Sarah C. Rhoads

Government contracting is hard, and here's the difficult truth for most product-oriented people: It is a challenge of people and money, not of technology and motivation. While the biggest prime contractors do have their own pool of business for large-scale systems integration, the theme of financial health across decades-long time horizons is something that all business leaders in this space are painfully familiar with. "[The Lockheed CFO] said factors such as 'technical milestone achievement through the balance of the year, discussions with our customers [and] visibility of funding' could all impact the size and timing of future losses, but that the company currently expects the program to become profitable on an annual basis around the 2028 timeframe." 10 years from now, will companies serving national missions face the same challenges? Or will new paradigms and tools emerge to better meld industry and government in the delivery of public sector solutions? https://lnkd.in/gDWmvr8w

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So this is starting to make the rounds. I didn't know it was published until I got a link via Signal from a combat medic working in #Ukraine. There's a lot that went into this conversation, which occurred during the Association of the United States Army - AUSA conference in #DC some weeks ago. A typical journalistic tendency is to focus on the negatives, but I can assure all involved that the conversation included acknowledgement of work being done by many of the companies (both mentioned and not mentioned) -- and by individual people -- people like Lito V. -- to make sure mistakes of 2022 aren't repeated moving forward. (I'm hesitant to tag a bunch of people, so feel free to tag yourself or others in the comments don't be shy!) The #defense and #drone #industry folks in the #US are making efforts to be better -- whether by moral choice or various external pressures. My hope is that we keep the pressure on and promote change and #innovation. A very important note and a special shout out to the companies who hired people like me to go into Ukraine and find out the truth about their platform's performance in Ukraine: The fact is, these folks recognized that even partial failure was unacceptable -- at minimum they decided that NOT KNOWING about their platform's performance capabilities was in itself unacceptable. This indicate an important level of self-awareness and prioritization of fixing the issue early and/or finding the #truth of their platform's efficacy and relevance in modern peer combat. In the early months, the fog of war and a confusing bureaucracy amid freshly minted martial law limitations would prohibit open communication in and out of the country, making early intervention and end-user coordination next to impossible. I don't hold grudges toward companies who earnestly provided equipment with the expectation that it would perform -- I do hold grudges against those who sent unfinished product with a self-proclaimed high TRL (the basis of which bordered on fraud) into the combat environment where friends would be put at unnecessary risk. This isn't a question: people died because of that act, some people whose names I knew even if it was just their Signal codename. Skydio, AeroVironment and Anduril Industries among many others could have done better at the time -- the important thing now is to focus on #solutions and moving forward so we can stop #russiaisaterroriststate, ensure that #ukrainewillwin, and build the United States a stronger #nationaldefense and greater capability to support our allies. #strongertogether

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Register to be on NBAAs list of 135.299 Check Airmen. The Part 135 Subcommittee has developed a new registry where member operators and Part 135 check airmen can connect. This resource was developed in response to many Part 135 operators expressing difficulty in finding pilots who were authorized to perform the flight checking requirements of 135.299 of the FARs, a problem that became exponentially worse during COVID-19 work and travel restrictions. Operators who have authorization to use in-house check airmen can give back to the Part 135 community by encouraging their employees to conduct these flight checks for other operators who may not have the same authorizations. NBAA urges check airmen to sign up and provide contact information for operators seeking their assistance. Operators who are seeking to utilize this resource should check the landing page and save it for future reference. This is a great opportunity for check airmen to offer there services and for operators to get the necessary training. For operators unsure about using another operator’s check airman, FAA Order 8900, Volume 3, Chapter 20, Section 6, Paragraph 3-2-6-23 provides guidance for you and your POI on obtaining this approval. https://lnkd.in/gYiviH2N

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Check out the Developmental Special Experiences (DSE) opportunities available with Air Education and Training Command(AETC). These are hands-on experiences outside of formal training, established recurring opportunities, a means to gain/increase competencies, and duties typically external to primary Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) or job series. Airmen who join our AFWERX Spark team through the DSE program enable us to support the Spark Cells effectively! "The DSE program has been great for me, because it has allowed me to learn more about other aspects of the DAF that I would not be otherwise exposed to. It has really allowed me to learn and help all simultaneously," said Master Sgt. Dakota Belcher, AFWERX Spark Cell regional coordinator. Click here to view the AETC DSEs highlighted this quarter: https://ow.ly/qmpL50Sl7GX . . . #AFWERX #Spark #SparkCells #USAF #Airmen #DAF #DoD #DSE #AETC #AFSC #training #experience #competencies #duties #innovativeAF

