1 00:00:01,220 --> 00:00:06,040 - [Presenter] "Defense News" is proudly sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. 2 00:00:06,040 --> 00:00:11,830 If you're a member of our nation's Armed Forces, the Department of Defense, or if you're family 3 00:00:11,830 --> 00:00:15,190 is, we'd be proud to serve you too. 4 00:00:15,190 --> 00:00:20,679 - On this episode of "Defense News Weekly," we look back at the annual C4ISRNET conference. 5 00:00:20,679 --> 00:00:25,870 Covering highlights of the industry's premier gathering of experts in the C4 space, we check 6 00:00:25,870 --> 00:00:28,699 out some of the biggest moments. 7 00:00:28,699 --> 00:00:32,790 It's the latest in news and analysis from the Pentagon to the platoon. 8 00:00:32,790 --> 00:01:02,680 This is "Defense News Weekly." 9 00:01:02,680 --> 00:01:04,100 Welcome back to "Defense News Weekly." 10 00:01:04,100 --> 00:01:05,100 I'm Andrea Scott. 11 00:01:05,100 --> 00:01:11,740 We have a special episode for you this week, excerpts from this year's C4ISRNET conference. 12 00:01:11,740 --> 00:01:17,010 Up first, reporter Nathan Strout talks to General David Thompson on how the Space Force's 13 00:01:17,010 --> 00:01:22,060 new Space Systems Command can help improve acquisitions. 14 00:01:22,060 --> 00:01:27,310 - Welcome to today's first keynote with General David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations 15 00:01:27,310 --> 00:01:29,050 for the US Space Force. 16 00:01:29,050 --> 00:01:33,760 General Thompson is responsible for assisting the Chief of Space Operations in organizing, 17 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:38,500 training, and equipping Space Forces in the United States and overseas, integrating space 18 00:01:38,500 --> 00:01:43,390 policy and guidance, and coordinating space-related activities for the Space Force and Department 19 00:01:43,390 --> 00:01:44,960 of the Air Force. 20 00:01:44,960 --> 00:01:47,170 General Thompson, thank you so much for joining us. 21 00:01:47,170 --> 00:01:49,280 Let's jump right into some questions. 22 00:01:49,280 --> 00:01:54,080 I want to start our conversation with the discussion of Space Systems Command, the second 23 00:01:54,080 --> 00:01:57,990 of three field commands to be created under the US Space Force. 24 00:01:57,990 --> 00:02:02,030 General, how would you describe Space Systems Command, and how is it different from the 25 00:02:02,030 --> 00:02:05,259 Space and Missile Systems Center which it is ostensibly replacing? 26 00:02:05,259 --> 00:02:10,860 - Good morning, Nathan, and thanks for giving me the opportunity to speak with you and the 27 00:02:10,860 --> 00:02:11,860 group this morning. 28 00:02:11,860 --> 00:02:13,280 A great question. 29 00:02:13,280 --> 00:02:18,440 I know you all are following something that we made in the last couple of weeks regarding 30 00:02:18,440 --> 00:02:20,560 the establishment of Space Systems Command. 31 00:02:20,560 --> 00:02:24,430 Really what Space Systems Command does is a couple of things. 32 00:02:24,430 --> 00:02:32,270 First of all, it's responsible for developing, procuring, acquiring, and fielding the space 33 00:02:32,270 --> 00:02:38,380 capabilities that the Space Force needs to be an integral part of the Joint Force to 34 00:02:38,380 --> 00:02:44,400 provide those effects that make our military and our way of conducting military operations 35 00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:46,650 different than anybody else. 36 00:02:46,650 --> 00:02:51,810 The establishment of Space Systems Command is actually another step on a continuing journey 37 00:02:51,810 --> 00:02:59,750 to make our acquisition organizations and our acquisition processes more rapid, more 38 00:02:59,750 --> 00:03:06,160 agile, and more suited to the threat that we face today and the needs of the force. 39 00:03:06,160 --> 00:03:12,150 What specifically Space Systems Command did was it took the core of the work that had 40 00:03:12,150 --> 00:03:16,620 been done by Space and Missile Systems Center and JT Thompson over the last several years, 41 00:03:16,620 --> 00:03:20,930 what we call SMC 2.0 and does a couple of things. 