Policy

Proposed marijuana waivers acknowledge blunt recruiting truths

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want to remove a barrier to joining the U.S. military.

Policy

Tuberville blocks Marine confirmation, leaving Corps with an acting commandant

Gen. David Berger relinquished his position hours before the motion, handing authorities over to Assistant Commandant Gen. Eric Smith.

Defense Systems

Pentagon’s reversal on new travel expense system “troubling,” key lawmaker says 

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said the Pentagon’s decision to terminate a multi-million dollar contract to replace its Defense Travel System “raises broader questions about DOD’s ability to manage its finances and information technology.”

Policy

House, Senate China Hawks Concerned White House Will Let TikTok Stay in the US

Key Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate warned that tweaked language in a new Commerce Department rule could lay the groundwork for TikTok’s proposal to store U.S. users’ data in the country.

Threats

Almost But Not Quite: Acting Commandant Will Face Limitations In Role

Gen. Eric Smith will have to juggle the Marine Corps’ top two positions when Gen. David Berger retires.

Policy

Poll: Many Americans Support Ukraine, Though Some Are Divided on Aid

Respondents were far more supportive of arming Ukraine once they received information about the value of doing so.

Policy

Senate Lawmakers Want to Ax Alternate F-35 Engine Program

SASC markup on collision course with House over funding new engine technology.

Ideas

Don’t Kill CAPE

The storied Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office is invaluable to the Pentagon. Three former directors explain why. 

Policy

Republicans Rehash Vaccine Mandate Policies In NDAA Amendments

House Armed Services Committee markup adds legislation aimed at helping troops who refused the COVID-19 vaccine.

Ideas

Get Moving on That Irregular Warfare Center, DOD Leaders

Stalled by bureaucratic indecision, the Pentagon is operating its new center in an interim capacity that risks dangerously narrowing its field of vision.

Policy

Republicans Want to Ax Pentagon Budget Office That Aims to Save Taxpayers Money

GOP lawmakers say the CAPE office is ignoring their amphibious-warship directive, which DOD says arrived too late to shape the current budget.

Defense Systems

Fund the New F-35 Engine—If Only to Keep Industrial Base Humming, Lawmaker Says

Rep. Wittman and allies want to reverse the Air Force decision to kill the alternate engine program.

Business

Pentagon Wants Combatant Commands More Involved in Foreign Arms Sales

DOD's other ideas to speed up exports include creating a Defense Security Cooperation Service.

Policy

Marines’ Smith Vows to Press On with Force Design, Fight for 31 Amphibs, and Seek 3D Printers

The nominee for Corps commandant said “contested logistics” would be a focus if he’s confirmed.

Policy

House Lawmakers Push Alternate F-35 Engine

In markup, HASC chairman adds more than $500 million to keep the alternate engine alive.