The organization is proud of this history -- and is certainly happy with the yearly PR that the annual program brings to NORAD, which is perhaps better known for its association with nearby Cheyenne Mountain, a nuclear bunker that could just as ably provide the setting for some comic book supervillain's lair. Should a gadget blog visit the space, however, the organization isn't particularly forthcoming with details about the actual tracking that occurs on Christmas Eve. Instead, they choose to shroud the whole process in mystery even with such high-profile partners as Microsoft, which has offered up its Bing Maps software for the program.

What we have been able to gather, however, is that much of the process hinges on the illuminated facial feature of one key player. "Rudolph's nose gives a great signature," Lt. Cmdr. Bill Lewis tells us during an interview. He waves away some specifics in typical military fashion, but does helpfully shed a bit more information on the whole thing. "Prior to the 24th, we do make some communication with Santa," he explains, adding that NORAD "position[s] Santa Cams throughout the world" and has a number of "pilots on standby" -- assuring safe passage for the holiday mascot.

Regardless of how the military ultimately obtains that information, however, the program clearly provides some respite from the stresses of serving in uniform. Those involved relish the opportunity to put smiles on the faces of children all over the world. As far as what any of us are getting for the holiday, however, that information is strictly classified.

This segment originally appeared in episode 39 of The Engadget Show.