Archive for category Technology
Now this is some cool technology. I could see how this would be very helpful to law enforcement for investigations. But of course, the ACLU has shown some concern about such devices being used and how they could infringe on privacy rights. That is a legal issue, and I am more concerned about the utility of such a device.
This is what I was thinking as soon as saw the thing. The US military/contractors should have these devices at every major FOB where local nationals are working at, and every cellphone that comes through the gates or is held at the gate, should be scanned. I would even do it without the individuals knowing that it was done. All is fair in love and war, and if folks are using their cellphones to make communications with the enemy, I think it is within our best interest to find that out.
You could also set up check points throughout a city of interest in a war zone, to randomly collect cellphone data. Because cellphones are being used everywhere in the war zones and developing world, it is dumb not to tap into that resource and use it for some kind of tactical advantage.
Of course this technology is nothing new or radical, and I am sure the FBI and others have been using it for awhile. What is interesting though is the ease of how to collect and organize this information. Next step will be scanners that folks walk through, and the phones are automatically scanned without having to hook them up to anything. These scanners could be hidden and placed in key places within cities, and anyone with a cellphone/smart phone, will be scanned without knowing it. Then with data mining software, all that information could be scanned for patterns or for red flag numbers, etc. This could even be added to a census program–which we have learned in places like in Iraq that this kind of data is vital for understanding the terrain in which you fight. Lots of interesting uses for this stuff. -Matt
UFED Physical Pro
Recover hidden and deleted data from mobile phones and GPS devices
The Cellebrite UFED Physical Pro is a high-end, all-in-one solution for logical and physical extraction. The UFED Physical Pro expands your current device capabilities to extract deleted mobile device data, user passwords, file system dumps, and physical extraction from GPS devices.
With expanded coverage that now includes more than 3000 phones and a growing list of GPS devices, UFED Physical Pro provides the most complete mobile forensics solution available on the market.
Utilizing UFED’s simple and field-proven user interface, a complete high-speed hex dump of the phone memory is delivered without the need of cumbersome PC drivers. Critical data such as user lock codes, and deleted information such as text messages, call history, pictures, and video are sorted and retrieved by Cellebrite’s Physical Pro engine. The UFED Physical Pro also includes robust search tools for manual hex dump analysis, as well as an expert mode, which allows advanced capabilities for researchers. Read the rest of this entry »
Now this is some interesting technology. Anything that can create synchronicity between a rifle’s barrel and it’s sights is a good thing in my book. How it will be used is the question though. If the equipment is durable enough, maybe this might be something cool to have on the weapon at all times. But the way I envision the thing is that it would be a way of testing barrels and sights prior to missions, hunting, competition, or training. The information would also help a shooter to better understand the relationship between rifle, scope, ammo and all the little factors that can tweak a shot.
Here is a thought. If you were to couple this technology with the BORS technology or any of the ranging scopes that are coming out, then we could see the potential for some serious smart rifle action. Here is another idea. I think a competition between a robot sniper and a human sniper would make for a great competition. Both would have five shots at an equal distant target, and shoot close to the same time with the same conditions. Would the robot or human make the more accurate shot? -Matt
A laboratory prototype of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Reticle Compensating Rifle Barrel Reference Sensor allows Slobodan Rajic to fine-tune the technology. The system precisely measures the deflection of the barrel relative to the sight and then electronically makes corrections. (ORNL photo by Ron Walli)
ORNL rifle sighting system uses sensors to score bull’s-eye
Crosshairs automatically adjust for conditions in real time
Ron Walli,
April 15, 2011
Military and police marksmen could see their rifle sights catch up with the 21st century with a fiber-optic laser-based sensor system that automatically corrects for even tiny barrel disruptions.
The system, developed by a team led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Slobodan Rajic, precisely measures the deflection of the barrel relative to the sight and then electronically makes the necessary corrections. The lifesaving results are lethal.
