rapidfire Secure Devices «NutritionNOTES» D

oD, with assistance from the Defense Infor- mation Systems Agency (DISA), is beginning to launch commercial mobile devices for use by

service personnel in a variety of functions. Personnel al- ready are using iPhones, Androids, and Blackberry devices for unclassified functions, with over 2,000 devices cur- rently in use and a long-term goal, according to DISA, of putting 100,000 devices into circulation. The challenge to using consumer devices is ensur- ing information protection within the attackable and operational environment, say agency program manag- ers. DoD users on insecure mobile networks need to ex- change data securely. To that end, DISA has published security technical implementation guides and security requirements guides so commercial companies can sub- mit proposals for workable and secure mobile platform management systems. Among some already in the field are new Electronic

Flight Bags (digitized maps and manuals that replace 60 to 70 pounds of maps and data) in use by the Air Mobility Command and the Air Combat Command. DoD predicts mobile devices will be a standard tool for operations on the battlefield within the next four years. Mobile platforms also are making it easier for ser- vicemembers to advance their education and skills with devices like the new Navy e-reader device (known as NeRD). With preloaded titles, NeRD allows sailors on deployment to access on a single device a variety of con- tent ranging from professional and training manuals to leisure titles. “They can keep 300 books, which would have taken up their entire library locker, in their pockets now,” says Nilya Carrato, program manager for the Navy Installations Command Navy General Library Program. — Deborah Huso

PHOTOS: ABOVE, MASTER SGT. WILLIAM GREER, USAF; RIGHT, SHUTTERSTOCK; FACING PAGE, SHUTTERSTOCK

CHOCOLATE IS A FAVORITE TREAT FOR MANY PEOPLE ON VALENTINE’S DAY, BUT IS IT HEALTHY? Some data suggests the flavanols in cocoa (a main component of chocolate) might have anti- inflammatory properties, cause a reduction in blood pressure, possibly reduce low-density lipoproteins, and increase insulin sensitivity. You’ll find more flavanols in cocoa solids and bitter or dark chocolate. Whether the effect of these flavanols is enough to actually reduce dis- ease risk requires further study, so don’t expect choco- late to cure your medical conditions. Do enjoy your Valentine’s Day treats within reason. Chocolate has about 160 calories an ounce because of the high fat and sugar content. — Rear Adm.

Joyce Johnson, USPHS, D.O., pro- vides lower-calorie ideas and recipes for chocolate-covered strawberries and more at www.moaa .org/nutrition.

TRICAREUPDA+E

WHEN BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS rise and remain outside of the normal range because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or makes ineffective insulin, you can develop diabetes. Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to other serious health risks like heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dia- betes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Beneficiaries with diabetes or prediabetes can manage their condition by monitoring their blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. TRICARE covers doctor visits to screen for diabe-

tes as well as diabetes-management appointments and diabetic supplies. Learn more at www.tricare .mil/diabeticsupplies.

FEBRUARY 2015 MILITARY OFFICER 25