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Accenture Federal Services Tapped to Upgrade, Consolidate Service Management System for Army INSCOM; Erik Raynes Quoted
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Accenture Federal Services Tapped to Upgrade, Consolidate Service Management System for Army INSCOM; Erik Raynes Quoted

The federal business of professional services company Accenture has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command for the installation and upgrade of the organization’s service management system.

Under the five-year INSCOM Digital Transformation Support Services contract, Accenture Federal Services will institute the cloud-hosted ServiceNow platform for the Army division, in effect aiding responsiveness to clients and uprooting redundant functions, the Arlington, Virginia-headquartered company said Monday.

“This award reflects our leading capabilities and trusted partnership with ServiceNow™. We look forward to playing a key role in enhancing the quality and speed of the support INSCOM provides to its workforce and supported commands around the world,” commented Erik Raynes, managing director and lead of services intel client account for the national security portfolio at AFS.

The contract was offered in conjunction with government technology services reseller Carahsoft via the Department of Defense Enterprise Software Initiative blanket purchase agreement for service solutions and services. The program AFS is implementing, ServiceNow, accelerates automation processes for information technology tasks and game plans while uniting disparate colleagues, duties and networks.

Mary Legere, managing director and strategy and engagement lead for the national security portfolio at AFS, deemed the company’s familiarity with ServiceNow a “deep expertise” and additionally said her time in the U.S. Army as a senior intelligence officer taught her how necessary and crucial the platform’s deployment and digital transformation more broadly are for the service branch.

The INSCOM contract follows a pair of digital transformation contracts the AFS team won in March. For the Transportation Security Administration, the company is rendering a credentialing system more efficient, similar to their aims with INSCOM’s service management apparatus.

In collaboration with the State Department, AFS is working to help with data management for the agency’s passport and visa system and its homeland security database hub.

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Donald Cravins Jr. Confirmed as Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development
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Donald Cravins Jr. Confirmed as Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development

The Senate has unanimously confirmed the nomination of former Louisiana lawmaker Donald Cravins, Jr. to serve as the undersecretary for minority business development for the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.

The creation of the new role was mandated by the Minority Business Development Act of 2021, which expands the authority of the MBDA to advance the growth and competitiveness of the 9.7 million minority-owned business enterprises in the country, the Department of Commerce said Friday.

Cravins was a practicing attorney and a member of the Louisiana Bar Association since 1998. He served as a member of both the lower and upper houses of the state legislature of Louisiana from 2002 to 2009 and as staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

He most recently served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer at the National Urban League. In this role, Cravins oversaw the civil rights organization’s corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiative.

“In his new position, I fully expect him to continue to provide the type of leadership that will lay the foundation for MBDA to usher in numerous opportunities for enterprise growth, research, and development and ensure minority businesses can compete and succeed,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

President Biden announced his intent to nominate Cravins as the first-ever undersecretary of commerce for minority business development in May.

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GSA Unveils New Laboratory for Three EV Charging Pilots; Robin Carnahan Quoted
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GSA Unveils New Laboratory for Three EV Charging Pilots; Robin Carnahan Quoted

The General Services Administration’s Center for Emerging Building Technology has opened a new facility at the Denver Federal Center in Colorado to host three pilot programs in support of the Biden administration’s goal of increasing the use of electric vehicles across the federal government.

GSA said Friday it is collaborating with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, BEAM Global, Fermata Energy and WeaveGrid to plan three EV supply equipment pilots at the Applied Innovation Learning Laboratory.

The laboratory will provide a space for testing a renewable, transportable EV charging station from BEAM Global, a bi-directional EV charging equipment from Fermata Energy and an EV charge management platform from WeaveGrid.

The three EVSE technologies at the DFC will join six existing GPG pilots. Other DFC GPG projects include: a DC Microgrid, quad-pane windows, alternative water treatment for cooling towers, and circulator pumps with automated control.”

