Policy
Feds should get at least most backpay by Nov. 19, administration says
Lawmakers added a provision for full backpay after the White House suggested it might illegally prevent workers from getting their money.
Science & Tech
DOGE veteran could bring much-needed change to Navy research, observers say
New ONR chief Riley did defense-reform work at McKinsey, former officials say.
Threats
Longest shutdown in history creating a readiness hole of unknown proportions
The heads of several military professional organizations came together to beg Congress to open the government.
Policy
As drones proliferate, Army pilots worry about their future. Will a new approach to flight school help?
The service is shedding aviation units and working to turn initial helicopter training over to industry.
Science & Tech
Space Force astronauts? New report says guardians in space would be asset for future ops
Experts say humans in space would be advantage, alongside needed tech improvements.
Threats
At NSA, a leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten operations and morale
"That’s what happens when your boss disappears, and then some of your lead unicorns also disappear,” one person said.
Policy
Memo lays out path to removing even more defense civilians from their jobs
The department, which has met its 8-percent overall reduction goal, is now going after “low performers.”
Policy
Marine Corps axes plan for third littoral regiment, ready to move on medium landing ship
Halfway to 2030, the service’s latest Force Design update teases upcoming “capstone concept.”
Policy
Senators challenge Hegseth’s bottleneck on communications with Congress
The Senate Armed Services chairman said new limits in a recent memo “may need to be clarified.”
Threats
Defense civilians, other feds abroad fret about making rent during shutdown
Some employees say their foreign landlords have little sympathy for their “U.S. issue.”
Exclusive
Threats
Hegseth fired the Air Force’s top lawyer. The JAG who took on the job is stepping away.
It’s been eight months since the service had a Senate-confirmed leader in the role.
Threats
Legal experts fear Trump admin is ignoring JAGs on cartel strikes, Guard deployments
A former military lawyer and a former judge encouraged commanders to stand up to unlawful orders.
Policy
SecDef uses unprecedented meeting to unveil 10 personnel, due-process reviews
After summoning senior officers from around the world, Hegseth invites them to resign if they don’t agree with him.
Ideas
