Policy
Trump Names Robert O’Brien His 4th National Security Advisor
A lawyer by trade, former Bush delegate at the UN, and campaign advisor to Mitt Romney and Scott Walker, O’Brien has been serving as special envoy for hostage affairs.
Ideas
The US Military is Not, and Can Never Be, Afghanistan’s Police
If we were 'almost a police force' in Afghanistan, we already would have won.
Policy
Mike Pompeo Is Bigger Than the Pentagon — For Now
“I think that Pompeo is now running foreign policy in the Trump administration in the way that Cheney ran it in the Bush administration,” said one analyst.
Business
70 Percent of Americans Say Arms Sales Make US Less Safe
A recent Chicago Council survey shows the Trump administration out of step with public opinion.
Ideas
Two Cheers for Esper’s Plan to Reassert Civilian Control of the Pentagon
One might believe that leaving more decisions to uniformed experts would depoliticize policy. The opposite is true.
Ideas
Coming Soon to a Battlefield: Robots That Can Kill
Tomorrow’s wars will be faster, more high-tech, and less human than ever before. Welcome to a new era of machine-driven warfare.
Ideas
The Mattis Two-Step
The forever general’s attempt to "stay out of politics" is bringing him right into it.
Science & Tech
Pentagon, NSA Prepare to Train AI-Powered Cyber Defenses
The giant effort starts by trying to standardize data across the Defense Department's sprawling IT ecosystem.
Threats
US Wargames to Try Out Concepts for Fighting China, Russia
Joint Staff-led exercises will test new communications gear and new ideas for getting past “industrial-age” synchronization of forces.
Ideas
Women Help Prevent Terrorism. Congress Should Encourage the Pentagon to Pay Attention
Here’s a list of related House provisions that should be part of 2020's final authorization bill.
Ideas
The Man Who Couldn’t Take It Anymore
“I had no choice but to leave,” James Mattis says of his decision to resign as President Trump’s secretary of defense.
Ideas
Happy Birthday, Nuclear Arms Race
If we remember how we could have stopped it, we may yet find a way to do so.
Threats
Alleged Israeli Strikes Bring US to Crossroads in Iraq
The Pentagon is worried that attacks on Iran-linked targets could damage its relationship with Baghdad. But what does the White House want?
Threats
Dunford: Peace Agreement With The Taliban Is ‘Worth Trying’
“I’m not using the ‘withdrawal’ word right now,” the Pentagon’s top uniformed leader said Wednesday.
Ideas
Is This Space’s ‘Billy Mitchell Moment’? Let’s Hope Not
Enflaming service rivalries will not help the U.S. military develop the joint spacepower it needs.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon Wants to Bolster DIU’s Cyber Defenses
The department is looking for penetration testers, red teams, and cyber training to protect its startup incubator from online attacks.
Business
Pentagon Sees ‘No Major Concerns’ With Raytheon-United Technologies Merger
The Defense Department’s top weapons buyer, Ellen Lord, gives stamp of approval to what would be the second-largest defense and aerospace company ever.
Policy
The Pentagon Is Almost Two Years Late On Efficiency Reforms
Little progress have been made on various requirements ordered in the 2018 authorization act, GAO found.
Ideas
Esper’s Foot-Dragging on Mega-Cloud Doesn’t Pass the Smell Test
The new defense secretary needs to stand up to his boss, who is inappropriately meddling in a Pentagon contract.
Science & Tech