Policy

5.2% Pay Bump for Troops, Feds in 2024 Budget Proposal

The largest proposed pay raise for federal employees since the Carter administration still falls short of the demands of some Democrats and unions.

Defense Systems

Companies Prepare to Spend More on Cybersecurity Under New Rules

Despite some complaints about the White House's new tack, industry leaders say most recognize the need for better defenses.

Defense Systems

Sketching Out the Rules for Offensive Cyber Operations

The White House released the first-ever National Cybersecurity Strategy this week. It leaves the door open for more defined use cases for cyber operations.

Policy

New National Cyber Strategy: Raise Defensive Baseline for Critical Infrastructure

The White House wants to get electrical systems, gas pipelines, water treatment plants, and more up to a consistent level of cybersecurity.

Ideas

From Balloons to Nukes, We Must Stop Inflating the China Threat

We are better off talking to Beijing than getting tangled up in a new arms race.

Policy

Delete TikTok by March 29, White House Tells Feds

The Office of Management and Budget responds to a congressional push to ban the popular Chinese social-networking app from government devices.

Threats

U.S. Lacked ‘Political Will’, Resources To Build Up Afghan Forces, Report Finds

Biden, Trump administrations didn’t account for low morale, which was “one of the main contributors” to the collapse of Afghan National Defense and Security Forces amid the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021.

Ideas

Why War Pledges for Ukraine Fell Flat in Munich

Biden, Harris, and other world leaders pledged to help Ukraine fight for “as long as it takes.” So why does nobody believe them?

Science & Tech

White House Launches Effort to Examine Policy Choices for Shooting Down UFOs

NORTHCOM has changed radar settings to get “better fidelity on seeing slower objects,” general says.

Ideas

China Just Exposed the GOP’s Real Target: Biden

Less than a month into the new Congress, hopes for the return of adults-in-the-room Republicans atop national-security committees have popped like a balloon.

Policy

Over-Classification Undermines Democracy, US Intelligence Director Says

The investigations into handling of sensitive documents by former presidents and vice presidents have brought problems with the classification system back into the spotlight. 

Policy

Left in Limbo, a Handful of Biden’s Defense Picks Await Senate Action

Four nominees—all people of color—received committee approval months ago but have yet to get a Senate vote.

Policy

US Army Readies Ukraine Abrams Tank Options For Policymakers

Logistical details must be hashed out in the wake of Biden’s pledge.

Breaking News Policy

US to Send 31 M1 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine

They will join “hundreds” more armored vehicles arriving amid concerns about an anticipated Russian offensive.