“Providing the space for practical, hands-on testing and demonstrations of charging station technologies is vital to accelerating the transition to an all-electric fleet and building a cleaner, healthier future for the country,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan.

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Colin Kahl: DOD Committed to Reducing Nuclear Risks Despite Impediments to Non-Proliferation Treaty
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Colin Kahl: DOD Committed to Reducing Nuclear Risks Despite Impediments to Non-Proliferation Treaty

Colin Kahl, the undersecretary of defense for policy, said the U.S. military is committed to reducing the risks of nuclear war despite the current threats posed by Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

Speaking virtually at the United Nations’ Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in New York City, Kahl said the four countries are impeding international efforts to eliminate all nuclear weapons, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s possible new nuclear test as examples of current risks to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Pentagon reported Friday.

Iran’s refusal to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and China’s rapid expansion of nuclear weapons capabilities also hinder the achievements of the NPT objectives, Kahl said.

The official highlighted the equal importance of nuclear deterrence and the transparency and dialogue around nuclear proliferation in reducing the risks of nuclear war.

“This balanced approach recognizes that nuclear deterrence is not mutually exclusive to bolstering arms control, promoting strategic stability and working toward a world without nuclear weapons,” Kahl added.

Kahl also called on nuclear-armed states “to engage with the United States on risk reduction measures and provide transparency about nuclear posture and doctrine.”

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Tony Corbi Succeeds Bob Stalick as New CEO of Acuity International
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Tony Corbi Succeeds Bob Stalick as New CEO of Acuity International

Acuity International has announced that Tony Corbi, the company’s current chief financial officer, has been named the new CEO in light of Robert “Bob” Stalick’s retirement back in July.

As a leading provider of process and technology-based medical, engineering, and mission services and solutions, Tony Corbi will continue to play a central role in the evolution of Acuity’s restructuring as a result of his expertise and leadership as the company moves into its next phase in the federal and commercial landscapes.

“I am confident that with our incredible team and valued client partnerships, we will be able to reach greater heights in the years to come,” Corbi explained.

Anthony “Tony” Corbi is a senior finance executive with more than 23 years of experience in financial management and accounting as well as a range of operational and finance roles at private-equity backed government contractors throughout his career.

Most recently, Corbi served as the CFO for Acuity International before his new appointment. In addition, he also served as the chief operating officer and CFO of Owl Cyber Defense and Tresys Technology. He also was the CFO and executive vice president of Finance for Internosis.

“The investments we have made in our products, services, and customer relationships over the past few years have created a great foundation and have opened up the growth potential in the business,” Corbi said.

After stepping down as CEO, Bob Stalick will remain with Acuity International as a special advisor for technology initiatives. Thomas Campbell, chairman of the Board of Directors for the company, explained how significant Stalick was in reshaping of Acuity International’s core business strategy through the acquisition and integration of several companies and cultures.

“He helped reshape the enterprise to successfully enable mission assurance for government and enterprise organizations globally and we are grateful for his leadership,” Campbell explained. “During these challenging times, I am pleased that Tony has agreed to step into the CEO role.”

About Acuity International 

Acuity International is a leading provider of process and technology-based medical, engineering, and mission services and solutions to government and commercial clients. Acuity International enables critical missions for its global customers with the latest technology and repeatable processes.

IRS to Receive $80B in New Funds Through Inflation Reduction Act; Charles Rettig Quoted
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IRS to Receive $80B in New Funds Through Inflation Reduction Act; Charles Rettig Quoted

The Internal Revenue Service will receive $79.6 billion through fiscal year 2031 from an estimated $740 billion package that supports tax, health care and climate programs.

U.S. senators on Sunday afternoon passed the Inflation Reduction Act along party lines and Vice President Kamala Harris cast her vote to break the 50-50 tie. House lawmakers plan to return from their annual August break to consider the legislation at the end of this week.

A Congressional Research Service report says the legislation includes $45.6 billion for IRS’ tax enforcement agent recruitment, technology acquisition and legal service requirements. The agency could also use the money in efforts to monitor transactions involving cryptocurrency and other digital assets, CRS noted.

