Defense Systems
DOD Should Map the Competing Incentives that Hinder Innovation, Says Air Force 3-Star
That might point the way to needed cultural and structural changes, the service’s strategy-and-requirements leader told the Defense Innovation Board.
Ideas
Want More Innovation? Get Out of Your Office and Talk to People
Advice from a former leader of the U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force.
Policy
Left in Limbo, a Handful of Biden’s Defense Picks Await Senate Action
Four nominees—all people of color—received committee approval months ago but have yet to get a Senate vote.
Business
Expect Big Replenishment Orders Soon, Army Tells Industry
February and March should bring contracts to replace weapons sent to Ukraine, acquisition chief says.
Policy
When May a Robot Kill? New DOD Policy Tries to Clarify
An updated policy tweaks wording in a bid to dispel confusion.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon’s Innovation Shop Wants More Influence in 2023
The agency wants to be part of program executives’ acquisition strategies and to spread more commercial-based tech across the department.
Policy
Germany Resists US, Allied Pressure to Allow Leopard 2 Tanks to Go to Ukraine
German, U.S. officials deny that Berlin would relent if the Pentagon donates Abrams tanks.
Policy
New Parental Leave Policy Could Help Retention, Recruiting
Mandated change gives 12 weeks’ leave to all new parents.
Policy
Lawmakers Slam Colleagues’ Talk of 2024 Defense Cuts
Still, Rep. Jordan insists “everything” is on the table.
Policy
Pentagon Rescinds COVID-Vaccine Mandate
The move was required by the 2023 defense policy bill. Troops who were ejected for refusing the vaccine may petition for a change in their discharge status.
Policy
Bradleys, Self-Propelled Howitzers Head to Ukraine as More Difficult Fight in the South Awaits
The biggest U.S. aid package yet reflects new realities on the ground.
Threats
‘We Have Nothing’ to Indicate that UFOs Are Aliens, Defense Official Says
The Pentagon says it has no data to suggest unidentified anomalous phenomena come from outer space.
Policy
Pentagon Scrambles to Prep New COVID Rules as Vaccine Mandate Nears End
Vaccine-refusal separations are on hold as DOD develops “further guidance.”
Defense Systems
More Money For Info Ops, Army Recruiting, Cyber In Omnibus
Bill would also boost defense research funding once again.
Policy
Senate Reaches Breakthrough and Passes $1.7T Omnibus Funding Bill
Measure now heads to the House ahead of Friday's shutdown deadline.
Policy
Defense Spending to Soar to $858B in $1.7T Omnibus Bill
10% bump over 2022 mark is far more than then 4% proposed by Biden.
Business
Space-Imagery Firm Maxar to Go Private
With government contracts under its belt and a new constellation on the way, the company is to be acquired by a private-equity firm for $4B.
Policy