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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Advancing the Military Satcom Discussion
 The time between the military’s initial resistance to commercial satellite capacity and services integration and the reality that the military cannot operate or function without commercial satcom seems almost non-existent. While commercial satcom critics in the military vocalized their security concerns on trade show panels and business roundtables, its supporters worked quietly behind the scene, striking big deals with the U.S. Department of Defense and working with other agencies to quicken the pace of military acquisition programs.
It is not surprising that many military satcom topics that were extremely relevant and important just six months ago now feel outdated. Commercial satellite providers and military customers have worked well together this year, and more and more former military and government leaders are taking jobs with commercial companies.
At the same time, keeping the military satcom discussion fresh is becoming more challenging, as deadlines shorten and military programs become more efficient. It is clear that the military’s focus is on scaling down policies and programs to keep up with technology, but it will take time and effort.
-Jeffrey Hill
News Editor, Satellite TODAY
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