Defense Systems
DARPA: Atomic-level assembly could lead to new classes of materials
The new Atoms to Product program plans to develop ways to make human-scale products that have nanoscale properties.
Science & Tech
The Islamic State's Own Photos Were Just Used to Find One of Its Training Camps
A British journalist teamed up with analysts and reporters to determine exactly where Islamic State fighters train near the Tigris River in Mosul, Iraq. By Kabir Chibber
Policy
Obama, Iraq and the Coming War Powers Fight With Congress
To keep the U.S. fighting in Iraq, President Obama is quietly reconsidering the very Bush-era authorities he condemned. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
Obama Insiders Frustrated Over Reluctance to Attack Syria and Iraq
The rise of the Islamic State group was not inevitable and the deaths they are causing could have been prevented. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Policy
How Snowden Complicates the Prevention of Future Leaks
Whether one believes Snowden's leaks to be salutary or deeply regrettable, it's useful to understand what prompted him to act as he did. By Conor Friedersdorf
Science & Tech
Could Cop Cams Have Prevented the Rise of the Islamic State?
The founder of Taser discusses the evolution of his company and its military future. By Patrick Tucker
Defense Systems
How cloud is changing the spy game
For the first time, all 17 agencies in the Intelligence Community will be on a shared platform.
Defense Systems
Future aircraft could have 'smart skin' that feels injuries
Networked micro-sensors could pave the way for aircraft—and other vehicles—that can detect damage and sense their environment, say BAE Systems researchers.
Defense Systems
DISA awards $450M deal for top-secret communications system upkeep
Harris Corp. will provide management and maintenance support for the presidential Crisis Management System for up to 10 years.
Science & Tech
The Secret History of the Atom Bomb Is Now Available in Full Online
Arranged in 36 volumes, the final portions of the history of the Manhattan Project's development were posted only recently. By Bob Brewin
Threats
Airstrikes Not Enough to Defeat ISIL, Hagel Says
Defense Secretary Hagel said the U.S. would continue to attack the Islamic State and keep all options open, but the Pentagon is looking for greater regional support and nonmilitary means. By Kevin Baron
Policy
GOP Hawks Come Out in Force Against Obama's 'Limited' Iraq Airstrikes
Senator John McCain and Texas governor Rick Perry are among the Republicans saying Obama is simply too soft on the Islamic State. By Russell Berman
Science & Tech
Amazon Expands Its Cloud Services to the U.S. Military
The Defense Department's unclassified data will now be stored in an Amazon-built cloud, marking a big step forward eliminating old, redundant systems. By Frank Konkel
Policy
Why No Democrat Wants to Run Against Hillary
Given the Clintons' reputation for retaliating for betrayals, this Democratic front-runner looks poised to remain unchallenged all the way to 2016. By Peter Beinart
Science & Tech
Navy Ships Will Get $2.5 Billion in Cyber and Intelligence Upgrades
Five companies just won mutli-year contracts to consolidate ship-based networks for future missions. By Bob Brewin
Defense Systems
Space Command wants better, cheaper (non-Russian) launch engines
The Air Force is considering commercial partnerships to develop a domestically produced booster propulsion system.
Defense Systems
Air Force enlists 3D printing for rocket engines
Aerojet Rocketdyne, which also has worked with NASA, will demonstrate large-scale 3-D printing techniques that could be used to manufacturing engine components.
Defense Systems
DISA approves AWS GovCloud for higher security levels
The company’s cloud service has achieved provisional authorization to operate at levels 3 and 5 of the DOD Cloud Security Model, AWS said.
Defense Systems
Navy awards $2.5B in contracts for CANES
The next-generation shipboard system will replace five networks, boosting interoperability and streamlining upgrades.
Ideas