In a comparison of nuclear weapons security measures taken by Energy and Defense, the Government Accountability Office found DOD lacking in several respects, according to a new GAO report. DOD partially concurred with several findings, such as the need to ensure services consider alternatives and cost-benefit analyses when implementing nuclear security measures and a need for more specific guidance for local commander to develop threat assessments. GAO believes the Air Force and Navy should provide local commanders with better intelligence collection and assessment capabilities; DOD said it first needs to conduct a “comprehensive study” to determine any capability gaps. GAO also said that USAF needed to centrally manage and track funding for nuclear weapon security; DOD concurred.
A new fast-track approval process for software on Defense Department networks will use AI tools to radically shorten a process that currently takes months or years, Acting Pentagon Chief Information Officer Katie Arrington said April 23.