Twitter Highlights from Gates Briefing on Efficiency

Filed under DoD News by on January 6, 2011 at 3:50 pm {no comments}

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates (DoD photo).

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates delivered a briefing today on the progress of a series of efficiency initiatives designed to instill a “culture of savings” in America’s defense institutions and reform the way in which the Pentagon conducts business.

According to Secretary Gates, services have found $70 billion in savings. This money would then be re-invested into funding other, higher-priority military capabilities.

A full story on the briefing can be viewed at defense.gov. His full statement can be viewed at http://go.usa.gov/rN7.

The briefing was streamed through the Pentagon Channel. DoDLive live-tweeted the event. Below are some Twitter highlights. You can join in on the conversation by following us @DoDLiveMil.

Secretary Gates to Give Briefing on Efficiency Initiatives

Filed under DoD News by on January 6, 2011 at 1:20 pm {no comments}

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates (DoD photo).

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will deliver a briefing today at 2 p.m. EST on the progress of a series of efficiency initiatives designed to instill a “culture of savings” in America’s defense institutions and reform the way in which the Pentagon conducts business.

The initiatives were projected to save the department $100 billion over the next five years. The money saved would then be re-invested into funding other, higher-priority military capabilities.

In the past, Gates had outlined the mission of the initiatives as “not to reduce the department’s top-line budget” but “significantly reduce its excess overhead costs and apply the savings to force structure and modernization.”

The briefing can be viewed live below or through the Pentagon Channel. DoDLive will be live-tweeting the event. You can join in on the conversation by following us @DoDLiveMil.

Episode #47: Weekly AFPS News Roundup for August 12

Filed under DoD News by on August 12, 2010 at 3:44 pm {one comment}

In the AFPS podcast for August 12: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced spending cuts at DoD; military officials endorsed the efficiencies which are aimed at keeping U.S. forces prepared to meet current and future challenges; Pakistani officials and the public are showing their appreciation to U.S. servicemembers who are providing assistance after devastating floods there;  Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis assumed command of U.S. Central Command; Leticia Long began work at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, making her the first woman to head a major U.S. intelligence agency; and, news you can use to repair credit damaged by identity thieves who may open fraudulent accounts.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

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    An United States Air Force C-130J Hercules cargo aircraft from the 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard, conducts flare training off the Ventura County coast. The flares are used as tactical infrared countermeasures to confuse and redirect heat-seeking missiles.

    (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dave Buttner)


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    Famed Yankees pitcher “Lefty Gomez” once remarked “I’d rather be lucky than good,” but for one Tuskegee Airman, luck and good combined to make him one of the most successful combat pilots of World War II.

    During the summer of 1944, 2nd Lt. Clarence D. “Lucky” Lester was flying the P-51 Mustang over the skies of Italy’s Po Valley providing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers with cover support on their way to attack airfields in southern Germany.

    Lester was assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron, a part of the 332nd Fighter Group, and had earned the nickname “Lucky” “because of all the tight situations from which I had escaped without a scratch or even a bullet hole in my aircraft.”

    Read the story of a flight that helped Lester earn his nickname here.


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    The only African-American ace of World War II, and a former Tuskegee Airman, went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.

    Lee A. Archer joined the Army in 1941 with high hopes of becoming a pilot, but was initially denied because of his race. When the Army’s policy changed about a year later, Archer was accepted to the training program for black aviators at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama.

    Archer is best known for a day in late 1944 when he was involved in a series of dogfights over German-occupied Hungary. Flying a P-51 Mustang fighter, Archer shot down three German fighters. He would go on to add two more German fighters to his credit to become the first and only African-American ace of the war.

    As a civilian, Archer enjoyed even greater success, serving as vice president for urban affairs with General Foods, as CEO of North Street Capital Corp. and chairman of Hudson Commercial Corp. He also served on the board of directors of Beatrice International Foods and the Institute for American Business.

    Read the rest of his story here.