Ideas
Trump’s Gifts to Turkey Repeat Mistakes and Set Bad Precedents
The withdrawal from Syria and sale of missiles to Ankara will undermine U.S. efforts to work with partners and rebuff Russian influence.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon Doesn’t Know All the Software on Its Networks—And That’s a Problem
The Defense Department faces “unnecessary” risk without a complete software inventory, according to the agency’s inspector general.
Ideas
It Was Time to Leave Syria Anyway
If the gains won by Kurdish and Arab sacrifice completely depend on our continued military presence, then they were illusory to begin with.
Defense Systems
Army looks to improve training simulations with intelligent automation
The Army Research Lab wants to reduce the manpower needed to design and run large-scale simulation-based training events.
Defense Systems
Deadline extended for Fed 100 nominations
You now have until Friday, Jan. 4, to get them in. Happy holidays!
Policy
Trump’s Abrupt Syria Reversal Confounds His Own Administration, GOP Allies
Hours later, White House officials had more questions than answers about the withdrawal.
Business
Civilians Are Cheaper Than Contractors for Most Defense Jobs, Internal Report Finds
Contractors are particularly more expensive in the capital and Southeastern regions, according to a report obtained exclusively by Government Executive.
Ideas
Don’t Be Surprised the Next Time Trump Ends a US Mission
No one knows why the president pulled the plug on Syria now, but NATO and South Korea should be worried.
Ideas
Trump Just Screwed Up the One Thing He Did Better Than Obama
His capricious decision to withdraw troops from Syria will create havoc.
Defense Systems
DISA awards $323M processing contract
Hewlett Packard Enterprise wins a $323.9 million processor capacity services contract with DISA.
Threats
ISIS Is Not Defeated. Pulling US Troops From Syria Would Jeopardize Everything
I just returned from my fifth trip to Northeast Syria in 18 months. If the US quits now, there are four winners: ISIS, Assad, Russia, and Iran.
Threats
Russia Claims To Be On Track to Deploy a Maneuverable ICBM Next Year
Observers say that’s unlikely.
Policy
Trump’s Space Force Request Is Coming — But Final Form Remains Hazy
Will his proposed space organization more resemble the Air Force or the Marines? Pence didn’t say.
Ideas
Want NATO Allies to Boost Defense Spending? Don’t Build Fort Trump
Basing an American division in Poland will reduce allies’ incentive to build up their own forces.
Policy
The Biggest Difference Between Inhofe and Smith? How Much Danger They Think the US Faces
The incoming SASC chair says “we live in the most dangerous world of my lifetime.” His HASC counterpart calls that “simple paranoia.”
Science & Tech