Policy
Shanahan ‘Not Planning’ USS McCain Investigation, But Still Reviewing Facts
“There’s no restriction on how people can send email,” the acting defense secretary said.
Threats
Shanahan: ‘We’re Not Going To Ignore Chinese Behavior’
The speech at the Shangri-La conference was closely watched amid rising U.S.-China tensions over trade and security.
Policy
Still 'Acting' Shanahan Faces Test With China Face-off and USS McCain Scandal
Raising the stakes for the would-be SecDef, the White House has not yet sent formal nomination paperwork to the Senate.
Threats
Shanahan Heads to Asia as White House Beats Drums on Iran
The acting defense secretary is expected to detail how the Pentagon is implementing a strategic shift away from counterterrorism.
Policy
Former Aerospace CEO Tapped as Next Air Force Secretary
She once landed an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier.
Ideas
Trump’s Counter-Iran Moves Are Provocative, But They’re Not War
Truly bad messaging is undermining trust among allies and the American public — and increasing the chance of accidental escalation.
Policy
Under Pressure, Pentagon Publishes a Contractor-Fraud Report
Released under FOIA, the 4-page document names firms barred from government work, but lacks the detail of a predecessor report.
Ideas
The Brain of the Pentagon
Andrew Marshall leaves behind an American tradition of strategic thinking that will live well beyond him.
Science & Tech
Pentagon ‘Matchmakers’ Aim to Keep US Tech Firms from Taking Chinese Money
Defense officials hope to protect cutting-edge technologies by getting innovative firms funded by U.S.-friendly investors.
Policy
Trump Taps Shanahan To Lead DOD, Ending Months of Speculation
The nomination marks the beginning of the end of the tenure of the longest-serving acting defense secretary.
Policy
CBO: Space Force Could Cost $3B Up Front, $1.3B Annually
The new independent analysis comes as lawmakers weigh the creation of a new branch of the military.
Ideas
How Not to Announce a Ship Deployment
A simple press conference could have avoided 36 hours of confusion and fears of war with Iran.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon Still Buys Software Like It's 1987
The Defense Innovation Board recently discovered that a 32-year-old report "pretty much said it all."
Ideas
The Pentagon Is Flubbing Its Pitch to Silicon Valley
Appeals to patriotism won’t move America’s tech industry. Other approaches might work better.
Threats
Lawmakers Probe Navy, Marine Corps Plans on Climate Change
Trump’s picks for Chief of Naval Operations and Marine Corps Commandant sailed through their confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
Policy
Guantanamo Is Becoming a Nursing Home for Its Aging Terror Suspects
The Pentagon is required to give Gitmo detainees the same medical care as U.S. troops. How's that going to work?
Science & Tech
One Defense Agency is Building a Bot Army
And it's saving the department hundreds of thousands of work hours a year, a defense official said.
Business
Lockheed, Frustrated with US Air Force, Eyes Foreign F-35 Sales
The service’s proposed purchase of Boeing F-15s has the company increasing its sales efforts on Capitol Hill, and elsewhere.
Ideas
All This ‘Innovation’ Won’t Save the Pentagon
The Defense Department, a hierarchy fixated on technology, is unequipped to confront a world of disruptive challenges.
Science & Tech