Ideas

Fix the Pacific Deterrence Fund—and the Deeper Problem It Reveals

The military services are organized for efficient force development, not warfighting.

Policy

The Marine Corps Is Redesigning Infantry Battalions for the Future

Recommendations for a nimbler unit organization with fewer grunts and more tech will go to the commandant next year.

Ideas

Biden’s Defense Budget Will Worry America’s Indo-Pacific Allies

Spending to boost the U.S. military's future edge comes at the expense of addressing today's shortfalls in capacity and warfighting effectiveness.

Policy

Pentagon Works to Sharpen Definition of ‘Extremism’

Review could reshape cooperation with domestic agencies, consequences for troops’ social media posts, and more.

Ideas

The Domestic Counterterrorism Strategy Is a Good Start—But Needs More

For at least three reasons, domestic CT strategy is harder than the international one that worked against al Qaeda.

Policy

After Trump ‘Chaos,’ National Security Council Seeks a Return to ‘Regular Order’

The Biden White House is reinvigorating an interagency process some argue had largely halted under the Trump administration.

Policy

Hundreds of Troops Complain About ‘Woke’ Racism, Extremism Training, Cotton Claims

Senator confronts Austin, releases list of purported examples of Black Lives Matter advocacy, anti-white male bias, and diversity efforts.

Policy

If China Is the No. 1 Threat, Why Doesn’t the 2022 Budget Reflect It?

The Middle East will continue to demand resources even as troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

Threats

China Is Our No. 1 Priority. Start Acting Like It, Austin Tells Pentagon

Task force says the military Biden inherited from Trump had a “say-do gap” in the resources directed at China.

Policy

For Now, ‘Over the Horizon’ Protection for Afghanistan Will Fly From Existing Hubs, Acting Air Force Secretary Says

Service wants $10 billion for South Asia and Middle East operations as Pentagon develops long-term plan for Afghanistan support.

Policy

DoD Outlines Tenets of Responsible Artificial Intelligence

A memo from the deputy defense secretary also orders the JAIC director to build a strategy around those tenets.

Exclusive Policy

Space Force Seeks $831.7M for Unfunded Priorities

Projects left out of 2022 budget would boost Cheyenne Mountain security, space-based cryptology.

Breaking News Threats

Austin Asks Top General For ‘Options’ to Evacuate Afghans

Operation would need authorization from White House, which is not yet “actively pursuing” the idea.