Ideas
Use 'hedge forces' to break the Pentagon's force-structure death spiral
The U.S. military must move away from exquisite general-purpose units and weapons.
Policy
Special operations seeing growing demand amid planned cuts: commander
Faced with a more active China, “I certainly wouldn't support” shrinking the force, SOCOM's Fenton told lawmakers.
Science & Tech
Spy agency ready to launch new vehicle-tracking satellites
After tests go well, NRO director looks to start replacing JSTARS aircraft with orbital sensors.
Ideas
New Arctic strategy? Good. Now do one for the Antarctic
China and Russia aren’t limiting their adventurism to the northern polar region.
Policy
Milley, McKenzie detail mistakes that led to Afghan evacuation chaos
The retired generals blamed the State Department for the debacle at Hamid Karzai airport. But it’s not that simple.
Defense Systems
Sprouts of promise bud in NATO’s tech incubator
Hopeful seedlings include improvements in energy resilience and storage.
Science & Tech
Marines see progress with drones, despite flat budgets
However, a program to mount loitering munitions to vehicles faces delays.
Ideas
Two ways to fix Army recruiting
Stop organizing its tasks geographically, and put our best people on it.
Defense Systems
Does TikTok need a new parent company? Senator mulls implications
The White House is pushing the Senate to pass a TikTok ban bill that swept through the House last week.
Threats
China’s moon plans worry Space Force
New orbits could open “potential attack vectors” on US satellites, general says.
Science & Tech
Russia’s election-manipulation efforts aim to undermine Ukraine aid, NSA says
Thanks to AI, “They can have one person cranking out a lot of material.”
Science & Tech
Army aims to equip a division with hand-held counter-drone gear
But one expert said the service may have underestimated just how much that will cost.
Ideas
Authoritarians are playing to win. America can’t if we don’t show up.
Two retired four-stars lay out the case for the National Security Emergency Package currently being considered in the House.
Policy
State Department wants reliable news, internet connectivity in the Pacific
U.S. is funding journalism fellowships and undersea cable access in the region.
Science & Tech
Pentagon eyes Starship, designed for Mars, for military missions somewhat closer to home
After a successful, if abbreviated, third test flight, SpaceX’s reusable mega-rocket might be ready before the U.S. military is.
Ideas