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🚨 The Drone Ban and the 2025 NDAA: What You Need to Know 🚨 Before the rumor mill takes over regarding the 2025 NDAA and the absence of the CCP Drones Act, let’s focus on a critical inclusion that hasn’t received the attention it deserves: Section 1709. This section mandates that if no determination is made within one year regarding security of specified equipment and services, they will be automatically added to the Covered List. Thats DJI, Autel & Anzu. What does this mean for drone pilots, businesses, and government agencies? The landscape of compliant drone operations is evolving rapidly. This inclusion effectively reinforces the urgency to transition away from non-compliant platforms and invest in domestically approved solutions that meet stringent security requirements. For those in the drone industry, now is the time to: - Review your current equipment and ensure compliance with federal regulations. - Explore alternative platforms like NDAA-compliant drones that meet operational needs without compromising security. - Proactively communicate these changes to clients and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. At Drone U, we’re committed to guiding drone operators through this shift, even if we believe that regulating competition out of the industry is the wrong solution. We are helping clients adapt and thrive in this new regulatory environment. If you have questions or need support navigating these changes, we’re here to help. https://lnkd.in/g2jkEaM7

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Changes to MGIB/PGIB. Link to VA info here https://lnkd.in/e6nefF23 Here is short summary that you (or Dependents) might be eligible for an extra 12 months of benefits. ------- Specifically, under the previous policy, eligible Veterans who served at least two periods of service were forced to choose between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill for a maximum of 36 months of GI Bill benefits. Under the updated policy, Veterans will no longer have to make that choice when they apply for benefits, meaning that they can qualify for up to 48 months of GI Bill benefits.   Many Veterans are also now eligible for additional, retroactive benefits. Specifically, Veterans who served at least two periods of service — one that qualified them for the Montgomery GI Bill (Active Duty and Selected Reserve) and a second that qualified them for the Post-9/11 GI Bill — may be eligible to receive 12 months of additional, retroactive GI Bill benefits (bringing them to a total of 48 months).

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I have a hard time taking people seriously that lament the defense industrial base ecosystem, but get upset when indigenous personnel in defense apply what they have learned from the private sector to address problems that service members face. It’s an idiotic argument and some might offer it shows true intentions/ulterior motivations despite claims otherwise. Employing best practices of industry to save taxpayer dollars is not a bad thing, especially if it moves faster through bureaucracy than your preferred program, product, or contract.

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For over 45 years, SwRI has supported the USAF ASIP program to ensure aging aircraft remain structurally viable. This image shows finite element analyses overlaid on a T-38 Talon to indicate areas experiencing higher (red) and lower (blue) stress. #TechTuesday

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On YouTube: "The Dawn of Enterprise Architecture in the Air Force" Presenter: Jeffrey W. Eggers, DISL Air Force ISR Chief Architect The Air Force has long used DoDAF to document solutions architectures at the systems level while using a completely separate and ever-changing variety of documents to plan our forces and their capabilities. With the advent of UAF, the Air Force is just beginning to use model-based systems engineering principles at a truly enterprise level to analyze and define the structure of our future forces and to build genuinely integrated plans for developing new capabilities. Challenges abound with educating service members on modern architecting approaches, nurturing the seedlings of current efforts, and unifying our efforts across organizations and priorities. This talk covers the goals, challenges, and progress of Air Force enterprise architecting. Watch on our YouTube channel and subscribe: https://bit.ly/3XdjiVi #UAF #DoDAF Air Force OMG

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📡 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧: Airpower is a fundamentally agile, dynamic force. That requires a highly skilled, team-oriented set of capabilities. Listen to learn more about contingency response airmen are at the heart of the effort. The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies FULL EPISODE: https://lnkd.in/eiraWqUf #AirForce #USAF #SpaceForce #USSF #Airman #Guardian

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Our next Secretary of Defense should not be a swamp-entrenched General, cozy with Board Room deals and consulting gigs. We need a leader who has earned respect from our rank and file Warfighters, who knows what stones to turn over to reveal fraud, buried secrets, waste, and corruption. Our next SECDEF should be someone who represents peak physical fitness; Who understands what it takes to be world class in everything we do; Who invites transformation by appealing to the next generation of American citizens. We need a leader who inspires young people to join our Armed Forces. This person is likely a humble leader who likely says "I'm retired, leave me alone" when they are asked to serve again, and yet shows up in their community, helping their neighbors with tasks around their homes out of selflessness. We need a servant leader who embodies the principles of service above self; who embodies the essence of the American dream; who probably rose up through troubled circumstances to confront adversity while earning their rank not out of hand outs or political favors, but through merit - by mentoring others around them and helping their junior leaders be more than they could have imagined on their own. I believe the next SECDEF should, yes, be a civilian leader. But only a Veteran truly understands what it means to put on the uniform. It's not a regular civilian, cozy in high level Pentagon offices with rich mahogany desks. It's someone who gets mud on their shoes because they are willing to travel and inspect what they expect. Someone who bucks policy that requires them to provide advance notice, and disregards the pomp and circumstance rolled out for traditional poised political visitation. The next SECDEF needs to connect with our junior doers and action takers so they can find where the frictional roadblocks are, and help to demolish them. We need a leader who rips away vanity metrics and establishes functional reporting with tangible week-over-week goals that are also transparent and accountable to the rest of the workforce. We need a SECDEF who has traveled widely; who is not afraid to make contact with foreign leaders; who has a personal library; who reads and studies continuously, because learning for them is never over. Leaders who are not reading the equivalent of a book a week and who fail to exercise daily should help us find a better leader to serve. We need a SECDEF with a breadth of perspective; who is well studied; who has business acumen to work with industry to rapidly problem solve and accelerate funding; whom is a savvy resource for a President who may not have the bandwidth to do any of these things regularly. They will articulate arguments for all sides of an issue, summarizing the pros and cons, knowing when more research is merited to gain further analyst and SME input. When you hear this leader speak, they will articulate a clear success path and inspire you to dig deeper. #DoD #military #defense

