Policy
Mattis on 2018 Budget: ‘We Have Got to Get a Bill Passed’
Congress is working up budgets that bust spending caps, with little evidence of a deal to avoid automatic cuts.
Threats
The US Must Rethink How It Uses Special Operators, Says Incoming SOLIC Secretary
Strained by war, the military’s elite units can’t grow any faster nor deploy slower. Something in their mission set must give.
Ideas
Make It Easier for Americans to Support Military Missions Abroad
Our nonprofit organization helped US commanders provide IED detectors to Iraqis confronting ISIS. Now Congress can make it a model for agile public-private partnerships.
Policy
As Trump and Putin Met, US and UK Defense Chiefs Discussed Ways to Deter Russia
While one part of Trump’s executive branch looks to improve relations with Moscow, another prepares for the worst.
Science & Tech
Time for the Pentagon to Overhaul Drone Management, New Report Says
As the Pentagon writes a long-term drone plan, the former head of Air Force intelligence has some suggestions.
Business
Global Demand for US Weapons 'Busier Than Ever' in Trump Era, So Far
Large American delegation at Paris Air Show reassures allies worried about disengagement.
Policy
Business Experience Bites Trump’s Pentagon Nominee
Congress might hold up the president’s pick for deputy defense secretary over his three-decade career with Boeing, among other things.
Policy
Lawmakers to Pentagon: Tell Us When You Use Cyber Weapons
A proposed law would require congressional notification when DOD conducts external cyber operations — offensive or defensive.
Threats
Pentagon: Beijing Is Arming Its Manmade Islands in South China Sea
With its reef expansion apparently finishing up, China is working to extend the reach of its military power.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Accelerates Work on Multi-Warhead Interceptor
Officials won’t say it’s because of North Korea. But experts say Pyongyang’s planned ICBMs will almost certainly release decoys to cloak their nukes.
Policy
Trump’s Military Buildup Won’t Begin Until 2019
Pentagon officials say they're working to fix readiness first, then grow the military.
Threats
New Tactics, Quicker Decisions Are Helping to ‘Annihilate’ ISIS, Pentagon Says
The military’s top leaders credit Trump for delegating authority and directing efforts to surround ISIS fighters.
Business
Defense Acquisition Is Bad and Getting Worse: Report
A Congressional panel delivers a peppery interim look at military acquisition as Rep. Mac Thornberry prepares to introduce new reforms.
Threats
Mattis Fills Key Executive Positions at the Pentagon
Former official: Defense Secretary James Mattis’ political SES appointments are mainstream choices.
Policy
Defense Ends Civilian Hiring Freeze, But Will Review 'Necessity' of Vacant Positions
Mattis sent a memorandum to department leadership Wednesday.
Threats
US Military: Sexual Assault in the Ranks Is Less Prevalent, and Better Reported
But defense officials say that with an estimated 14,900 cases last year, there’s still work to be done.
Science & Tech
The Pentagon’s Bug Bounty Program Should Be Expanded to Bases, DOD Official Says
The ‘best and brightest’ hackers could accelerate the search for vulnerabilities across some of the Defense Department’s broader critical infrastructure.
Ideas
Pentagon Misses the Target When It Comes to Its Workforce
Defense officials can’t tell you how many contractors they employ or at what cost. Finding out is critical to personnel reform.
Business