However, the use of privatized forces on the modern battlefield far out paces their previous employment, and the capabilities that the private security industry now brings to the table marks a watershed in the conduct of military operations.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The Impact of Private Security on US Foreign Policy

Some Internet-security experts believe that the Georgia conflict marks the first time a known cyberattack has coincided with a ground war, but others said that similar computer attacks have accompanied military operations in the Middle East and elsewhere.

CNN: U.S. at risk of cyberattacks, experts say

That playing field would certainly would have been friendlier to McCain, who has long received higher marks from voters on issues of national security.

CNN: Poll findings could be trouble for McCain

With regard to our shared security, we affirmed our commitment to our alliance, which marks its 50th anniversary this year.

WHITEHOUSE: InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel, Yokohama, Japan

Today marks the 8th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories

We are Lulz Security, and this is our final release, as today marks something meaningful to us. 50 days ago, we set sail with our humble ship on an uneasy and brutal ocean: the Internet.

FORBES: LulzSec Says Goodbye, Dumping NATO, AT&T, Gamer Data

They stressed that such a review had been in the works for some time and was not triggered by the departure of Gen Petraeus or the subsequent question marks raised over "possibly inappropriate communications" involving the International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) commander, John Allen, and Tampa socialite Jill Kelley.

BBC: What can David Petraeus teach the Pentagon?

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Japan-U.S. Security Pact.

WHITEHOUSE: InterContinental Yokohama Grand Hotel, Yokohama, Japan

Tuesday's discussion marks the first in a series of talks about America's energy security that McCain will hold during the next two weeks as he lays out his plan to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.

CNN: McCain wants to lift ban on offshore drilling

Asia marks two important anniversaries this year: the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and 60 years since the beginning of the Korean War.

WSJ: South Korea and Japan's Diverging Strategies

Formation of the group marks a stronger alliance of Internet companies as they try to influence regulations pertaining to revenue repatriation, cyber security, and sales tax.

FORBES: The Internet Association Shows What's Wrong With The American Economy