Policy
2026 budget proposal would axe one-third of CISA workforce
The White House spending proposal would cut nearly 1,000 jobs at the nation’s lead civilian cyber agency, and reduce funding for related cyber and intel programs.
Science & Tech
INDOPACOM brings AI to wargaming exercise
After nearly half a year of focusing on new tech, commanders get to pit decision-making tools against operational plans.
Science & Tech
Army scrambles to improve drone training
One unit created its own virtual trainer with software used by Ukrainian troops.
Threats
'The federal government is gone': Under Trump, fighting extremist violence is up to the states
Security officials and extremism researchers say federal coordination for preventing terrorism and targeted violence has evaporated.
Threats
Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future
Plan to eliminate multiple squadrons “takes us out of the fight,” the Reserve’s top general said in a Pentagon interview.
Threats
AFRICOM asks for help deterring terrorism, after Trump pulls aid to allied countries
Groups like al-Shabaab see USAID withdrawal as an opportunity.
Policy
New plans detail State Department layoffs and changes
National-security offices and units that cover Asia and the Middle East will be consolidated or slashed as thousands of employees are laid off.
Policy
Pentagon aims to save money by reducing consulting contracts
SecDef Hegseth says DOD personnel should take over “system IT integration, implementation, or advisory services"—but the military's own IT agency is also bracing for cuts.
Policy
Hegseth halves staff of Pentagon’s testing-oversight office
The move may reduce the quality of DOT&E’s second opinions, but may not affect safety, former officials said.
Business
Lockheed pitches pilot-optional F-35
The company is hoping the Pentagon will buy into plans to “supercharge” the F-35.
Ideas
Don’t limit defense innovation by capping small-biz awards
A proposed change to the Small Business Innovation Research program would deprive the military of some of its best problem-solvers.
Business
Missile Defense Agency preps $151B contract vehicle for Golden Dome
MDA previewed a draft solicitation for work on the ambitious missile-defense system.
Policy
Pentagon orders civilian employees to submit money-saving ideas
It’s the last step in the "5 bullet points" weekly email exercise.
Threats