Is the military ready for an “innovation elevator” — a career path that would allow tech experts to opt out of the traditional personnel process to build and implement groundbreaking ideas for the future force?
It’s the newest proposal put forth by the Defense Innovation Board, a group of high-profile scientists, technicians and businessmen that reports directly to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and is tasked with protecting the military’s tech edge. And whether it’s a step the military should (or is ready to) take, the simple fact that it’s being considered is worth appreciating.
There are no sure answers on how to fend off rising, potentially disruptive tech advances from China and other nations. But there’s one sure way to fail at it: Keep doing everything the same way.
Innovation isn’t limited to the lab. Bureaucracy, even something as entrenched as the military personnel system, must sometimes bend to allow startup-style growth. As one DIB member pointed out, the exceptions and waivers for such programs are in place. All DoD has to do is use them.
It’s a discussion worth having. And as other civilian advisory boards in other parts of government have faded away, this one’s making smart points.
The crew of the Research Vessel Petrel, led by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is on a roll.
The Defense Department on March 8 announced that troops deployed to Niger, Mali and northern Cameroon qualify to receive imminent danger pay/hostile fire pay, retroactive to June 7, 2017.
The other services should pay attention.
The daggers flew this weekend when a disparaging military rant by a California high school teacher went viral.
A technical sergeant from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada came under fire recently after she shared a racially-charged, expletive-laced rant to Facebook.
Tens of thousands of Guard and Reserve soldiers face potential discharges as the Army deals with a tough year for recruiting.
The chief of staff of the Army presided over the ceremony, noting that while the awards were long overdue, they were still worth giving.
The Pentagon's current message is "business as usual."
Emails obtained by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune confirm that federal authorities are probing discrimination claims involving Gov. Greg Abbott’s multibillion-dollar border initiative.
Experts are split on the Army's quick reversal of high school education waivers, but some applicants are left out in the cold.
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