by Staff Sgt. Julius V. Delos Reyes
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/21/2010 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNS) -- Construction has begun to build a $680,000 geothermal plant here, the first of its kind in U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
"Aviano (AB officials are) actively leaning forward on numerous utility and energy-saving initiatives," said Lt. Col. Bo Bloomer, the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "The geothermal plant is one cutting-edge technology that we're bringing to the base. We are excited to bring the first geothermal technology on Aviano (AB), and we're excited about the savings that will come."
Geothermal is one method of obtaining renewable energy by using the Earth's temperature to either heat up or cool down liquid, usually water.
"By sending down water or liquid inside the ground, you can have this heat exchange," said Damiano Rigo, the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron asset management optimization chief.
This heat exchange is especially beneficial during the winter and summer seasons. During the winter, the geothermal system sends down cold water through 50-meter-deep pipe structures, where it undergoes heat exchange. The "trade-off" will produce hot water that can be used for the boiler system to heat the facility as well as for personal use. That concept is used in the summer, when hot water will be sent underground and cooled.
The project is being built at the fitness center because of its massive consumption of warm water, Mr. Rigo said. With this endeavor, officials at Aviano AB will save approximately $39,000 yearly on energy costs. The projected completion date is the end of August.
"With the geothermal system, we will be able to eliminate the boiler that currently heats the hot water," he said. "With this, we can save the gas being used to heat the water. We are not going to spend any money to heat the water anymore."
During the summer, electricity costs for the air conditioning system will be eliminated. This is accomplished as the geothermal plant has the capability to cool down the air conditioning system's refrigerant.
The idea for this project came from members of Aviano AB's energy team, which consists of energy experts, such as mechanical and electrical engineers, energy managers, utility managers, and technicians from various organizations.
"It is really a brainstorming process for finding solutions to save energy and to improve how systems work," Mr. Rigo said. "After brainstorming, we develop projects. It is really a holistic approach to develop projects and solutions."
Channeling those saved energy funds to other projects highlights the importance of the base's energy-saving programs, he said.
"Energy costs a lot of money," Mr. Rigo said. "The idea is also to become more energy independent. The fact that we have very strong goals to produce renewable energy, that means we will be more independent."
The geothermal plant is a big innovation that provides free ways to obtain energy without depleting the resources, he said.
"This project is the best example you can have for energy conservation," Mr. Rigo said. "The Air Force invested so much into this path that this is the way to go."
Other Aviano AB energy-saving projects include installing solar panels at the dormitories; developing a system to collect rain water for irrigation; replacing 900 existing street lights with energy efficient bulbs; and converting old boilers with new ones that use methane gas instead of oil-based products.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Portal offers new secure network tool similar to Facebook
by Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
5/21/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force Portal Web designers are keeping up with the Web 2.0 era by offering portal users a new means to engage in professional communications in a secure social media environment.
After initial tests among some 7,000 users in the Air Force's logistics community, the portal's newly developed professional networking capability, similar to Facebook and LinkedIn, is now available to more than 800,000 users worldwide.
"The Air Force Portal's professional networking capability is a secure, behind-the-firewall, solution where Airmen and warfighters can communicate and collaborate professionally, leverage data and information, and share knowledge across chronological and geographical boundaries," said Lt. Gen. Bill Lord, chief of warfighting integration and chief Information officer.
This new capability, developed by designers with the Global Combat Support System-Air Force, features an enhanced "Personal Space" where an Air Force Portal users can customize and personalize their workspace with photos, Web and portal favorites and can post updates on their network wall just like they would on a public domain site such as Facebook.
To access their wall, portal users simply go to their existing Personal Space and click on the "Network" tab or click on the new "Network" link in the top right of every portal page. Creating contacts through a new-people search function is all that it takes to start networking.
"Portal users can connect and reconnect with others in the same job function regardless of organizational or geographic boundaries," said 1st Lt. Alexander Gruenther, Air Force Portal operations chief at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
Behind this secure firewall, users can microblog to share information or post questions as well as use the previously existing Air Force Instant Messenger tool.
