Ideas
Trump wants a faster security clearance process, too
But can he avoid politicizing it? On Day One, he stripped clearances from people he doesn't like and created a temporary end-run for people he does.
Policy
Everything Trump said about national security on Day 1
From reclaiming the Panama Canal to border security, President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech touched on a variety of military-related issues.
Policy
Acting chiefs named for national-security agencies
The new president has tapped career federal executives to serve until his own picks can be approved.
Business
For Trump and Musk, reforming how the Pentagon works is possible—but not easy
Fixing Pentagon acquisition will take confronting Congress, officials say.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 171: SecDef Austin’s last trip to Europe
Patrick Tucker describes a Defense Department in transition as Russia's Ukraine invasion approaches the four-year mark.
Defense Systems
Is bad data to blame for missing weapons parts?
The Army, Defense Logistics Agency, and Pentagon are working to make data-sharing easier and improve supply-chain woes.
Policy
Reported Trump ‘loyalty tests’ for national-security officials draw criticism
If career employees are removed from the National Security Council, they would return to their home agencies, but the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has expressed concern.
Business
Bigger, higher, cheaper: Space startup looks beyond LEO
The Pentagon’s former space policy chief joins LA-based K2 Space.
Policy
‘I know what I don’t know,’ SecDef pick says at confirmation hearing
Hegseth faced questions about his inexperience and fitness as a leader.
Science & Tech
Insider-threat detectors fail too often. A new tool could help plug leaks
Building a live model of dataflows and workflows can help reveal where access controls are inefficient or broken.
Threats
Pentagon 'concerned China will instigate' avoidable conflict: DepSecDef
U.S. is not trying “bait or trick” Beijing into war, Hicks says.
Threats
New Orleans attack a reminder of ongoing ISIS threat
Diminished terror groups still able to radicalize stateside, official says.
Policy
Ukraine military-aid donors aim to set Kyiv up through 2027, Pentagon says
Thursday’s meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will be Austin’s last as SecDef.
Policy
Federal background-check overhaul is finally on track, DSCA says
Workers in national security-sensitive positions are now fully enrolled in continuous vetting.
Ideas
2024 in review: Commentary
Defense One contributors gathered lessons from around the globe and looked ahead to the new administration.
Defense Systems