Policy

With Half Its Troops Unvaccinated, Pentagon Aims to Persuade Skeptics

Instead of a “personal health choice,” leaders now call shots a “critical part” of fighting the pandemic.

Ideas

The F-35’s Painful Lessons Must Inform Future Programs

Congress and the Pentagon must question dubious technical requirements, rosy buy-in costs, and optimistic schedule promises.

Policy

Will 2021 Be the Year JADC2 Takes Off?

The U.S. military has big hopes for joint, all-domain command and control. But logistical and financial challenges are mounting.

Policy

DOD Lifts Mask Mandate for Fully Vaccinated Personnel

Fully vaccinated DOD personnel are no longer required to wear a mask at Defense Department facilities.

Business

It’s Official: New Air Force Ones Will Be Delivered Late

“Definitely a setback” said Lt. Gen. Duke Richardson, the U.S. Air Force’s deputy weapons buyer, as Boeing legal battle delays production.

Science & Tech

The Air Force Is Planning For a Future Without the F-22

Just four fighters will make up the future fleet: F-35, F-16, F-15EX, and NGAD, chief says.

Science & Tech

Space Force Aims to Take on an Air Force Surveillance Mission

Ground Moving Target Indicator satellites would begin to replace decades-old aircraft as the newest service expands its mission set.

Defense Systems

Lawmakers press White House for space acquisition chief

House appropriators lamented the absence of a dedicated space acquisition chief, challenging the new administration to make a nomination soon.

Policy

At House Hearing, Defense Appropriators Discuss Everything But the Budget

The Biden administration has yet to submit a 2022 budget request, limiting Congress’ ability to oversee defense spending.

Ideas

Why We Need the Advanced Battle Management System

The character of war is changing; ABMS provides the tools for effective command and control into the future.

Policy

Some US Military Bases Begin to Loosen Mask Rules

As some states drop COVID restrictions, commanders from coast to coast are attempting to walk a safe line.

Business

What's In Biden’s First Budget? And How Late Will It Be?

The White House could submit its defense budget request later than any administration in at least a century.

Policy

US Air Force, Navy Extend 50% Work-From-Home Indefinitely

New memos suggest office space occupancy may never return to 100 percent.

Ideas

We Don’t Have Enough Information to Evaluate Arguments for a New ICBM

The Biden administration should follow precedent and commission an independent look at the case for the Ground Based Strategic Defense program.

Threats

State of Defense 2021

Our annual service-by-service look at where the U.S. military is, and where it's going.

Defense Systems

Biden picks former Army acquisition exec for DOD's top tech job

The White House announced it would nominate Heidi Shyu, former assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, to be DOD's undersecretary for research and engineering.