Policy
Gen. Eric Smith Tapped as Next Marine Commandant
Assistant commandant expected to press on with sweeping Force Design 2030 changes.
Science & Tech
F-35 Costs Still Climbing, as Pentagon Updates the Fleet
New GAO report details another $1.4 billion in upgrade costs, and additional delays.
Exclusive
Ideas
How Special Operations Forces Must Meet the Challenges of a New Era
To the commander of U.S. SOCOM, what matters most is whether we solve the problem our nation needs solved.
Threats
MEU to Debut New Artillery, Missile, and Multi-Domain Unit
The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit will take along several innovations when it deploys this summer.
Defense Systems
Pentagon Network Chiefs Are Putting Automation to Work
Tireless cyber tools can patrol parts of DOD’s networks, tools, and applications where hackers like to hide.
Threats
Marines Update Evacuation Playbook
A pre-deployment exercise allowed the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to practice what they learned from the Afghanistan withdrawal and other non-combatant evacuation operations.
Policy
After 2 Rollovers, Marines Overhaul Amphibious Combat Vehicle Training
A brand-new unit will teach Marines to drive the vehicles through the surf.
Policy
Navy Shipbuilding Plan Draws Lawmakers’ Ire Anew
Like last year’s, the new long-range plan offers a three-option menu and fewer amphibs than Congress mandates.
Science & Tech
The Navy Wants Drones to Counter China’s Gray-Zone Moves
CNO says the upcoming 4th Fleet experiments will inform an eventual move into Indo-Pacific operations.
Threats
Sea-Air-Space Conference Wire: Amphibs, Drones, and More
As the nation's largest naval conference opens just outside Washington, the leaders of the Navy and Marines disagree about just how and when to acquire amphibious warships.
Business
Largest US Shipbuilder Expects More Profits From Drones, AI Than Surface Ships, Soon
The nation’s largest shipbuilder expects “mission tech” like AI and undersea drones to outpace revenue from surface combatants.
Policy
Navy, Marines Reevaluating Munition Stockpiles Due To Ukraine War
“Ukraine's war has taught us that we must transition from just-in-time stockpiles of weapons and munitions to just-in-case stockpiles,” Sen. Collins said.
Policy
Seapower Chairman Wants Answers on Amphib Fleet Funding
Sen. Tim Kaine also said he expects the Navy’s 30-year-shipbuilding plan this week.
Ideas
This Ugly Dispute Over Amphibious Warships Didn’t Have to Happen
The Pentagon’s civilian leaders must spell out what they need to deter China.
Policy
‘Woke-ism’ Not an Issue, Top Military Leaders Say
Inclusion is actually a critical part of unit cohesion, Air Force chief and Marine commandant said.
Science & Tech
Marine Makers: How I MEF Troops Are Putting 3D Printers to Work
From generator covers to car parts, a Marine describes how additive manufacturing helps his unit get on with its mission.
Policy
Is the LPD-17 Flight II Amphib Worth It? Depends Who You Ask
Navy officials say the amphibious ship is too expensive, while the top Marine calls it “affordable.”
Defense Systems
The Marines Are Launching a Software Factory
We talked with Lt. Col. Charlie Bahk about plans to start up at the Army’s facility in Austin, Texas.
Ideas