Defense Systems

Carter details DOD's innovation plans

The Defense secretary tells lawmakers how the department will tap Silicon Valley, the National Guard and Reserve Components to maintain technological superiority.

Defense Systems

DISA approves 23 cloud providers for unclassified data

The provisional authorizations open up commercial services for data at Impact Level 2.

Defense Systems

Army opens its training network to non-CAC access

Soldiers can now log in with only a username and password, which opens up access to smartphones and tablets.

Threats

What the First Battle of the 21st Century Tells Us About the Next Ones

One battle from late 2001 offered Americans an early glimpse of the complexity, contradictions and shifting allegiances that characterize the war in Afghanistan.

Business

US Allies Cleared to Buy Arms Worth $3.5 Billion

The State Department OKs two key missile deals for Pacific Rim nations, a million-plus mortar rounds for Iraqis fighting ISIS, and more.

Science & Tech

Here’s What the New Tesla Battery Means for the Military

Elon Musk’s big announcement could revolutionize energy use for U.S. consumers—and that could be its biggest effect on national security.

Policy

John McCain Actually Applauds A White House National-Security Move

Nobody is happier than the Senate Armed Services chairman that President Obama has picked Gen. Joseph Dunford to replace Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey.

Policy

In Senate GOP's Iran Standoff, the Rebels Are Losing

Most Republicans are siding against Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton in their quest for tough amendment votes.

Ideas

Everything You Need To Know About No-Fly Zones

Lesson one: there’s nothing easy about setting up or enforcing aerial off-limits areas.

Defense Systems

Army avatars have the human touch

An ARL-sponsored program is using natural language processing to create virtual humans who can interact with and even counsel soldiers.

Business

Marine Commandant, Air Force Cargo Pilot Tapped to Lead Pentagon

A former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and the head of Transportation Command will be Obama’s picks to lead the military during a time of swelling threats, widened missions, and budget uncertainty.

Policy

Democrats May Delay GOP Defense Bill Until Spending Caps Are Lifted

In both chambers, the minority wants to stop the majority from passing bills that skirt or exceed funding caps.

Defense Systems

ONR working on a new electro-optical defense for Navy ships

The CESARS program aims to protect ships against optically guided missiles, attack craft and drones.

Defense Systems

Future soldiers could be part of the Internet of Things

The recent Mad Scientist Conference addressed the idea of embedding sensors into humans to help produce "sentient" data.

Ideas

Iran’s Disingenuous Approach To Maritime Law

The illegal seizure of the Maersk Tigris illustrates Tehran’s desire to pick and choose what international rules it follows.