Defense Systems
Pentagon officials debut innovation steering group
The new group is tasked with looking for areas in research and engineering that, if improved, would make the Defense Department better at adapting new technology.
Defense Systems
USTRANSCOM prepares for third-party cyber compliance assessments
U.S. Transportation Command is preparing a proof of principle for a cyber compliance program in preparation for broad adoption of CMMC.
Defense Systems
Russia sanctioned over SolarWinds, election interference -- even as cyber espionage continues
The White House announced a range of sanctions against Russia, and security agencies warned of software vulnerabilities that Russian intelligence services are actively exploiting.
Defense Systems
Nakasone deflects senators' invitations to seek domestic spying powers
Lawmakers have continued to prod the NSA chief to request new surveillance authorities that might prevent another SolarWinds-type breach.
Defense Systems
House Dems back bill to put guardrails around IGs
The proposal would limit the power of the president to remove inspectors general to for cause reasons and outline exactly who can serve as an acting IG.
Ideas
$264B for ICBMs That Would Be Destroyed in the Ground? No, Thanks
Creating a spiffy new “nuclear sponge” makes neither fiscal nor strategic sense.
Defense Systems
Army kicks off first major test to thwart small drone attacks
The Army is putting its new counter small drone strategy to the test with its first demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground, focusing on how to limit damage when facing direct threats.
Defense Systems
VR, AR training helps forward observers direct fire support
The Office of Naval Research has developed augmented and virtual reality tools to make it easier to train the Marines who help protect infantry by keeping an eye on the ground situation and calling in necessary air artillery, mortar and naval gunfire.
Threats
US Nuclear Fears Are Shifting From a Clear Russian Threat to a Murkier Chinese One
Bejing might use nukes to coerce U.S. leaders in a crisis, STRATCOM chief tells lawmakers.
Exclusive
Science & Tech
Free the Data: Vice Chiefs Launch an Acquisition Crusade
Better access to weapon data is crucial to faster Pentagon purchasing — and dangerous to industry business models.
Ideas
Countering China’s Military Challenge, Today
Denying the PLA its objectives in the 2020s requires diversification, distribution, and resiliency across posture and mission.
Ideas
Germany’s Military an Unexpected Star in Pandemic Relief
The Bundeswehr’s ubiquity and effectiveness in various facets of the COVID response has created an unusual problem.
Ideas
Biden Should Sink This Proposed Nuclear Weapon
None of the arguments for the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile hold water.
Ideas
Afghanistan Will Know No Peace Without Pressure on Pakistan
Inconsistent global powers, foreign politics, and indifference to Pakistan’s Taliban sponsorship continue to frustrate Afghans and spoil peace efforts.
Ideas
Release the Last ‘Low-Value’ Afghanistan POW Held at Gitmo
International law required the U.S. to release Asadullah Haroon Gul five years ago. Now there is truly no reason to hold him.
Defense Systems
White House stands down SolarWinds, Microsoft Exchange cyber response groups
The White House is suspending the two interagency groups tasked with managing the government's response to the cybersecurity incidents involving SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange, citing improving trends in patching.
Ideas
The USAF’s Bad Bets on Pilot Retention Show It Needs Outside Help
Service leaders think the same old tactics can reverse a pilot shortage in a resurging economy.
Policy