“For military snipers, missing the target could allow high-profile terrorists to escape,” Rajic said. “For police marksmen, missing the kidnapper could endanger the lives of hostages and then pose subsequent danger to police officers and the public.” Read the rest of this entry »
A Group of Expatriate Executives and Engineers Furtively Restore Telecommunications for the Libyan OppositionAPRIL 13, 2011By MARGARET COKER and CHARLES LEVINSONWSJ’s Margaret Coker reports on efforts by telecommunications executives to restore cell phone service to rebels in eastern Libya, allowing them to communicate without interference from government personnel loyal to Col. Moammar Gadhafi.A team led by a Libyan-American telecom executive has helped rebels hijack Col. Moammar Gadhafi’s cellphone network and re-establish their own communications.The new network, first plotted on an airplane napkin and assembled with the help of oil-rich Arab nations, is giving more than two million Libyans their first connections to each other and the outside world after Col. Gadhafi cut off their telephone and Internet service about a month ago. Read the rest of this entry »
This is neat. A friend of FJ and fellow security contractor has started a blog that deals with mobile apps for the Android operating system. This smart phone/operating system is awesome, and it definitely is winning over contractors, police and military folks alike. So if you are an Android user, this blog is for you. Definitely subscribe via RSS, use the badge below, or sign up for the Facebook page. And definitely ‘Tweet’ and ‘Like’ his posts if you support the content and want more of it.
On an artistic and technical note, they have a great little logo/brand and the website is very SEO friendly and easy on the eyes. -Matt
Welcome to Milidroid!
March 21, 2011
Milidroid is your one stop source for all thing military related to the android platform and associated equipment. We bring you industry news, articles on apps that may be of interest to those in the military, product announcements and reviews.
We are also looking for your input what are you using with your Android? Let us know what equipment, apps and accessories you find useful. If you are a developer give us the scoop and we’ll help you get the word out.
Mission Statement:
Milidroid is here to provide a resource for those seeking information on military specific uses for the Android platform and associated apps, devices, and equipment.
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Milidroid is Android readable right our of the box. No need to install a special app just visit the site in your browser and read.
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The “Android Market Badge” is a multifunction feature. For starters it’s a link that will take you to the app in the Android Market whether you’re browsing on your computer or Android device. It also has an embedded QR Code that can be scanned with your phone if you have a barcode scanning app, which will also take you directly to the app in the Android Market.
Link to blog here.
Link to Milidroid Facebook here.
Over the last ten years, we have become more lethal, but we have become heavy. We have lost speed. To reset the balance, we must return to our Spartan roots—fast, lethal, and austere.-From the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation plan.
This is an excellent article and website that details all of the benefits that the Marines have gained from becoming more self-reliant and energy efficient out there. It is also a big heads up to private industry that as the military becomes more Spartan, so shall the PMC/PSC industry.(if they want to compete)
I could also see new job types popping up because of these energy strategy initiatives. Contracts could stipulate that there be a ‘Energy Resource Manager’ on site, whose sole purpose is to monitor energy and water use and keep it at a certain level. Could we see a day where in order to be contract compliant, that a company had to maintain a certain amount of energy and water use, or be penalized? Hmmm. Well, if the Marines think energy management is of strategic importance, then perhaps logistics contracts will begin to emphasize this kind of thing?
Of course the other reason why energy management and going green is important is that it can save lives. The less fuel convoys or water convoys needed to sustain a remote site, the better. That means less exposure to the roads for those convoy teams, and less targets for the enemy. It also means that if a site can operate without that artery of logistics, then that alleviates a huge burden both for private industry and for the military.
This minimized dependency on logistics also expands the reach of a unit or company in the field, and allows them to venture further away from the larger FOBs, or to patrol longer in AOs that need constant attention in this COIN-centric war.
Finally, if you watch the big picture of energy–it absolutely sucks to depend upon other nations for oil. Especially nations in the Middle East that are impacted by regional instability. The Ares Blog mentioned that ‘A $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oil, at current consumption levels, would be equivalent to the entire Marine Corps’ procurement budget.’
