By Debbie Gregory

Microsoft has strongly defended its work with the U.S. military, in response to a group identifying itself as “Employees of Microsoft” who want the tech giant to forego bids on the Pentagon’s $10 billion cloud procurement.

Microsoft President Brad Smith has responded, saying that Microsoft is proud of its long history of technology contracts with the Department of Defense, and will continue working to make sure the military has “access to the nation’s best technology, including from Microsoft.”

Smith added that Microsoft employees who want to switch teams can apply for other open jobs within the company, according to a blog article he wrote.

“We want the people of this country, and especially the people who serve this country, to know that we at Microsoft have their back,” he wrote. “They will have access to the best technology that we create.”

Microsoft also pledged to “engage as a company in the public dialogue” with the Defense Department and policymakers about ethical issues surrounding artificial intelligence, including autonomous weapons. By working with the military and government, Microsoft can be more directly involved in these ethics conversations, Smith wrote.

The opposition from the Microsoft employee group is just the latest episode in an ongoing ethical crisis within the U.S. technology industry.

Earlier this year, Google’s decision to provide artificial intelligence to Project Maven cost the company dozens of employees, who resigned in mass protest.

Additionally, Microsoft faced internal furor last spring and early summer over their contractual connections to ICE, as the agency was embroiled in the controversial separation and detainment of migrant children at the border.

Amazon has also faced criticism from employees and the American Civil Liberties Union over the marketing of its facial-recognition software, Rekognition, to law enforcement agencies.

The concept of lethal Artificial Intelligence is just one area where hundreds of tech workers are trying to influence corporate behavior and ethics by signing a pledge not to work on lethal autonomous weapons.

By Debbie Gregory.

The U.S. Space Force,  a proposed branch of the United States Armed Forces which is intended to have control over military operations in outer space, will include uniformed service members drawn from the Air Force, Army and Navy.

According to a Department of Defense proposal, the Space Force would absorb Air Force Space Command, the Army’s 1st Space Brigade, the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and Naval Satellite Operations Center.

Installations and facilities would remain within their current services until the Space Force achieves an appropriate operating capability.

The National Reconnaissance Office would not be immediately merged in, although integration could gradually occur.

The missions of the Space Force would include space situational advantage; battle management command and control of space forces; space lift and range operations; space support to nuclear command and control; missile warning; satellite communications and position, navigation and timing.

Six recommendations laid out by Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan,  the Pentagon’s point person responsible for formulating a plan to implement a Space Force, include language that:

• Guides the creation of a unified space command to be known as U.S. Space Command
• Gives direction on an legislative proposal for a Space Force
• Calls for creating a funding plan in the fiscal year 2020 budget for a Space Force
• Outlines an interagency authorities review
• Establishes joint Space Development Agency for technology procurement
• Strengthens the relationship between military space and the intelligence community

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson, who formerly opposed separating the Air Force’s space functions from the service, now says she supports Trump’s Space Force plan.

The National Space Council is chaired by Vice President Mike Pence.

By Debbie Gregory

In cybersecurity, the threats are ever-changing. The United States has been engaged in cybersecurity for over a generation, but there continues to be organizational and human gaps that leave the nation vulnerable. Could it be that the time has come for the United States to form a Civilian Cybersecurity Corps to combat breaches of our country’s data, systems and networks?

Although some states have tapped the National Guard for civilian talent, the need for cybersecurity experts greatly exceeds the supply. An auxiliary corps could be made up of security-screened volunteers, giving their time to aid in our nation’s cybersecurity needs. The goal of the Corps would be to provide needed resources on three key areas: Education and Outreach; Testing, Assessments, and Exercises; and On Call Expertise and Emergency Response.

The Corps would fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, and the initial budget would be relatively inexpensive. It is estimated that $50 million would allow for 25,000 volunteers spread across all 50 states. The funds would cover the cost of devices, training materials, software licenses and office space.

Personnel would be comprised of professionals and students, potentially adding to the talent pipeline. Volunteers would need experience in information security or be able to pass a test. Basic background screening would be necessary, but top-secret clearance should not be a requirement.

