Threats
America’s New Special Operations Commander Wants to Predict the Future
With so many elite troops fighting ‘an extremist phenomenon that’s gone rabid’ in failed states, Gen. Tony Thomas wants to get his operators ahead of the curve.
Science & Tech
Look at the Military’s New Stealth Bikes
These motorcycles of the future are turning heads at special operations conference in Florida.
Defense Systems
Why WMD-like treaties are unlikely with cyber
Christopher Painter, coordinator for Cyber Issues at the State Department, told Congress that curtailing the use of “cyber weapons” is complicated because, for one thing, the same tool used to attack can be used to protect networks.
Defense Systems
Army looking for tactical wireless receiving system
The request for information is looking for a fairly small, portable device capable of intercepting and transmitting a variety of analog and digital wireless signals.
Threats
'Undersea Superiority is No Birthright': Inside One of America's Newest Subs
As Russia, China beef up their submarine fleets, the defense secretary says the US needs to hustle to stay ahead.
Ideas
Stop Saying We're Dropping 'Cyber Bombs' On ISIS
It is better to see cyber operations for what they are: changing spreadsheets, intercepting email, jamming comms, and a lot of deception.
Ideas
The Nuclear Football Goes to Japan
Obama will have the power of 22,000 Hiroshimas in the suitcase his aide carries with him. He still has time to change.
Ideas
The Latest Taliban Leader’s Death Changes What, Exactly?
Ask three people what they make of Mullah Mansoor’s death by drone and you’ll get three answers, none offering a swift end to the war.
Defense Systems
Navy's robotic lifeguard answers the call
EMILY, a Kevlar-coated, jet-powered buoy, was recently used to help rescue 300 Syrian refugees off the coast of Greece.
Threats
The Drone War Crosses Another Line
America took an unprecedented step over the weekend when Obama authorized the Pentagon rather than the CIA to carry out an airstrike inside Pakistan.
Policy
Carter: Wider US-Vietnam Military Relations Not ‘Directed’ at China
Lifting the arms embargo continues years of Obama’s efforts to link American and Vietnamese militaries, the defense secretary said, as president visits country.
Ideas
A New Front In Obama's War on Whistleblowers
Fired Pentagon assistant inspector general John Crane is going public with allegations senior officials retaliated against whistleblowers, destroyed permanent records and altered audits under political pressure.
Ideas
The Old Arguments About US Nukes in Europe Aren’t Working. Here’s A New Approach.
Stressing the humanitarian dimensions of the debate over tactical nukes may break a long stalemate.
Defense Systems
Navy looking to shore up weapons-systems cybersecurity
NAVAIR issues a solicitation addressing the networked nature of weapons and the vulnerabilities can exist.
Ideas
Naysayers Are Learning the Wrong Lessons About the Littoral Combat Ship
The LCS is bringing needed numbers — and following the paths of very successful ship classes.
Ideas
The Myth of American Disengagement
For too many in the foreign policy debate, "engagement" is code for unilateral military intervention. Here's a more honest way to measure Obama's record.
Business