42 00:03:20,930 --> 00:03:27,300 First of all, it adds in the responsibility and the requirement and the oversight of S&T-related 43 00:03:27,300 --> 00:03:28,300 activities. 44 00:03:28,300 --> 00:03:33,410 The Air Force Research Laboratory remains an integrated research laboratory for the 45 00:03:33,410 --> 00:03:40,349 Air Force and Space Force, but the Space Force individuals and the elements of the research 46 00:03:40,349 --> 00:03:44,070 laboratory that are reporting directly to the Space Force report through them. 47 00:03:44,070 --> 00:03:49,160 So it ties more closely our space acquisition with our S&T. 48 00:03:49,160 --> 00:03:53,660 The second thing it does is it realigns the Launch Enterprise fully under Space Systems 49 00:03:53,660 --> 00:03:54,660 Command. 50 00:03:54,660 --> 00:03:56,730 Perhaps we'll talk about that a little more in the future. 51 00:03:56,730 --> 00:04:02,159 But launch is really a space system deployment activity and so it's gonna make that more 52 00:04:02,159 --> 00:04:06,280 efficient in the way that we conduct launch-related activities. 53 00:04:06,280 --> 00:04:12,560 And then finally it helps, it prepares us, it brings in a relationship, a strong relationship, 54 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:14,530 with the Space Rapid Capabilities Office. 55 00:04:14,530 --> 00:04:20,430 It begins to establish a stronger relationship with the Space Development Agency so that, 56 00:04:20,430 --> 00:04:25,880 as we move forward, we can better and more effectively integrate and unify all of those 57 00:04:25,880 --> 00:04:31,300 activities for acquiring field and space capabilities. 58 00:04:31,300 --> 00:04:32,550 - Thanks for running through that. 59 00:04:32,550 --> 00:04:36,800 You know, one of the arguments for the creation of the Space Force was that it would help 60 00:04:36,800 --> 00:04:40,400 unify space acquisitions under one organization, right? 61 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:44,090 Do you think Space Force has largely done that with the establishment of Space Systems 62 00:04:44,090 --> 00:04:48,760 Command, or is that something that needs to come still or is that less a priority in the 63 00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:50,960 Space Force at this point in time? 64 00:04:50,960 --> 00:04:52,400 - It absolutely remains a priority. 65 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:59,320 In fact, probably as you said, still one of the top priorities for the Space Force and 66 00:04:59,320 --> 00:05:00,320 for the nation. 67 00:05:00,320 --> 00:05:02,840 This is the latest step and by no means are we close to done. 68 00:05:02,840 --> 00:05:04,570 There's still much more work to do. 69 00:05:04,570 --> 00:05:09,640 A couple of additional things, as you and I think probably most of the audience members 70 00:05:09,640 --> 00:05:16,949 know, we are still working on elements of an alternative acquisition process that Congress 71 00:05:16,949 --> 00:05:18,130 has requested of us. 72 00:05:18,130 --> 00:05:22,860 We've been working on it now for a couple of years with the Department of Defense, with 73 00:05:22,860 --> 00:05:26,120 RBN, with members of Congress. 74 00:05:26,120 --> 00:05:31,300 The reorganization and the new structure for Space Systems Command helps that, but there's 75 00:05:31,300 --> 00:05:32,389 more work to do. 76 00:05:32,389 --> 00:05:38,889 Some of those elements of the approach that we're proposing, we've already implemented. 77 00:05:38,889 --> 00:05:47,330 We've pushed responsibility down to program managers, we've provided them a head of contracting 78 00:05:47,330 --> 00:05:51,630 and contracting authority down to that level to be able to speed that. 79 00:05:51,630 --> 00:05:52,780 But there's more work to do. 80 00:05:52,780 --> 00:05:55,150 First of all, we'll continue to work with those in Congress. 81 00:05:55,150 --> 00:05:57,860 OSD has a report due today. 82 00:05:57,860 --> 00:06:03,389 Oh I'm sorry, not today, in May, that describes the work we're doing, the progress we're making. 83 00:06:03,389 --> 00:06:05,240 So that's an important piece. 