That is startling to think about, and that is just the Marines. A ripple in the energy world definitely impacts the cost of operations in the war, and becoming more energy efficient and diversifying our energy sources is smart and a necessity in my view.
Finally, I wanted to highlight ExFOB’s website and latest FBO request. They are looking for a way to charge all of their gadgets from their vehicles, without wasting all of that fuel required to run a vehicle’s generators. If you think about all of the thousands of vehicles being used by the military, with each vehicle filled with energy consuming electronic devices, you can see the scope of energy consumption problem here? Perhaps one idea is to just arm everyone with smart phones and solar panels, and give our infantry a horse to ride? ….lol -Matt
Marines and sailors of India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and their Afghan national army counterparts, pose in front of a modified ZeroBase Regenerator at Patrol Base Sparks, in Sangin District, Dec. 29. The ZeroBased Regenerator, nicknamed the Raptor, after the type of power cells in its six solar panels, can keep more than 17 computers and 15 lighting units running throughout the night. The Marines of 1st Platoon, added four more panels to their Raptor for further solar energy conservation.Renewable energy vital to Marines success in Afghanistan
By Gunnery Sgt. William Price , 1st Marine Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE JACKSON, Afghanistan — The Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment have tapped into a vital renewable energy source – the sun – to help take the fight to the enemy in Sangin District.
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu advised that one of the most important rules of warfare is to “know thine enemy.” At the chess table, the more you know about your opponent — how he has played in the past, his favorite moves, his strengths and weaknesses — the more likely you are to defeat him. Knowing these things requires sorting through a wealth of information — and that’s where computers come in….
Kris says today’s chess players have absolutely benefited from the technology: “They are better players because of it, and they’re achieving more at a younger age. Bobby Fischer was considered an anomaly when he earned the grandmaster title at 15. Today, if you aren’t a GM by the age of 14 or 15, you probably won’t go far in chess. Talent will always matter, but technology is helping talented players learn faster and better.”
What would a war game look like between a Boyd Machine(or just Boyd) and General Petraeus? Or better yet, a general or political strategist with a Boyd Machine assisting in strategy and planning? These are some interesting concepts to ponder as militaries, companies, and politicians continue to seek that edge that will help them to defeat their opponents.
If you look at the progression of machine development for Chess playing, Deep Blue was the end result of continuous improvements (kaizen) to the software. Deep Blue ended up beating the human race’s top chess player and that is significant. It is a key point to remember when conceptualizing the Boyd Machine.
Furthermore, I believe that Watson will at one point dominate Jeopardy. It is doing very well now, and the four years of work on the machine is telling. Even if it doesn’t do it now, it will certainly do it in the near future because of Kaizen and because of Moore’s Law.
So with these two examples of a machine evolution, is it a stretch to envision a computer defeating a top general or a team of generals in a war game? After all, war is the ultimate game of chess.
I will take this a step further. If not man versus machine in the endeavor of war, how about cyborg versus cyborg? The way the human race is interfacing with machines in the present could easily classify us as ‘cyborgs’. We carry around smart phones or cellphones, we check our computers daily and highly depend on both of these devices. Most humans have a hard time being away from their computer or phone, because they are so important to their lives. This is reality.
So with that said, imagine a general with a Boyd machine, versus another general with his machine? Or a CEO hybrid versus a CEO hybrid. You get the idea, and this is exactly the point of the various articles below.
In the world of Chess, this reality has already presented itself. Will we see a similar future where strategists in political campaigns or military campaigns will be assisted by a machine for planning? I think so, because that is the natural progression, and the computing power is there thanks to Moore’s Law and Kaizen.
Remember the rule of mimicry strategy? Folks will copy the most successful strategies for winning, and add one little thing to it to give them the edge. If everyone knows all the strategies and thought processes of all of mankind’s strategists and their opponent’s history, then what would give an edge to one side over the other? Could a Boyd machine be that edge? Something that can analyze and synthesize faster than an opponent. Or help it’s human counterpart’s decision making cycle and come up with the winning strategies necessary to win that war, campaign, or competition in a market place? Interesting stuff.
