Policy

Teleworking DOD Civilians May Be Recalled to In-Person Work

Two years after the pandemic sent DOD into “maximum telework,” Thursday’s memo points the way toward a new new normal.

Exclusive Policy

Inside the Air Force Chief’s Mission for Racial Equity

“There's still a lot to do,’ said Gen. C.Q. Brown, ‘...we didn't get here overnight, we're not gonna get out of here overnight.”

Threats

Reports of Sexual Assault, Harassment at Military Academies Spike

The number of reports likely still represents only a small portion of actual instances of sexual assault and harassment.

Ideas

Biden Should Shift US Troop Positions Worldwide

The crisis in Europe makes clear that Biden’s team should rethink their first National Defense Strategy, quickly.

Ideas

What’s Taking So Long? Rename Those Confederate Bases

It shouldn’t be this hard or require this political theater to do what’s right, right now.

Ideas

To Get Better at AI, Get Better at Finding AI Talent

The military branches need to coordinate on goals and means of cultivating people who can advance the use of artificial intelligence.

Threats

Lawmakers Ask Biden To Make Sure DOD Follows Climate Rules

The Pentagon has said it will not seek an exemption to the climate goals.

Threats

After 20 Years of Civilian Drone Strike Deaths, Pentagon Creates An Office to Stop More

The military keeps repeating mistakes and is not ready for future fights because the lessons learned have not been instilled throughout the DOD, an independent review found.

Policy

Denials, Not Approvals, Greet Troops’ Religious Vax Exemptions

No service has yet publicly announced that any service member has received a religion-based exemption from the Pentagon’s COVID-vaccination mandate.

Threats

A Quartet of Warnings Highlight Climate-Related Threats

Agencies vow to heed climate change in all strategy planning, but experts say that won’t be enough.

Science & Tech

DDS Security Clearance Tool Evolves into ‘SITH’ Insider Threat Program

The Defense Digital Service’s automated investigations tool turns to the dark side of insider threat hunting and gets rebranded to match.

Ideas

Defense One Radio, Ep. 87: Climate change vs. everyone

In this episode, we review how our understanding of the threats posed by human-caused climate change is evolving, and we look at some ways the U.S. could more smartly compete with China.

Policy

China Hawks Try for Beijing Olympics Boycotts on Defense Bill

Democrats rejected proposals that could affect military bases, but unlikely allies appear to be forming.

Policy

COVID-19 Vaccines Will Become Mandatory For Troops Next Month—or Sooner

Biden says he will approve Austin's recommendation to require vaccinations by mid-September, or sooner if the FDA formally approves them.

Policy

For US Troops, Getting COVID Vaccine Is Now a Matter of 'How and When'

President tells Pentagon to add COVID to list of required vaccinations. He also imposed requirements on federal employees and contractors who decline to get vaccinated.

Policy

DOD Reimposes Mask Mandate Inside Pentagon, Other Bases Near ‘Substantial’ COVID Transmission

Troops, employees, contractors, and others must wear masks indoors on Defense Department facilities in the Pentagon and these areas.

Policy

‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense

In Singapore, defense secretary chides Beijing for “aggression...coercion...genocide” but says he wants a “constructive, stable relationship with China.”

Threats

The Next War’s ‘Butcher’s Bill’ Will Match WWII’s—Unless the US Adapts, Milley Says

NATO militaries must master new technologies, from AI to next-gen long-range fires, within 15 years, Joint Chiefs chair warns.