* The GAO criticizes the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund (DAWDF) for the lack of clarity on when these funds are available and how they should be used.
* As the Syrian civil war escalates, a Syrian pilot defects to Jordan, leaving area observers in shock. There was a Syrian MiG-21 that’s able to fly?!? On a serious note, Col. Hassan Hamada’s family had already escaped to Turkey. Chalk one up for MIT.
* If you haven’t read James Hasik’s analysis of MQ-9 Reaper UAV costs yet, we heartily recommend it.
* The US Naval Institute’s Proceedings magazine offers “Preparing for Today’s Undersea Warfare“, by a US Navy Vice-Admiral and a Lieutenant. A good quick primary on the 4 generations of undersea warfare.
* The US National Park Service sees a lot of uses for mini-UAVs. Reports of drone use by the US Environmental Protection Agency stirred far more controversy – but they’re actually using small manned aircraft. Which still leaves farmers annoyed. The whole area of civilian UAV use is going to involve a lot more than just airspace rules…
* Department of redundant headlines department: “Congress won’t let Panetta close bases: Proponents see politics at play.” Looks like we won’t see a BRAC 2013.
* The US Army Research Laboratory talks about “Condition Based Maintenance” developments & research. Remember that term – it holds the key to many future defense budgets. Video below: