Science of War

Current U.S. integrated air and missile defense capabilities are not keeping pace with the rapidly evolving unmanned aerial systems threat and require both materiel and non-materiel solutions to mitigate warfighter capability gaps. BLACK DART is an annual field demonstration of current and emergent Counter-UAS technologies sponsored by the Joint Staff J8 Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization also known as JIAMDO. As the Black Dart 2016 lead assessment organization, the Joint Staff J6 Joint Deployable Analysis Team, also known as JDAT, collected data to answer two main questions: 1- Can current fielded systems counter UAS threats? 2- And, what is the capability or potential of non-Program of Record systems to enhance counter UAS operations? The live-fly, live-fire demonstration took place in late 2016 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida and the surrounding land and sea ranges with over 900 personnel in attendance including participants from Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. BLACK DART demonstrations began in 2010 and are the only Joint and partner nation Department of Defense counter UAS events. The JDAT Black Dart Report will include detailed findings on systems’ abilities to detect, track, identify, and negate unmanned aircraft systems to support Joint and Combined warfighter capabilities and make our forces more connected, survivable, and lethal on the battlefield. a. Execute live-fly, live-fire C-UAS technology demonstrations to assess and validate existing and emerging IAMD capabilities. b. Present emerging solutions to inform requirements decision making. c. Identify and develop IAMD operational concepts, system interoperability, and operational architectures for the C-UAS mission set. d. Advocate for warfighters’ desired C-UAS capabilities and affordable, integrated solutions. e. Identify C-UAS capability gaps for IAMD. f. Identify promising materiel and non-materiel solutions for C-UAS operations. g. Investigate new methods for UAS Combat Identification (CID). h. Improve completeness of the shared air picture with respect to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs). i. Develop C-UAS non-kinetic negation methods and techniques. j. Promote and integrate interagency participation and capabilities. k. Promote foreign/partner nation observer participation and coordination. The demonstration will include Program of Record (POR) as well as non-POR C-UASs demonstrating capabilities and/or collecting data in support of proprietary C-UAS development. Onsite data collection supports real-time feedback, opportunities for participant feedback, and becomes the basis for formal analysis at the conclusion of the demonstration. In order to align with warfighter needs, JIAMDO coordinated with the Combatant Commands and Services to prioritize capability gaps related to C-UAS.

Squad X is a multiyear Department of Defense program sponsored by DARPA to identify emerging technologies and facilitate their development for military use. The Joint Deployable Analysis Team, also known as JDAT, recently supported the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command’s Maneuver Battle Lab by enhancing their assessment process for testing Squad capabilities. The Maneuver Battle Lab is responsible for infantry capabilities development under TRADOC’s Maneuver Center of Excellence, the project lead for this DARPA-sponsored initiative. Over the course of several events held at Fort Benning, Georgia, JDAT collected digital and voice data passed between systems from the infantry Company through subordinate SQD levels and assisted in the analysis effort. The assessment will provide observations, findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the U.S. Army and the DOD regarding new technology initiatives and their contribution to improve dismounted infantry SQD mission performance. This year’s program will establish a baseline capability to compare against future experimental technologies employed by dismounted infantry SQDs.

This Joint and Coalition-based operational video is designed to more effectively communicate how JDAT can help solve crucial warfighter, system, and interoperability shortfalls in support of Combatant Commands, Centers of Excellence, DOT&E, select-DOD schoolhouses, and other key partners. This short video can be used to familiarize U.S. and Coalition military leaders about JDAT's unique capabilities, resources, and products that when fully leveraged can enhance interoperability, command and control operations, and overall mission effectiveness in today's challenging and ever-evolving operational environment. JDAT is a division under the Joint Staff J6 and collaborates and/or supports numerous military organizations and partners including: - Combatant Commands - Centers of Excellence - Service OTAs, USD AT&L, DOT&E - Select Service and Coalition Program Offices - A variety of DOD Schoolhouses - Service Centers for Lessons Learned - Joint and Coalition Warfighters! Bottom line: JDAT develops warfighter-focused analysis plans, and conducts data collection and root cause analysis to help solve capability gaps and shortfalls that will ultimately enhance mission effectiveness while reducing the potential of fratricide and collateral damage.

An Air Force Institute of Technology research team improves human skin detection using a new multispectral camera system. The new technology could significantly enhance Search and Rescue or Recovery operations.

Cutting costs has never been more important for the Air Force than it is now. Airman 1st Class Christina Ensley shows us how Air Force leaders are partnering with industry leaders in Las Vegas, Nevada to not only save money but the environment as well.

A depiction of why Hill Air Force Base is the ideal location for "Ops-1", the Air Force's first operational F-35 unit.

