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.
Threats
After Jan. 6 Texts Were Wiped, DOD IG Is Scrutinizing Pentagon Records Management
A review begun last August has expanded "based on concerns identified during the audit," acting DOD inspector general tells Congress.
Threats
US to Send 18 More HIMARS to Ukraine Under Latest $1B Aid Package
But they won’t be available for two years, Pentagon says.
Business
After Big Pentagon Contract Wins, L3Harris CEO Eyes More Growth
Three years after merger of L3 Technologies and Harris, the company is striving to “compete on a level playing field,” CEO Kubasik says.
Exclusive
Policy
US Troops Are Volunteering to Fly Abortion Seekers Across State Lines
Using personal planes, off duty, and out of uniform, the pilots say it’s their ”patriotic duty” to help Americans.
Policy
US, Partners to Meet on Ukraine War Supply Chain Shortages
The chief weapons buyers of more than 40 nations will talk about which defense production lines must be prioritized to meet Ukraine’s defense needs.
Ideas
War Is No Reason to Put Arms-Control Negotiations on Hold
The possibility that Russia might use nuclear weapons in Ukraine is just one of the nuclear dangers we must address.
Threats
NATO Forges Plans to Surge Forces to Baltics In a Crisis
Estonia is planning new training areas and infrastructure under a defense budget increase.
Policy
Army Wants to Double Or Triple Some Arms Production As Ukraine War Continues
GMLRS, HIMARS, and artillery rounds top the list.
Policy
No Abortion Access for 40 Percent of Female Troops, Study Finds
RAND says it’s “not unreasonable” that the lack of abortion access will make women more likely to leave service.
Policy