet these timelines as it executes both phases of the initiative in parallel.  She highlighted key lessons from the first phase that DIU is applying as it moves forward.   First, she said, DIU has worked to further increasing communication between DOD and the private sector.   As an example, she said DIU hosted a round table with commercial stakeholders and investors last week following the release of the counter unmanned aerial systems strategy "to really clarify our demand signal and the types of systems and capabilities that we will be pursuing as part of Replicator 2."  Secondly, Kumar emphasized the importance of tackling the toughest challenges early on in the development process.   Kumar also emphasized the importance of early and frequent communication with Congress. Doing so, she said, helps garner support from lawmakers as the department begins to address funding for what amounts to an "enormous challenge."  "We have already been on the Hill talking to them about what Replicator 2 looks , what types of capabilities we're looking to field and in what locations," she said.

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This email was sent to sajanram1986.channel@blogger.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: U.S. Department of Defense 1400 Defense Pentagon Washington, DC 20301-1400