It would also be cool to see how such a Boyd machine would be constructed. Take all of his theories and papers, as well as all of the material ever created in regards to strategy, and construct a machine that would think like Boyd? There are plenty of individuals out there that could contribute as advisors to such a project. Best of all, it would be really cool to build a Sun Tzu machine or a Clausewitz machine, and have cyborg teams war game against one another. Al Qaeda or Taliban machines could be constructed as well, and I think war gaming in the future will greatly benefit from such efforts. -Matt
Edit: 02/17/2011- Watson wins in Jeopardy, which to me is incredible because this was it’s first attempt! Watson won $77,147 to Mr. Jennings’s $24,000 and Mr. Rutter’s $21,600. Good job to the crew at IBM for building such an amazing machine.
Watson, the ‘Jeopardy!’ computer, has grander plans
IBM’s Watson Just Latest Edition of Man Vs. Machine Battle
The role of computers in planning chess strategy
The website for IBM’s Watson here.
TED: We Are All Cyborgs Now, Amber Case
Watson, the ‘Jeopardy!’ computer, has grander plans
02/16/2011
By Hayley Tsukayama
Watson, the computer that’s winning hearts and cash on “Jeopardy!” this week, is more than just a pretty interface.
David F. McQueeney, vice president of IBM Research said that Watson’s real applications are far more practical. The computer is actually intended to help users get a handle on unstructured data such as text, e-mails and in-company mail messages.
“We’ve been working for a long time about helping humans navigate a large amount of data, ” McQueeney told Post Tech in an interview. “There’s all kinds of incredibly valuable information about the way an agency runs in unstructured data, and we’ve been working for decades on extracting meaning and structure from it.”
What McQueeney hopes IBM can do by showing Watson off on television is let people know machines have evolved to the point where they can help humans struggle with problems without having to modify all the data for a computer.
“I’m so pleased that the ‘Jeopardy!’ producers agreed to work with us,” he said, “and I’m as pleased as they are that the result was good science and good entertainment.”
This is pretty cool. Although the real test is if the guys out in the field will actually use this in combat? But the idea of how this guy dreamed it up and put his heart and soul into the project to get it out there is really inspirational.
With that said, with a quick search you can find several programers out there that will build apps for a price. If you have an idea and have the 15,000 to 20,000 dollars to contract out the project, then maybe you too could come up with a life saving app, or even an enemy killing app that could give military or contractors the edge out there. No word yet on when the app will be available in iTunes, nor do I know the cost.-Matt
Soldier develops Smartphone app to track Taliban: Tactical Nav can pinpoint enemy and direct fire
By Paul Thompson27th January 2011
An iPhone app that tracks down the Taliban has been developed by a US soldier who used pds 17,000 of his own money into the project.
Captain Jonathan J. Springer said the idea for a Smartphone app to help soldiers in combat came to him in a dream last July.
The 31-year-old, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has worked with programmers ever since to make the idea a reality.
Smart idea: Captain Springer (pictured here testing his invention in Afghanistan) used a variety of armoured vehicles, remote observation posts and harsh combat conditions to test the accuracy of his invention
Tactical Nav, which is expected to be available through Apple’s App Store next month, assists soldiers in mapping, plotting and photographing waypoints on a battleground and conveying coordinates to supporting units.
Captain Springer used a variety of armoured vehicles, remote observation posts and harsh combat conditions to test the accuracy of his invention, which can also be used to direct artillery fire on enemy positions or call in helicopter support.
The soldier, who serves as a battalion fire support officer in eastern Afghanistan, said most soldiers use smartphones and the app has been designed specifically for them. Read the rest of this entry »
But Career Element is drawing attention for its dream job feature, which allows people like Elizalde to name the price they are willing to pay to land a high-quality position.