"In addition to keeping up with colleagues, we wanted this capability to be something that would help Airmen do their jobs more effectively and efficiently," Lieutenant Gruenther said. "Airmen have proficiencies in a host of career fields, and having a secure site will allow these "subject matter experts" a place to share knowledge.,"
The Air Force Portal can be accessed with a common access card from work or home, and has security measures in place that Facebook and other social media avenues don't have when it comes to the types of information Air Force members need to communicate with each other.
"We hope that Air Force members will truly tke an active interest in this new communication tool and that users will let us know what can be better so we can continue to improve the Air Force Portal and our ability to support Airman with their missions," Lieutenant Gruenther said.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
5/21/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force Portal Web designers are keeping up with the Web 2.0 era by offering portal users a new means to engage in professional communications in a secure social media environment.
After initial tests among some 7,000 users in the Air Force's logistics community, the portal's newly developed professional networking capability, similar to Facebook and LinkedIn, is now available to more than 800,000 users worldwide.
"The Air Force Portal's professional networking capability is a secure, behind-the-firewall, solution where Airmen and warfighters can communicate and collaborate professionally, leverage data and information, and share knowledge across chronological and geographical boundaries," said Lt. Gen. Bill Lord, chief of warfighting integration and chief Information officer.
This new capability, developed by designers with the Global Combat Support System-Air Force, features an enhanced "Personal Space" where an Air Force Portal users can customize and personalize their workspace with photos, Web and portal favorites and can post updates on their network wall just like they would on a public domain site such as Facebook.
To access their wall, portal users simply go to their existing Personal Space and click on the "Network" tab or click on the new "Network" link in the top right of every portal page. Creating contacts through a new-people search function is all that it takes to start networking.
"Portal users can connect and reconnect with others in the same job function regardless of organizational or geographic boundaries," said 1st Lt. Alexander Gruenther, Air Force Portal operations chief at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
Behind this secure firewall, users can microblog to share information or post questions as well as use the previously existing Air Force Instant Messenger tool.
"In addition to keeping up with colleagues, we wanted this capability to be something that would help Airmen do their jobs more effectively and efficiently," Lieutenant Gruenther said. "Airmen have proficiencies in a host of career fields, and having a secure site will allow these "subject matter experts" a place to share knowledge.,"
The Air Force Portal can be accessed with a common access card from work or home, and has security measures in place that Facebook and other social media avenues don't have when it comes to the types of information Air Force members need to communicate with each other.
"We hope that Air Force members will truly tke an active interest in this new communication tool and that users will let us know what can be better so we can continue to improve the Air Force Portal and our ability to support Airman with their missions," Lieutenant Gruenther said.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Army Forces Cyber Command Headquarters Standup Plan Announced
May 21, 2010 - The Army announced today that it intends to establish a new Army Forces Cyber Command (ARFORCYBER) Headquarters within the National Capital Region, no later than October 2010.
Army Forces Cyber Command, the Army's component to U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), capitalizes on existing Army cyber resources, and achieves efficiencies by bringing cyber resources under a single command. The U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army) and portions of the 1st Information Operations Command (Land) will be subordinate units to ARFORCYBER. Additionally, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command will be under the operational control of ARFORCYBER for cyber-related actions.
Army Forces Cyber Command will bring unprecedented unity of effort and synchronization of Army forces operating within the cyber domain, and will integrate full spectrum cyberspace operations for the Army.
The total command strength will exceed 21,000 soldiers and civilians, and there will be no new growth or impact to Army end strength. The cost to establish ARFORCYBER will be funded from within existing fiscal resources.
The Army is on track to meet full operational capability for ARFORCYBER in October 2010. Effective October 1, 2009, the Army achieved initial operating capability by utilizing the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command as the interim ARFORCYBER Headquarters, with support from U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army), the 1st Information Operations Command (Land), and U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command.
For more information please call Lt. Col. David H. Patterson Jr., Office of Public Affairs, Media Relations Division, 703-697-7592.
Army Forces Cyber Command, the Army's component to U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), capitalizes on existing Army cyber resources, and achieves efficiencies by bringing cyber resources under a single command. The U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army) and portions of the 1st Information Operations Command (Land) will be subordinate units to ARFORCYBER. Additionally, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command will be under the operational control of ARFORCYBER for cyber-related actions.
