Policy

Is the Pentagon Changing Fast Enough?

So far, two former defense insiders say, new service organizations are more promise than improvement.

Ideas

Biden’s Nuclear Policy Fails the Ukraine Test

His administration’s Cold War-style thinking is missing a golden opportunity.

Ideas

The Supreme Court Targets Military Readiness

Former senior leaders are cautioning the Court not to scuttle affirmative action, which remains important to the service academies—and national security.

Policy

Military Leaders Praise Musk as Treasury Officials Eye Twitter Deal

Outgoing Chief of Space Operations Gen. Jay Raymond thanked the SpaceX CEO “for being here.”

Defense Systems

You Get a Software Factory! And You Get a Software Factory!

DISA’s Vulcan program aims to give defense agencies and field activities all the tools they need to improve their software development practices.

Ideas

Ash Carter’s Lasting Legacy

The former defense secretary leaves behind a much stronger Pentagon-Silicon Valley relationship.

Policy

Aides Recall How Ash Carter Changed Pentagon’s Weapons Buying

Over decades, the physicist-turned-defense leader worked to speed up and streamline arms procurement.

Ideas

After Six Years, It’s Time to Confirm a Defense Department Inspector General

IGs perform a critical role in holding powerful officials and government agencies accountable, and the Senate should confirm a Defense IG when it returns from recess.  

Policy

U.S. Military Will Pay for Troops to Travel for Abortions

Post-Roe abortion restrictions are hurting recruiting and retention, defense officials say.

Ideas

The U.S. Marine Corps Has a Choice: Transform or Die

If the Corps does not veer from its current course, it will lose the things that differentiate it from the Army and the special operations community.  

Policy

Pentagon Creates Team to Improve SecDef’s IT

A new directorate will serve as a bridge between the Office of the Secretary of Defense and IT service providers.

Ideas

Civilians Will Choose the Marine Corps’ Future—and Soon

And they will do it by selecting the next commandant and other four- and three-star generals.

Policy

New National Security Strategy Returns Focus to Rules, Partnerships, and American Leadership

China is a “pacing” threat, Russia just an “acute” one—but international partnerships, the old global order are key to beating both.

Policy

Army Climate Plan Relies on Technology That Doesn’t Exist Yet

The most “complex” aspect of the implementation plan is “building a force to operate in the future that still has to operate in the present,” officials said.

Policy

US Denies Ukraine’s Request for Long-Range Missiles in Latest Arms Gift

Ukraine can reach the “vast majority” of targets with what they already have, a Pentagon official says.

Defense Systems

DISA’s Sweeping New Plan Takes Aim at Data Silos, Mistagged Info

The Pentagon’s IT agency has policy and culture ideas to encourage freer, more secure info-sharing.