Business

How the NSA Can Restore Public Trust

A special prosecutor would have free rein to go through the NSA's files and discover the full extent of what the agency is doing. By Bruce Schneier

Policy

Hagel the Grunt, McCain the Pilot, and Vietnam’s Effect on Syria

Vietnam combat veterans faced off in Congress over Syria on Tuesday, but when it comes to war, the difference between Hagel and McCain is about 30,000 feet. By Kevin Baron

Policy

'Mass Chaos': Diplomats Warned Obama Syria Was Inevitable

For months, diplomats told the White House to get involved in Syria, or pay a greater price down the road. Well, here we are. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

Can Obama Change His Mind on Syria?

The presidency has always been one where decisive action and leadership has been admired. So how should the administration's stuttering Syria policy be judged? By Charlie Cook

Business

Obama Wants to Give Troops, Civilians a 1 Percent Pay Raise in 2014

President Obama issued an alternative federal pay plan late Friday that gives troops a 1 percent pay increase in 2014. By Tom Shoop

Business

Military Strike Against Syria Could Cost More Than $600 Million

The cost of a possible strike against Syria comes amid steep budget cuts at the Pentagon. By Defense One Staff

Threats

Industry Cyber Guidelines Target ‘Insider Threats’

A preview of the administration’s industry cyber security standards urges employers to monitor emails and social media to identify ‘risky personnel.’ By Aliya Sternstein

Business

Revealed: What U.S. Spy Agencies Spend Their Money On

Newly leaked documents, given to The Washington Post by NSA leaker Edward Snowden, show how U.S. spy agencies spend their $56 billion dollar budget. By Dashiell Bennett

Ideas

The Battle Between the Air Force and the Air National Guard

The Air Force must stop pretending that it has no choice but to cut the Air National Guard and instead figure out ways to keep capability without being crushed by Congress. By Russell Rumbaugh

Business

More than 3,000 Civilian Medical Personnel Quit Amid Furloughs, Budget Cuts

Many of them are heading over to work at the Veterans Affairs Department, which has been sheltered from sequestration. By Eric Katz.

Policy

Congress Urges Obama to Make His Case Before Striking Syria

Several members of Congress are reminding President Obama of his obligation to consult with Congress before authorizing military action in Syria. By Michael Catalini

Business

Former Air Force Secretary To Reduce Hagel's Staff by 20 Percent

Retired Air Force Secretary Mike Donley will lead a panel that's been directed to reduce the Office of the Secretary of Defense's budget by 20 percent. By Tom Shoop

Threats

Pentagon ‘Stands Ready’ for Military Action in Syria as U.S. Warships Move to Region

President Obama huddles with his national security team to decide whether to take military action in Syria amid reports of more chemical attacks. By Kevin Baron

Business

DoD Will Lay Off 6,000 Civilians if Sequestration Continues

Major cuts to civilian defense employees are imminent If Congress can't come up with a plan to reduce the debt and sequestration continues next fiscal year. By Eric Katz

Business

Did Snowden and Manning Really Know What They Were Leaking?

Manning and Snowden are seen by many as heroes for leaking classified information. But the real problem is with the indiscriminate nature of their leaks. By Mark Bowden

Business

The Cost of Mental Health Care in the Military: $4.5 Billion Since 2007

Mental health care costs are on the rise in the military. The Pentagon spent nearly $1 billion on mental health treatment last year – roughly double the amount it spent in 2007. By Bob Brewin

Policy

What the NSA's Compliance Data Tells Us

One piece of data, left unredacted in its report to Congress, appears to give more information on the surveillence program than the NSA has ever released publicly. By Philip Bump

Business

Stop Shrouding the U.S. Drone Program in Secrecy

What if Obama was forced by Congress to share, after every lethal drone strike, a detailed summary of the evidence against the people killed? By Conor Friedersdorf

Business

Sequestration Hits Army and Navy’s Senior Ranks

Sequestration is forcing the Army and Navy to reduce the number of senior officers. By Mark Micheli