Army Forces Cyber Command will bring unprecedented unity of effort and synchronization of Army forces operating within the cyber domain, and will integrate full spectrum cyberspace operations for the Army.
The total command strength will exceed 21,000 soldiers and civilians, and there will be no new growth or impact to Army end strength. The cost to establish ARFORCYBER will be funded from within existing fiscal resources.
The Army is on track to meet full operational capability for ARFORCYBER in October 2010. Effective October 1, 2009, the Army achieved initial operating capability by utilizing the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command as the interim ARFORCYBER Headquarters, with support from U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army), the 1st Information Operations Command (Land), and U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command.
For more information please call Lt. Col. David H. Patterson Jr., Office of Public Affairs, Media Relations Division, 703-697-7592.
Official Explains Approach to Climate Change, Energy
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
May 21, 2010 - Developing a deliberate approach to energy and climate change is an important platform to national security and the U.S. military mission, a senior Defense Department official told members of Congress here yesterday.
Dorothy Robyn, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about the Pentagon's take on the California Desert Protection Act of 2010.
The proposal, introduced to Congress in December, requests that hundreds of thousands of acres of federally granted land belonging to military installations and school systems in the Southwest be designated as national park wilderness areas.
The plan also would permit construction of transmission lines to facilitate renewable energy transfer in these wilderness areas and provide solar energy companies with potential projects.
"The Department of Defense supports these goals and we want to work closely with the committee to ensure that military renewable energy and environmental equities are protected as you further develop this legislation," Robyn said in her written statement. "As the Quadrennial Defense Review made clear, crafting a strategic approach to energy and climate change is a high priority for the department."
Pentagon research has determined that the military's heavy reliance on oil and fossil fuels comes with risks to its tactical and strategic agenda, Robyn said. Continued use of these resources without eventually finding alternate energy will result in "lost dollars, in reduced mission effectiveness and in U.S. soldiers' lives," she explained.
"Unleashing warfighters from the tether of [fossil] fuel and reducing our military installations' dependence on a costly and potentially fragile power grid will not [only] simply enhance the environment, it will significantly improve our mission effectiveness," she added.
Robyn acknowledged that the department's installations – some 300,000 buildings and 2.2 billion square feet of floor space – account for nearly 30 percent of the department's energy use. The Pentagon spent $4 billion on energy for permanent installations in 2009, she said, noting the department's pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions by 34 percent during the next decade.
"The expansion of renewable energy development on our installations will be key to meeting that goal," she said. "Combined with appropriate technologies and necessary energy assurance policies, the development of renewable energy can help military installations provide greater mission assurance."
Robyn noted examples of the military's pursuit of renewable energy, citing progress at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where a 14-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system saves $1 million a year in electricity costs and avoids 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Also, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., has been operating a 270-megawatt geothermal plant since 1987, Robyn said. She added that the Navy is working with the Army to tap into geothermal resources as well.
Some renewable energy, however, can be problematic for military installations, she acknowledged. Robyn described how wind turbines and solar towers can interfere with aircraft navigation and other radars. She also noted that the land on many military installations is home to protected wildlife, and that solar projects increase competition for water supply.
"We are working actively both to identify potential problems well in advance of [selecting sites] and to develop better mitigation technology," she said. "However, some conflicts may be unavoidable, and sustaining our ability to conduct our current and projected mission requirements must be our overriding consideration."
Despite these issues, the military is committed to helping the development of renewable and alternative resources, she said. She acknowledged the importance of the legislation to the military and the partnership between the military and lawmakers in drafting the bill.
"As a result of that collaboration, the bill incorporates many provisions that address and protect our operations," Robyn said. "The military has significant interests and equities in federal policy dealing with the development of renewable and alternative energy sources."
American Forces Press Service
May 21, 2010 - Developing a deliberate approach to energy and climate change is an important platform to national security and the U.S. military mission, a senior Defense Department official told members of Congress here yesterday.
Dorothy Robyn, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee about the Pentagon's take on the California Desert Protection Act of 2010.
The proposal, introduced to Congress in December, requests that hundreds of thousands of acres of federally granted land belonging to military installations and school systems in the Southwest be designated as national park wilderness areas.
The plan also would permit construction of transmission lines to facilitate renewable energy transfer in these wilderness areas and provide solar energy companies with potential projects.
