Threats
America at a Crossroads – Able to Lead, or Gulliver in Lilliput?
We cannot pretend away what we have seen in Syria. Will we let Obama use the commander-in-chiefs tools or become Gulliver in Lilliput? By Michael Breen, Rachel Kleinfeld and Doug Wilson
Ideas
Does America Need to Give Up Some Security to Fix the NSA?
The agency -- and its director -- may have pushed the edges of the law. It's time that some of its power is drawn down, even if its comes at a cost. By Bruce Schneier
Policy
Kennedy's Battles With the Brass
JFK fought to rein in the military on multiple occasions. His actions may have prevented nuclear war. By Robert Dallek
Business
One Veteran’s Battle to Bring His Afghan Interpreter to the United States
It took five years, amid constant death threats from the Taliban, to get one Army unit’s Afghan interpreter and his family to the United States. There has to be a better way. By Matt Zeller
Business
How the Military’s 'Bro' Culture Turns Women Into Targets
A testosterone fueled environment is hindering efforts for the military's female personnel to combat sexual assault in their ranks. By Sara Sorcher
Ideas
‘War’ By Any Other Name Is the Plan
A war by any other name doesn’t matter. A strike on Syria is exactly what U.S. military is built to do and the Pentagon expects to do more of it. By Stephanie Gaskell
Policy
Hagel the Grunt, McCain the Pilot, and Vietnam’s Effect on Syria
Vietnam combat veterans faced off in Congress over Syria on Tuesday, but when it comes to war, the difference between Hagel and McCain is about 30,000 feet. By Kevin Baron
Policy
Does Assad Win No Matter What the U.S. Does in Syria?
Secretary of State John Kerry admits that Bashar al Assad will ‘weather’ a limited U.S. strike against Syria for using chemical weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Obama Wants to Give Troops, Civilians a 1 Percent Pay Raise in 2014
President Obama issued an alternative federal pay plan late Friday that gives troops a 1 percent pay increase in 2014. By Tom Shoop
Business
Military Strike Against Syria Could Cost More Than $600 Million
The cost of a possible strike against Syria comes amid steep budget cuts at the Pentagon. By Defense One Staff
Ideas
The Battle Between the Air Force and the Air National Guard
The Air Force must stop pretending that it has no choice but to cut the Air National Guard and instead figure out ways to keep capability without being crushed by Congress. By Russell Rumbaugh
Business
More than 3,000 Civilian Medical Personnel Quit Amid Furloughs, Budget Cuts
Many of them are heading over to work at the Veterans Affairs Department, which has been sheltered from sequestration. By Eric Katz.
Ideas
Pentagon Pivots Within the Pivot, to Southeast Asia
First came the pivot to Asia. Now, there’s the pivot within the pivot. By Kevin Baron
Ideas
Pentagon’s Syria Response Reveals Limits of Prized Cyber, Drone Arsenal
Here’s why the 'clarity' of a 20th century cruise missile strike likely will trump the 'sophistication' of the Pentagon’s 21st century drones and cyber-weapons. By Stephanie Gaskell
Business
Former Air Force Secretary To Reduce Hagel's Staff by 20 Percent
Retired Air Force Secretary Mike Donley will lead a panel that's been directed to reduce the Office of the Secretary of Defense's budget by 20 percent. By Tom Shoop
Ideas
To Reach the East, NATO Must First Go North
NATO has an opportunity to engage its Asian partners and counterbalance the burgeoning Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. By Robbie Gramer and Alex Ward
Threats
Pentagon ‘Stands Ready’ for Military Action in Syria as U.S. Warships Move to Region
President Obama huddles with his national security team to decide whether to take military action in Syria amid reports of more chemical attacks. By Kevin Baron
Business
DoD Will Lay Off 6,000 Civilians if Sequestration Continues
Major cuts to civilian defense employees are imminent If Congress can't come up with a plan to reduce the debt and sequestration continues next fiscal year. By Eric Katz
Business
The Cost of Mental Health Care in the Military: $4.5 Billion Since 2007
Mental health care costs are on the rise in the military. The Pentagon spent nearly $1 billion on mental health treatment last year – roughly double the amount it spent in 2007. By Bob Brewin
Threats