Rapid Fire 2011-04-26: Cloud Computing Limitations

• USAF announces acquisition strategy to recapitalize its HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter and to replace the UH-1N fleet with the Common Vertical Lift Support Platform.

• Teri Takai, DoD’s CIO since October 2010, is cautious about cloud computing and its security drawbacks. Seems timely when some of Amazon.com’s web services were out for several hours last week. Meanwhile Takai’s deputy Robert Carey calls on industry to provide cybersecurity solutions for the military’s new information-sharing enterprise network.

• Iran endures second cyber attack against nuclear facilities, Iranian military officials acknowledge.

RESET of the US Army’s Vehicle Fleet, 2005-2010

USMC M1A1 settles a
firefight in Fallujah

The RESET process takes used vehicles apart, inspects the parts, then replaces any defective parts and refurbishes the equipment to like-new condition. Sometimes upgrades are also performed. RESET and related processes like remanufacture/upgrades are being performed on M1 Abrams tanks, Bradley IFV/CFVs, HMMWV jeeps, and even helicopters. It usually takes place when the vehicles return from the front lines in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, where sand damage and increased wear have taken their toll.

In truth, many of these vehicles were produced in the 1980s, and are reaching an age where “deep maintenance” is a wise and necessary measure. Note that this is not a complete list of RESET contracts.

• RESET Programs and Procedures
  
• RESET Contracts, Delivery Orders & Developments, FY 2006-Present [updated]
  
• Vehicle Fleets and Maintenance Overhangs
  
• Additional Readings