Science & Tech

For DOD, the future of large language models is smaller

Everyone loves big AI, but “maybe there is a smaller-parameter model that could run on a laptop.”

Policy

The DOD’s tech agency braces for 10% workforce cut

The agency hopes to bring some staff back in a “surgical rehiring,” said Lt. Gen. Paul Stanton, head of the Defense Information Systems Agency.

Policy

Space Force losing 14% of its civilian workers

That’s more than other military branches, and it means the service will end the year with nearly 1,000 fewer people than expected.

Policy

Special operations are becoming the Pentagon’s future ‘normal’

“SOF is floated as a one-size-fits-all solution for a lot of problems,” said one former official.

Ideas

The nation needs a ‘security clearance ready reserve'

A list of cleared, vetted people would serve as a strategic hedge against attrition, espionage and workforce volatility.

Business

Made in the USA: foreign defense companies eye bigger slice of the American pie

At a recent conference, several execs said Trump-administration turmoil hasn’t derailed plans to expand on U.S. soil.

Defense Systems

Golden Dome push sets stage for telecom battle over spectrum access

The White House’s project to beef up domestic missile defense could lead to a regulatory and legal fight over radio frequencies.

Policy

Could striking first in cyber be new Pentagon policy?

Bolstering cyber operations is top of mind for Katie Sutton, the White House’s pick to lead Defense Department cyber policy.

Policy

Trump’s Pentagon-personnel nominee wants to curb DOGE data access

But Anthony Tata, a retired Army general, couldn’t outrun past inflammatory and social media posts during his confirmation hearing.

Ideas

In Yemen, Trump risks falling into an ‘airpower trap’

Bombing campaigns are cheaper than ground incursions—but history shows that the former can lead to the latter.

Policy

Hegseth orders elimination of 10% of general, admiral jobs

Memo also orders the elimination of one-fifth of 4-star posts. No deadline, few guidelines given for shakeup.

Science & Tech

Wanted: counter-drone defenses that don't hurt surrounding neighborhoods

Base defenders need to collect and analyze much more data from many more sources, DIU director says.

Ideas

Forging a new national security alliance

The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command wants to knit traditional and non-traditional government, industry, and academic partners.

Policy

‘Gimmicks’: GOP lawmakers slam Trump’s ‘trillion-dollar’ defense-spending proposal

White House claims of a 13% increase rest on unusual budgetary maneuvers, not a higher DOD topline.

Policy

Hegseth issues Army a lengthy to-do list

The Wednesday memo includes deadlines for weapons and tech, orders to streamline units and organizations, and more.