The Air Force has sent numerous satellite communications systems, known as the very small aperture terminal, to Southwest Asia for use by explosive ordnance disposal technicians. The portable VSAT enables the EOD airmen to make calls and send and receive information even in austere conditions, reports SrA. Clark Staehle. It can be set up in about 15 minutes, providing the EOD techs the ability to quickly relay information about the most recent threats they have encountered.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.