84 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:10,860 The other thing, and it's not as visible and not as talked about as much, the new Assistant 85 00:06:10,860 --> 00:06:14,430 Secretary to the Air Force Office for Space Acquisition and Integration is a large, large 86 00:06:14,430 --> 00:06:17,720 part of what we're doing to deliver all the acquisition system. 87 00:06:17,720 --> 00:06:25,210 The way it brings those acquisition organizations together, not just the new SSC and Space RCO, 88 00:06:25,210 --> 00:06:28,930 but the Department of Air Force RCO office and MDA. 89 00:06:28,930 --> 00:06:33,690 And SDA, even though it's not an official member of the Space Force is participating 90 00:06:33,690 --> 00:06:34,690 there. 91 00:06:34,690 --> 00:06:35,690 The National Reconnaissance Office. 92 00:06:35,690 --> 00:06:41,600 So it's not just SSC, it's this new Assistant Secretary inside the Air Force, the work they're 93 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:45,789 doing, it's continuing to push on the changes to the process. 94 00:06:45,789 --> 00:06:53,490 So I would call it an important step, but by no means are we done and fixing that process 95 00:06:53,490 --> 00:06:57,979 absolutely remains a priority of this mission. 96 00:06:57,979 --> 00:06:58,979 - Understood. 97 00:06:58,979 --> 00:07:03,569 Can you give us a sense of the timeline that you were planning on for transitioning more 98 00:07:03,569 --> 00:07:07,290 organizations from the other services into the Space Force? 99 00:07:07,290 --> 00:07:08,740 - Sure. 100 00:07:08,740 --> 00:07:10,410 We are on a path right now. 101 00:07:10,410 --> 00:07:17,600 In fact, here in the last several months, we have finalized, with the Army and the Navy, 102 00:07:17,600 --> 00:07:22,319 we finalized what we as all the services agree on the Forces that should be transitioned 103 00:07:22,319 --> 00:07:23,319 in. 104 00:07:23,319 --> 00:07:29,570 I think previously decided and previously announced both the Mobile User Objective System, 105 00:07:29,570 --> 00:07:35,460 the Navy's UFO satellite system, both its operations, that system, its operation center, 106 00:07:35,460 --> 00:07:41,509 and the sustainment folks who support it are already in the process of the plan to transfer 107 00:07:41,509 --> 00:07:43,350 in in the coming years. 108 00:07:43,350 --> 00:07:47,270 We've completed an agreement with the Army on what should transfer. 109 00:07:47,270 --> 00:07:51,970 I won't go into detail there because we want to finish the planning. 110 00:07:51,970 --> 00:07:54,770 We're gonna communicate what's happening together with the Army. 111 00:07:54,770 --> 00:07:59,080 They've been a good partner in that but planning is underway. 112 00:07:59,080 --> 00:08:02,850 You can expect, I think, details from both services soon. 113 00:08:02,850 --> 00:08:09,460 And the timeline is in work now, and you'll see later this year and continuing to next 114 00:08:09,460 --> 00:08:15,050 year, it will be a phase process by which they're transitioning them. 115 00:08:15,050 --> 00:08:16,050 - Excellent. 116 00:08:16,050 --> 00:08:20,110 You mentioned that the Space Systems Command creates a stronger relationship with Space 117 00:08:20,110 --> 00:08:24,580 Rapid Capabilities Office and the Space Development Agency, or at least begins to create that 118 00:08:24,580 --> 00:08:26,300 stronger relationship. 119 00:08:26,300 --> 00:08:33,240 However, at least during the planning discussions in 2020, it was suggested that those organizations 120 00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:35,079 would be under Space Systems Command. 121 00:08:35,079 --> 00:08:39,129 Has the planning for that changed, and if so, can you explain the rationale to keep 122 00:08:39,129 --> 00:08:43,059 those technically outside of that new organization? 123 00:08:43,059 --> 00:08:48,420 - Sure, as part of the planning activity, we looked at a broad range of organizational 124 00:08:48,420 --> 00:08:55,839 options, assessed them on a whole host of factors. 125 00:08:55,839 --> 00:08:58,319 And we also looked at the limitations and the constraints. 126 00:08:58,319 --> 00:09:05,749 And right now by law, in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress specified 127 00:09:05,749 --> 00:09:10,720 that the Space Rapid Capabilities Office reports to the Chief Space Operations. 