Policy
Judge orders Trump admin to rescind order to fire probationary employees
The Defense Department had planned to begin firing some 5,400 workers on Friday, court filings said.
Defense Systems
As space becomes more crowded, Space Force turns to AI
The newest service wants to understand where automation can augment—or even replace—humans in monitoring space for threats.
Business
Trump administration asks agencies to cull consultants
A memo dated Wednesday asks agencies to review their contracts with 10 of the “highest paid” companies.
Policy
SECNAV nominee: Trump wants ‘shipbuilding, shipbuilding, shipbuilding’
Investor John Phelan wants to apply his business experience to the ailing defense industrial base, as Pentagon looks at cutting civilian shipyard personnel.
Threats
Looking to cut Pentagon costs? Start here, watchdog says
As audit fights loom, a watchdog found that DOD weapons costs are going up, not down.
Policy
Pentagon’s 8-percent budget shift could be ‘painful’ for the Air Force
But there’s still “hope” because the overall topline won’t be cut, and the service will be “a big part” of the future fight, an official said.
Science & Tech
Hypersonics, autonomous systems top DepSecDef nom’s emerging-tech priorities
Feinberg said it’s time to “move away from expensive, overly sophisticated platforms that take years to develop.”
Policy
Give carmakers a shot at making weapons, deputy defense secretary nominee says
Stephen Feinberg’s testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee stressed the need for detailed program reviews, clean audits, and new blood in defense contracting.
Policy
Army vet Driscoll confirmed as service secretary
Financier comes on board as military reels from firings of top officers, lawyers.
Defense Systems
Space Force sets up team to sort out support for ‘Iron Dome’—that is, ‘Golden Dome’
The service will be “central” to the effort to build a next-gen missile shield, Gen. Saltzman says.
Defense Systems
Pentagon plans for unified digital access tools across military this year
The Defense Information Systems Agency is working on a streamlined identity solution that spans the military departments.
Policy
Pentagon brings right-wing podcaster on board to run digital media
Graham Allen’s hiring comes as DOD looks to lay off tens of thousands of employees and freeze hiring to cut costs.
Defense Systems
Drones are the next chapter in US-India’s defense partnership
Trump-Modi meeting produces an agreement to expand industry cooperation, production in the Indo-Pacific.
Policy
In Pentagon shakeup, some see bid for more secret actions, less oversight
Trump's unconventional pick for Joint Chiefs chair brings deep special-warfare experience.
Ideas
Trump’s plan to slash the federal workforce isn’t the first, it’s just the worst
The triple-meat-cleaver approach to workforce “reform.”
Policy