Policy

The White House's Game Plan for Iraq: Run Out the Clock

The administration's messaging on its Iraq strategy has basically been: No ground troops—at least until 2016—so stop asking.

Threats

This Is How Little the US-Led Air War Against ISIS Has Achieved

The U.S.-led coalition has carried out nearly 3,800 airstrikes since August, but that's led to few gains for an Iraqi military that has a long way to go before it can hold territory.

Defense Systems

Army outfits mine-resistant vehicles with anti-rollover technology

The Army will soon begin integrating electronic stability control into Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles to prevent what has been a common problem.

Defense Systems

ISIS fallout: Satellite intel contract hits its ceiling 3 years early

DISA's contracting organization raises the ceiling on a $286.5 million deal for intelligence services while it makes plans to re-compete the contract.

Threats

How Not To Fix Airport Screening

A rush to add layers to airport security and screen more passengers will make the system less safe.

Policy

Senate Passes NSA Reform Bill

The USA Freedom Act, which will restore but reform the expired Patriot Act's spy authorities, earned final passage Tuesday and will be sent to the president.

Policy

House Appropriations Committee: Congress Must Consider Authorizing War Against ISIS

In a surprise move, the House panel that sets defense spending declared that lawmakers must debate whether to allow President Obama to use military force against the terrorist group.

Policy

Is Egypt Stable? Is That Even The Right Question?

Whether or not Egypt’s new political order will exist from 12 months to five years from now hinges more on the durability of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi than any any temporary calm.

Defense Systems

The elements of a lighter, faster command post of the future

The Army is adapting commercial technologies to make its deployed communications hubs easier to ship, set up, tear down and use.

Defense Systems

Mabus says delays are hurting UCLASS development

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus voiced some frustration over the delays in the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike program, which Congress wants to focus more on strike capabilities.

Defense Systems

Army kicks in retention bonuses for cyber warriors

The bonuses, ranging from $7,900 to $50,400, are another step toward establishing a career management field for cyber, the Army says.

Policy

Lindsey Graham’s Long National-Security Resume Won’t Get Him to the White House

In a GOP field full of hawks, it’s tough to establish yourself as a national security standout — even for the South Carolina senator and Air Force lawyer.

Policy

GOP View Rand Paul as National Security Distraction in March to 2016

The presidential hopeful got what he wanted—expiration of the Patriot Act—but he alienated a lot of people along the way.

Threats

Here's What Happens To Spying With the Patriot Act Now Expired

Some key authorities may be dead for now, but the intelligence community has a number of weapons and workarounds still available.

Defense Systems

Can you trust a 3D printed jet wing?

A new DARPA program looks at additive manufacturing from the inside out in order to establish reliable, repeatable processes.

Business

3 Women Get Another Try At Ranger School — But More Could Soon Follow

The other five women who remained were dropped entirely, while 195 more soldiers — all men — moved on to the mountain phase. But the Army chief says future Ranger classes are likely to include women.

Science & Tech

The Turf War Launched by America's First Drone Strike Is Still Raging

The CIA’s then-secret weapon missed the Taliban's leader, starting a 14-years-and-counting fight over who controls the U.S. drone program.