128 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:15,129 In 2021, Congress specified that when Space Development Agency transitions into the Space 129 00:09:15,129 --> 00:09:18,350 Force, it will report to the Chief of Space Operations. 130 00:09:18,350 --> 00:09:25,269 So in that case, in that sense right now, our ability to affect some of that is impacted 131 00:09:25,269 --> 00:09:26,269 by law. 132 00:09:26,269 --> 00:09:28,269 We have to comply with the law. 133 00:09:28,269 --> 00:09:31,600 Congress has taken special interest in this activity and these organizations, like all 134 00:09:31,600 --> 00:09:32,600 of us. 135 00:09:32,600 --> 00:09:37,620 And so our first organizational construct moves us in the direction that we need to 136 00:09:37,620 --> 00:09:41,489 and, at the same time, complies with laws we're required to do. 137 00:09:41,489 --> 00:09:46,649 Our desire and our intent is to continue to work with Congress, to continue to show them 138 00:09:46,649 --> 00:09:51,509 our vision, how we want it to work together, what organizational construct we believe help 139 00:09:51,509 --> 00:09:55,759 facilitate that, and gain their support and advocacy. 140 00:09:55,759 --> 00:09:58,699 And obviously ensure that as we do that, we comply with law. 141 00:09:58,699 --> 00:10:05,329 So you can anticipate that, as we move forward, we'll continue to look at ways to evolve SSC 142 00:10:05,329 --> 00:10:10,860 and some of those things, but in all cases, we'll consult with Congress, we'll work with 143 00:10:10,860 --> 00:10:16,329 Congress and absolutely comply with the law. 144 00:10:16,329 --> 00:10:25,610 - When we come back, more from the 2021 C4ISRNET conference. 145 00:10:25,610 --> 00:10:30,589 - [Presenter] The military and defense market is constantly evolving. 146 00:10:30,589 --> 00:10:35,049 Stay on top of the latest news with Sightline Media Group's live events. 147 00:10:35,049 --> 00:10:38,189 Continue to learn, understand new tools and technologies. 148 00:10:38,189 --> 00:10:39,429 - [Crew Member] We're alive. 149 00:10:39,429 --> 00:10:40,429 You're on three- 150 00:10:40,429 --> 00:10:44,350 - [Presenter] Defense government and industry leaders come together for successful and proven 151 00:10:44,350 --> 00:10:47,350 engaging events. 152 00:10:47,350 --> 00:10:52,089 You'll gain valuable insight, get the chance to ask questions, all from the comfort of 153 00:10:52,089 --> 00:10:53,610 your own home or office. 154 00:10:53,610 --> 00:11:05,529 Sign up for our events newsletters, and receive alerts for upcoming live streams. 155 00:11:05,529 --> 00:11:06,529 - Welcome back. 156 00:11:06,529 --> 00:11:12,420 In this special episode, we're checking out highlights of the 2021 C4ISRNET conference. 157 00:11:12,420 --> 00:11:18,039 Up next, reporter Andrew Eversden talks with Lieutenant General Dennis Crall. 158 00:11:18,039 --> 00:11:21,540 - To get started here, JADC2 is obviously one of the most talked about programs in the 159 00:11:21,540 --> 00:11:22,540 Pentagon right now. 160 00:11:22,540 --> 00:11:27,660 And I imagine there's probably quite a bit of pressure on everyone involved to deliver. 161 00:11:27,660 --> 00:11:31,639 What do your bosses tell you about the importance of delivering on JADC2? 162 00:11:31,639 --> 00:11:35,779 - Well, thank you for the opportunity to share a few thoughts on JADC2 this morning. 163 00:11:35,779 --> 00:11:40,230 You know, it's an interesting question. 164 00:11:40,230 --> 00:11:43,880 The pressure I think is really internal and shared by all of us. 165 00:11:43,880 --> 00:11:45,379 We have a war fighting need. 166 00:11:45,379 --> 00:11:47,439 That's really where the pressure comes from. 167 00:11:47,439 --> 00:11:51,059 And that's to deliver in the fight that we expect to have. 168 00:11:51,059 --> 00:11:53,220 You know, you're always preparing and always training. 169 00:11:53,220 --> 00:11:54,940 And that fight is gonna be more automated. 170 00:11:54,940 --> 00:11:59,579 It's gonna be moved at a faster speed, and we're gonna have machines working well with 171 00:11:59,579 --> 00:12:01,949 humans in order to meet that pace. 172 00:12:01,949 --> 00:12:07,290 So the real pressure is on to deliver what I think are the four components to make JADC2 173 00:12:07,290 --> 00:12:09,499 work in the department. 