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
