Defense Systems

DOD planning for major civilian, procurement cuts in fiscal 2014

The Defense Department is reportedly preparing to lay off more than 6,200 civilians in October.

Defense Systems

GAO finds redundancies with Next Generation Jammer

While new Navy jammer would fill a specific gap, functional overlap exists between current technologies.

Defense Systems

Navy modification increases Global Hawk contract award to $95M

Northrup Grumman will provide operations, maintenance service.

Threats

Kerry Makes the Case for Military Action in Syria

Secretary of State John Kerry says it’s not about stopping the civil war in Syria anymore– it’s about ending the proliferation of chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

The War After the War in Syria

The continued fracturing of Syrian fighters threatens any hope for reconstruction once the fighting dies down. By Joshua Foust

Ideas

To Reach the East, NATO Must First Go North

NATO has an opportunity to engage its Asian partners and counterbalance the burgeoning Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. By Robbie Gramer and Alex Ward

Policy

Drones Are Controversial But Legal

Just because drones are more technologically advanced than other weapons doesn't mean they violate international law. By James Jay Carafano

Defense Systems

DOD's push for secure mobile comms leverages commercial tools

Commercial encryption, biometrics help DOD prevent eavesdropping.

Defense Systems

Army looks to integrate micro drones

Barclay stresses combined operations as a way to stretch procurement dollars.

Defense Systems

Hagel says joint exercise expansion key to Asia Pacific pivot

U.S. shift is progressing despite sequestration.

Defense Systems

Marine Corps deploys upgraded biometric scanner

The Biometric Enrollment Screening Device matches fingerprints, iris images and facial photos.

Ideas

Whatever Comes Next, Syria Is Forcing a New U.S. Strategy for the Middle East

President Obama is deciding how to respond in Syria knowing that most Americans are wary of another mess in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron and Stephanie Gaskell

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

Policy

Obama: U.S. Influence in Syria is ‘Overstated’

In an exclusive interview with CNN, President Obama worries about getting involved in Syria, questions the future of U.S.-Egypt relations and suggests the NSA might need a public advocate. By Stephanie Gaskell

Ideas

In The Tank: This Week’s Best Defense and National Security Think Tank Offerings

The latest in wonk reads on national security, tech, and more. By Kedar Pavgi

Defense Systems

Navy logistics tool emulates Expedia

Web-based tool pinpoints available shipping capacity.

Defense Systems

DARPA field tests tactical cloud software

Edge network software would turn mobile devices into battlefield servers.

Ideas

Hagel Begins Asian Pivot as the Middle East Burns

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will spend the week setting up what the U.S. hopes to achieve over the next century: driving security in Asia while leading from behind in the Middle East. By Kevin Baron