Photo: Robert Gates was said to share concerns about Blackwater. BBC

(Reuters) – Defense Secretary Robert Gates will review allegations of misconduct in Afghanistan by the company formerly known as Blackwater and shares concerns raised by a top senator, the Pentagon said on Friday.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin had made a personal appeal to Gates last week for the Pentagon to consider blocking a potential $1 billion contract with Blackwater, which has changed its name to Xe, to train Afghan police.

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More News On Blackwater

Pentagon concerned over Blackwater’s work in Afghanistan — AFP
Senator warns against $1B deal with Blackwater — AP
Levin asks for DoJ investigation into Blackwater contract — The Hill
Levin urges Pentagon to rethink plans for $1 billion in new Blackwater contracts — Washington Post
Gates urged to rethink ‘Blackwater’ pacts — UPI
Blackwater Iraq allegations prompt US review — BBC
Senator Asks Justice Department to Look Into Blackwater Work for Raytheon — Wall Street Journal

Hacker Training — Inside The Ring/Washington Times

The Pentagon has ordered all troops and officials involved in protecting computer networks from enemy hackers to undergo training in computer hacking themselves.

A Feb.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert gates inspects a GBI in its Alaskan silo.
Photo from The Register

WASHINGTON — As President Obama begins making final decisions on a broad new nuclear strategy for the United States, senior aides say he will permanently reduce America’s arsenal by thousands of weapons.