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When you start to add autonomy, true autonomy where you tell it what to do versus driving it, now suddenly everyone has that capability. What can you do with it? - Jeff Frick Look at what having an Air Force did to warfare. Completely changes everything. What if you as a business had your own air force, what could you do? - Jeff Frick You tell the drone what you want it to do... If you can put a sensor anywhere, what could you learn? - Jeff Frick ---------------- Autonomy changes everything You become a mission planner, not a pilot. Put a sensor practically anywhere for a fraction of traditional fixed wing or rotary vehicle operation. And they can deliver a payload. We haven't even scratched the surface of autonomous vehicle operation, in the air, on the ground, and sea. Thanks again Sophie. Full length episode Jeff Frick — Intentionally Evolving with Technological Transformation |  Transforming Work with Sophie Wade podcast -  Transcript and show notes - https://lnkd.in/gi3ueCrn - Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g34nWnti - Apple Podcasts - https://lnkd.in/gSxbWHJb - or wherever you podcast #Drone #Autonomy #Autonomous #Transformative #Impace #TransformativeImpact #DroneAutonomy #Drones #DroneTechnology #Innovation #CommercialDrones #SafetyInspection #Warfare #SensorTechnology #FutureOfWork #TechImpact #DronesInWarfare #EnvironmentalMonitoring #Interview #Posdcast #TransformingWork 

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When I was in the Air Force, I noticed some airmen working in tough conditions often didn’t get the importance of their tasks. This led to low morale and job dissatisfaction. That’s when I learned that good leaders need to go beyond just daily tasks and explain why their work matters. For instance, telling them how maintaining a few specialized aircraft like the Raptor is crucial for national security makes a big difference. When people see how their work fits into the bigger mission, they feel more motivated and satisfied. Understanding the bigger picture helps them realize that their hard work and dedication are vital to something much larger than themselves. Seeing the bigger picture is important because it gives context to the work being done. It shows team members that their efforts contribute to a greater cause, which can be incredibly motivating. It helps them understand their role within the organization and how their work impacts overall success. This connection to the larger mission fosters a sense of pride and purpose, which leads to higher job satisfaction and better performance. As a leader, it’s so important to show your team the value of what they’re doing. It keeps everyone pumped and dedicated. I'm working on something that I think you might like. If you want to work on your leadership skills, stay tuned. If you don't follow, it's your time.

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Great to see this C2 change happen. The Services support to geographic combatant commands should have direct access. The National Defense Strategy states that homeland defense remains the #1 priority for the Dept of Defense. Would be great to see the USAF Commands responsible to NORAD and NORTHCOM for homeland defense, Air Forces Northern and the Continental NORAD Region, have the same elevation and access. What do you think?

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In June, the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) awarded Boeing a $115 million contract to produce two more MH-47G Block II Chinook aircraft and initiate advanced procurement for future helicopters. This latest order brings the total number of contracted MH-47G Block II aircraft to 46. “Whether it’s operating in the dead of night or in difficult terrain, the MH-47G Block II is a proven workhorse for special operations,” said Heather McBryan, Vice President and Program Manager for Cargo Programs at Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “It is our privilege to support ongoing USASOAC modernization efforts that will continue to have a real-world impact on U.S. national security.” The Chinook modernization program by USASOAC supports over 20,000 jobs and involves 360 suppliers across 40 states in the U.S. This production not only leverages but also strengthens the manufacturing base, ensuring sustained support for new aircraft production and fleet maintenance. The MH-47G Block II features a reinforced airframe, redesigned fuel tanks, and state-of-the-art avionics, enhancing USASOAC’s global reach capabilities. The Block II design also facilitates future affordable modernization, ensuring the iconic heavy-lift helicopter remains operational for decades. Read the text on our blog. #AvfoilNews #Boeing #USASOAC #MH47G #Chinook #Defense #Aviation #Helicopters #Modernization #NationalSecurity #Aerospace #MilitaryAviation #JobCreation #Innovation

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