Business
How to Cut Defense Spending Without Hurting the Military
There is billions of dollars worth of bloat in the DOD's back offices. Trimming that would be a great start. By Eric Schnurer
Ideas
Five Takeaways from a Decade of War
After Secretary Hagel’s CSIS speech, Generals Cartwright, Chiarelli and Fogleman reveal key lessons of Iraq and Afghanistan the Pentagon should heed for the future. By James Kitfield
Business
Pentagon's Kendall: Budget Climate 'Worst I’ve Seen' for Planning
The DOD's top weapons buyer says that uncertainty is threatening the workforce 'and their ability to do their jobs.' By Charles S. Clark
Business
No More Nuclear-Tipped Cruise Missiles
The Pentagon is expected to decide soon whether to spend $30 billion on nuclear-tipped cruise missiles. Bad idea. By Tom Z. Collina
Policy
Kerry Says World Leaders Mocked Him Over Shutdown
Foreign leaders ribbed Secretary of State John Kerry over the shutdown, asking him if he needed money to pay for his meals. By Beth Reinhard
Business
Each U.S. Troop In Afghanistan Now Costs $2.1 Million
The average U.S. troop cost will nearly double in the final year of the war. By Kevin Baron
Ideas
Will the U.S. ‘Rebalance’ Its Contribution to NATO?
Ninety percent of NATO’s budget is paid for by just 6 of its 28 members. The U.S. says it’s time that changed. By Jorge Benitez
Policy
After the Shutdown, Uncertainty Still Plagues Pentagon
Congress averted disaster and reopened the government for business as usual. That’s the problem, say Pentagon leaders. By Kevin Baron
Business
Senate Shutdown Deal Includes Back-Pay Measure For Furloughed Feds
Even if the legislation passes, it may be a while before furloughed civilians receive their paychecks. By Kellie Lunney
Policy
Senate Shutdown Deal Moves to House, Again
House GOP scheduled for 3 p.m. meeting on bill that will require Democratic support. By Billy House
Policy
Will There Be a Debt Ceiling Deal?
With thousands of civilian defense workers on furlough and warnings that readiness is eroding, time is running out to reach to a deal on the debt limit. By National Journal Staff
Ideas
To Save the Submarines, Eliminate ICBMs and Bombers
If the Pentagon is serious about new Ohio-class SSBNs, then it should end the “nuclear triad” of missiles and bombers (freeing $20 billion a year). By Christopher Preble and Matt Fay
Business
House OKs Bill To Pay Federal Workers On Time During Shutdown
The House unanimously approves legislation to pay federal employees who are working during the shutdown on time, but the White House says it will veto it. By Eric Katz
Business
House Scrambles to Reinstate Troop Death Benefits During Shutdown
The House Appropriations Committee is drafting a bill that will let Congress pay death benefits to families of troops killed in action during the shutdown. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Senate Still Hasn't Voted on Bill That Gives Back Pay to Furloughed Workers
Several Republicans want to be able to attach amendments to a bill that would pay furloughed workers retroactively after the shutdown ends. By Kellie Lunney
Business
Shutdown Shame: Denying Troop Death Benefits
The families of U.S. troops killed in combat during the shutdown will have to wait for an end to Washington’s gridlock to get emergency death benefits. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Business
Why the Pentagon's CIOs Remain Furloughed
Defense Department lawyers say the Pay Our Military Act doesn't cover the Pentagon's civilian information officers and their staffs. By Bob Brewin
Policy
Week Two of the Shutdown: Will There Be a Compromise?
Lawmakers return to work for the second week of the shutdown. Are they any closer to reaching a deal? By Billy House
Business
House OKs Retroactive Pay for Furloughed Workers
The House voted unanimously on Saturday to retroactively pay furloughed civilian workers. By Kellie Lunney
Business