Office of Naval Intelligence

NASA is looking for Sailors for the next class of astronauts. Neutral Buoyancy Lab training is just one step on your path to the stars. CG: SUNITA L. WILLIAMS (CAPTAIN, USN) NASA ASTRONAUT VICTOR J. GLOVER, JR (COMMANDER, U.S. NAVY) NASA ASTRONAUT

Last year, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was introduced to Lightning, this year rolled in the Thunder. Wright-Patterson Air Force base hosted a ribbon cutting presenting the newest supercomputer on base. Senior Airman Franchesca Pancham reports on “Thunder.” Includes soundbites from Doug Ebersole, executive director, AFRL, and Susan Cox-Stouffer, aerospace engineer.

Broadcast Story from JB MDL on the sole supplier of blood products to CENTCOM, ASWBPL-East

In an effort to eliminate future fratricide incidents to our military members on the battlefield, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has developed new technology that integrates with other D-o-D weapon systems. Here is James Truitt with the story. ----------------------------------- This Air Force technology will be available to units by the end of the year.

Did you know precision Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base can measure down to a 1/1,000,000 of an inch? Check out how these Airmen keep the F-15 mission going.

Pilots play a key role in the Air Force’s mission to Fly, Fight and Win… Here is James Truitt with how Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is keeping them in the fight.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Ryan Bejar, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1, talks about his experience with the Iver 3 unmanned underwater vehicle and its importance to the Navy EOD community at CTG 56.1 in Manama, Bahrain, July 6, 2015. Also available in high definition. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arthurgwain L. Marquez/Released)

The Air Force is always looking for ways to not only improve training, but save money. Army Sergeant Cory Leatherman visits with a pilot about new equipment that does both.

NATO and Ukraine are hosting a disaster relief exercise, and participants from 25 partner nations are sharing their equipment and expertise with each other. Staff Sergeant Tristan McIntire tells us about a new technology NATO is using to assist emergency medical teams.

Airmen of Detachment 4, 2nd Weather Squadron, at Holloman Air Force Base conduct maintenance on a solar telescope.

This video showcases the Camp Pendleton FractalGrid, which provides uninterrupted power to loads within a subset of the 52 Area boundary. Upon demand, FractalGrid units are able to island themselves from parent grids, including the utility grid, without any disruption to the facility or adjacent communications and civil infrastructure services, and subsequently grid connect when needed.

Every morning since 2013, Kelli Joachim has boarded the same gray, steel-hull, guided-missile destroyer floating in San Diego Bay - USS John Paul Jones. She pulls the same tattered pair of navy blue, grease-stained coveralls out of her stand-up locker in the female berthing and slides into them. Video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro, Defense Media Activity The 20-year-old Las Vegas native doesn't fit the mold of a "prototypical" electrical engineer, and she knows it. "I'm a lot smaller than most of the people I work with, but that's alright. I work just as hard, I'm a fast learner and I bring a positive attitude to the workplace," she said. She's five foot nothing, probably weighs 100 pounds soaking wet, and is in a perpetual state of happiness. While most of her peers sit behind desks and in front computers to complete a day's work, her workplace of choice is in the heart of the ship, and her tools of choice are wrenches and screwdrivers.

During the battle, Shadwell was struck by a torpedo on the starboard side, tearing a hole in the ship's bottom 60-feet wide. The crew of 500 frantically worked to save the ship, but Shadwell was flooding, and sinking. Shadwell's crew worked through the night to save their sinking ship. By morning they were under their own power, and no longer taking on water. No lives lost. Three injured. Their efforts were rewarded. A Ship of Two Histories Nearly 70 years later, Shadwell no longer patrols the waters of the Pacific; the ship is moored to a small island in the waters of Mobile Bay, near the historic Civil War naval battle site. Instead of being mothballed, sunk in target practice, or being converted to a museum ship, Shadwell is in the business of saving lives.

For more than 20 years, Open Skies has been one of the most wide-ranging international arms control efforts to promote openness and transparency in military forces and activities. John Harrington shows us how no matter where a U.S. Open Skies aircraft flies, it's payload always makes its way to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

During typhoon season, there are procedures that base meteorologists must take to prepare residents for possible typhoons in the Kanto plain. Airman first class Justin Stokes shows how they’re doing it on Yokota Air Base.

Exercise Pacific Endeavor 2015 is a multinational interoperability program. Participants learned about cyber, satellite, and radio communications during a humanitarian aid and disaster operations.

On June 20, 2014, President Barack Obama issued a presidential memorandum to promote the health of honey bees and other pollinators. The memorandum states that the Department of Defense shall support habitat restoration projects for pollinators. Watch to see how Wright-Patt is supporting the President's memorandum.

