The resources and effectiveness on the battlefield of radical Islamic groups in Syria are drawing more moderate rebels into their camp – at least for now, according to Valerie Szybala, a Syria analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. According to Szybala, private donors in the Gulf (notably Saudi Arabia and Qatar) are driving the… Keep reading →
Other Defense
In a statement issued Sept. 28, the Department of Veterans Affairs warned that funding for veterans benefits “will run out by late October” if the federal government shuts down. “At that point, VA will be unable to make any payments.” While claims processors at the Veterans Benefits Administration would continue working after a shutdown, funding… Keep reading →
National security cannot be diminished in the event of a federal government shutdown, American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger said Monday. “The political impasse that is threatening to shut down the U.S. government cannot and must not compromise the readiness and welfare of our armed forces and their support personnel,” said Dellinger, who leads… Keep reading →
Servicemembers Doubt Congress Will Act In Time To Avoid Government Shutdown, First Command Reports
By businesswireThe majority of servicemembers and their families doubt that lawmakers will take appropriate actions to avoid a government shutdown in October or a second round of sequestration in the coming year, according to the First Command Financial Behaviors Index®. The latest survey results reveal that 86 percent of middle-class military families (senior NCOs and commissioned… Keep reading →
Purdue University Software Toolkit Provides Visual Analytics to Aid Law Enforcement, First-Responders
By businesswirePurdue University researchers have developed a new tool for law enforcement officers and disaster assistance first-responders to reduce crime and assist people. The tool is called the Visual Analytics Law Enforcement Toolkit, or VALET. Developed at Purdue’s Homeland Security Center of Excellence, the toolkit software provides real-time data so officers can analyze high-volume criminal, traffic… Keep reading →