Science & Tech
The Pentagon Is Killing a Key Independent-Research Program
For decades, JASON studies helped DOD and other agencies get outside perspectives on scientific and technical topics.
Defense Systems
USAF adds competitive career categories for cyber, space
The Air Force is trying to improve training and talent retention by adding seven new competitive career categories for officers that will include cyber, intelligence and space.
Ideas
Tyndall and Offutt AFBs Need More Repair Money — and Fast
US Air Force readiness will suffer if Congress doesn’t approve more funds by June.
Defense Systems
Navy could add new cyber leadership slot
Navy Secretary Richard Spencer says adding a new assistant secretary for cybersecurity and tightening contractors' security practices are top priorities for 2020.
Business
'Space Force' Windfall Unclear for Eager Defense Companies
At Space Symposium, satellite makers big and small say they’re seeing the Pentagon awarding contracts faster, but still aren’t sure what to expect.
Science & Tech
CIA Considering Cloud Contract Worth ‘Tens of Billions’
The agency is hungry for more commercial cloud.
Ideas
The US Can't Out-China China on 5G. We Need a National Strategy.
A recent report from the Pentagon's Defense Innovation Board should be a wakeup call about today's most important emerging technology.
Defense Systems
Filling the federal cyber talent pipeline
The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative aims to jumpstart cyber careers by placing university graduates in federal agencies.
Defense Systems
JEDI cloud deal comes down to AWS and Microsoft
A Defense Department probe into conflict of interest relating to its $10 billion cloud buy didn't find anything to derail the solicitation. An award could be coming in mid-July.
Defense Systems
National Guard seeks weekend cyber warriors
The National Guard wants to increase cybersecurity capacity by attracting exiting servicemembers and full-time private-sector professionals.
Ideas
The US Air Force Needs F-35s, Not the F-15EX
Only about 20 percent of USAF fighters are fifth-generation aircraft. Winning tomorrow’s wars depends on growing that share faster, not slower.
Business
NSA Gave Contractors $630M in Incentives. Its Watchdog Has Questions.
More than half of the incentive-based contracts reviewed by the agency's inspector general lacked proof that such incentives were necessary.
Ideas
Ep. 42: Escalating in Somalia
We look into why the U.S. military is escalating its air campaign against al-Shabaab, and what sort of challenges stand in the way of building up a Somali army that can fight Shabaab on its own.
Policy
Shanahan Touts Unity in Space-Force Pitch, But Disagreements Clearly Remain
It’s a key week for proponents of the Trump administration’s space reorganization — and their detractors.
Defense Systems
DOD cloud migrations put some legacy systems on the back burner
The Defense Department is putting migration of legacy systems on hold as it moves forward with an interconnected cloud environment.
Science & Tech
China Is Closing the Innovation Gap: Report
A leading tech-policy think tank says the United States needs a national strategy of its own to compete in advanced technologies.
Threats