Ideas
Trump’s Iran Policy Is Counterproductive
It makes no sense to punish allies in Europe while shoring up hardliners in Tehran.
Ideas
A Boom Time for US Sanctions
The explosive growth in their use has prompted questions about how much is too much.
Ideas
Europe Should Do More for Regional Security — Starting with Libya
Allied “burden-sharing” ought not be about financial benchmarks, but about U.S. partners’ investment in their own regions’ security.
Science & Tech
Robots and Lasers Are Bringing Shipbuilding into the Digital Age
Even decades-old aircraft carriers are being mapped onto digital models at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Defense Systems
Army innovation lab tests coders on the battlefield
The Army's newly launched Army Applications Laboratory is working to expand ability for soldiers to code in the field to repair communications systems.
Ideas
Once Again, Trump Fails to Press Putin on Electoral Interference
No one in government other than Trump denies the Russian attack. That makes his May 3 phone call even more surreal.
Threats
Pentagon Shifts Much Classroom Training to Another Federal Agency
The Office of Personnel Management will use the Defense Department learn how employees learn and where more training is needed.
Science & Tech
DIU Is Helping the US Army Field More Backpack-Sized Drones
The Pentagon’s internal startup accelerator wants to get consumer quadcopters in the hands of soldiers in a matter of months, not years.
Defense Systems
Defense software budget may get streamlined in 2020
Defense Department acquisition head, Ellen Lord, hopes to simplify software buying and improve business systems following the release of the Defense Innovation Board's final software acquisition study.
Defense Systems
Who's accountable for the $20B defense health IT overhaul?
Despite pressure from Congress, DOD and VA don't appear to be racing to name a single point of accountability to lead the electronic health records transformation at the two agencies.
Defense Systems
Air Force Lab wants wearables to monitor warfighter health
The Air Force Research Lab teamed with a biosensor startup to develop implanted sensors that would allow medical personnel to continuously monitor troops for indications of a potential illness.
Ideas
Trump Signs Executive Order to Boost Federal Cyber Workforce
Initiatives include cyber aptitude assessments for agency insiders and a President’s Cup cybersecurity competition.
Science & Tech
Fighter Jets with Missile-Killing Lasers Take Another Step Toward Reality
U.S. Air Force says a ground-based laser downed multiple test missiles over New Mexico.
Science & Tech
US Drones May Soon Run on Open-Source Software
The Defense Innovation Unit is exploring whether a popular commercial platform could help the military keep up with the rapidly advancing drone industry.
Ideas
Protecting Civilians Still Matters in Great-Power Conflict
It’s easy to see why counterinsurgency campaigns tread carefully around local bystanders. It’s no less important in larger-scale war.
Threats
Pentagon Warns Of China’s Rise in the Arctic, Missile Subs, Influence Operations
Annual "China Military Power" report notes that Beijing’s deterrence fleet is up to six ballistic missile subs.
Science & Tech