The bill additionally would provide $25.3 billion to IRS operations, roughly $3.2 billion to taxpayer services and another $4.8 billion to the modernization of its business systems, according to the research institute.

“Resources in the reconciliation package will get us back to historical norms in areas of challenge for the agency – large corporate and global high-net-worth taxpayers – as well as new areas like pass-through entities and multinational taxpayers with international tax issues, where we need sophisticated, specialized teams in place that are able to unpack complex structures and identify noncompliance,” IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig wrote Thursday in a letter to the Senate.

In a post-passage statement, President Biden said the bill sets an $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug spending for senior citizens and reduces health insurance premiums for 13 million people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act by $800.

Biden noted the legislation supports domestic investments meant to address climate change impacts and ensure uninterrupted access to energy sources.

“Finally, it pays for all this by establishing a minimum corporate tax so that our richest corporations start to pay their fair share. It does not raise taxes on those making under $400,000 a year – not one cent.”

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U.S. Marine Corps Ranks: List of Ranking in Order
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The United States Marine Corps ranking system offers Marines important information. Understanding the Marine Corps ranks might help you succeed or better comprehend a veteran’s experience. If you choose a military career, you can advance through numerous levels.

Marine Corps ranks define responsibility and authority. Each rank has a pay grade. Here is the complete and in-order list of U.S. Marine Corps Ranks.

U.S. Marine Corps Ranks: List of Ranking in Order

Junior Enlisted

Junior Enlisted Marines have recently enlisted, working to hone their abilities and establish their principles. These are the first three enlisted ranks in the United States Marine Corps, with most Marines reaching the rank of Private First Class by the time they leave the Marines.

Private (PVT)

Grade: E-1

Young Marines who complete basic training are promoted to private (E-1) rank. The average enlisted marine spends six months as a private before being promoted to the next grade. An individual’s role as a private in the Marine Corps is to learn the ropes and the commands. Most of the time, the senior enlisted marine or marines with higher positions will instruct the private on what to do.

After six months of service, company commanders can elevate E-1 privates to E-2 PFC. There will be an automatic promotion for those who match the fundamental promotion criteria.

Private First Class (PFC)

Grade: E-2

The second rank for people who join the Marine Corps is Private First Class. In 1917, Marine Corps created the rank of PFC to match a similar position to the Army.

Company commanders promote all active-duty privates after this service period if they match basic standards. PFC spent most of their time doing chores and studying.

The first step toward becoming an essential part of the Marine Corps is getting promoted to Private First Class. The PFCs are what hold the Marines together. The PFC’s job is to use their technical skills and learn and develop new skills.

Marine Corps company commanders can advance active-duty enlisted Marines to lance corporal (E-3) after nine months’ Time-in-Service (TIS) and eight months Time-in-Grade (TIG). Like PFC, this promotion is automatic for individuals who match the fundamental qualifications.

Lance Corporal (LCpl)

Grade: E-3

The Marine Corps’ third enlisted rank is that of Lance Corporal (E-3). During the Indian Wars in the 1830s, the Marines first adopted the rank of lance corporal (LCpl).

The position of Lance Corporal is the next level in your Marine Corps career. As well as acquiring and developing leadership qualities, lance corporals keep applying the knowledge and abilities they gained throughout their formal education.

Lance corporals will focus on self-education and ancillary duties to advance. They should also show leadership to get a higher-ranking position. Some Marines never move past E-3 due to the competitive nature of the higher grades.

senior enlisted marine, entire marine corps,

Marine Corps Ranks: Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)

Marine corporals and sergeants have a specific role. Non-Commissioned Officers or NCOs are responsible for their men in combat and out. They indicate duty and dedication to the mission.

Corporal (Cpl)

Grade: E-4

The lowest NCO rank is a corporal (E-4) who leads junior Marines. Corporals must show more maturity, leadership, and professionalism. The corporal’s development as a small unit leader and professional talents affect mission effectiveness in battle.

