Ideas
Congress Will Rethink Combatant Command Boundaries
Reshaping, or even deleting, some of the four-star headquarters that run America’s military operations around the world could be part of broader Defense Department reforms.
Policy
Obama’s Gitmo Closure Plan: What’s New and Where the Problems Are
The White House’s plan gives Congress 13 different sites to choose from—and just added a lot of fuel to an already heated topic in a national security election year.
Ideas
Congress Must Stop the Decline of Our Military Readiness
Here's what President Obama's final defense spending request should have included.
Ideas
5 Ways to Clarify and Strengthen US Cybersecurity Law
While most corporate counsels are still trying to figure out what the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 does for them, here are a few ways to improve on next year's round of legislation.
Defense Systems
Bill introduced to address capability gaps in EW
Sens. Mark Kirk and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to speed up acquisition and provide funding flexibility for fielding electronic warfare capabilities.
Policy
The GOP's Iran Frustration Signals a Lack of Options in Months Ahead
Republicans are irate over the Obama administration’s handling of Iran—and there’s little they can do to stop it.
Policy
Senate Leader Surprises Lawmakers with New ISIS War Powers Request
Neither Republicans nor Democrats knew the majority leader planned to set up a debate on authorizing the use of force against the Islamic State.
Science & Tech
Air Force to Delay A-10 Retirement, Thanks to ISIS
After trying to retire the battle-tested Warthog for the past two years, Air Force officials concede that the plane is key to the war on ISIS.
Policy
Annotated: President Obama’s 2016 State of the Union Address
A complete transcript of the president's speech from Tuesday night—with an eye on what lies ahead in U.S. national security. Click the yellow highlights for notes, thoughts, charts and links.
Policy
A Senate Vote on Donald Trump's Religious Test
Ted Cruz and three other Republicans oppose an amendment resolving that the country "must not bar individuals from entering into the United States based on their religion."
Policy
Carter to Lawmakers: Don’t Complain About ISIS Strategy When You’re Stalling Funds and Nominations
Responded Sen. John McCain: we won’t keep bankrolling an “absolute failure.”
Policy
On Terrorism, Obama's Break from Bush-Era Thinking Unsettles GOP
Republicans believe defeating ISIS requires some dramatic, if vaguely defined, new military and ideological battle. Obama, by contrast, thinks America simply needs to not screw up.
Ideas
A Call To Service Can Help Unite A Divided Nation
What can you do for your country? For starters, tell Congress to support national service.
Policy
On the Campaign Trail in New Hampshire with ‘Two Amigos’ Lindsey Graham and John McCain
The longtime national security leaders and besties talk ISIS, the GOP presidential field, and the first time they met with Defense One.
Ideas
Give Thanks for the OSS
As today’s security depends increasingly on intelligence and special operators, Congress should act to honor those who paved their way.
Policy
‘After Paris,’ Graham and McCain See a Whole New 2016 Race
Lindsey Graham, stumping with his friend John McCain, believes recent attacks will boost his quixotic quest for the White House.
Ideas
It's Past Time for Congress to Debate the War on ISIS
The Korean War demonstrates the risks of continued escalation in the Middle East without congressional approval.
Policy