Alex Martin

I recently attended the 6th RedQueenEvent in California, https://lnkd.in/egwKzmah, co-organized by Steve Blank, co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, and Peter Newell, CEO of the innovation company BMNT. This event focused on sharing experiences among innovators, defence experts, and the tech world, specifically addressing the challenges of implementing and accelerating innovation. The key takeaways from this session are as follows: - Military innovation is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven in large part by the arms race in Asia, which is taking place both in traditional and cutting-edge domains (AI, space, cognitive tools, robotics, etc.). The speed of adaptation is crucial for Western militaries to maintain or regain superiority. Their ability to deter and defend depends on it. Europe has a significant opportunity but must act quickly to avoid being left behind in this race. - Massive investments by US venture capital funds are profoundly disrupting the balance of power between "legacy" industry and "new tech" which, as Elon Musk style, is bringing new and economically viable solutions to military problems. This is particularly evident in the worlds of drones and AI. The US financial world is anticipating the long-term effects on the defence business of the growing global disorder. Europe urgently needs to implement similar methods to leverage its excellent researchers and start-up creators and remain competitive. Its sovereignty and prosperity depend on it. - Digital technology is central to this race as it enables the understanding, design, and production of adaptable and incremental hardware and software tools. The shift to cloud computing for militaries is as essential as it is for large companies as it accelerates decision-making processes and streamlines resources. This is the precondition for the implementation of AI products. - The challenges to be overcome to stay in the race are numerous. They primarily relate to cultural issues within organizations: * Understanding the stakes of technology and therefore knowing it better (the level of knowledge on these subjects is generally insufficient in administrations). * Understanding how products and services are built using different methods, not based on specifications but on user interaction. The role of staff in this approach is profoundly modified. * Finding ways, within systems that are very rich in norms (particularly legal and financial) and risk-averse, to embark on agile and dynamic projects. Speed is key. The moment is decisive. We must "rediscover the spirit of pioneers to stay in the big leagues." It's possible!

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https://lnkd.in/e_R62ax4 "A legislative proposal presented by the U.S. Navy could pave the way for the acquisition of foreign, used vessels to enhance sealift capabilities, offering a cost-effective solution to bolster readiness, according to the Inside Defense. The proposal, discussed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti during a recent House Armed Services Committee Navy budget hearing, seeks to increase the Secretary of Defense’s authority to acquire such vessels to recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force. “The proposal increases the Secretary of Defense’s authority to acquire foreign-built, used vessels, to support effort to cost-effectively recapitalize the Ready Reserve Force,” a Navy spokesperson told Inside Defense. The potential acquisition of foreign, used cargo ships represents a pragmatic approach to swiftly augmenting the military’s sealift capacity at a fraction of the cost of constructing new vessels. With the current age of ships in the fleet averaging around 45 years, well beyond their expected lifespan, the need for modernization is evident. A key consideration in favor of purchasing used ships is their affordability compared to new builds. A Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) ship with 15 years of service, roughly halfway through its expected lifespan, can be acquired for approximately $60 million, significantly less than the $500 million cost per hull for a new vessel. While new ships offer longer service life, the budgetary constraints faced by the Navy necessitate exploring alternative options to maintain readiness. The Navy’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget underscores the prioritization of readiness over modernization, reflecting fiscal realities and the imperative to sustain operational capabilities amid constrained resources. This strategic shift emphasizes the importance of cost-effective solutions to meet operational requirements and ensure the Navy’s ability to fulfill its mission in an evolving security landscape."