According to “The Need for C3, A Proposal for a United States Cybersecurity Civilian Corps” written by Natasha Cohen and Peter Warren Singer, “A Civilian Cyber Corps would not just build upon the lessons of history and successful models, but also provide the United States a valuable means to building capability and talent for the future. With cyber threats only growing, and present approaches clearly insufficient, it is time for new ideas — and new organizations.”

By Debbie Gregory.

When looking for financing to buy a car, make repairs to your home or for your business, you may have the option of either a secured or unsecured loan. It’s important to know the differences between these two types of loans.

A secured loan is one that is backed by an asset or collateral. Common examples of secured loans are mortgages or auto loans. When the borrower agrees to the loan, they are also agreeing that the lender can repossess that asset if the borrower defaults on the loan.

Conversely, an unsecured loan is not backed by an underlying asset. Unsecured debt includes credit card debt, medical bills, utility bills and other types of loans or credit that were extended without a collateral requirement. This type of debt presents a high risk for lenders since they may have to sue for repayment if the borrower doesn’t repay the full amount owed.

Secured loans are the most common way to get large amounts of money. A lender is only going to loan a large sum with promise that it will be repaid. Putting your home on the line is a way to make sure you will do all you can to repay the loan. Secured loans usually have lower interest rates because they are less risky since they are backed by an asset.

Additionally, the borrower may not need to have a lengthy or perfect credit history if the loan is backed by an asset. Another advantage of a secured loan is that usually they have longer terms than an unsecured loan.

So what are the downsides to a secured loan? Secured loans often require a lengthy application process with a lot of documentation and paperwork up front, and if you default, your credit report may be dinged twice: once for the actual late payments and a second time for the foreclosure or repossession.   You are also at risk of losing your collateral.

Applying for an unsecured loan is usually much easier than applying for a secured loan, with less paperwork and documentation. An unsecured loan is based on the borrower’s creditworthiness, so if a borrower defaults, creditors can take legal actions against the borrower, put the account in collections, and report the account to credit agencies.

Secured loans usually have a very set repayment schedule, while unsecured loans give you more options.

By Debbie Gregory.

There are a number of veteran business loans available to veterans, service-disabled veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and in many cases, the wives and widows of servicemembers.

To be eligible to receive a veteran loan, the veteran must hold at least 51% ownership of the business.

Some of the programs that offer business loans specifically for veteran-owned businesses include:

Streetshares- This is an online financing marketplace built and run by veterans for veterans with small businesses. The Streetshares platform connects veteran entrepreneurs with the right investors who can provide financing for their small businesses. Streetshares has a simple application process to ensure applicants get the right investors for their businesses.

Military Reservist Economic Injury Loans- Not intended for all veterans, this SBA sponsored veteran business loan program is geared particularly toward current and veteran military reservists whose small businesses were impacted when they were called into active duty. If you are a small business owner who is in need of financing as a result of your active service, this program may be just what you need. With interest rates as low a 4%, this program just might be able to get your business up and running in no time. Their terms expand as much as 30 years, but bear in mind that you will need collateral for loans over $50,000.

Veterans Business Fund- This 501(c)(3) nonprofit is an up-and-coming resource for veterans who are seeking funding to open or expand a small business, or purchase a franchise business. The Veterans Business Fund (VBF) relies on donors to provide funding for veteran business loans at favorable terms. Veterans won’t be able to finance their business entirely through VBF, as the program will offer loans only in conjunction with the business owner’s personal equity and the participation of an outside financial institution.

SBA Express Loan Program- Not to be confused with the SBA’s Patriot Express program, which has unfortunately ended, veterans can apply to its normal Express Loan program. Authorized veteran business loans of up to $350,000 through the Express initiative have zero upfront fees.

Hivers and Strivers- This angel investment group is focused on providing early-round funding for startups run and managed by academy graduates, especially from West Point, Annapolis, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

As a veteran, your determination to defend our nation’s freedom will hopefully translate to success as a small business owner.