Policy
Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs appears at odds with the Pentagon’s professed acquisition approach, one expert said.
Policy
FBI Director Kash Patel waived polygraph tests for deputy, senior staff
No previous deputy director has received access to some of the country’s most sensitive secrets without passing a standard bureau background check, insiders say.
Policy
Army scraps PEOs in bid to streamline procurement, requirements processes
Big defense contractors have “conned” services into believing they need bespoke systems, the Army secretary said.
Policy
Shutdown deal adds $850M for B-21, Sentinel construction projects
Lawmakers boosted projects in the three-bill funding package that reopened the federal government on Wednesday.
Policy
Feds should get at least most backpay by Nov. 19, administration says
Lawmakers added a provision for full backpay after the White House suggested it might illegally prevent workers from getting their money.
Policy
Senate moves on shutdown deal that would fund DOD by CR until Jan. 30
Deal would also ensure administration follows law ensuring backpay. Next up: more procedural moves to send it to the House.
Policy
As drones proliferate, Army pilots worry about their future. Will a new approach to flight school help?
The service is shedding aviation units and working to turn initial helicopter training over to industry.
Policy
Pentagon policy shop shifts story on pause in Ukraine aid again
A second Senate hearing this week further mined the tension between DOD and its congressional oversight bodies.
Policy
Experts see promise, risk in Pentagon’s draft acquisition reforms
A draft memo is circulating ahead of SecDef Hegseth’s Friday speech.
Policy
‘We’re closer to the end': Lawmakers signal some progress in bipartisan talks to end shutdown
The funding lapse is set to reach record levels but senators in both parties voice mild hope of progress.
Policy
Pentagon’s policy shop is a ‘Pigpen-like mess': Sen. Cotton
Senate Armed Services Committee members from both parties question DOD missteps, actions that contravened president’s foreign-policy positions.
Policy
Memo lays out path to removing even more defense civilians from their jobs
The department, which has met its 8-percent overall reduction goal, is now going after “low performers.”
Policy
CyberCorps talent pipeline buckles under Trump hiring freezes
Federal logjams are keeping the scholarship program from delivering trained students to government cybersecurity positions.
Policy
Marine Corps axes plan for third littoral regiment, ready to move on medium landing ship
Halfway to 2030, the service’s latest Force Design update teases upcoming “capstone concept.”
Policy
Senators challenge Hegseth’s bottleneck on communications with Congress
The Senate Armed Services chairman said new limits in a recent memo “may need to be clarified.”
Policy
End furloughs that have idled 80% of nuclear-security staff, lawmakers urge
Sidelining the National Nuclear Security Administration puts the country at risk, 27 U.S. representatives tell Energy Dept. leaders.
Policy
The Air Force wants to put private AI data centers on its bases, raising security, land-use fears
The service will offer upwards of 3,000 acres across five U.S. bases to qualified developers.
Policy
Industry groups push to keep open-source measures in annual intelligence bill
But several elements of the intelligence community oppose the provisions in the House version of the Intelligence Authorization Act.
Policy
New national security strategy could redefine homeland defense: experts
Recent budgets have prioritized innovation over deterrence, leaving a widening gap, according to a new report.
Policy