"The Department of Defense supports these goals and we want to work closely with the committee to ensure that military renewable energy and environmental equities are protected as you further develop this legislation," Robyn said in her written statement. "As the Quadrennial Defense Review made clear, crafting a strategic approach to energy and climate change is a high priority for the department."
Pentagon research has determined that the military's heavy reliance on oil and fossil fuels comes with risks to its tactical and strategic agenda, Robyn said. Continued use of these resources without eventually finding alternate energy will result in "lost dollars, in reduced mission effectiveness and in U.S. soldiers' lives," she explained.
"Unleashing warfighters from the tether of [fossil] fuel and reducing our military installations' dependence on a costly and potentially fragile power grid will not [only] simply enhance the environment, it will significantly improve our mission effectiveness," she added.
Robyn acknowledged that the department's installations – some 300,000 buildings and 2.2 billion square feet of floor space – account for nearly 30 percent of the department's energy use. The Pentagon spent $4 billion on energy for permanent installations in 2009, she said, noting the department's pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions by 34 percent during the next decade.
"The expansion of renewable energy development on our installations will be key to meeting that goal," she said. "Combined with appropriate technologies and necessary energy assurance policies, the development of renewable energy can help military installations provide greater mission assurance."
Robyn noted examples of the military's pursuit of renewable energy, citing progress at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where a 14-megawatt photovoltaic solar energy system saves $1 million a year in electricity costs and avoids 24,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Also, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., has been operating a 270-megawatt geothermal plant since 1987, Robyn said. She added that the Navy is working with the Army to tap into geothermal resources as well.
Some renewable energy, however, can be problematic for military installations, she acknowledged. Robyn described how wind turbines and solar towers can interfere with aircraft navigation and other radars. She also noted that the land on many military installations is home to protected wildlife, and that solar projects increase competition for water supply.
"We are working actively both to identify potential problems well in advance of [selecting sites] and to develop better mitigation technology," she said. "However, some conflicts may be unavoidable, and sustaining our ability to conduct our current and projected mission requirements must be our overriding consideration."
Despite these issues, the military is committed to helping the development of renewable and alternative resources, she said. She acknowledged the importance of the legislation to the military and the partnership between the military and lawmakers in drafting the bill.
"As a result of that collaboration, the bill incorporates many provisions that address and protect our operations," Robyn said. "The military has significant interests and equities in federal policy dealing with the development of renewable and alternative energy sources."
Mars Rover Update
In other words, it's business as usual on Mars.
His report began with the "lucky rover," Opportunity, which set the surface longevity record for Mars landers on May 20th, breaking Viking 1's old record of 6 years and 116 days. Opportunity is now inching her way across rough terrain toward the tremendous Endeavour crater – a destination the team is eager to reach because it may contain the habitats of possible ancient Martian life.
But there's a problem.
"These rovers were each designed to traverse about 1/3 of a mile total, yet Opportunity has already covered almost 13 miles," says Callas. "She'll have to almost double that to reach Endeavour. That's like racking up 2 million miles on your car's odometer, and then expecting to do that again, all without an oil change."
Right now, Opportunity's cameras can see part of Endeavour's rim on the horizon, about eight miles away, across the ripples of windblown sand.
"The ripples look like waves on the ocean, like we're out in the middle of the ocean with land on the horizon, our destination," said Steve Squyres, principal investigator for Opportunity and Spirit. "Even though we know we might never get there, Endeavour is the goal that drives our exploration."
The rover team has a new trick up their sleeves to improve Opportunity's odds for reaching its distant goal.
"We've been developing a computer model of the rovers to simulate their mechanics over Martian landscapes," says deputy principal investigator Ray Arvidson. "Throughout their mission, we've recorded the rovers' every move, so we have a history of their tilt, their wheel torque and slip – everything we need to derive the mechanical properties of the soil they've traversed. And we've got good stereo images of the topography as well."
The team has used all of this information to simulate the terrain Opportunity is facing now and determine how best to cross it. This software will help Opportunity avoid sandtraps (like the one where Spirit is stuck) and similar hazards to improve her chances of reaching Endeavour.
