Exclusive
Policy
Are yearlong deployments the Navy’s new normal?
That's what officials are telling sailors' families in Japan, where two destroyers are slated for 12- and 14-month cruises.
Threats
Pentagon, FBI personnel-data breaches raise questions
The defense breach, which exposed about 3 million people, went undetected for months.
Policy
Hegseth plans ‘Autonomous Warfare Command’
The military’s 12th combatant command was among a slew of announcements in a Quantico speech Wednesday.
Ideas
The military may be top-heavy. Don't make things worse with hasty cuts.
Congress should closely monitor Hegseth’s latest effort to reduce the number of generals and admirals.
Ideas
Pete Hegseth is rebuilding the military's ‘brass ceiling’
The SecDef says his ideological approach to promotion is helping recruiting. Surveys don't back that up.
Policy
Agencies spent nearly $10 billion for feds not to work in 2025
The use of paid administrative leave as part of the Trump administration’s deferred resignation program, an effort to entice federal workers to quit, across government in 2025 was 435% higher than two years prior, according to a new GAO report.
Threats
Iran strikes exposed gaps in medical evacuation ops across Middle East: IG
Medical professionals have long warned that drones would cause higher U.S. battlefield casualties. A new Inspector General report shows the military is still scrambling to meet that challenge.
Science & Tech
‘Digital employees’ are coming to the Defense Logistics Agency
Nearly 200 agentic-AI bots are already running autonomously as the combat support agency pushes ahead with AI-powered tools, CIO says.
Ideas
The Pentagon is using polygraphs to hunt leakers, but the tests are more theater than fact
My 27-year career with the CIA makes me wary of the certainty their use can appear to convey.
Policy
NSA's non-disclosure agreements lack whistleblower-rights provisions: watchdog
The inspector general report comes as the Trump administration considers imposing a standard NDA across government.
Policy
Bill expanding paid leave for feds pared back in Senate
The upper chamber’s version removes provisions allowing the paid family leave to be used in connection with helping a family member who has been the victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking.
Exclusive
Threats
OPM breach victims could get identity protection for life
The federal government’s coverage for 22.1 million people hoovered up in the 2015 China-linked breaches is scheduled to end Sept. 30.
Policy
Senate confirms Clayton as Trump’s next intelligence director
The former SEC chairman will replace acting intelligence chief Bill Pulte, who cut staff in the nation’s top spy office.
Defense Systems
Selective Service System seeks software to aid the military draft
The independent agency wants better tools to evaluate staffing and resource requirements.
Policy
Unions ask for injunction restoring collective bargaining at Defense
The latest filing says Pentagon strayed from the Trump administration’s own guidance for implementing an executive order banning collective bargaining at most agencies.
Business
Boeing adjusts approach to court more European business
Growing international workforce, manufacturing and assembly come into focus as the aerospace giant pitches platforms abroad.
Policy
‘Makes no sense’: Firing of Ukraine’s defense minister sparks protests, outcry among allies
Analysts and former officials said Mikhailo Federov had the clearest thinking on winning the war.
Threats
Space Force can’t figure out what personnel it needs for its missions, GAO says
As service leaders seek more money and headcount, thousands of “required” jobs went unfilled in 2025, watchdog agency found.
Policy
Unions sue to restore Pentagon workers' collective-bargaining rights
SecDef Hegseth's no-warning termination of worker agreements broke the law and caused "confusion and disruption," the suit alleges.
Policy