Metro Spirit national security blog

The LA Times had the NSA wiretapping story before the NY Times but didn't run it.

So much for Secretary Gates' prompt and open response.

Former NSA director Gen. William Odom, interviewed by the Metro Spirit last fall, had a big Sunday op-ed in the Washington Post. Everybody's talking about it.

Odom, who favors a hasty withdrawl from Iraq, takes on the "most pernicious" myths used to sell escalation. For example, that "We must continue to fight in order to 'support the troops.'"

This argument effectively paralyzes almost all members of Congress. Lawmakers proclaim in grave tones a litany of problems in Iraq sufficient to justify a rapid pullout. Then they reject that logical conclusion, insisting we cannot do so because we must support the troops. Has anybody asked the troops?

Times of London: "Giants meet to counter US power"

This probably isn't total bullshit. And Americans should be aware how differently the rest of the world views us now.

On Craigslist, "NSA" usually means "no strings attached." As in:

"femme seeks older butch for relaxing evenings - NSA"

or,

"Looking to provide expert, NSA oral service for hot, fit men under 30"

Sometimes, it's a different kind of recruitment ad. Looks like this job should be filled by now. But do people with these kind of qualifications still do their job-hunting on Craigslist?

E2484:Intelligence Analyst Stf
Reply to: R1076116905440@PostTrak.com
Date: 2007-01-19, 2:31PM CST

E2484:Intelligence Analyst Stf
Position based in Omaha, NE

JOB DESCRIPTION
Lockheed Martin Information Technology-Professional Services has an opening for an Intelligence Analyst to research and write comprehensive cyber threat studies of potential U.S. and Ally adversaries. Will function as the authority for cyber threat analysis on groups and countries in the CENTCOM and EUCOM AORs. Must be completely knowledgeable of CND lexicon, cyber threat tools and techniques, state and non-state threat entities. Maintain near-daily interaction with CND experts at JTF GNO, DIA, CIA, NSA, and the Service CND intelligence centers. Represent USSTRATCOM in national CND Warning working groups. Support USSTRATCOM deliberate planning-write CND intelligence inputs to OPLANS, CONPLANS, SUPPLANS. Experienced in the use of intelligence automated systems and tools, including JWICS, SIPRNET, COLISEUM, NSA Anchory, CIA Source.

Participate in future development of the U.S. International Network Activity Team (I-NAT). Coordinate the inclusion of the other 5 EYEs nations and specific organizations within the 5 EYE communities. Present briefings on I-NAT developments at 5 EYEs'' conferences. In-depth knowledge of Arabic, Farsi, and Hebrew languages and cultures to facilitate open source research. In-depth knowledge of open source databases and search techniques to ensure complete situational awareness of U.S. and International CND intelligence issues that could affect the Global Information Grid. Compensation is based on qualifications, education and experience - negotiable. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/V/D); a drug-free work place with pre-employment screening. This position will be available beginning February 1st, 2007.

Requirements: US citizen with a TS/SCI security clearance (selected applicant will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information).

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree from an accredited college in a related discipline, or equivalent experience/combined education, with 9 years of professional experience; or 7 years of professional experience with a related Masters degree. Considered an emerging authority. Must posses a TS/SCI clearance, strong writing skills, strong communication skills, proficient in MS Office [after all that, one would hope so...]

BENEFITS
A Total Value package.
There is much to be said about the Lockheed Martin Total Value package. Part of the package involves a commitment to develop top talent from within as well as provide access to a wide range of training programs and services. There is also the opportunity to work in exceptional environments marked by: Project Significance • Quality People • Recognition • Learning and Development • Internal Career Mobility • Competitive Pay • and Excellent Benefits.

A commitment to your work/life balance.
Part of the Lockheed Martin experience includes a focus on work/life satisfaction. We offer programs and policies that include: Flexible/Alternative Work Schedules and Casual Dress at many locations • Telecommuting • Tuition Reimbursement • Employee Assistance Program • Fitness Centers • Birth/Adoption Leave • Domestic Partner Benefits • and Adoption Assistance.

COMPANY PROFILE
At Lockheed Martin, we are driven by innovation and integrity. We believe that by applying the highest business ethics and visionary thinking - everything is within our reach, and yours.

We invite you to explore the possibilities with one of the foremost systems engineering, software and systems integration companies in the world.

Exceptional choices in careers, challenges, and locations across the nation.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
Join in designing, building and supporting the world''s most sophisticated military aircraft. Your involvement may include: The multiservice F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) • The proven multirole fighter, the F-16 •

Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems & Solutions
Enable joint operations and informed, real-time decision-making by Defense, Intelligence and Homeland Security customers. Areas of focus encompass: C3ISR • Open, flexible architectures and advanced modeling and simulation •

Lockheed Martin Space Systems
Lay the foundation for future space systems. A sampling of programs includes: The world''s most powerful and advanced telecommunications satellites for government, civil and commercial interests •

Lockheed Martin Electronic Systems
Pioneer, integrate and deliver cutting-edge technologies across three key areas: maritime systems and sensors, missiles and fire control programs and platforms, training and transportation solutions •

Lockheed Martin Information & Technology Services
Redefine the promise and potential of both software and technology in such areas as: E- commerce and supercomputing •

Diversity and inclusion
What we believe…what we live. You will find that we are both a uniquely diverse and unified team; reflecting many cultures and points of view.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply: http://www.PostTrak.com/cgi-bin/PostTrak.cgi?RefCode=R1076116905440

RUSALMC9019-484916

* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 265225305

No, not a damn thing.

The military's Iran-is-attacking-us PowerPoint presentation in Baghdad on Sunday was timed to make it everyone's lead story at the beginning of the weekly news cycle.

The officials providing the "evidence" that may eventually be used to justify an attack on Iran not only wouldn't go on the record, but wouldn't give their names.

Reporters should know better than to use unverifiable information from an unknown source. Especially when the stakes are so high.

A worker for the NSA has pleaded guilty to illegally steering $750,000 of federal money into a business that he and his wife ran out of their home. This raises an interesting quesion. If you encourage people to deceive in the national interest, does it make it easier for them to deceive in their personal interest?