White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, is home to a small group of sailors doing some pretty cool work. One of those sailors is Gunner's Mate 1st Class Brenda Reis, and she launches rockets for NASA.

News story on the first B-1 bomber from Ellsworth AFB to have the Integrated Battle Station Upgrade installed.

SSgt Andrew Caber; 28th MDSS, Diagnostic Imaging Technician, talks about her duties in her current position.

Nondestructive Inspection Technicians of the 49th Maintenance Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base are detrimental in assuring the success of the base mission.

At any given time, the military and civilian personnel at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) are working on thousands of projects, which aim to better our Navy and the Sailors who serve her. The Battlespace Exploitation of Mixed Reality (BEMR) lab is doing their part by utilizing new technology being developed in virtual reality and figuring out how the Navy can use it to transform the way the Sailors do their jobs. Using websites like kickstarter.com, the lab takes the newest technologies being developed and looks for ways to incorporate it in the fleet.

Main Event opens to public at the grandstands. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) hosts the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals 2015 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. Twenty-five teams from around the world enter their autonomous robot designs to compete for a two million dollar grand prize. The goal for each robot is to accomplish a series of tasks that could aid response efforts during man-made or natural disasters.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) hosts the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals 2015 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. Twenty-five teams from around the world enter their autonomous robot designs to compete for a two million dollar grand prize. The goal for each robot is to accomplish a series of tasks that could aid response efforts during man-made or natural disasters. Interview: John Seminatore, Team VALOR Program Manager

Robots on display at exposition, disaster relief robots moving through obstacle course, Atrias the jogging robot, and international team working in garage. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) hosts the DARPA Robotics Challenge Finals 2015 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. Twenty-five teams from around the world enter their autonomous robot designs to compete for a two million dollar grand prize. The goal for each robot is to accomplish a series of tasks that could aid response efforts during a man-made or natural disaster.

The first of NATO’s five unmanned air vehicles rolled off the factory line in San Diego on Thursday, 4 June 2015.  The Global Hawk Block 40 is part of the Alliance Ground Surveillance Program (AGS).  The NATO-owned and -operated AGS core capability will enable the Alliance to perform persistent surveillance over wide areas from high-altitude long-endurance  aircraft  in any weather or light condition . The system will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground. The AGS system is being acquired by 15 Allies (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States). AGS is scheduled to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2017. The air vehicles will be controlled from the main operating centre in Sigonella, Italy.

The first of NATO’s five unmanned air vehicles rolled off the factory line in San Diego on Thursday, 4 June 2015.  The Global Hawk Block 40 is part of the Alliance Ground Surveillance Program (AGS).  The NATO-owned and -operated AGS core capability will enable the Alliance to perform persistent surveillance over wide areas from high-altitude long-endurance  aircraft  in any weather or light condition . The system will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground. The AGS system is being acquired by 15 Allies (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United States). AGS is scheduled to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2017. The air vehicles will be controlled from the main operating centre in Sigonella, Italy.

The Pentagon has showcased some of the military's newest technology in its first ever Defense Department Lab Day. Our Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb was there to see the inventors show off the latest gadgets.

The Pentagon hosted the first ever lab day. Produced by Senior Airman Nicholas Alder. Includes soundbites from Dr. Morley Stone, Air Force Research Laboratory, and Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello, commander, Air Force Research Laboratory.

NATO is acquiring an Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) system that will give commanders a comprehensive picture of the situation on the ground. NATO’s operation to protect civilians in Libya and recent global security crises show the importance of such a capability. Also available in high definition.

Maintainers, emergency responders and local contractors tested the installation’s high expansion foam discharge in the repair aircraft maintenance hangar April 8 to ensure the safety and security of Fairchild personnel, equipment and facilities. The test allowed the installation to assess whether the system was capable of meeting essential milestones required for full certification, including covering at least 90 percent of the aircraft’s silhouette and covering the entire hangar floor with at least one meter of foam within four minutes.

Scientists at Air Force Research Lab, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, work with additive manufacturing/3d printing to design lighter, more durable electronics.

The 633rd Medical Group has a new way of disinfecting patient rooms and the OR with cutting edge technology. SSgt Sara Morrison has more.

The United States Air Force will be implementing a new aircraft in the coming years. Airman First Class Madison Champine reports from Yokota Air Base, where Airmen are getting a sneak peak. Includes sound bites from Bob DuLaney, Director of Customer Engagements and Tony Stutts F-35 Simulator Instructor. Also available in high definition.

Autonomous Mobility Applique' System Demo at the Savannah River Site, SC on May 29, 2014. The AMAS kit can transform ordinary military trucks into optionally-manned vehicles. Available in high definition.