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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Getting Used To the New Threat

When one views the asymmetric threat we no face and will continue to face one is struck by the stark differences in methods of engagement. All through history nation states have engaged in combative activities that have pitted nation state against nation state. The forces involved engaged through predictable and usual modes of assault and defense. The sides were identifiable and usually had long battle histories and honors associated with the units involved. It could have been the Roman Legion vs. Hannibal or the flower of France against Henrys bowmen at Agincourt.  Each unit involved was well known and had distinguished themselves many times in the past. Our own military is rich in the traditions of different units and their battle honors. We have our famous Army airborne units, the 82nd and 101st. The 101st having been of "Band of Brothers" fame. Why is this of significance?  Because the enemy we are engaged with today can site no such path.  How can you continue as an organization when your goal is to blow yourself up or in some other fashion martyr yourself to achieve your objective.  Think how it would sound to be the Osama martyrs brigade with our only legacy being that we all blew ourselves up. Besides the above implications what will be the profound take away from understanding this paradigm shift. ?

Basically it means getting used to focusing on the enabling technology not the cold war model of the platform and numbers being the key. The intelligence community and state department analysis indicates we are involved in a one hundred year struggle with the asymmetrical model. This means always having to re tool your capability to react and respond. The key component of this approach will be the enabling technology of sensors and all the related software. Key standards to be aware of will be DO-178 & DO-254. These standards are the basis of safety critical environments and besides the software bolstering them there is associated sensor hardware that will collect, transmit and process critical information for situational awareness and relevant ISR information. It is also important to understand that given our continued dependence on energy and the worldwide demand that drives the need will make the protection of the entire eco system key. This would start with energy acquisition of all types and move from acquiring it to transporting it, processing it and distribution of it. With all stages of this process come requirements for sensors that are becoming increasingly smarter.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Bringing UAV Capability to the Littoral Space near You

Several years ago I started attending the first Sea Land Air Space Conferences since it was known affectionately as “Navy League”. In the era of “Hunt for Red October” this show was all about sonar and all things ASW. Now in the new asymmetric era the Navy and various worldwide security forces are looking at the littoral space and wondering how to deal with the exponential threats that environment presents over simply a land border. A company that has drawn from its vast experience with UAV activity and is now as Hydronalix manifesting significant technical breakthrough in the area of maritime robotics that will demonstrates many concepts through videos at:


Having worked on the original DARPA autonomous land vehicle program in the mid 80’s it’s rewarding to witness the full coverage of autonomous capability with first the ground space, then air and now water both surface and sub surface. Several key technologies such as infrared vision, power through such capabilities that fuel cells can present and swarming behavior will be among the top challenges. One can only wonder had the Cole been protected by such technology would the terrorist act that occurred have happened.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Great Combination For Total Situational Awareness

Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems Inc. HUMAN-CENTERED, DISMOUNTED, PORTABLE SURVEILLANCE & FORCE PROTECTION SYSTEM http://ow.ly/7YU09



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Digital Signage for Surveillance & Security Applications

The area of Digital Signage is a brand new area of interest and focus within the area of surveillance and security applications, especially when addressing tasks dealing with transit infrastructure, all types of critical infrastructure and protection of major public events. Made possible by the melding of high-end computer graphics with crisp high definition LCD displays operating wirelessly which can automatically update information on safety issues, directions and threat situational awareness. An excellent event that features leading edge technology and methodology is held on an annual basis. See:


Two publications that cover the market are:



Think about the potential scenarios of another 9-11 type event and reflect on the potential to assist people to gain an orderly exit or find treatment for injuries sustained.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

What Would Currant Surveillance & Security Systems Have Accomplished on 12-7-41

How similar is the world now in 2011 to what was happening in 1941? Financial issues worldwide, check, the rise of religious fascism substituting for political fascism, check, the U.S. seeking to reduce defense postures, check, dangerous leaders, check. Seems pretty similar to me ? We can’t help but wonder as another Pearl Harbor Day comes around what is next in store in terms of a terror type attack. While certainly there are similarities in surprise between Pearl Harbor and 9-11 the key fact is that the Japanese attacked in traditional fashion and with traditional weapons and tactics. That was not the case with 9-11 and must be fully and continually articulated and mentioned as we in the west tend to minimize and marginalize the true deceptive and clandestine approach of our terrorist adversaries. One can not help but wonder what the outcome at Pearl Harbor would have been if today’s technology in Surveillance and Security would have been utilized. Early warning as to the approach of the Japanese fleet could have come from UAV’s or satellites. Harbor defense systems would have certainly detected the mini subs seeking to enter the Ford Island channel. While that type of scenario could have played out then and now it is far harder to detect and counter the intentions of the asymmetric threat.
RQ-180 UAV
One constant though is the professionalism and bravery exhibited by our service members yesterday and today. In 1941 we had just months prior to Pearl Harbor instituted a draft. The Navy afloat at Pearl Harbor though were volunteers, many seeking a way out of the hard economic times that dogged the 1930’s. While countless books and movies cover the actual attack it’s interesting to focus on a theme exhibited by the actions of one ship that was in the harbor. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_New_Orleans_ . The crew shaking off the initial shock of the attack rallied around their Chaplin Howell Forgy. From his actions the famous WW 2 song that captured  a generations’ true feelings was born. “Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition” was developed in the forties to help lift sprits and sell bonds but it could have equally demonstrated the bravery of another Navy crew early in the war on terror when  on  10/12/2000  the  Cole was attacked by Islamic terrorists. For additional details    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Cole_bombing  . Just as at Pearl Harbor with the New Orleans, the Coles crew saved their ship and persevered. One again can’t help but wonder had Surveillance and Security techniques and technology available now been used then would the outcome have been different. For example using video biometrics could have proven an early warning as the day before the attack the Cole was boarded by local merchants seeking to sell their wares. In reality they were probing for weakness and latter reporting back to the terror cell planning the attack. Would a micro UAV stationed overhead when the Cole made port call been able to beam pictures of the fishing boat parked outside the terror cell’s house several miles inland and not the usual location for such an object. We can only prepare for the next attack leveraging all our technology while confident that just as with the New Orleans and Cole our service personnel will rise to the occasion.