Ideas
The Real Problem With 'Politicizing the Military'
The Constitution says nothing of civilian control of the military or its expected political neutrality. How we protect those traditions needs more attention than ever.
Policy
GOP Senators Stall Tata Nomination for Top Pentagon Post
After Islamophobic remarks, Trump’s controversial pick to be Defense Department’s policy chief is in troubled waters.
Policy
Ban by Omission: US Military Leaves Confederate Flag Off Approved List
Esper’s order seems designed to bar the flag from display without provoking the president.
Science & Tech
Peter Thiel’s New Man In The Defense Department
The new head of defense research and engineering comes from the White House with a relatively light resume.
Ideas
The US Needs a Global Coalition to Defeat COVID
Only a multinational effort can meet this unprecedented threat, say the authors, who led U.S. troops and international coalitions in the Middle East and Asia.
Business
'How Much and How Fast': Biden Watchers Anticipate Defense Spending Crunch
Part 4: From the size of the US military to outdated 'legacy' weapons, experts say something has to give.
Science & Tech
How Biden Would Wage Great Power Competition
Part 3: While Trump chooses go-it-alone, Biden wants allies and partners “at the forefront” of U.S. foreign policy. But his options to renew old agreements are limited.
Business
Coronavirus Hampering Defense Contractor Operations, Reader Survey Finds
It’s harder to win business amid a pandemic, said one-third of industry respondents in a Defense One reader survey.
Policy
62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds
Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.
Policy
Pentagon’s Esper Was Too Slow With Coronavirus Response, Senate Democrats Say
In a letter, lawmakers accuse the SecDef of causing confusion, showing ‘dangerous misunderstanding’ of the virus, and harming readiness.
Threats
Leave the National Guard to the States, Says Top General
If Trump federalizes the Guard, they can’t help with law enforcement, says Gen. Lengyel.
Threats
General Takes Blame for ‘No Injuries’ Declaration After Jan. 8 Iran Strike
“I was never under any pressure at any time to shade this reporting,” CENTCOM’s Gen. Frank McKenzie told Congress. More than 100 troops later were diagnosed with TBI.
Threats
Graham Denies Threatening To Make Esper’s Life ‘Hell’ If He Cuts AFRICOM Troops
“No, I never said that,” Graham said in a brief phone call with Defense One. “It was a good conversation.”
Policy
Trump Targets Major Weapons Projects To Fund Wall
The funds will be drawn mainly from procurement for major programs like the F-35 fighter jet. $1.3 billion will come from the National Guard alone.
Science & Tech
Amazon Will Protest JEDI Cloud Contract; Cites ‘Political Influence’
In July, Trump said he was "looking into" the $10 billion contract, which went to Microsoft last month.
Ideas
Ep. 53: Civilian casualty reporting and the war on ISIS with Alexa O’Brien and Chris Woods
Why has coverage been so lacking? A new report offers some answers.
Policy
Esper Assures Wary Senators He'll Keep Military Out of Politics
During his confirmation hearing, the SecDef nominee was asked about Trump, China, and Russia — and not Afghanistan, ISIS, or al-Qaeda.
Threats
Pentagon Official: We Didn’t Link Iran to al-Qaeda In Hill Briefings
“In these briefings, none of the officials mentioned al-Qa'ida or the 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force,” DASD Mick Mulroy said.
Ideas