SE&M Solutions LLC publishes The In-Brief to help keep government and industry leaders aware of important issues in personnel security, suitability, Trusted Workforce 2.0, background investigations, adjudications, counterintelligence, industrial security communities, and emerging technologies.
Articles of Interest
Vance Advises Air Force Academy Graduates to Not Concede Decision-Making to AI
An article by Military Times reports that in a commencement address to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026, Vice President JD Vance urged graduating cadets not to surrender critical military decision-making to artificial intelligence, emphasizing that life-and-death decisions must remain in human hands. While acknowledging that AI will continue to transform warfare and military operations, Vance argued that American warfighters must preserve human judgment, moral responsibility, and accountability in combat. Referencing concerns about AI’s growing influence and echoing warnings from religious and military leaders, he stressed that technology should support, not replace, the conscience and decision-making authority of military leaders. His remarks come as the U.S. military accelerates AI adoption across defense systems while debates continue over the appropriate level of human oversight in autonomous and AI-enabled warfare.
7 Air Force Contract Opportunities GovCons Should Watch in 2026
This article by ExecutiveGov highlights seven major U.S. Air Force contracting opportunities expected to shape defense modernization efforts in 2026, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, intelligence systems, command-and-control (C2), and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) integration. Key opportunities include modernization of the Combatant Commanders Integrated Command and Control System (CCIC2S), AI-enabled intelligence and predictive analytics initiatives through Air Combat Command, counter-drone (C-UAS) technologies, trusted systems research, advanced cyber-targeting capabilities, AI-powered tracking architectures, and strategic cyber effects programs. The article notes that the Air Force is increasingly using commercial solutions openings (CSOs), broad agency announcements (BAAs), and rapid acquisition pathways to accelerate innovation and engage both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors. Overall, these opportunities signal continued Air Force investment in resilient communications, cyber operations, autonomous systems, advanced sensing, and AI-driven decision support as part of its broader modernization strategy.
Who is Bill Pulte? New National Intelligence Director Has Finance Background
President Donald Trump has tapped Bill Pulte to replace the outgoing Tulsi Gabbard as new director of national intelligence. The president made the announcement on Truth Social, saying Pulte, 38, “has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago.” Pule, who is currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chair of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, will remain in those roles while being the new DNI, according to Trump. Gabbard issued her resignation on May 23, citing the illness of her husband, Abraham Williams, who has been diagnosed with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.” Gabbard stated that he would face “major challenges in the coming weeks and months.” She will remain in her current role until June 30. Read more about Bill Pulte in this article from Military.com.
Trump Signs Executive Order Asking for Access to New AI Models Before They Launch
This article on MSN reports that President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a voluntary framework that asks leading AI companies to provide the federal government with access to their most advanced AI models up to 30 days before public release. The initiative is intended to help national security and cybersecurity agencies evaluate potential risks, identify vulnerabilities, and assess the broader security implications of increasingly powerful AI systems. While the administration had previously considered a more stringent review process with longer evaluation periods, the final order was scaled back following concerns from the technology industry that excessive oversight could slow innovation and weaken U.S. competitiveness in the global AI race, particularly against China. The order emphasizes voluntary participation rather than mandatory regulation, reflecting the administration’s effort to balance AI safety and national security with continued technological leadership and innovation.
US Troops Are Reportedly Being Targeted Using Location Data, Pentagon Says
U.S. military personnel deployed in active war zones are reportedly being targeted and surveilled using commercially available location data collected from smartphones and other connected devices. According to a Pentagon letter from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), adversaries have exploited data obtained through the commercial data-broker and advertising-technology ecosystem to identify troop locations, monitor movement patterns, and potentially support attacks or intelligence-gathering operations. Lawmakers warned that commercially available geolocation data can reveal where troops congregate and establish patterns of life that could be exploited for missile strikes, drone attacks, roadside bombs, or counterintelligence activities. The report has intensified concerns about the national security risks posed by the location-data marketplace and prompted calls for stronger protections, including disabling advertising identifiers on military devices, limiting location sharing, and improving operational security measures for deployed personnel. Read more on this article from DefenseNews.
FBI Finds 303 Gold Bars in Home of CIA Employee Who Allegedly Lied About His Credentials
ABC News reports that according to a federal complaint, former CIA officer and senior government employee David Rush is accused of defrauding the U.S. government by falsely claiming academic degrees and exaggerating his military credentials to obtain higher-paying positions and benefits. Investigators allege he claimed to hold degrees from Clemson University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, despite never attending either school, and also misrepresented his military experience while applying for senior executive roles. The FBI says he improperly received salary increases and about $77,000 in military-leave compensation through these misrepresentations. During the investigation, agents searched his Virginia home and found 303 gold bars worth more than $40 million, about $2 million in cash, and dozens of luxury watches. Authorities also allege that large quantities of gold and foreign currency Rush had requested for purported work-related purposes could not be accounted for. After an internal CIA investigation identified potential wrongdoing, the agency referred the matter to the FBI, which arrested Rush and charged him with theft of public money.
Upcoming Events and Conferences
2026 Air and Space Summit
7/30/2026
Hilton-McLean | McLean, VA
Air and space defense is a critical component of national security, and it’s increasingly essential in the looming Great Power Competition era. With the increasing sophistication of threats, the need for advanced defense capabilities in the air and space domains has never been more urgent. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Defense Summit will provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, helping attendees understand the strategic importance of air and space defense and how to contribute to its advancement.
https://www.potomacofficersclub.com/events/2026-air-and-space-summit
2026 Navy Summit
8/27/2026
Hilton-McLean | McLean VA
The 2026 Navy Summit hosted by the Potomac Officers Club is a premier gathering of naval and maritime leaders to address the most critical challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. Navy. This exclusive event brings together top-tier Navy experts to explore innovative solutions, forge strategic partnerships and shape the future of naval operations. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the latest advancements in technology, policy and strategy as we collectively work to ensure a secure future and a ready naval force.
https://www.potomacofficersclub.com/events/2026-navy-summit
Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2026
9/14/2026 –9/16/2026
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Atlanta, GA
Security threats are evolving and becoming more complex. Elevate your knowledge and technical capabilities at GSX to rise against this shifting landscape. Access expert-led education covering critical physical and cybersecurity topics. Discover state-of-the-art innovations, products, and trends transforming security. Find inspiration in keynotes from next-level thought leaders and world-class speakers. Go where the entire global security community converges to connect, collaborate, and meet tomorrow’s challenges head on.
About SE&M
SE&M Solutions LLC is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Harrisburg, PA. We are experts in personnel security, continuous vetting, Trusted Workforce 2.0 (TW2.0) policies, processes, and information technology. We offer professional services and IT support including staff augmentation, consulting, planning and implementation for clients in the federal, state, local and commercial sectors. For more information, contact SE&M at info@semsolutionsllc.com.