Threats
Pentagon Says Guard Did Not Tear-Gas Protesters; Downplays Role In Militarized Response
A senior official also said SecDef was unaware of the plan to clear a public park for a Trump photo op.
Ideas
Trump Finally Gets the War He Wanted
Gen. Milley and Secretary Esper accompanied the president to a photo op — and right into his American war.
Threats
Trump, GOP Allies Reach For Military Response To Domestic Protests
In startling language, Defense Secretary Mark Esper referred to American streets as “the battlespace.”
Ideas
The Coronavirus Is Raising the Likelihood of Great-Power Conflict
U.S. efforts to increase deterrence must be carefully calibrated to avoid accidental escalation.
Ideas
It’s Time to Listen to the Doomsday Planners
Another pandemic, or a terrorist attack, could cripple an unprepared executive branch.
Threats
If Given OK, US Could Conduct a Nuclear Test in a Matter of Months, Pentagon Official Says
This comes as senior national security officials are reportedly discussing whether to conduct a test.
Threats
Pentagon Sets New Rules for ‘Return to Normal Operations’ Worldwide
‘We’ve got a ways to go,’ says official in charge of re-opening, but local commanders given authority to decide.
Ideas
Lawmakers Should Push the Pentagon to Draw on Women’s Contributions to Security
A relatively tiny increase in dedicated funding would make a big difference downstream.
Threats
Afghanistan Drawdown Continues Despite Violence, Ghani Announcement
The Afghan president said that his side would be resuming “offensive” operations against the Taliban.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Task Force Turns to Data to Shape COVID-19 Response
The group aims to use models and information to judge risks to the Defense Department and its missions.
Threats
A ‘Mass Breakout’ of ISIS from Syrian Prisons Remains a Risk, Pentagon Watchdog Says
The coalition has had “little or no direct access” to the facilities since Turkey’s October invasion.
Threats
Afghanistan To Resume ‘Offensive’ Actions Against Taliban In Blow To Peace Deal
How that will affect U.S. plans is anybody’s guess.
Threats
Coronavirus Hits Top US Officials
Senior officials in the White House and the Pentagon are now sidelined by the virus.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Wants Help With Its Predictive Aircraft Maintenance AI
Among other things, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center needs someone to format data about H-60 helicopters in a way that an AI can learn from it.
Business
US Defense Firms Hiring Thousands Amid Record Unemployment
Pentagon spending on missiles, satellites, and nuclear weapons fuels a production boom, as firms fight off commercial aerospace downturn.
Business
Amazon Files Another Protest Over JEDI Contract
In response, Microsoft blasts Amazon Web Services for trying to force a do-over for the multibillion-dollar cloud contract.
Ideas
The Post-Pandemic Military Will Need to Improvise
We don’t mean Pentagon-style “innovation.” We mean like the chefs on the reality show “Chopped.”
Policy
Prospective Navy Secretary Vows to 'Restore the Appropriate Culture'
Kenneth Braithwaite answered pointed questions from senators, but he and fellow nominees from DoD and the Air Force appear set for confirmation.
Ideas
Pull US Troops, not Diplomats and Development Experts, from Afghanistan
America’s interests are no longer furthered by military might in the country, but we can still help in other ways.
Threats