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🚀 FY25 House Spending Bill Developments 🚀 The House Armed Services Committee has recently advanced its annual defense spending bill. The $833 billion budget is poised to enhance our air power significantly, add more F-35s to our fleet, provide further aid for Israel, and block a proposal to transfer Guard personnel to the Space Force. Key highlights include: ✈️ Increased investments in 5th and 6th-generation aircraft like the F-35 and Next-Generation Air Dominance. 💥 Prevention of the early retirement of three ships and retention of the U-2 and certain F-15s, rejecting the Biden Administration’s naval and air force divestment plans. 💰 A 4.5% pay raise for all military personnel; $2.5 billion allocated for an additional 15% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers. While these additions are noteworthy, the bill realigns $18 billion in funds requested in President Joe Biden’s budget proposal, resulting in cuts to: ❌ $916 million for Pentagon civilian jobs ❌ $621 million for climate change initiatives ❌ $53 million associated with diversity and inclusion training Additionally, the bill proposes cutting all funding for Ukraine 🇺🇦 and prohibiting paid leave and travel or related expenses for federal employees or their dependents to obtain abortion or abortion-related services. For a deeper dive into the specifics and implications of this proposed bill, check out the full article in the link provided in the comment below! #AirForce #USAF #F35 #U2 #savetheU2 #MilitarySpending #NationalSecurity #DefenseBudget #InnovationInDefense #Aerospace

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Ep 374: TSgt Matt Caples: AFSPECWAR Guard Life vs. Active Duty https://lnkd.in/gBt2f-AB Aaron Love Trenton Seegmiller In this episode, Aaron, Peaches, Trent, and TSgt Matt Caples get into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to succeed in Air Force Special Warfare, from choosing between Guard and active duty to maximizing every opportunity. They dive into everything from competitive AGR slots to the stark reality of failing the IFT, and why being disciplined and proactive isn’t optional—it’s essential. Matt gives an insider look at how the Guard works, including the freedom to manage your time and career, and how to get back into the game if you’ve been on the sidelines. The team lays it out: the pros, the cons, and what it truly means to earn your place in a competitive world. If you're ready to take ownership, face the hard truths, and figure out if you’ve got what it takes to thrive in special warfare, this episode pulls no punches. Whether you're in the Guard, active duty, or considering a big career move, this conversation will show you how to turn your ambition into action. Join the Ones Ready community, hit subscribe, and check out OnesReady.com for more gear and insights to keep you mission-ready. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Product Promotion 04:33 Transition to Air National Guard Discussion 05:29 Matthew Caples: Background and Military Journey 19:12 Joining the Air National Guard: Process and Requirements 32:14 Tech P Selection Process and Training Overview 36:43 Understanding Guard Slots and Opportunities 38:39 Understanding Active Guard Reserve vs. Traditional Guard 42:24 The Competitive Nature of AGR Positions 46:43 Navigating the Recruitment Process for Special Warfare 52:22 Vision and ASVAB Requirements for Special Warfare 56:42 Addressing Common Questions from Prior Service Members 01:01:04 The Impact of ASOS Closures on Special Warfare 01:08:58 Understanding the Future of TACP and Special Warfare Join this channel to get access to perks: https://lnkd.in/gFWiye3b Collabs: Ones Ready Merch: onesready.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready (18afitness.com) ATAC Fitness - Follow the URL: https://shorturl.at/ackyD (onesready.com) CardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADY (cardomax.com) Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADY (drinkhoist.com) S4FE-D - Promo Code: ONESREADY (s4fe-d.com) Danger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADY (dangercloseapparel.com) Kill Cliff - Promo Code: PODCASTKC20 (killcliff.com) The views and opinions expressed by the OnesReady team and all guests are those of the team and themselves, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD. Any content provided by our Podcast guests, bloggers, sponsors, or authors is their opinion and is not intended to malign the DoD, any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone.

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Marine Corps expands radar portfolio in accordance with Force Design evolution

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Superb article in CIMSEC by R. Robinson Harris, containing the following quote by Dmitry Filipoff, “…no other service needs to be more invested in tactical superiority and solid warfighting doctrine than navies. If a carrier strike group falls prey to a single missile salvo, that’s about seven thousand lives and $20 billion dollars that is lost in a matter of minutes. By comparison, those numbers would get you about 2,000 tanks, but there is no plausible combat scenario where two thousand tanks are destroyed in a couple minutes. Modern naval warfare is an absolutely brutal form of combat, and because of that, nobody stands to lose so much so quickly from their tactical shortfalls than navies. In naval warfare especially, tactical shortfalls can rapidly escalate into strategic liabilities…” Solid thinking (very unusual in naval circles), cogently argued and well evidenced. Instead of regurgitating 19th and 20th Century naval fallacies, perhaps naval leaders should take heed and spend a little more time on their warfighting doctrine.

