Defense Systems
Data and DOD's pivot from 'fight tonight'
The Pentagon is developing a tool that could help trace the impact of senior leaders' decisions down to the unit and years into the future.
Defense Systems
Contractor oversight was lacking in Afghanistan, IG says
The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction's newest report calls out the government's failure to oversee contractors as a source of waste, fraud and abuse.
Ideas
Lessons from a Failed Stealth Jet Can Guide Naval Aviation’s Future
The Navy’s next jet must avoid the errors that doomed the Avenger II.
Exclusive
Policy
Trump’s Pledge to Exit Afghanistan Was a Ruse, His Final SecDef Says
Chris Miller now says talk of a full withdrawal was a “play” to convince a Taliban-led government to keep U.S. counterterrorism forces.
Business
Private Equity Firm Acquires Geost, Whose Sensors Protect Satellites
It’s a play to capitalize on massive satellite orders from the Pentagon.
Ideas
Taiwan Wants Paladins. Congress Should Say No
Taipei’s only hope for an effective defense is not armor but asymmetry.
Policy
‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says
For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.
Policy
‘Cannot Ensure Safe Passage’: US Tells Americans in Kabul to Get to Airport On Their Own
Biden says U.S. forces may have to stay past Aug. 31 to help evacuate stranded personnel.
Science & Tech
The Texas National Guard Just Unveiled the Largest 3D Printed Structure in North America
But Russia and China are preparing to 3D print hypersonic components.
Ideas
The Next Big Refugee Crisis Just Started
The U.S. and its partners should respond to the needs of displaced Afghans, for national security reasons and long-term opportunities.
Policy
Air Force Launches Investigation Into Deadly Kabul C-17 Flight
Mobbed by civilians, the Globemaster crew raced to get back in the air. The service’s investigations office will look into the deaths that followed.
Threats
Afghanistan Veterans Struggling With News of Taliban Takeover
Advocates encourage veterans to use VA, veteran service organization resources for help.
Policy
US Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day
American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport
Threats
‘There Is No Afghan Government’: NATO Stops Aid To Afghanistan As Taliban Take Over
Stoltenberg says aid could resume to an “inclusive government." And at the White House: “We will have to take a hard look at how we proceed on any basis at all.”
Defense Systems
Senators push DHS to focus intel activities on foreign threats
The Senate version of the annual intelligence authorization bill, which passed out of committee last week, includes a warning to DHS' intelligence arm to distinguish more carefully between its foreign and domestic missions.
Defense Systems
Navy looks beyond RMF to build cyber resilience
The Navy wants to fortify its cyber resilience to keep pace with rapid software development needs, but changing workforce habits has to come first.
Defense Systems