"If we make it, we can sample a rock type we haven't come across on Mars yet," explains Callas. "The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has detected Phyllosilicates [clay minerals] at Endeavor. These minerals form under wet, warm, non-acidic conditions."
According to Callas and Arvidson, these rocks are good for preserving organic material and even micro-fossils.
"Up until now, all the evidence the rovers have found for ancient water has been very acidic water, which gives the astrobiologists heartburn," says Callas. "Phyllosilicates suggest the possibility for more neutral pH water to have existed. This would be very exciting for the possibility of ancient life on Mars."
"If we make it, we'll be right on top of the oldest part of Mars -- ancient ground exposed, still preserved after 4 to 4 1/2 billion years," says Arvidson.
Meanwhile, Spirit is motionless – hunkered down for the winter. To survive, she must weather the coldest temperatures either rover has yet faced and collect enough solar energy to awaken.
"We've lost contact," says Arvidson. "The sun has been too low for the rover to collect enough power to stay in touch with Earth. She's merely surviving now."
May 14th was winter solstice in Mars' southern hemisphere, where Spirit is waiting for the sun to provide a much-needed dose of solar power. "In September or October the sun will be high enough for Spirit to wake up, hear us, and 'talk' to us. I won't be greatly surprised if she wakes up and says 'I'm here. What do I do next?'"
The scientists have an answer ready for her, "Oh, just uncover the secrets of the Martian core." (For more information, read the Science@NASA story "Spirit's Journey to the Center of Mars." )
At present, however, no one knows if Spirit will ever get to hear her next assignment--or whether Opportunity will complete the marathon trek to Endeavour.
Lynn Notes Cyber Command's Significance
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 21, 2010 - Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III called the establishment of U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Md., today a milestone in the United States being able to conduct full-spectrum operations in a new domain.
Lynn spoke to reporters in his office before attending the stand-up of the command. During the ceremony, Army Gen. Keith Alexander, Cyber Command's top officer, pinned on his fourth star and uncased the colors of the new command.
The command is the latest in a series of steps that will better protect military networks, Lynn said, as it combines a confederation of task forces into a formal sub-unified command.
Cyber Command will report to U.S. Strategic Command based at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Lynn has led the effort to stand up the command since Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates directed its establishment almost a year ago.
The new command will centralize cyberspace operations. The cyber domain, Lynn said, is as important as the land, sea, air and space domains to the U.S. military, and protecting military networks is crucial to the Defense Department's success on the battlefield.
The U.S. military is more dependent than any other military on information technology, and that is a major reason why the U.S. military is the best in the world, Lynn said. The military must be able to protect its computer networks and must ensure freedom of movement in the domain to be able to operate on networks around the world, he added.
"We want to be able to maintain those advantages and protect the military missions, and that is the main mission of Cyber Command – it is to protect the military networks," the deputy secretary said. "It will have a role, though, in protecting the government's networks and critical infrastructure."
Cyber Command draws existing cyber capabilities and places them under one organizational structure, Lynn said. And with a four-star general in command, he noted, Cyber Command can deal with the combatant commands on an equal basis.
"It will be the place where the Department of Homeland Security will come to on cybersecurity matters," Lynn said. "And it will help rationalize the interagency process."
About 1,000 people will work at Cyber Command at Fort Meade, most shifting over from existing task forces. The services will provide their cyber organizations: Army Forces Cyber Command, the 24th Air Force, the 10th Fleet and Marine Forces Cyber Command. How the command will implement policies remains to be seen, Lynn said, because cyber capabilities have outpaced policy. However, "substantial progress" has been made in certain areas, he said.
Today marks the command's attainment of initial operations capability. Full capability is set for Oct. 1. "That didn't happen in isolation – we've been training people up, we've had task forces, we've made investments – this is sort of a capping step," Lynn said.
The Defense Department has made substantial progress in working with defense industries, Lynn said. Officials wanted to share concerns about the cyber threat and best practices, but there were legitimate concerns about protecting proprietary information. "I think we've worked through a lot of that," Lynn said. "We've been able to work with the industry and share information about the threats and show them what we think is coming at them. I think we will be able to build further on that."
The department also has made progress internationally. Lynn traveled to Great Britain and Australia to begin that process, and will travel to Canada to continue the outreach. This entails shared warning and shared technologies, and Cyber Command will be part of the outreach, he said.