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Pentagon asks Congress for Indo-Pacific Security Assistance Initiative Read more on the link below. #defense #sbir #military #jointwerx @jointwerx @blackhaysgroup #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #consulting #strategy #leanstartups #startup #growthhacking

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Appreciate the great collaboration between PEO IEW&S , Army Futures Command (ACM-IS), Mass Virtual and the ISR Task Force to discuss virtualized training options that will enhance human performance in an affordable and scalable way. The Intelligence enterprise is faced with a unique challenge in support of the US Army. We employ low density systems, we maintain them with low density military specialties, and we are expected to integrate cutting edge technology faster than our institutional training processes can keep pace. So how do we conduct relevant training quickly, effectively and affordably in the 21st century? We virtualize the training. Yesterday I asked the team to get a little uncomfortable and find a way to demonstrate this capability during our flagship intelligence experiment in September. I want our senior leaders to immerse themselves in a virtual world to see how a 35-series Soldier will interact with component-level parts without ever touching the system. Imagine the possibilities we create if we can certify our back-shop support without ever pulling capital assets out of the fight.

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More great news on progress of FY25 #NDAA 10 U.S.C. § 333 revision [Senate version] Critical update will expand the scope of #IrregularWarfare BPC for strategic competition—absolutely required to assist partners maintain #sovereignty against adversary #GrayZone coercion & provide layer of irregular #deterrence to complement conventional and nuclear capabilities. https://lnkd.in/eanyBGFG Mick Crnkovich , Richard Tilley , Kevin B. , Nick Urbonowicz , Katie Breckenridge Crombe , Kaley Scholl , Doug Livermore , Joint Special Operations University , Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) , Irregular Warfare Initiative , Kyle Atwell , Zachary Griffiths , Michael Moad , James Micciche , Jan K. Gleiman (Ken) , Cole Livieratos , Rick Chersicla , David Maxwell , Arnel David , Jahara "FRANKY" Matisek (PhD) , Renanah Miles Joyce , Rick Manley , United States Senate Committee on Armed Services

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NSM-22: National Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Released This first step in successfully confronting complex policy issues is accountability. NMS-22 gives a big boost to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to take the lead across fed, state, local, and tribal government agencies to address the vulnerabilities to PRC exploitation in U.S. critical infrastructure that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently highlighted. It identifies the CISA Sector Risk Management Agencies as the coordinating bodies for specific action as well as directing common "risk" terminology and minimum standards across the government among other things. Finally, and maybe best of all, it sets implementation timelines in days not months or years. "The Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate the national effort to enhance the security and resilience of United States critical infrastructure and provide strategic guidance on this national effort, based on national priorities and sector-specific or cross-sector risk assessments and plans, including through the National Infrastructure Risk Management Plan (National Plan), as required by statute. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall maintain situational awareness about emerging trends, imminent threats, vulnerabilities, and the consequences of incidents that could jeopardize the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall make recommendations to the President, in coordination with SRMAs and other relevant departments and agencies, on the list of designated critical infrastructure sectors, subsectors, and SRMAs — prioritizing critical infrastructure for national security and resilience efforts." #criticalinfrastructure #dhs #cisa #greatpowercompetition https://lnkd.in/dPKr7gpr

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It has been a professionally rewarding week for our U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) team. Thanks to Peter Im for sharing your IA Scholars that added an important element. Thanks also to The Army University Department of Simulations and Exercises led by the great James Sterrett that provided great support to us and the exceptional team from MSTP. More work to do this week and next in grappling with multi/all-domain challenges faced by the JTF. Key reflection from the Phase 1 hotwash I observed today: Convergence is about tempo not speed. The practioneer needs to modify the frequency and amplitude of operations in the domains to produce convergence. For instance, due to potential long lead times to realize cyber or space effects, you might have to "slow" activities in other domains and dimensions to synchronize all effects at the time you need it. U.S. Army Combined Arms Center | US Army TRADOC