174 00:12:09,499 --> 00:12:11,009 That first one has already launched. 175 00:12:11,009 --> 00:12:17,869 And that was really the rebranding and re-establishing of our JADC2 Cross-Functional Team. 176 00:12:17,869 --> 00:12:24,730 That's the engine room behind doing a lot of the detailed work that leads to real milestones 177 00:12:24,730 --> 00:12:26,019 and deliverables. 178 00:12:26,019 --> 00:12:30,879 The second piece is the strategy, which we're hoping is near, you know, running through 179 00:12:30,879 --> 00:12:35,609 the building for its signatures as we brief that up through the Deputy Secretary and hope 180 00:12:35,609 --> 00:12:40,489 soon to get that signed by the Secretary, which will codify the lines of effort and 181 00:12:40,489 --> 00:12:45,569 really our approach to delivering the capabilities required to JADC2. 182 00:12:45,569 --> 00:12:49,740 The other two items are hot on their heels, and that would be the posture review or gap 183 00:12:49,740 --> 00:12:50,889 analysis. 184 00:12:50,889 --> 00:12:52,499 We're nearly complete with that. 185 00:12:52,499 --> 00:12:56,929 If the strategy is that benchmark of what you want to do, the posture review is that 186 00:12:56,929 --> 00:13:01,609 document that comes back and says here's what you're missing in order to get there. 187 00:13:01,609 --> 00:13:06,439 That's a pretty significant requirement for funding plans to make sure that these things 188 00:13:06,439 --> 00:13:07,850 are resourced properly. 189 00:13:07,850 --> 00:13:12,929 Then the most important aspect which we've already started to fill out is the implementation 190 00:13:12,929 --> 00:13:13,929 plan. 191 00:13:13,929 --> 00:13:18,870 Everything that happens to the left of the implementation plan is just planning. 192 00:13:18,870 --> 00:13:23,779 The implementation plan lays down the plan of attack and milestones, the very specific 193 00:13:23,779 --> 00:13:29,350 delivery dates and what type of delivery we're expecting and when. 194 00:13:29,350 --> 00:13:31,970 So really the rubber meets the road in that document. 195 00:13:31,970 --> 00:13:37,779 And we've just now started to identify the leads for those discrete pieces of JADC2, 196 00:13:37,779 --> 00:13:41,279 and when those delivery order and timelines will be met. 197 00:13:41,279 --> 00:13:43,430 So that's really where the pressure lies. 198 00:13:43,430 --> 00:13:45,750 And I think we're on a pretty good pace to deliver. 199 00:13:45,750 --> 00:13:50,579 - Yeah, and as we talk about Joint All-Domain Command and Control, obviously it's a program 200 00:13:50,579 --> 00:13:56,120 that will take place over several years, you know. 201 00:13:56,120 --> 00:13:59,179 What are some of the key milestones though that you're hoping to hit maybe in the next 202 00:13:59,179 --> 00:14:00,389 calendar year? 203 00:14:00,389 --> 00:14:04,199 - Yeah, the one that's right up in front of us is this is about, you know, learning by 204 00:14:04,199 --> 00:14:05,629 doing. 205 00:14:05,629 --> 00:14:07,069 So we can write a lot. 206 00:14:07,069 --> 00:14:13,319 And you know, the documentation is necessary to have a durable, repeatable, provable way 207 00:14:13,319 --> 00:14:17,939 to do this in an orderly fashion and make sure you're satisfied with the results. 208 00:14:17,939 --> 00:14:24,170 But there's also a part of us that we want to start now, an experiment to inform those 209 00:14:24,170 --> 00:14:25,170 products. 210 00:14:25,170 --> 00:14:32,379 So really what I think is a pretty good accomplishment in addition to getting a JADC2 strategy written, 211 00:14:32,379 --> 00:14:38,429 briefed, briefed even to the Hill with the PSMs, the professional staff members, and 212 00:14:38,429 --> 00:14:43,089 driving some of these mission threads, it's starting that work on demonstrations and mission 213 00:14:43,089 --> 00:14:45,139 threads that has me most excited. 214 00:14:45,139 --> 00:14:46,989 So we picked a few. 215 00:14:46,989 --> 00:14:53,129 We've had about 80 submissions, we've whittled that down to really two viable categories 216 00:14:53,129 --> 00:14:55,449 and about 14 test cases. 217 00:14:55,449 --> 00:14:57,730 We're gonna burn these fires bright. 