Policy
Mattis to Generals: Start Talking to the Press
Nine months into the Trump administration, the defense secretary tells senior military leaders to engage with the media — but stay in their lanes.
Policy
In Mexico, Mattis Plays Down Political Rhetoric, Seeks to Build Trust
Defense Secretary Mattis touts "a growing relationship built on trust and respect" between the U.S. and Mexican militaries.
Business
At US Nuclear Weapons Base, Mattis Signals Support for Triad
But the U.S. defense secretary stopped short of endorsing all types of new nuclear weapons in development.
Policy
Chasing the Elusive BRAC, Pentagon Says Readiness Is at Stake
Defense officials are changing their pitch for base closures. Will Congress listen this time?
Policy
Ordered to Ban Transgender Troops, Pentagon Plans A New Look at Three Factors
The courts will take their own look, thanks to a trio of lawsuits filed in the wake of Trump’s Friday-night memo.
Threats
At 7 Years Old, CYBERCOM Becomes a Full Combatant Command
An order by President Trump triggered its elevation from U.S. Strategic Command, which has been in the works for months.
Business
When Amazon Meets Defense Acquisition
Unanswered questions persist about a House provision to allow Pentagon buyers to use proprietary online sales platforms.
Ideas
It’s Long Past Time to Rethink US Military Posture in the Gulf
The rift between Qatar and other Gulf nations should prompt a long-overdue review of what the Pentagon keeps in the region, and where.
Science & Tech
Pentagon Now Offering Top Officials Classified Tablets
The Defense Department's pilot program allows access to materials up to secret level.
Policy
Pentagon Tightens Rules After Fake Cops Buy $1.2M in Weapons
A sting operation run by the Government Accountability Office revealed a number of loopholes that bad actors could use to buy excess military arms and equipment through the 1033 program.
Science & Tech
Is That Really You Typing? New Pentagon Tech Will Know
In its quest to drop authentication cards, the Defense Department is trying out a system based on the nuances of users’ typing.
Science & Tech
DIUx Wins Support — and More Cash — from Trump’s Pentagon
The vice chair of the Joint Chiefs touted an effort to track North Korean missile launcher, while the military’s new weapons buyer called it a good model for developing and acquiring capabilities.
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