Ideas

Reform Pentagon Acquisition By Slowing Down the F-35

John McCain and Ash Carter want real acquisition reform? Great, they can start by slowing – or stopping – the F-35.

Policy

McConnell: 'Up to House' To Fund Homeland Security

Only 16 days remain before funding for the department expires, and Congress remains more gridlocked than ever on the issue.

Ideas

What the Military Compensation Commission Must Do To Succeed

History shows that policymakers listen to blue ribbon defense commissions when they’re done right – like this one was.

Science & Tech

White House Project Will Yield Brain-Based Lie Detectors

How near-future advances in functional brain imaging will make enhanced interrogation an obsolete method of obtaining information.

Ideas

How Reforming Benefits Could Undermine the Pentagon's Future

The Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission's recommendations are appealing to reformers. But here's how they could actually end up doing irreversible harm to the all-volunteer force.

Policy

Defense Cuts Threaten To Split the GOP

Republicans have little room for error in their bid to pass a budget, and sequestration is forcing a rethink of conventional priorities.

Policy

Democrats Hit GOP Over National Security in Homeland Funding Bill Fight

Citing Paris, ISIS and even 9/11, Democrats try to gain some leverage over the GOP in a fight that leaves the Homeland Security Department's future in limbo.

Policy

The Pentagon’s Weapon Wish Lists Could Disappear

The military’s billion-dollar wish lists for weapons that did not make it onto the Pentagon’s budget might disappear as lawmakers decide whether they’re worth it.

Threats

Homeland Security Bill Stalls in the Senate, Threatening Shutdown

Sen. Mitch McConnell now has until Feb. 27 to generate enough support to prevent a department shutdown that everyone agrees couldn't come at a worse time.

Science & Tech

The Pentagon Wants To Expand Its Cyber Forces

A $27 million proposal in the FY 2016 budget would fill the ranks of a burgeoning Cyber Command.

Science & Tech

What Military Contractors Can Learn From the Pentagon's 2016 Budget

The Pentagon’s 2016 spending proposal would drive growth in several defense-industry sectors, but budget caps could slow weapon purchases.

Science & Tech

Is Obama's $14 Billion Cybersecurity Request Enough?

The Obama administration is hoping that Congress signs off on a 10 percent budget increase to protect computer networks across the federal government

Science & Tech

Obama Wants More Money for Military Spy Satellites, Lasers, Space Fence

It could be a great year for lasers and spy satellites, but a bad one for drones on aircraft carriers.

Science & Tech

White House Wants More Reaper Drones To Fight ISIS

With the terrorism fight spreading the military wants more drones to fight ISIS.

Business

Pentagon Unveils $585 Billion Budget Request

While the Pentagon will enjoy a peace dividend of sorts, the latest proposal still keeps the military on a war footing.

Ideas

Obama’s Trillion Dollar Nuclear Weapons Gamble

Why is the president is proposing a multi-billion dollar nuclear arsenal overhaul that is expensive, dangerous, and does nothing to make the United States safer?

Science & Tech

Better Simulation Could Save the Military Millions

A new survey reveals how the military is using simulation and obstacles to wider implementation.

Business

The Real Implications of a Homeland Security Shutdown

Democrats cite the elevated national security risk of a Department of Homeland Security shutdown showdown with Republicans.

Policy

Joint Chiefs Warn Against Sequestration, Again

Like a tragic Greek chorus, the Joint Chiefs again warned of the dire consequences of sequestration, although Congress is unlikely to act.

Business

Peeling the Onion Back on the Pentagon’s Special Operations Budget

When compared to the Pentagon’s $560 billion budget, U.S. Special Operations Command’s share is relatively small, but not as tiny as officials say. By Marcus Weisgerber