If an “agent” helps Elizalde get a job, his $10,000 bounty will be released – 87.5 percent to the agent, and 12.5 percent to Career Element.
“The best way to get a job is through networking,” Campbell said. “But if you don’t know people, this is a great way to get their attention.”
Now this is interesting. I stumbled upon this website and news story the other day while doing a search on bounties, and this thing popped up. The concept is all about offering a cash award to anyone that can get you your dream job! Pretty cool huh?
I have not signed up with this deal, but this is how it could work for anyone in our industry. If you are the job seeker, you sign up and you post what type of job or jobs you are looking for in the industry. Obviously you should be qualified for the jobs, but still, put it out there and put up a sizable bounty that could get you some interest. In the example above, this guy posted a $10,000 dollar bounty for his particular field. The question you need to ask as a security contractor is how much of a bounty would it take to get anyone interested in finding you a job?
The other element to this is the agents. For those of you who are on gigs who pull some weight with the company you are with, your recommendation of a qualified individual that is just trying to get into an industry like this, could make you a little money and help someone out. Because what the job seeker is trying to do here is get a ‘network’ of agents, fueled by the possibility of collecting a bounty for their work or recommendation.
This Career Elements website also promotes the negotiation period, which will further allow the job seeker and agent to talk about what is required for the task. The agent can also determine if they even want to recommend this job seeker.
What is interesting with our industry is that there are numerous types of jobs out there that a guy could be qualified for, but because a job seeker doesn’t know anyone in the industry or know how to navigate it, getting a foot in the door could be rough. Or getting their foot in the right door could be difficult as well. An agent could also find that one job that the job seeker didn’t even think about. Either way, it would be a way of connecting experienced job seekers (agents), with the folks that do not have an established network and want a job.
The article below also talked about potential drawbacks of a system like this. That recruiters from the companies might come onto a site like this and go after bounties to get people. Would this be unethical? I mean if a job seeker is qualified and is willing to fork over a bounty just to land a job, I would classify that as pretty dedicated. Not everyone can be good at finding jobs, and something like this is just another way to achieve that goal.
I have noticed that companies already offer bounties to individuals that bring qualified linguists to them. Folks that are in high demand are worth several thousand dollars in head hunting fees. Some companies even offered rewards for bringing in special forces types to high level contracts. So if companies can do this, why can’t contractors offer bounties to agents that could find them the jobs they are looking for?
Oh, and one more thing. I am not sure if Career Element has a policy against security contractors using their site. I didn’t see anything that would prohibit our industry from participating, but you never know. And if they do have a problem, this might be a new thing for someone to start just for this industry? -Matt
Website For Career Element here.
New ways to find jobs: cash bounties, texting
Stop Endless Job Search Trials, Hire an Agent to Land Your Dream Job
New ways to find jobs: cash bounties, texting
By Casey Newton
December 19, 2010
Fernando Elizalde has tried the traditional ways of gaining employment.
He asks his family and friends for leads. He attends networking events. He sends out resumes constantly.
But after more than a year of looking for a job in private equity, and despite a master’s in business administration from UCLA, the 28-year-old finds himself with few leads and a growing sense of frustration.
So Elizalde took a different tack: He recently posted a bounty – $10,000 to the person who lands him a job.
Elizalde is one of the first job seekers to try Career Element, a Palo Alto startup that allows users to post a bounty for anyone who can help them get their job of choice. That person could be a recruiter or someone at the job hunter’s dream company who has inside knowledge on a position opening up.
“I feel like it provides a huge benefit during really hard times,” said Elizalde, who emigrated from Argentina a decade ago and lives in Los Angeles. “It provides more networking opportunities. Yeah, it’s artificial, because in some ways you’re buying those connections. But at the same time, when networking is so important, I don’t see why not.”
With California unemployment at 12.4 percent and the national rate at 9.8 percent, some Bay Area startups are taking novel approaches to helping people find work.