Twelve months TIS and eight months TIG are required to progress. Corporals usually head two four-person fire teams. At this level, Marines continue self-education, strengthen leadership abilities, and grow through mentorship.

Being promoted to the Noncommissioned Officer requires that a Corporal prove their competence. They must achieve primary eligibility conditions and compete in a Marine Corps-wide. The Composite Score competition will help promote only the most competent candidates to the next higher grade; corporal to sergeant.

Sergeant (Sgt)

Grade: E-5

The sergeant (E-5) position in the Marine Corps has almost the same tasks and obligations as corporal rank in the Army. No matter what NCO level one holds, one’s primary obligations and duties will always be the same. The primary distinction between a sergeant and a corporal is in the sergeant’s responsibility for a more significant number of Marines and a greater quantity of equipment and other property.

Marine Corps Sergeants demonstrate increasingly responsible and mature behavior. Sergents’ leadership and expertise are crucial to the success of the overall operation.

Twenty-four months TIS and 12 months TIG is required for sergeant. To promote from corporal to sergeant, you must compete in the Marine Corps-wide Composite Score. It ensures that only the best Marines advance. Sergeants oversee more Marines, equipment, and property than corporals.

master gunnery sergeant, commanding officer,

Marine Corps Ranks: Staff Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO)

A yearly meeting of a centralized selection board decides who gets promoted to staff noncommissioned officer. The United States Marine Corps board carefully considers each application when promoting.

Staff NCOs serve in grades E-6 through E-9. Marine SNCOs have specific duties and activities.

Staff Sergeant (SSgt)

Grade: E-6

The Staff NCO grades begin at Staff Sergeant. Staff sergeants have more responsibilities than sergeants. Staff sergeants guide the Marines and lower-ranking sergeants with their duties.

Staff sergeants usually supervise one or more sergeants. SSgts are accountable for their sergeants and all Marines in their section, squad, or team.

The staff sergeant requires four years of TIS and 24 months of TIG. Staff sergeants usually lead 40-50 Marines and one or more sergeants. Drill teachers are needed.

Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt)

Grade: E-7

The Marine Corps gunnery sergeant rank is the backbone of the SNCO ranks. Gunnery sergeants in the Marine Corps use their extensive knowledge and training to make fair judgments quickly that benefit both the mission and their Marines. When it comes to leadership and professionalism, GySgts are the ones whose actions their subordinates follow.

A Marine needs six years of TIS and three years of TIG to be a gunnery sergeant. Gunnery sergeants often work with individual companies, although they also may be assigned to battalions, training units, and recruitment stations. Training, overseeing, disciplining subordinates, fostering the growth of other Marines, and upholding all military standards are part of a gunnery sergeant’s purview.

Here are the activities and tasks of a Gunnery Sergeant:

  • Motivate subordinates
  • Hold subordinates accountable
  • Apply military and appearance standards
  • Supervise and discipline subordinates
  • Plan and run unit operations according to senior commanders’ policies.
  • Maintain billeting, facilities, and work areas
  • Maintain armaments, equipment, and accountability
  • Maintain professional standards for Marines, NCOs, SNCOs, and Corps Support, and enforce senior officer policies.

Master Sergeant (MSgt) or First Sergeant (1st Sgt)

Grade: E-8

The master sergeant and first sergeant share the ninth USMC rank. Eight years TIS and four years TIG are required for either position.

Master sergeants are battalion, regiment, and brigade technical managers. The master sergeant is a  Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) expert and independent. This person advises majors and lieutenants colonels on equipment and programs and offers technical, tactical, and administrative support.

The first sergeant is a consultant to the commander on matters involving people rather than hardware. At the company level, the first sergeant acts as the central and captain’s chief adviser, supplying them with intelligence on their troops’ readiness.

Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) and Sergeant Major (SgtMaj)

Grade: E-9

Master gunnery sergeants and sergeant majors, like master sergeants (MSgt) and first sergeants (1stSgt), are compensated similarly despite performing very distinct duties.

