Spirent Federal Systems Prioritizes Military PNT Innovation with Appointment of Retired General DT Thompson to Advisory Role

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 22, 2024--

Spirent Federal Systems, the leading provider of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) test solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of retired General David D. “DT” Thompson as an advisor. General Thompson will provide strategic counsel in support of Spirent Federal’s mission: partnering with defense and industry to develop robust test equipment for emerging navigation warfare (NAVWAR) technologies, such as encrypted military GPS signals, jamming and spoofing mitigation, non-RF sensor fusion, and controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) systems.

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General Thompson brings nearly four decades of leadership and expertise to the role, having served in various positions in operations, research and development, and acquisition in the US Air Force and US Space Force (USSF). General Thompson played a key role in planning and instituting the USSF and served as the first Vice Chief of Space Operations until his retirement in February 2024. His education includes a Master of Science in National Security Industrial Policy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, and international studies as an Olmsted Scholar at Johannes Kepler University.

“We are honored to welcome General Thompson,” said Rob VanBrunt, President/CEO of Spirent Federal Systems. “Due to increasing threat vectors against GPS in navigation warfare environments, the need for thorough characterization of layered PNT solutions has never been more crucial. His insights will enhance our ability to deliver simulators that help deploy proven, cutting-edge PNT technologies to warfighters faster than ever."

“Innovation and excellence will ensure we outpace evolving threats; Spirent Federal exhibits both,” said General Thompson. “I look forward to supporting them as they work at the speed of need to fortify PNT resilience and deliver solutions that safeguard our critical PNT capabilities.”

For more information about Spirent Federal Systems, visit spirentfederal.com.

About Spirent Federal Systems

Spirent Federal Systems was formed in July 2001 by Spirent Communications as a wholly-owned subsidiary and U.S. proxy company. Spirent Federal markets and sells Spirent Communications’ products in North America. The company also provides value-added features and ongoing customer support. Spirent Federal Systems is headquartered in Pleasant Grove, UT, with support and sales offices throughout the US. Follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About Spirent

Spirent Communications plc. (LSE: SPT) is the leading global provider of automated test and assurance solutions for networks, cybersecurity, and positioning. The company provides innovative products, services and managed solutions that address the test, assurance and automation challenges of a new generation of technologies, including 5G, SD-WAN, cloud, autonomous vehicles and beyond. From the lab to the real world, Spirent helps companies deliver on their promise to their customers of a new generation of connected devices and technologies. For more information, please visit www.spirent.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

General (Retired) DT Thompson appointed as advisor to Spirent Federal Systems (Photo: Business Wire)

PHOENIX (AP) — A judge on Friday rejected an effort by GOP lawmakers to use the term “unborn human being” to refer to a fetus in the pamphlet that Arizona voters will use to weigh a ballot measure that would expand abortion access in the state.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Whitten said the wording the legislative council suggested is “packed with emotion and partisan meaning” and asked for what he called more “neutral” language. The measure aims to expand abortion access from 15 weeks to 24 weeks – the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb.

It would allow exemptions to save the woman’s life or to protect her physical or mental health. It would also prevent the state from adopting or enforcing laws that would forbid access to the procedure.

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, who is a co-chair of the legislative council, said the group will appeal the court’s decision to the state Supreme Court.

“The ruling is just plain wrong and clearly partisan,” said Toma, a Republican.

Aaron Thacker, communications director for Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, noted that the final decision on the ballot itself remains in the air.

“There’s still a lot of scenarios at play," he said. "Even after the secretary certifies the signatures, the courts have to decide if counties can put it on the ballot or not."

Arizona for Abortion Access, the organization leading the ballot measure campaign, sued the council earlier this month over the suggested language and advocated for the term “fetus,” which the council rejected.

Attorney General Kris Mayes wrote in a motion to submit an amicus brief that “fetus" and “pregnancy” are both neutral terms that the council could adopt.

“It’s incredibly important to us that Arizona voters get to learn more about and weigh our measure in objective and accurate terminology,” said Dawn Penich, communications director for the abortion access group.

Democrats have centered abortion rights in their campaigns in this year’s elections. Organizers in five other states have also proposed similar measures that would codify abortion access in their state constitutions: Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada and South Dakota.

Arizona organizers submitted more than double the amount of signatures needed for the measure to appear on the ballot.

FILE - Arizona abortion-rights supporters deliver over 800,000 petition signatures to the capitol to get abortion rights on the November general election ballot July 3, 2024, in Phoenix. A judge on Friday, July 26, rejected an effort by GOP lawmakers to use the term “unborn human being” to refer to a fetus in the pamphlet that Arizona voters will use to decide on a ballot measure that would expand abortion access in the state. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)