Defense Systems

DISA takes on defense of DOD networks

The agency's new role, part of the plan for an integrated defense, will allow the U.S. Cyber Command "to function at the operational level of war."

Science & Tech

What Happens When You Pose as the Defense Secretary on Twitter?

What you can learn about real threats from the fake secretary of defense. By Patrick Tucker

Policy

Lawmakers Warn Ash Carter’s Easy Confirmation Will Be Tough on Obama

To lawmakers, it’s not about Ash Carter as defense secretary. The pick is about the president. By Molly O’Toole

Threats

How Afghans Feel About the Direction of Their Country

A poll of more than 9,000 Afghans revealed three-quarters of the population still fear for their lives during routine, everyday travel. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Business

Obama’s New Look Pentagon Trio of Carter, Work, Kendall Excites Defense Industry

With President Obama’s expected nomination of Ashton Carter to become defense secretary, the Pentagon would have one of the strongest, business-focused management teams, defense experts say. By Marcus Weisgerber

Threats

Lebanon Says It Detained a Wife and Child of ISIL’s Leader

Security officials from Lebanon say they apprehended the two at the Lebanese-Syrian border 10 days ago. By Bobby Ghosh

Threats

Baghdad, Kurds Put Aside Differences To Secure Oil from Smugglers

Iraq finally closed a deal with the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region to rout oil sales through Baghdad in exchange for finally funding the Peshmerga fighters. By Steve LeVine

Business

Is the Pentagon Wasting Billions on a Tracking System for Its Contractors?

The Project on Government Oversight levied a stern warning at the Pentagon's over-reliance on contractors enjoying too little scrutiny. By Charles S. Clark

Threats

Obama Expected To Pick Ash Carter, Says Report

President Obama reportedly will nominate former Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to helm the Pentagon. By Gordon Lubold

Defense Systems

DOD approves new mobile security credentials

PIV-I credentials from Operational Research Consultants could allow limited access for more than 40 million DOD partners worldwide.

Defense Systems

Mobile satellite network gives Army swift artillery support

The Soldier Network Extension allows forward units to share target information from anywhere on the battlefield.

Science & Tech

What Happens When Spies Can Eavesdrop on Any Conversation?

The possibility of searchable conversations anywhere, thanks to better speech recognition software, recording device miniaturization, and future smart dust. By Patrick Tucker

Ideas

Why Does the Navy Still Not Have Enough Money for New Submarines?

The Navy has long known it must replace the Ohio-class Boomers, so why hasn’t it budgeted for it? By Jerry Hendrix

Policy

Congress Has Less Than 10 Days To Make All of These National Security Decisions

From Iraq to the budget, Congress has a long way to go and a short time to get there. By Molly O’Toole

Defense Systems

Handheld chemical detector can now sniff out explosives

With a few small add-ons, Army scientists adapt the familiar JCAD so that it can identify explosive residue.

Defense Systems

Navy deploys first anti-drone laser weapon in Persian Gulf

The Laser Weapon System could be used to knock out drones and small boats

Ideas

Why The Pentagon Must Not Lose The Innovation Arms Race

If the defense establishment wants to be at the forefront of the 21st century’s strategic technologies, there is no time to waste.

Threats

FBI Accuses Two in Minnesota of Trying To Join ISIS

A 20-year-old Somali American is believed to have made it to Syria and his 18-year-old friend was stopped before he could leave the U.S. By Kaveh Waddell