Policy

‘Gimmicks’: GOP lawmakers slam Trump’s ‘trillion-dollar’ defense-spending proposal

White House claims of a 13% increase rest on unusual budgetary maneuvers, not a higher DOD topline.

Policy

State of the Air Force 2025

The unveiling of a new, sixth-gen fighter jet bodes well for more airpower investment, but readiness problems and funding questions persist.

Policy

State of the Army 2025

The entire service is trying to transform “in contact.”

Policy

State of the Navy 2025

Could a new, more productive era in shipbuilding be on the horizon?

Policy

State of the Marine Corps 2025

“Everything is in danger of slipping,” commandant says of Marine modernization.

Ideas

We tried ‘fighting China’ with lower budgets. It didn’t go well.

Tabletop exercises hosted by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments offer one big lesson for the fiscal 2026 spending plan.

Policy

Service leaders beg for flexibility as full-year continuing resolution looms

Without a new budget—or relief from the strictures of its absence—the military can’t start new projects or pay for the unexpected.

Policy

Space Force hopes it gains from Hegseth’s budget shift

Vice chief says service is looking for things to cut—and has suggestions for things to buy.

Ideas

Don't cut this key driver of technological advantage

Defense-related research and development at America’s universities has helped make the U.S. military the best in the world.

Policy

Hegseth seeks to shift $50 billion in FY26 budget proposal

Money for “so-called ‘climate change’ and other woke programs” would move to Trump priorities.