Threats
In Fiery UN Speech, Trump Delivers The Far-Right Goods
The black-helicopter crowd, and the president’s base, should love this Bannon-esque, undiplomatic speech, filled with ‘America First,’ ‘radical Islamic extremism,’ and cries for sovereignty over collective security.
Threats
US Military Leaders Worry About Iran’s Media Operations
Forget Russian fake news. Iranian media and messaging are thwarting U.S. efforts across the Middle East.
Ideas
It’s Time to Move US Forces Back to Europe
Basing troops abroad will increase their deterrence, make them readier to fight, and even save money.
Ideas
How Mattis May Get Himself in Trouble With Trump
The secretary of defense could run afoul of his boss if his review of the policy on transgender troops follows the facts to their conclusion.
Policy
Trump Directly Counters Mattis, Military, In Tweet on North Korea
‘Talking is not the answer!’ says president, after threatening ‘all options’ following North Korean missile-launch over Japan.
Ideas
How James Mattis Tried to Explain Trump to the World
Just as Mattis sought to reassure nervous allies, back home there were numerous reminders that the populist and intemperate impulses of his boss will not be tamed.
Threats
How US Military Leaders Are Reacting to Charlottesville
While the president wavers in his criticism of white nationalist protesters, military leaders are speaking out against racism and intolerance in America’s ranks.
Ideas
Transgender Soldiers Want the Dignity of Serving Their Country
A CIA officer writes about the men and women in uniform alongside whom she serves.
Policy
Pentagon Tightens Rules After Fake Cops Buy $1.2M in Weapons
A sting operation run by the Government Accountability Office revealed a number of loopholes that bad actors could use to buy excess military arms and equipment through the 1033 program.
Policy
Trump’s Transgender Troop Ban Sparks An Instant Opposition of Unusual Allies
The commander in chief tweet-declares a stunning change for military personnel, but it’s far from clear he can make it stick.
Policy
Annual Defense Bill Aims to Rein in Pentagon Outsourcing
Supporters say measure would protect federal employees from seeing their jobs contracted out.
Science & Tech
Tomorrow Soldier: How The Military Is Altering the Limits of Human Performance
Breakthroughs in biometric science mean future troops will fight with weapons that understand them — inside and out.
Policy
Senate Defense Bill Bans Russian Anti-virus Software, Splits CIO Duties
The bill would reform how the Pentagon manages internal cybersecurity.
Ideas
How to Adapt Military Risk to an Era of Hypercompetition
DOD needs to change how the defense enterprise describes, identifies, and assesses risk in an age of persistent disruption.
Ideas
Military Omnipresence: A Unifying Concept for America’s 21st-Century Fighting Edge
The Pentagon should converge its technological and doctrinal efforts towards a perpetual, networked presence that enables operations and awareness anywhere in the world.
Ideas
Is America Getting Sucked Into More War in Syria?
The Trump administration has quietly escalated against Assad and his allies—and risks sparking regional chaos.
Science & Tech
Veterans Affairs to Adopt DoD’s Electronic Health-Records System
VA will sign onto MHS Genesis platform being developed by Cerner and Leidos under a $4 billion contract.
Policy
Trump Budget Includes 1.9 Percent Pay Raise for Civilians, Retirement Cuts
Military personnel would see a 2.1 percent pay increase in 2018 under the proposal.
Ideas
The Civil Service’s Preference for Hiring Military Vets Comes at a Hidden Cost
The U.S. government has long shown a hiring preference for veterans. But because of the demographics of the U.S. military, this has limited the federal workforce's diversity.
Science & Tech