Lynn acknowledged that more progress is needed on the many legal issues related to cybersecurity. A U.S. interagency team is looking at the laws of war and the application to the cyber domain. What is an attack in the cyber world? How does a nation respond to an attack? What does sovereignty mean in regard to the Internet?
"We're in the midst of a series of meetings the White House is leading to work through a lot of those legal issues," Lynn said. "We've made progress organizationally, industrially and internationally, but the legal regime in particular is an area we need to tackle further."
And the threat continues to grow, he said.
"The first thing you say about this threat is that it's asymmetric," Lynn said. "It doesn't take the resources of a nation state to launch cyber war. Nations still have the best capabilities, but you can do very threatening and damaging things with modest investments.
"Our ability to predict where the threats are coming [from], even in conventional threats, is remarkably poor," he continued. "We didn't see Desert Storm coming. We didn't see the series of events that led to Afghanistan. Foreseeing the threats in cyberspace is harder. With Cyber Command, I think we need to be prepared for the unexpected."
American Forces Press Service
May 21, 2010 - Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III called the establishment of U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Md., today a milestone in the United States being able to conduct full-spectrum operations in a new domain.
Lynn spoke to reporters in his office before attending the stand-up of the command. During the ceremony, Army Gen. Keith Alexander, Cyber Command's top officer, pinned on his fourth star and uncased the colors of the new command.
The command is the latest in a series of steps that will better protect military networks, Lynn said, as it combines a confederation of task forces into a formal sub-unified command.
Cyber Command will report to U.S. Strategic Command based at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. Lynn has led the effort to stand up the command since Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates directed its establishment almost a year ago.
The new command will centralize cyberspace operations. The cyber domain, Lynn said, is as important as the land, sea, air and space domains to the U.S. military, and protecting military networks is crucial to the Defense Department's success on the battlefield.
The U.S. military is more dependent than any other military on information technology, and that is a major reason why the U.S. military is the best in the world, Lynn said. The military must be able to protect its computer networks and must ensure freedom of movement in the domain to be able to operate on networks around the world, he added.
"We want to be able to maintain those advantages and protect the military missions, and that is the main mission of Cyber Command – it is to protect the military networks," the deputy secretary said. "It will have a role, though, in protecting the government's networks and critical infrastructure."
Cyber Command draws existing cyber capabilities and places them under one organizational structure, Lynn said. And with a four-star general in command, he noted, Cyber Command can deal with the combatant commands on an equal basis.
"It will be the place where the Department of Homeland Security will come to on cybersecurity matters," Lynn said. "And it will help rationalize the interagency process."
About 1,000 people will work at Cyber Command at Fort Meade, most shifting over from existing task forces. The services will provide their cyber organizations: Army Forces Cyber Command, the 24th Air Force, the 10th Fleet and Marine Forces Cyber Command. How the command will implement policies remains to be seen, Lynn said, because cyber capabilities have outpaced policy. However, "substantial progress" has been made in certain areas, he said.
Today marks the command's attainment of initial operations capability. Full capability is set for Oct. 1. "That didn't happen in isolation – we've been training people up, we've had task forces, we've made investments – this is sort of a capping step," Lynn said.
The Defense Department has made substantial progress in working with defense industries, Lynn said. Officials wanted to share concerns about the cyber threat and best practices, but there were legitimate concerns about protecting proprietary information. "I think we've worked through a lot of that," Lynn said. "We've been able to work with the industry and share information about the threats and show them what we think is coming at them. I think we will be able to build further on that."
The department also has made progress internationally. Lynn traveled to Great Britain and Australia to begin that process, and will travel to Canada to continue the outreach. This entails shared warning and shared technologies, and Cyber Command will be part of the outreach, he said.
Lynn acknowledged that more progress is needed on the many legal issues related to cybersecurity. A U.S. interagency team is looking at the laws of war and the application to the cyber domain. What is an attack in the cyber world? How does a nation respond to an attack? What does sovereignty mean in regard to the Internet?
"We're in the midst of a series of meetings the White House is leading to work through a lot of those legal issues," Lynn said. "We've made progress organizationally, industrially and internationally, but the legal regime in particular is an area we need to tackle further."
