US military personnel could soon start accessing military-oriented applications on their government BlackBerrys, iPhones, Android devices, and other mobile communications gear, according to Maj. Gen. Robert Wheeler, the Pentagon’s deputy chief information officer. He envisions a “military app store” possibly set up by early 2013, depending on the industry responses to the Defense Department’s recent solicitation, states a Pentagon release. DOD is looking at a “three bin” app construct. The first bin would support mobility devices that don’t need to connect with an official or classified network for purposes such as training. The second bin would support devices that are connected to secure but unclassified networks. The third bin would support those that work with the Pentagon’s classified networks, said Wheeler in the Nov. 7 release.
U.S. aircraft, drones, and attack helicopters have launched significant airstrikes in recent days against Islamic State militants in Syria as part of the renewed air campaign against remnants of the group, U.S. officials said.