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Jones Group International, LLC is honored to support an urgent and timely panel hosted by the American-Turkish Business Roundtable (ATBR) next Monday in Istanbul, Turkey discussing the impacts from the US elections. Featuring two former Supreme Allied Commanders, General James L. Jones and General Tod D. Wolters, alongside Ambassador Matthew Bryza, this event will delve into the strategic dynamics impacting the U.S.-Türkiye relationship at a critical moment. As NATO and the West assess the growing threats from Russia and Iran, the partnership between the U.S. and Türkiye has never been more important. Türkiye’s pivotal role in NATO underscores its significance in bolstering European security and regional stability, and this discussion will explore how recent developments shape our collective response to these challenges. Generals Jones and Wolters, both esteemed leaders of Jones Group International, LLC, will reflect on the recent U.S. election and its potential impact on NATO, regional stability, and the enduring U.S.-Türkiye alliance. Their unique insights promise a compelling dialogue on the future of transatlantic cooperation and strategic partnerships. We invite you to join us in exploring the path forward for NATO and the U.S.-Türkiye relationship at this crucial juncture. #ATBR #JGI #NATO #USTürkiye #DefenseAlliance #StrategicPartnership #TransatlanticRelations #strongerwithpartners

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In August, Marine Corps Logistics Integrated Information Solutions (LI2S-MC), in collaboration with  Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC), facilitated tests for the latest version of the Integrated Computerized Deployment System (ICODES) — the DoD’s force deployment application. ICODES is an essential application that ensures effective transportation planning in both peacetime and wartime operations. The DoD uses ICODES to automate load planning and track cargo movements across land, air, and sea. The September ICODES deployment includes updates and new features to enhance functionality for planners and operators. The team updated two ICODES modules — the Sea Service Deployment Module (SSDM) and the Single Load Planner (SLP) — making it easier to generate documentation required for the military unit move process. New features include:  📍 A new interface with the Consolidated Air Mobility Planning System (CAMPS) Increment 1 (Inc 1) to transfer unit deployment airlift request data and all supporting airlift documentation to CAMPS Inc 1, and feed data into the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) system for sourcing and scheduling aircraft. 📍 The Joint Equipment Characteristics Database (JECD) module, a new prime repository for cargo characteristics of all equipment across the DoD. Required to process cargo for transportation,  relocating cargo characteristic data to the ICODES application will allow personnel to use it across all ICODES modules — enabling more precise unit deployment planning.  📍 A new Training and Resource tab offering computer-based training modules featuring step-by-step videos on various ICODES capabilities, helping users better utilize and navigate the system. #PEOMLB #LI2SMC Christine Rodriguez, Mary Thoms, Margaret "Peggy" Toth, Michael Buccola, Marine Corps Systems Command, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC)

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Team BlueHalo conducts demo for USSF’s SCAR program Read more on the link below. #defense #sbir #military #jointwerx @jointwerx @blackhaysgroup #governmentcontracts #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #consulting #strategy #leanstartups #startup #growthhacking

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🇺🇸🇳🇪🛫 The United States Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of #Niger announced the completion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces and assets from Base Air 201 in #Agadez on August 5, 2024. According to Olayinka Ajala, neither the foreign military presence nor the establishment of the drone base succeeded in weakening terrorist organizations in Niger and the #Sahel region in general due to "a lack of understanding of local conflict dynamics, an inability to address the root causes of terrorism, and a disconnect between respecting human rights and fighting terrorism (referring to restrictions)." "US military is leaving Niger even less secure: why it didn’t succeed in combating terrorism," Olayinka Ajala - The Conversation Africa https://lnkd.in/e3yP9Zne. * Aerial drone image of Base Air 201 in Agadez (Nick Turse https://lnkd.in/eAdXK2K4). #AFRICOM🇺🇸🌍 #AnotherDéjàVu🇦🇫🇱🇾🇸🇴 Only the Pentagon could call its drone base in Agadez, Niger - the largest “airman-built” project in Air Force history - a “low-cost” facility. So far, it has cost US taxpayers around a quarter-billion dollars. #UStaxpayers💸

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