Ideas

LIVE: The 2014 Defense One Summit

Follow all of the conversations, insights and debates during the Defense One Summit.

Defense Systems

Special Ops wants next-gen device-cracking tools

The Special Operations Command is looking for the latest devices for quickly cracking into the PCs, smartphones and tablets of terrorists.

Defense Systems

Navy's widgets enable control of multiple unmanned vehicles

SSC Pacific researchers build an open-source cloud-based system that allows control of unmanned vehicles from a Web browser.

Ideas

Political Dysfunction Is a Worse Threat Than Putin, Say National Security Workers

The president has no strategy, the Taliban can have Afghanistan and a nuclear Iran isn’t worth a fight, a new Defense One survey says. By Kevin Baron

Science & Tech

This Robot Military Supply Helicopter Could Soon Be Fighting Wildfires

The K-Max has performed well in supplying troops in Afghanistan. Now it could help fight fires around the world. By Patrick Tucker

Ideas

A New Era for the Defense Department

As our military adapts to new threats, so must the defense enterprise from top to bottom, writes Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Threats

Corruption in Afghanistan Is Getting 'Significantly Worse'

The top watchdog for reconstruction in Afghanistan says it 'seems like nobody is responsible for anything.' By Jordain Carney

Policy

White House Backs NSA Reform Bill

With a Senate vote on the measure looming, the White House strongly supports a bill to curb the government's most controversial domestic spying program. By Dustin Volz

Threats

The Real Reason ISIS Takes Hostages and Beheads Them

From the outside, the group’s actions look insane. But the brutality is meant to provoke a wider war—a war that ISIS is convinced it will win. By Simon Cottee

Science & Tech

A Look Inside a Secret US Air Force Intelligence Center

With no U.S. boots on the ground in Syria and not many in Iraq, it’s up to young intelligence analysts here to search for Islamic State militants. By Marcus Weisgerber

Ideas

Four Ways the US Can Help the African Union Stand on Its Own

A united and capable Africa appeals to both regional players and Washington, which increasingly views violence within Africa’s many fragile states as enabling conditions for terrorists with growing global ambitions. By Stewart M. Patrick

Threats

The State Department's Reluctance To Disclose Hacking Unsettles Lawmakers

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle demand to know why the State Department waited at least a month before disclosing its unclassified email system had been hacked. By Aliya Sternstein

Defense Systems

Pentagon program would hitch rides with commercial satellites

DARPA’s Phoenix program has released the specs for its plan to launch detachable payloads with commercial communications satellites.

Defense Systems

Hagel’s 'game-changing' strategy to focus on tech, innovation

The Defense Innovation Initiative aims to improve every aspect of DOD operations, particularly with regard to cutting-edge technologies.

Science & Tech

The Environmentally Friendly Drone That Could 'Disappear' on the Battlefield

If this surveillance drone crashes, it's creators say it could decompose before an enemy could find it. By Shirley Li

Threats

What Obama Needs To Do To Beat ISIS

If the president is serious about dealing with the Islamic State, he will need to increase America's commitment in a measured way. By Max Boot

Ideas

How Many Flying Hours Does It Take To Kill a Terrorist?

Why is the Marine Corps so afraid of my simple idea? By Todd Harrison

Policy

Pentagon and Hill Officials Say They’re Still in the Dark On Obama's New War Powers

When and how will a new authorization for the use of military force against ISIS get drafted? By Molly O’Toole

Science & Tech

The Pentagon’s New Offset Strategy Includes Robots

Can the military still innovate the way it did during the Cold War? We will soon find out. By Patrick Tucker