A master gunnery sergeant acts as a technical manager at the battalion level or higher. This individual possesses exceptional MOS competency and a track record of leading and supervising others.

The sergeant major is the Marine Corps’ top enlisted adviser. Their primary and foremost requirement is outstanding leadership and an exceptionally high degree of professional competence. E-9 marines must also be able to act independently in the role of principal enlisted assistant to the commander in all organization’s administrative, technical, and tactical requirements.

The sergeant major is the Marine Corps’ top counselor. This person is in charge of overseeing the personnel operations of a battalion or larger unit. They advise officers of all grades on readiness for their respective departments.

The duties for each of these jobs are different, yet they receive the same salary. Master Gunnery Sergeant and Sergeant Major require ten years of TIS and three years of TIG.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC)

Grade: E-9

The Marine Corps sergeant major is the commandant’s right-hand man, keeping tabs on enlisted life and reporting any leadership concerns to the top brass. The commandant of the Marine Corps chooses the sergeant major, who typically serves for four years.

The Marine Corps sergeant major is the highest-ranking enlisted adviser to the Marine Corps commandant. This position typically lasts for four years under the commandant. This person is crucial to communicating between the commandant and the enlisted Marines since they operate as the commandant’s eyes and ears.

chief warrant officer insignia, warrant officer, chief warrant officer 4, marine corps ranks, chief warrant officer

Warrant Officers

The Marine Corps warrant officers are subject matter experts who serve as role models and teachers to their fellow enlisted men and women. The appointment of a sergeant (E-5) or noncommissioned staff officer (E-6) to the rank of warrant officer requires the approval of the secretary of the Navy. Chief Warrant Officer 2 is the first step toward a commission for a warrant officer. However, until then, they will likely function as technical consultants for higher-ups.

Warrant officer ranks are:

W-1, Warrant Officer (WO)

W-2, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2)

W-3, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO3)

W-4, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO4)

W-5, Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO5)

Marines under the command of a chief warrant officer get guidance and instruction in their specialty. Warrants for sergeants or staff noncommissioned officers to advance to warrant officer rank require approval from the secretary of the Navy. Infantry weapons officers can be warrant officers as well. As a result of this accomplishment, they are now considered Marine gunners.

sergeant major, marine corps ranks

Officers: Company-grade officers, Field-grade officers, and Generals

Officers with commissions are university grads who have received and accepted a presidential appointment. Their rank and commission make them responsible for guiding Marines in protecting American freedoms and liberties. Commission officers can advance to higher levels, such as general, field, or company officers. Both the Marine Corps Commandant and the Marine Corps Assistant Commandant hold the rank of four stars.

Officers with commissions are university grads who have received a presidential appointment. First, they have to finish The Basic School, and then they can move on to MOS training. Even though they have a college degree and command over enlisted personnel, they still need to consult with noncommissioned officers because they lack military experience.

Second Lieutenant

Grade: O-1

The responsibilities of a second lieutenant are those of a platoon leader or company commander, and they defer to the authority of their superiors.

First Lieutenant

Grade: O-2

The duties of a first lieutenant are comparable to those of a second lieutenant. However, the latter’s responsibilities are expanded immediately upon promotion.

Captain

Grade: O-3

A Captain is the senior commissioned officer in a Marine Corps company and acts as the commander of that unit. Its duties include supervising its members and directing their efforts in carrying out tactical missions with the assistance of senior noncommissioned officers.

Major

Grade: O-4

A Marine Major is typically assigned duties such as an executive officer of a battalion, leader of a weapons company, or member of the staff of a regiment or brigade.

Lieutenant Colonel

Grade: O-5

Lieutenant Colonel commands a regiment, heads up a brigade, or works on a division’s staff.

Colonel

Grade: O-6

A colonel leads a regiment, heads up a brigade, or works on a division’s staff.

Brigadier General

Grade: O-7

Brigadier Generals are one-star generals nominated by the President and require Senate confirmation to take office.

