Android seems to be the operating system of choice when it comes to the US government and military. They’ve managed to create an operating system that is highly secure and is capable of sending highly classified data over cellular networks.

Previously, the government and military relied off of more antiquated phones. Being that technology continues to improve, devices get even smaller, and stronger materials such as Gorilla Glass are on the market, one can create a far more powerful and durable smartphone.

Via CNN:

“Some U.S. officials this year are expected to get smartphones capable of handling classified government documents over cellular networks, according to people involved in the project. The phones will run a modified version of Google’s Android software, which is being developed as part of an initiative that spans multiple federal agencies and government contractors, these people said.”

“The smartphones are first being deployed to U.S. soldiers, people familiar with the project said. Later, federal agencies are expected to get phones for sending and receiving government cables while away from their offices, sources said. Eventually, local governments and corporations could give workers phones with similar software.”

The Army has been testing touch screen devices for about two years now. Last year, they sent 40 phones to forces overseas. They plan to change that this year by shipping out 50 phones and 75 tablets overseas to troops just in March.

“Currently, the United States doesn’t allow government workers or soldiers to use smartphones for sending classified messages because the devices have not met security certifications.”

Do you think these Android phones and tablets are a good choice for the government?

Android Smartphones And Tablets Coming To US Government, Military is a post from: The Inquisitr

The US military is always looking for better technology and better ways of helping aid soldiers out on the battlefield. One such thing is autonomous vehicles that keep human beings out of harms way.

Currently, the US Navy is developing app-powered robotic helicopters for the Marines. Now, the helicopters will not be designed to attack enemies, but to aid soldiers by delivering needed supplies.

The project is quite a large undertaking. Named the Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) program, it’s a five year long program that will cost just under $100 Million. Main goal? Develop ”sensors and control technologies for robotic vertical take-off and landing aircraft.”

If worked out successfully, these new autonomous and app-powered machines can take troops further out of danger. Enemies take down jets and helicopters whenever they can so even if it was to happen with one of these, there will be no human casualties.

“It’s going to be designed to work with people who have no flight experience,” said AACUS program officer Dr. Mary Cummings. “An operator will pick up his iPad or Android and make an emergency supply request. He’ll request that the helicopter come to him and land as close to him as possible.”

This takes apps to a whole new level. The technology is here for us to use, it just means putting everything together in a safe and reliable fashion.

“Proposals for the AACUS program will be put before the Office of Naval Research by February 22 of this year, which plans to award up to two contracts in April.”

App-Powered Robotic Helicopters Under Development By US Navy is a post from: The Inquisitr

In the five years leading up to the Barack Obama presidency the United States had launched 44 drone attacks, all of which were focused on Pakistan and which killed 400 people. Since taking the Oval office job however that number has soared under Obama to more than 240 strikes with at least four times as many people dead.

Under the Obama administration the U.S. is also suspected of building dozens of secret drone facilities with bases located in at least six countries. According to the Washington Post the attacks are part of Obama’s “emerging global apparatus for drone killing.”

Obama however isn’t the first U.S. President to see the the drones as a tactical advantage for the United States, the program began to develop under former President George W. Bush but has been vastly expanded by President Obama over the last 3 years.

According to the report the drone program expansion has occurred largely because several members of the President’s inner circle have become “enamored” by them, specifically Hillary Clinton, Leon Panetta and John Brennan. In fact only one top member of the Obama administration has been critical of the program and that member, Donald Blair, has since been fired from his post.

While a former Obama official says the President was initially “oddly passive” of the program, although another official disputes that claim.

Even with successful drone missions flow on a regular basis there is still a level of concern, because the CIA and military split up strikes there is often little to no oversight. The CIA and military each have their own “kill lists” for example which makes it hard for congress to gather a whole picture of the campaigns overall efficacy.

Do you think the U.S. of military drones is better than putting military lives at risk in traditional fight jets or should the U.S. back off it’s drone expansion program?

Obama Administration Has Used Record Number Of Military Drones is a post from: The Inquisitr

After informally utilizing Twitter, YouTube and Facebook to communicate their message quickly and without news media restrictions, the US Military will begin officially dispersing information via these channels later this week. Military spokesperson in Afghanistan Col. Greg Julian was quoted as saying ”There’s an entire audience segment that seeks its news from alternative means outside traditional news sources, and we want to make sure we’re engaging them as well.” (You know, I have heard the exact same thing.)

US officials have long expressed a perceived disadvantage in less traditional forms of media, frustrated with what they deem propaganda from the Taliban and Al-Qaeda operatives in the region. Incidents involving the deaths of US troops or civilian casualties in the region are often initially misreported and often inflated, and US Military social media efforts are aimed at readers worldwide to combat misinformation quickly and efficiently.

Troops are also being encouraged to share photos, stories and other bits of information that illustrate daily life in Afghanistan.

US Military in Afghanistan embraces Twitter, YouTube, Facebook is a post from: The Inquisitr