218 00:14:57,730 --> 00:14:59,139 So we're pretty excited about that. 219 00:14:59,139 --> 00:15:05,480 And the other is really making making us a data centric organization, identifying the 220 00:15:05,480 --> 00:15:11,410 policies that need to change in the department to make sure that we can share, access, store, 221 00:15:11,410 --> 00:15:15,059 and, you know, settle the ownership matters around data. 222 00:15:15,059 --> 00:15:19,229 So those are some pretty heavy lifts that we've made great progress on already. 223 00:15:19,229 --> 00:15:24,779 - Yeah, there's been some talk in the press recently about the JADC2 Cross-Functional 224 00:15:24,779 --> 00:15:30,029 Team, DOD, Congress, discussing reforms to the acquisition process to get some of those 225 00:15:30,029 --> 00:15:35,279 experimental technologies into acquisition programs. 226 00:15:35,279 --> 00:15:40,049 What needs to change and what sort of options are you exploring there? 227 00:15:40,049 --> 00:15:43,220 - Well, you know, first you start with the condition. 228 00:15:43,220 --> 00:15:49,999 And that is that we live with the set of acquisition rules, as far as pace goes, that probably 229 00:15:49,999 --> 00:15:53,009 fit the Cold War era very well. 230 00:15:53,009 --> 00:15:59,279 When you look at the threat at that time, moving at 3, 5, 10-year pace was acceptable. 231 00:15:59,279 --> 00:16:03,359 And most of the equipment that was procured during that time lend itself to long lead 232 00:16:03,359 --> 00:16:05,019 and long build times. 233 00:16:05,019 --> 00:16:08,130 Physical things you can touch and see and the like. 234 00:16:08,130 --> 00:16:11,899 In the digital age, that mechanism doesn't work well. 235 00:16:11,899 --> 00:16:17,269 Putting us on a 5-year POM cycle for funding, for example, makes it really challenging to 236 00:16:17,269 --> 00:16:22,910 identify a set of capabilities or requirements, lay out a 5-year plan of spending. 237 00:16:22,910 --> 00:16:27,350 And we end up getting yesterday's technology delivered tomorrow. 238 00:16:27,350 --> 00:16:32,419 By the time those funding streams come through and you execute those contracts, in many cases, 239 00:16:32,419 --> 00:16:34,740 the technology has already been surpassed. 240 00:16:34,740 --> 00:16:40,489 So I know that, again, Congress has reached out to us and it has discussed options that 241 00:16:40,489 --> 00:16:42,160 they're looking at. 242 00:16:42,160 --> 00:16:47,619 In the crudest sense, I would probably say something akin to an investment capital fund, 243 00:16:47,619 --> 00:16:49,389 which DOD doesn't have. 244 00:16:49,389 --> 00:16:51,470 You know, money that could be earmarked. 245 00:16:51,470 --> 00:16:53,769 You know, multi-use money. 246 00:16:53,769 --> 00:16:57,329 So it's not too specific, but allows that to be spent quickly. 247 00:16:57,329 --> 00:17:03,480 We could probably move faster to retire legacy, onboard some modern things to get after it 248 00:17:03,480 --> 00:17:04,480 as well. 249 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:16,630 So I think that there might be some appetite to explore things along those lines. 250 00:17:16,630 --> 00:17:23,049 - On this edition of "Money Minute," Navy Federal Credit Union personal finance expert, 251 00:17:23,049 --> 00:17:26,189 Jeanette Mack, gives her latest tips. 252 00:17:26,189 --> 00:17:30,519 - According to a Navy federal survey, 87% of active duty households picked up a new 253 00:17:30,519 --> 00:17:33,639 financial habit as a result of COVID-19. 254 00:17:33,639 --> 00:17:37,620 Like cutting back on daily spending or keeping close track of their finances. 255 00:17:37,620 --> 00:17:41,970 These may seem basic but you'd be surprised how big an impact these small changes can 256 00:17:41,970 --> 00:17:42,970 make. 257 00:17:42,970 --> 00:17:44,929 All it takes is paying a bit more attention. 258 00:17:44,929 --> 00:17:50,190 I always say it, but it's important for your bottom line, know where your money is going. 259 00:17:50,190 --> 00:17:51,750 Write it down or use an app. 260 00:17:51,750 --> 00:17:54,759 If you need help, connect with your financial institution. 261 00:17:54,759 --> 00:17:58,380 Hopefully it's one that understands the military life and the demands that come along with 262 00:17:58,380 --> 00:18:02,320 it so they can help you create a budget and reach your goals. 