The Official Newsletter of The National Defense Transportation Association
April 7, 2023
NDTA wants to remind you that we are accepting applications for our four scholarship opportunities for members and their children. Program A for currently enrolled college students, Academic Scholarship Program B for soon-to-be high school graduates accepted at an accredited institution, and Academic Scholarship Program C for currently enrolled, distance learning college students along with the Denny Edwards Graduate Scholarship for Graduate Degree Students. […READ MORE…]
By Lt Col Paul Frantz, USAF, Student, Seminar 13, The Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, National Defense University
Over the last twenty years, lithium (periodic symbol: Li) has evolved into a critical material for the US Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Uses for lithium within the DIB and the US economy continue to expand. The increasing reliance on lithium is readily apparent to casual observers. However, the fragility of the world’s lithium supply chain remains more challenging to perceive. […READ MORE…]
The Puget Sound Chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association is currently accepting scholarship applications, but not for much longer! […READ MORE…]
MyTravel uses commercial Software as a Service to book travel, manage travel-related expenses, and initiate travel-related financial transactions. In this video, DTMO will demonstrate a few of the best features offered to support the department’s Travelers, Approvers, and Travel Managers. […READ MORE…]
USTRANSCOM Cybersecurity Pulse
In the latest issue of USTRANSCOM’s Cybersecurity Pulse, read about the US Indo-Pacific Command seeking an extra $274 million for cyber, Microsoft Warns of Stealthy Outlook Vulnerability Exploited by Russian Hackers, CISA Stands Up Pre-Ransomware Alert Initiative, Cybersecurity Team Believes 51k Web Sites Contain Malicious Scripts, and many more stories.
Editor’s Picks
Army Materiel Command Boss Says Logistics are Key to Future Warfare
(Defense News) The U.S. Army is renowned for its logistics capability, but is acknowledging how much more challenging and contested it will be to move weapons, equipment and people from fort to port, and into theaters of operation. The newly confirmed head of Army Materiel Command, Gen. Charles Hamilton, is focused on overcoming logistical problems, improving how the service predicts operational needs, and more precisely carrying out the delivery and maintenance of supplies and equipment.
The Navy is Eyeing Missile-Hauling Drone Boats as Escorts for Transport Ships
(Task & Purpose) The Navy is asking lawmakers to fund an experiment that would see the service slap surface-to-air missiles onto unmanned surface vessels (USVs) as a potential future defense for military transport ships underway, according to the service’s latest budget request.
China is Preparing Merchant Ro-Ro Ferries for Amphibious Warfare
(The Maritime Executive) The role of civilian roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ferries in a PLA invasion of Taiwan deserves its growing notoriety. With port access secured or coupled with developing logistics over the shore capabilities, RO-RO ferries could deliver significant volumes of forces across the Taiwan Strait, offsetting shortfalls in the PLA’s organic sea lift. Some analysts have even described mobilized civilian assets like RO-ROs as a “central feature of [the PLA’s] preferred approach” to a cross-strait invasion.
More Women Become Truckers as the Industry Tries to Overcome a Shortage of Drivers
(CNBC) Though many women joined the industry during the pandemic, Covid-19 lockdowns stalled training and testing for truck drivers. Supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, along with surging demand, exacerbated a years-long trucker shortage. Now, with the industry facing a daunting driver shortage, initiatives to bring in women drivers from other industries have escalated.
FedEx Announces Planned Consolidation of Operating Companies
(FedEx) FedEx Corp. announced at its recent DRIVE Investor Event that it will consolidate its operating companies into one organization, creating efficiencies that will enhance the company’s ability to meet the evolving needs of customers and ultimately build a stronger, more profitable enterprise.
Bennett Launches Learning Management System
(Bennett Family of Companies) Bennett recently launched “Bennett University” a Learning Management System. Bennett University is a software application that provides the framework to handle all aspects of learning. It will provide training content to help the Bennett Family grow in their current roles, re-skill for new positions, or re-train for entirely new roles.
Boeing Awarded U.S. Air Force KC-46A Upgrade Contract
(Boeing) Boeing will enhance the KC-46A advanced communications capabilities through a Block 1 upgrade under a $184 million contract awarded by the U.S. Air Force. Upgrades include line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications technologies with antijamming and encryption features. These capabilities will further enhance the data and communications connectivity the KC-46A provides to joint and allied forces for battlespace situational awareness.
The Marine Society of the City of New York Honors ARC President & CEO Eric Ebeling
(American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier) American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) President & CEO Eric Ebeling was honored by the Marine Society of the City of New York at its 253rd annual dinner for his “contributions to the U.S. Flag and merchant marine, not only through his service in leading the largest U.S.-flag Ro-Ro carrier, which provides vital jobs to mariners, but also in his support of our industry’s next generation – a mission that we at the Marine Society also hold dear.”
The Source is a free educational publication for NDTA members, conference attendees, and associates.