Policy

Dunford Didn’t Endorse Plan to Pull Troops from Afghanistan by 2017

The president’s plan for withdrawing from Afghanistan can’t escape comparisons to Iraq – even from his top commander. By Molly O’Toole

Policy

Obama Picks Dunford as Next Marine Corps Commandant

The question now is who will replace Gen. Joseph Dunford as the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan to oversee the end of the war? By Ben Watson

Ideas

Eliminating Double Standards in the Marine Corps

Gen. Amos was right to change the policy prohibiting women from taking the Infantry Officer Course twice. By Rep. Duncan Hunter

Ideas

Can Another ‘Anbar Awakening’ Save Iraq?

Only disgruntled Sunni tribes can halt Iraq’s descent into another sectarian hell. By James Kitfield

Science & Tech

Marines Could Get Lighter with 'Thin' Computing

The Marines are asking for industry input on the development of a virtual desktop infrastructure -- thin cients -- for classified networks. By Bob Brewin

Science & Tech

This Massive Robot Could Soon Join Marines on the Battlefield

The testing phase of DARPA's new Legged Squad Support System, an autonomous robot that can carry 400 lbs through rugged terrain, is expected to be completed by next summer. By Alexis C. Madrigal

Science & Tech

A Marine Grunt's Take on GPS, Compasses, Radios and the 'Golden Hour'

Despite advances in technology on the battlefield, when it comes down to determining north, south, east or west, the compass is still a mighty handy gadget. By Bob Brewin

Business

Amos' Marines Could Go Even Smaller, to 120,000

All due respect, but Commandant Amos isn’t going deep enough. The Marine Corps can drop to 120,000 using MEUs. Here’s how. By Aaron Haubert

Business

America Needs a Robust Crisis Response Force

With a sequestered budget, a force design of 174,000 is right sized to allow the Marine Corps to remain America’s crisis response force.

Ideas

Gen. Amos on Reinventing the Marines, Owning Sequester and Why COIN Is More Relevant Than Ever

The Marine Commandant talks about the future of warfare and how budget cuts are here to stay. By Stephanie Gaskell

Defense Systems

Navy plans internal blog on IT

A new Navy blog that discusses information technology will be available only to members of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Defense Systems

Marine Corps wants green IT partnership with Army, industry

The Marine Corps wants to collaborate with the Army and industry on green IT systems that would lighten the logistical loads for warfighters.

Defense Systems

Web 2.0 review could lead to restricted use of social networking in DOD

A review on how social media should be used at the Defense Department will likely lead to a policy that allows the use of Web 2.0 tools with restrictions due to security concerns, according to a DOD spokesman.

Defense Systems

Marines' social-media ban is bad for morale

Rather than telling troops to get off Twitter and Facebook, the military should educate them about security.