Major General

Grade: O-8

A Major General is a two-star General, which the President and subject also nominate for Senate confirmation.

Lieutenant General

Grade: O-9

A Lieutenant General is a three-star general nominated by the President and requires Senate confirmation to take office.

General

Grade: O-10

A four-star general is the highest ranking officer in the United States armed forces. The President also appoints the General and requires Senate confirmation to take office.

Assistant Commandant Of The Marine Corps

The second-highest ranked Marine Officer is the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, a four-star general who acts as the Commandant’s deputy.

Commandant Of The Marine Corps

In the Joint Chiefs of Staff sits the highest-ranking Marine Officer, the Commandant Of The Marine Corps, who is also a four-star general.

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Army Seeks to Advance Electric Vehicle Adoption With Battery Research Programs
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Army Seeks to Advance Electric Vehicle Adoption With Battery Research Programs

The U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center is developing new batteries to help the service transition to hybrid and fully electric vehicles as part of efforts to give more operational flexibility to warfighters, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

“As we start to go into our tactical vehicles, we believe that those can be electrified pretty easily in that 2050 period of time,” Laurence Toomey, branch chief for the energy storage team at the service’s GVSC, told the publication in an interview.

The center is working on a 6T Lithium-Ion battery and Toomey said the battery will be deployed in the “near-term” to Stryker, Mobile Protected Firepower and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle programs.

Toomey said such batteries would allow soldiers to carry out longer duration missions and enhance anti-idling capabilities while the engine is off.

He noted that GVSC is also working on the Modular High Voltage battery for hybrid vehicle applications and plans to begin research work on the Extreme Energy High Voltage battery program in fiscal year 2023.

Navy Inactivates Guided Missile Cruiser USS Vella Gulf; Capt. Mike Desmond Quoted
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Navy Inactivates Guided Missile Cruiser USS Vella Gulf; Capt. Mike Desmond Quoted

USS Vella Gulf, a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, has been removed from the U.S. Navy’s fleet after nearly 29 years in active service, DVIDSHub reported Thursday.

The military branch held a ship inactivation ceremony Thursday for the first of five cruisers that will be decommissioned within the year and will place the vessel in “Logistical Support Asset” status when it arrives at an inactive ship facility in Philadelphia.

Ingalls Shipbuilding-built Vella Gulf commissioned in September 1993 in Norfolk, Virginia, is the second warship dedicated to the naval engagement that took place in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

“She has served her crews and her nation well, and rightfully takes her place among the ships that, for well over 200 years, have played an indispensable role in protecting the United States of America and serving her strategic interests across the world,” said Capt. Mike Desmond, commanding officer of CG 72.

The ship’s crew supported NATO’s military operations against Serbia in 1999 to end human rights abuses against Albanian people in Kosovo.

Other contributions of the vessel and its sailors include support for national government response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, an anti-piracy mission in 2009 off the Horn of Africa and a 2017 strike campaign that fought the Islamic State militant group.

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FCC to Conduct In-Space Servicing Policy Review; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted
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FCC to Conduct In-Space Servicing Policy Review; Jessica Rosenworcel Quoted

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a notice of inquiry to address policy questions and assess the economic potential of in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing as part of a push to advance U.S. leadership in the space economy.

The policy review will evaluate the challenges and opportunities of satellite refueling, in-orbit repair and inspection, debris removal and other space missions, FCC said Friday.

The commission’s move to open the proceeding on ISAM came four months after the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released the ISAM National Strategy.

Through the notice of inquiry, the FCC wants to solicit input on how to update and clarify its licensing processes and rules to mitigate barriers to ISAM missions, assess the spectrum needs of such missions and implications on the commission’s rules with regard to orbital debris.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said responsibility and safety in space should also be promoted in addition to space innovation.

“That is why this inquiry also considers how ISAM capabilities can lead to the development of new ways to clean up orbital debris,” added Rosenworcel.

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