Policy
The Biggest Bills for the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars Are Yet to Come
Benefits for World War I veterans didn’t peak until 1969. Here’s a way to keep 21st-century vets’ expenses from eating the U.S. budget.
Ideas
The Trump Administration Just Missed Its Best Shot at a Military Buildup
In its first year, when big changes are easiest, the White House chose domestic cuts over national security.
Business
Course Change: The US Air Force Now Wants to Keep the A-10, U-2, and F-15C
In a reversal, the service will not retire three Cold War-era planes still making an impact on the battlefield.
Policy
Trump’s Military Buildup Won’t Begin Until 2019
Pentagon officials say they're working to fix readiness first, then grow the military.
Science & Tech
Trump’s First Defense Budget Has North Korea Written All Over It
There’s lots of money in the Pentagon’s 2018 spending proposal to stop missiles of the sort that Pyongyang keeps launching.
Business
Expect a Lot of Modernization Spending in the Next Few Years: Gen. Dunford
The 2018-21 budgets will be crucial in setting up the U.S. military for the future, says the Joint Chiefs chairman.
Policy
White House Vows to Audit the Pentagon, Which Would Be a First
The goal is audacious enough, but promises of a record spending increase makes it even more complicated.
Ideas
A Defense Budget Increase is No More Needed in 2018 than It Was Last Year
A former assistant defense secretary argues the Trump administration’s bump-up was unnecessary, and in fact counterproductive, to national defense.
Business
Defense Firms Score in 2017 Budget Deal
Arms procurement goes from a requested cut under Obama to a plus-up under Trump.
Ideas
Can Trump’s Defense Department Get More For Less?
If the administration’s version of defense reform is to succeed, it must focus on a few key principles.
Policy
President Trump's First 100 Days Could End in a Government Shutdown
The historical marker on April 29 will coincide with the expiration of federal funding—unless Congress can strike a bipartisan deal in time.
Policy
It’s Too Early to See a ‘Trump Effect’ on NATO Spending
The U.S. president's rhetoric may have allies talking about their growing defense spending, but it won’t affect most budget proposals for months.
Policy
Trump's Defense Hike Would Violate Budget Law, Congress' Analysts Confirm
An April 3 report by the Congressional Research Service says the White House’s draft 2018 request does not comply with the $549 billion cap.
Policy
Would Better Messaging Help the Military Boost Its Budget?
Even if Pentagon leaders clarified their ‘readiness’ warnings, they’d still face an uphill battle for more funding in 2017.
Business
Boeing Might Be the Biggest Winner in Trump’s Military Buildup
The Chicago aerospace company leads more than a half-dozen contractors whose programs stand to get 9- or 10-figure boosts if the president’s budget proposal becomes law.
Ideas
Trump’s Bigger Military Won’t Necessarily Make the US Stronger or Safer
The Pentagon can’t properly train and support the people and weapons it already has. Simply adding more won’t solve the problem — and could undermine long-term readiness.
Policy
Trump Proposes More Money for Nukes, Border Security
Dubbed a “hard-power” budget by administration officials, the 2018 spending plan includes money for a controversial border wall.
Policy