And the threat continues to grow, he said.
"The first thing you say about this threat is that it's asymmetric," Lynn said. "It doesn't take the resources of a nation state to launch cyber war. Nations still have the best capabilities, but you can do very threatening and damaging things with modest investments.
"Our ability to predict where the threats are coming [from], even in conventional threats, is remarkably poor," he continued. "We didn't see Desert Storm coming. We didn't see the series of events that led to Afghanistan. Foreseeing the threats in cyberspace is harder. With Cyber Command, I think we need to be prepared for the unexpected."
BP must conduct constant monitoring
EPA Posts Underwater Dispersant Monitoring Data/Under stringent plan, BP must conduct constant monitoring of dispersant use at leak source and provide data to the government
5/20/2010 - WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last night began posting results from the ongoing monitoring of BP’s use of underwater dispersants in the Gulf of Mexico at http://www.epa.gov/bpspill. EPA received this data from BP last night and posted it within hours. Dispersants are a chemical used to break up oil into small droplets so that they are more easily degraded. Dispersants are generally less toxic than the oils they break down.
This is part of EPA’s continued commitment to make air, water, sediment and dispersant monitoring data available to the public as quickly as possible and to ensure the citizens of the gulf region have access to all relevant public and environmental health information relating to the BP spill.
On May 15, EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard authorized BP to use dispersants underwater at the source of the Deepwater Horizon leak. As the dispersant is used underwater, BP is required to do constant, scientifically rigorous monitoring so EPA scientists may determine the dispersant’s effectiveness and impact on the environment, water and air quality, and human health. EPA is posting the information BP collects during the monitoring to ensure the public has access to this data.
While EPA has not yet identified any significant effects on aquatic life, EPA today also directed BP to begin using, within 72 hours, a less toxic and more effective dispersant. EPA took this step because BP is using this dispersant in unprecedented volumes and, last week, began using it underwater at the source of the leak – a procedure that has never been tried before. Given the unprecedented use, EPA wants to ensure BP is using the least toxic approved product.
Regardless of which dispersant BP uses, EPA has been and will continue to closely scrutinize the monitoring results. EPA still reserves the right to stop BP’s use of dispersants underwater entirely if the science indicates that this dispersant method has negative impacts on the environment that outweighs its benefits.
EPA continues to add information to its BP oil spill response Web site to keep the public informed about the impact of the spill and the EPA’s response. The public can also see results of EPA’s ongoing air, water and soil quality monitoring on the Web site.
5/20/2010 - WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last night began posting results from the ongoing monitoring of BP’s use of underwater dispersants in the Gulf of Mexico at http://www.epa.gov/bpspill. EPA received this data from BP last night and posted it within hours. Dispersants are a chemical used to break up oil into small droplets so that they are more easily degraded. Dispersants are generally less toxic than the oils they break down.
This is part of EPA’s continued commitment to make air, water, sediment and dispersant monitoring data available to the public as quickly as possible and to ensure the citizens of the gulf region have access to all relevant public and environmental health information relating to the BP spill.
On May 15, EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard authorized BP to use dispersants underwater at the source of the Deepwater Horizon leak. As the dispersant is used underwater, BP is required to do constant, scientifically rigorous monitoring so EPA scientists may determine the dispersant’s effectiveness and impact on the environment, water and air quality, and human health. EPA is posting the information BP collects during the monitoring to ensure the public has access to this data.
While EPA has not yet identified any significant effects on aquatic life, EPA today also directed BP to begin using, within 72 hours, a less toxic and more effective dispersant. EPA took this step because BP is using this dispersant in unprecedented volumes and, last week, began using it underwater at the source of the leak – a procedure that has never been tried before. Given the unprecedented use, EPA wants to ensure BP is using the least toxic approved product.
Regardless of which dispersant BP uses, EPA has been and will continue to closely scrutinize the monitoring results. EPA still reserves the right to stop BP’s use of dispersants underwater entirely if the science indicates that this dispersant method has negative impacts on the environment that outweighs its benefits.
EPA continues to add information to its BP oil spill response Web site to keep the public informed about the impact of the spill and the EPA’s response. The public can also see results of EPA’s ongoing air, water and soil quality monitoring on the Web site.
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