National Security U.S. Marine Corps This month, Marines trained to execute a Networked Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) spanning five separate Pacific islands. The exercise successfully demonstrated integrated operations to seize and defend key maritime terrain, provided low-signature sustainment, and executed long-range precision fires in support of naval operations. Comment: EABO is an operational concept to address …
National Security Cybersecurity A senior administration official reported we have learned key lessons from the SolarWinds breach regarding visibility and market. For the first time, the Administration has allowed private-sector companies to participate in the Unified Coordination Group (UCG) because a public-private partnership is foundational in cybersecurity. The SolarWinds threat actor used privileged access through U.S. …
National Security Cybersecurity With 80% of U.S. critical infrastructure in private ownership –protecting the private sector goes in hand with ensuring our national and economic security. Of note, the Rapid Attack Detection, Isolation and Characterization System (RADICS) program, led by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is under development “to reduce cyber attacked electric grid down …
National Security Ukraine President Biden recently stated, “we reaffirm a simple truth: Crimea is Ukraine.” Additionally, Secretary of State Blinken stated the U.S. welcomes Ukraine’s Crimean Platform, and looks forward to continuing to work with Ukraine, our allies and partners to end Russia’s occupation. Of note, Ukraine rescheduled its Crimean (de-occupation) Platform Summit from May to August. Comment: International …
National Security Syria, Iran, Russia The White House Press Secretary stated yesterday’s strike against Iranian backed militias in Syria was an “unambiguous message … to protect Americans.” Reportedly, the U.S. followed deconfliction protocols to inform Russia of this operation. Russia’s Foreign Minister objected stating, through the news media, they were only given a few minutes …
National Security Saudi Arabia The Biden Administration stated it will recalibrate its relationship focusing on respect for human rights, rule of law, and working to ensure the advance of U.S. values. President Biden decided not to engage directly with Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman and reserves direct communication with the King. Yesterday, Secretary of Defense …
National Security Russia U.S. officials stressed they will be “clear-eyed” in dealings with the Russian Federation and that its adversarial actions in Crimea, eastern Ukraine, Georgia and the Middle East must be countered. On January 23, the U.S. Navy conducted the first joint maritime and air training mission in the Black Sea for 2021. Comment: …
National Security Russia President Biden stated today, “We will not hesitate to raise the cost on Russia and defend our vital interests and our people, and we will be more effective in dealing with Russia when we work in coalition and coordination with other like-minded partners.” Comment: The Biden Administration continues to review Russian related …