263 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:06,720 Another habit to keep up or begin again, now that the economy is coming back, is paying 264 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:09,750 your bills early or on time monthly. 265 00:18:09,750 --> 00:18:14,059 It can help you establish or revive a healthy credit score, which leads to saving money 266 00:18:14,059 --> 00:18:16,960 over time on loans and credit in general. 267 00:18:16,960 --> 00:18:21,100 And speaking of saving money, are you using all of the available military discounts out 268 00:18:21,100 --> 00:18:22,100 there? 269 00:18:22,100 --> 00:18:23,620 Don't leave money on the table. 270 00:18:23,620 --> 00:18:27,720 Get the perks your service has earned you and use those discounts to keep more money 271 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:28,720 in your pocket. 272 00:18:28,720 --> 00:18:32,450 Lastly, it's never too early or too late to plan for the future. 273 00:18:32,450 --> 00:18:37,190 So contribute to your TSP at minimum, the amount the government will match per paycheck. 274 00:18:37,190 --> 00:18:39,490 It's easy money, so take it! 275 00:18:39,490 --> 00:18:42,909 You don't have to wait for a reason to pick up good financial habits. 276 00:18:42,909 --> 00:18:43,909 Start now. 277 00:18:43,909 --> 00:18:45,230 Your future self will thank you. 278 00:18:45,230 --> 00:18:46,429 - Thanks, Jeanette. 279 00:18:46,429 --> 00:18:48,140 We'll see you next week. 280 00:18:48,140 --> 00:18:52,620 To get more of our coverage, check out Army, Navy, Air Force, and MarineCorpsTimes.com 281 00:18:52,620 --> 00:18:54,789 and DefenseNews.com. 282 00:18:54,789 --> 00:18:59,529 And get a list of the top military stories of the day in your inbox with our early bird 283 00:18:59,529 --> 00:19:00,669 brief. 284 00:19:00,669 --> 00:19:02,669 And be sure to give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. 285 00:19:02,669 --> 00:19:16,600 And when we come back, more from the annual C4ISRNET conference. 286 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:17,600 Welcome back. 287 00:19:17,600 --> 00:19:23,240 In this special episode, we check out more select excerpts from this year's C4ISRNET 288 00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:24,640 conference. 289 00:19:24,640 --> 00:19:28,850 - Space Systems Command creates a more enterprise approach to launch, really unifying a lot 290 00:19:28,850 --> 00:19:31,620 of that effort, those lines of effort. 291 00:19:31,620 --> 00:19:39,710 Can you sort of walk us through how this will change the way Space Force buys and conducts 292 00:19:39,710 --> 00:19:40,710 launches? 293 00:19:40,710 --> 00:19:43,370 What's the top line benefits of doing it this way? 294 00:19:43,370 --> 00:19:50,909 - Yeah, so really the top line benefit is it really consolidates that entire activity 295 00:19:50,909 --> 00:19:53,410 under one organization and one command. 296 00:19:53,410 --> 00:20:02,720 As I mentioned briefly previously, while launch is, tactically speaking, is that operation, 297 00:20:02,720 --> 00:20:09,070 preparing a vehicle for launch, actually executing the launch, all of the operations to secure 298 00:20:09,070 --> 00:20:15,309 the aerospace and the sea space and the land around the launch and ensure that the data's 299 00:20:15,309 --> 00:20:21,420 collected and ensure the launch and the flight are all conducted in a safe manner, that's 300 00:20:21,420 --> 00:20:24,440 an intense operational activity. 301 00:20:24,440 --> 00:20:28,929 But at the end of the day, it's really an activity that we engage in as a Space Force 302 00:20:28,929 --> 00:20:33,679 to deploy the space systems and the space capabilities that the Joint Force needs. 303 00:20:33,679 --> 00:20:40,310 Our units today, the 30th Space Wing, the 45th Space Wing, Cape Canaveral at the Vandenberg 304 00:20:40,310 --> 00:20:45,909 Air Force Base about to become Space Launch Deltas as we transform them into a Space Force 305 00:20:45,909 --> 00:20:50,429 enterprise, those units are not assigned to a combat command. 306 00:20:50,429 --> 00:20:53,750 They don't belong to US base command. 