Ideas
The Pentagon Is Funding the Destruction of Cultural Heritage
Construction of Trump’s border wall is undermining not just sacred sites but the rule of law itself.
Ideas
Esper's Convenient Lie
The defense secretary's claim that the two decades of countering violent extremism left the U.S. under-prepared for a near-peer fight doesn’t hold water.
Ideas
Combat Leaders Go Through Hell to Learn About Risk. The Acquisition Corps Should Do the Same
One reason the “culture of innovation” hasn’t taken proper hold at the Pentagon is that its buyers aren’t trained over and over to weigh uncertainties.
Ideas
Stumbling Out of the Middle East is No Better Than Stumbling In
It is tempting for the United States to just throw in the towel, pull troops, and abandon allies. More important is understanding what the U.S. strategy toward the Middle East should be.
Ideas
Alexander Vindman: Trump Is Putin’s ‘Useful Idiot’
In his first interview, a key witness in the impeachment trial says Trump goes out of his way to try to please the Russian president.
Ideas
Selling F-35s to the Middle East was Never Going to be Easy
To do it, and preserve Israel’s advantage, Trump must reinvigorate the consultative arms sales process with Congress.
Ideas
Donald Is No Dove
The president’s criticism of military contractors is belied by his commitment to fattening their pockets.
Business
DoD Explains How Contractors Will Get Reimbursed for COVID Expenses — If Congress Cuts a Check
Ellen Lord says the bill would come to $10 billion to $20 billion.
Ideas
Assessing Trump’s National Security Record
How has he done against four main threats our nation faces?
Policy
From Racism to Russia, Top General Says Army Must Change
Gen. McConville addressed the nation’s internal unrest, trust of the military, even QAnon, in a wide-ranging interview with Defense One.
Policy
Army Chief Denies Trump’s Claim That Generals Make War for Arms Makers
“We take this very, very seriously,” Gen. James McConville said in an interview with Defense One.
Policy
Pentagon to Employees: How Can We Boost Diversity?
The request is part of Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s overhaul of personnel practices.
Ideas
Trump: Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’
The president has repeatedly disparaged the intelligence of service members, and asked that wounded veterans be kept out of military parades, multiple sources tell The Atlantic.
Business
Pentagon Awards JEDI Cloud Contract to Microsoft, Again
The decision follows a months-long legal challenge filed by Amazon Web Services.
Ideas
A Great Change is Coming
Software, AI, autonomy — these are the ultimate weapons. The Pentagon must get serious about integrating AI into everything it has for 'hyperwar.'
Ideas
Six Scenarios for Military Intervention After January 20
We have to be able to talk about the military’s political influence.
Ideas
The Navy Needs More Ships — and Vision, Too
From shipyards to sea, the Navy needs to show more passionate leadership articulating what its future must be, and why.
Ideas
What Do You Tell Young Americans Doubting the Military’s Moral Compass?
After scandals, pardons, and protests, military and civilian leaders have some work to do rebuilding public trust.
Ideas
