The INSIDER daily digest -- Sept. 20, 2023

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the influence of the Ukraine war on U.S. Army training, the potential impact of the looming government shutdown on the military services and industry, the proposed creation of a new critical infrastructure sector for space and more.

The Army's top civilian and uniformed officials spoke this week at an event hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies:

Acting Army chief, SECARMY say Ukraine war is shaping training

Acting Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Secretary Christine Wormuth say the Russian invasion of Ukraine is transforming the way the U.S. Army trains, particularly when it comes to unmanned systems.

The Army's acquisition chief added his voice to the growing chorus of DOD officials warning of the perils of a government shutdown:

Army acquisition head says potential shutdown would hurt contracting workforce

If fiscal year 2024 begins with a government shutdown, one of the biggest negative impacts to the Army would be on the contracting workforce, service acquisition chief Doug Bush told reporters Tuesday.

More shutdown news:

Business group tells defense contractors to prep for government shutdown

An influential Washington business association that represents Pentagon contractors said today that companies should prepare for all contingencies related to a possible government shutdown on Oct. 1, even if they believe their work is fully funded.

AIA President and CEO Eric Fanning sent a letter to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan opposing the creation of a new critical infrastructure sector for space:

AIA urges NSC to conduct 'cost-benefit' analysis on space sector designation

The Aerospace Industries Association is asking the National Security Council to conduct a "cost-benefit" analysis when considering whether to designate any specific space capabilities as critical infrastructure, and to consider "space" itself as a domain, rather than creating a new critical infrastructure sector.

Keep an eye out tomorrow for a new solicitation seeking contractors interested in working on putting the Navy's nuclear missile submarine communication system onto a C-130 aircraft:

Navy RFP advances Super Hercules as E-6B TACAMO replacement

Naval Air Systems Command will issue a request for proposals Thursday for integrating "take charge and move out" (TACAMO) mission systems into a modified C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft.

Last but by no means least, more coverage from last week's Air, Space, Cyber conference:

Air Force moving ahead with Agile Combat Employment in Indo-Pacific

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD -- The Air Force's Agile Combat Employment concept for basing will need more funding for logistics as it aims to improve resiliency in the Indo-Pacific, Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach told reporters.