307 00:20:53,750 --> 00:20:58,210 They are retained by the US Air Force for the purpose of deploying systems. 308 00:20:58,210 --> 00:21:07,490 And so in this reorganization, putting together the launch operations, the range operations, 309 00:21:07,490 --> 00:21:11,700 the program office with the responsibility of acquiring the launch vehicle, of maintaining 310 00:21:11,700 --> 00:21:18,649 and upgrading the ranges, all for the purposes of deploying those space capabilities is a 311 00:21:18,649 --> 00:21:24,059 way to unify that activity, to make it more efficient and ultimately more effective. 312 00:21:24,059 --> 00:21:29,590 While it doesn't directly change our approach to the acquisition of launch vehicles and 313 00:21:29,590 --> 00:21:37,160 launch services today, it creates a more integrated ecosystem to allow us to evolve our approach 314 00:21:37,160 --> 00:21:43,059 to launch in the future as our needs change, as the industry changes, as the services available 315 00:21:43,059 --> 00:21:44,580 and other things change. 316 00:21:44,580 --> 00:21:46,480 That's really what it does. 317 00:21:46,480 --> 00:21:52,280 - With this unification of launch efforts, will the Space Force take- Will responsive 318 00:21:52,280 --> 00:21:55,340 launch efforts fall under that enterprise? 319 00:21:55,340 --> 00:21:59,529 We've sort of seen that be taken up by DARPA in the past, Defense Innovation Unit. 320 00:21:59,529 --> 00:22:03,990 You know, that idea of being able to launch new capabilities into space at a tactical 321 00:22:03,990 --> 00:22:09,659 speed, to either replace capabilities that are taken down or disabled somehow or get 322 00:22:09,659 --> 00:22:13,489 new capabilities up? 323 00:22:13,489 --> 00:22:19,110 - The things that DARPA does today, the things that DIU do today to help innovate, to help 324 00:22:19,110 --> 00:22:24,450 push the edge of technology and operational concepts, we absolutely want them and need 325 00:22:24,450 --> 00:22:25,970 them to keep doing those things. 326 00:22:25,970 --> 00:22:31,049 They're a great partner and just like they do for their domains, we want them to do those 327 00:22:31,049 --> 00:22:32,049 sorts of things. 328 00:22:32,049 --> 00:22:37,169 As those technologies evolve, as those new ideas and innovative operational concepts 329 00:22:37,169 --> 00:22:42,770 evolve and become viable for our needs, our missions, our requirements, we will absolutely 330 00:22:42,770 --> 00:22:45,370 adopt them. 331 00:22:45,370 --> 00:22:51,539 But we want DARPA and DIU and others to continue to push those ideas, push that technology, 332 00:22:51,539 --> 00:22:54,679 and push our thinking in that regard. 333 00:22:54,679 --> 00:22:59,789 We do, in fact, SSC does have what I'll call a small and rapid launch office and capability 334 00:22:59,789 --> 00:23:01,360 today. 335 00:23:01,360 --> 00:23:06,289 It's actually part of Space and Missile Systems Center today, soon to be SSC, out of Kirtland 336 00:23:06,289 --> 00:23:07,289 Air Force Base. 337 00:23:07,289 --> 00:23:12,610 They've got a division out there that does a whole host of things, including a small 338 00:23:12,610 --> 00:23:13,799 and rapid launch office. 339 00:23:13,799 --> 00:23:22,820 And they work with venture class providers and some others, for those smaller, lower 340 00:23:22,820 --> 00:23:25,020 cost and rapid capabilities. 341 00:23:25,020 --> 00:23:31,909 So we do have an office that works with those small rapid launch providers today. 342 00:23:31,909 --> 00:23:42,950 But absolutely DARPA, DIU, AFRL, all of those creative and experimentation and rapid prototyping 343 00:23:42,950 --> 00:23:48,379 type activities to evolve the Launch Enterprise, they need to keep doing what they're doing. 344 00:23:48,379 --> 00:23:54,539 And as those become capabilities that we can use specifically in the Space Force, we will 345 00:23:54,539 --> 00:23:56,845 definitely bring them in, adapt them and apply them to our missions. 346 00:23:56,845 --> 00:23:58,460 - And that's all we have time for this week. 347 00:23:58,460 --> 00:24:01,539 Please visit us on C4ISRNET.com for more coverage. 348 00:24:01,539 --> 00:24:19,839 Thank you for joining us and we'll see you next week.