Policy
Pentagon Rescinds COVID-Vaccine Mandate
The move was required by the 2023 defense policy bill. Troops who were ejected for refusing the vaccine may petition for a change in their discharge status.
Policy
Pentagon Scrambles to Prep New COVID Rules as Vaccine Mandate Nears End
Vaccine-refusal separations are on hold as DOD develops “further guidance.”
Special Report
Policy
‘Broken Culture’ Keeps Troops at Risk of Sexual Assault, Advocates Say
They wonder whether real change is possible before today’s leaders age out and leave.
Policy
Woke-ism ‘Not a Factor’ in the Marine Corps, Commandant Says
“I don’t see it. I don’t hear it. They’re not talking about it,” Gen. David Berger said at the Reagan National Defense Forum.
Special Report
Policy
It’ll Be ‘Years’ Before the Pentagon Fully Implements Changes to Handling Sexual Assaults
Congress has directed several major changes to the way the military handles sexual assault. Officials say full implementation remains several years away.
Special Report
Policy
After a Spike in Sexual Assaults on Troops, Is Real Change on the Way?
The 2023 defense policy bill will close a prosecutorial loophole that advocates say has been preventing justice for victims of rape, harassment, and other crimes.
Policy
The Defense Department Finally Has a Permanent Watchdog
“I shall continue to be true to the principle of nonpartisanship that is a hallmark of the IG system,” Robert Storch said during his confirmation hearing.
Policy
Recruiting Crisis? Not at Space Force
The youngest and smallest service says it pays to be both choosy and inclusive.
Policy
Is the Army Misplacing the Blame for Its Recruiting Crisis?
At least two of its oft-cited reasons are “red herrings,” experts say.
Defense Systems
The Pentagon’s Lead Intelligence Agency Has an HR Problem
Too few human-resources staffers means a constant struggle to keep up with basic personnel record-keeping and more.
Ideas
I’m Thankful for American Troops – All of Them
The right-wing war on American LGBTQ+ troops and diversity in the military is getting worse. Maybe it’s time Pentagon leaders defend their own.
Policy
After Army Vet's Heroic Actions in a Gay Bar, GOP Lawmakers Release Anti-Woke Manifesto
As violence and threats rise against LGBTQ+ people, 10 senators join bill to roll back a Pentagon diversity-and-inclusion effort.
Threats
Hawaiian Families Struggle With Health a Year After Red Hill Fuel Leak
A clinic is being established to document symptoms and care for patients.
Ideas
The Supreme Court Targets Military Readiness
Former senior leaders are cautioning the Court not to scuttle affirmative action, which remains important to the service academies—and national security.
Business
Meet the Man Trying to Change the Culture of Boeing Defense
CEO Ted Colbert says reducing groupthink is part of the path to a nimbler, networked weapons company.
Policy
Army Criminal Division Reviewing Thousands of Cases for Errors
At least 1,900 soldiers saw their careers slowed or ended by incorrect tagging in the service’s criminal database.
Policy
Aides Recall How Ash Carter Changed Pentagon’s Weapons Buying
Over decades, the physicist-turned-defense leader worked to speed up and streamline arms procurement.
Ideas
After Six Years, It’s Time to Confirm a Defense Department Inspector General
IGs perform a critical role in holding powerful officials and government agencies accountable, and the Senate should confirm a Defense IG when it returns from recess.
Policy