Defense Systems

US cyber official: Treat IT architecture as a weapon

DOD also needs to take account of its infrastructure and develop the ability to respond quickly to attacks, Marine Lt. Gen. Jon M. Davis says.

Threats

Can Ukraine Win the Information War Against Russia?

Scrappy news outlets are emerging in Kiev to counter the Kremlin. By Peter Pomerantsev

Policy

Hagel Fires Back at Bergdahl Criticism in Congress

At a hearing Wednesday, Defense Secretary Hagel lectured House Armed Services Committee members about war, saying the Bergdahl deal was the right call. By Molly O’Toole

Science & Tech

How the Pentagon Can Track the Taliban 5

The Taliban 5 may disappear back into the fight, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t findable. By Patrick Tucker

Threats

What the Fall of Mosul Means for Iraq

An al-Qaeda splinter group has seized an Iraqi city the size of Philadelphia. What does it signify for the country and the region? By Carl Schreck

Threats

Here's a Helpful Guide to the Taliban

At a House Armed Services Committee hearing Wednesday on the release of Sgt. Bergdahl, there was some confusion over who exactly is the Taliban. Here's everything you need to know. By Bernard Gwertzman

Business

FBI Joins Investigation Into VA Wait Times

The FBI is reviewing VA records to see if officials committed a crime by lying about wait times for medical care to receive a bonus. By Jordain Carney

Defense Systems

DISA mulls laser system for satellite communications

All-optical systems potentially offer increased data transfer rates and better security while avoiding the crowded electromagnetic spectrum.

Defense Systems

Army, Navy fund Northrop for electronic warfare system

The company will produce pre-production units of its advances radar warning receiver and electronic warfare management system for aircraft.

Defense Systems

Pentagon picks Bender to be new Air Force CIO

Currently serving in Baghdad, Maj. Gen. William Bender would replace Lt. Gen. Michael Basla.

Policy

There’s Little Congress Can Do About the Bergdahl Deal

As Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel heads to the Hill to defend the release of Sgt. Bergdahl, members of Congress realize there’s not much they can do about it now. By Molly O’Toole

Ideas

What the Army's New COIN Manual Is Missing

The latest incarnation of the military’s counterinsurgency manual underestimates the real challenges of relationships with host nations. By Walter Ladwig III

Policy

House Bans Bonuses for All VA Employees Through 2016

The House voted Tuesday to stop VA bonuses for the next 3 years. However, a similar bill up for a vote in the Senate doesn't address bonuses. By Eric Katz

Threats

The Pakistani Taliban Wants To Hijack an Airplane

The Pakistani Taliban says its goal in attacking the Karachi airport this week was to hijack a plane and destroy government buildings -- and possibly nuclear reactors. By Global Security Newswire

Threats

Where Will CENTCOM’s Post-War Funding Come From?

U.S. Central Command won’t be able to rely on the Pentagon’s war budget anymore to pay for counterterrorism operations around the world, a new report warns. By Stephanie Gaskell

Defense Systems

Cyber conflict escalates: Second Chinese PLA hacking group accused

CrowdStrike releases a report implicating a Chinese military group in cyber espionage focusing on the satellite and aerospace industries.

Defense Systems

Next-gen man portables swap out size and weight, add performance

New satellite router boards for field use are about the size of an iPad, more battery-efficient and can handle high data rates.

Defense Systems

UAS training to be basic training for Marine officers

The Basic School for new officers is adding a course on the RQ-11B Raven, a small, lightweight system that can provide ISR in the field.

Policy

House Targets Firing VA Officials With Second Bill

The House passed a bill that cleared committee last August that makes it easier to fire senior department executives. By Eric Katz

Policy

Why Hillary's Iraq Vote Explanation Rings Hollow

In her book, Clinton's attempt to explain away her support for the war feels all too disingenuous. By Peter Beinart