The space shuttle Columbia accident and its implications, military purchase of new helicopters and transformation of army are discussed. Columbia accident investigators found that NASA was unaware that the pieces of foam insulation were frequently breaking off the space shuttle fuel tank at the time of liftoff. Different manufacturers are competing among themselves, showcasing there helicopters in Washington, as purchase of new presidential helicopter to replace the Marine one is underprogress. Army chief of staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki's decision to give every soldier black beret, and his efforts to transform army into a lighter, faster, and more efficient force is widely praised.
