Author Archive
Patrick Tucker
Technology Editor

Patrick Tucker is technology editor for Defense One. He’s also the author of The Naked Future: What Happens in a World That Anticipates Your Every Move? (Current, 2014). Previously, Tucker was deputy editor for The Futurist for nine years. Tucker has written about emerging technology in Slate, The Sun, MIT Technology Review, Wilson Quarterly, The American Legion Magazine, BBC News Magazine, Utne Reader, and elsewhere.
Policy
‘A Piece of...’ Outgoing SecDef Blasts Expensive Programs
DOD’s biggest challenge is overcoming the “mindset of the Cold War”
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
Acting SecDef Defends Capitol Reaction, Says DoD Is Prepared for Next Week
Defense Department “absolutely” concerned about domestic terrorism next week but feels bureaucratic issues that delayed national guard are resolved.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Air Force Recommends Space Command Move to Alabama
With one week left on the job, Secretary Barrett picked Huntsville. The decision, however, is not final.
- Patrick Tucker and Marcus Weisgerber
Threats
It's Harder to Boot Right-Wing Extremists from Social Media Than ISIS
There are various reasons why. But studies suggest it’s still worth the effort.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
US Space Force Becomes 18th Member of U.S. Intelligence Community
Growing threats to U.S. space assets require more intelligence collaboration, senior official says.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
China, Russia, Iran Spin Capitol Insurrection
As allies lamented the “disgraceful” scene, adversaries used Wednesday’s riot to attack U.S. democracy.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
U.S. Capitol Now More Vulnerable As a Result of Wednesday’s Mob Attack, Former DHS Official Says
A lack of coordination among authorities was evident and will make securing the seat of legislature harder.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Aging ICBMs Must Be Replaced, Not Refurbished, STRATCOM Chief Says
Even the people who once knew how to fix them are “not alive anymore,” Richard says.
- Patrick Tucker
Policy
For Pentagon, Biden Picks Two Obama-era Policy Veterans to Help Austin
After passing on Flournoy, Biden taps Kathleen Hicks and Colin Kahl to be Austin's deputy defense secretary and undersecretary for policy.
- Patrick Tucker and Marcus Weisgerber
Science & Tech
In Europe, US Air Force Brings Back Cold War Mobility Concept
The shift from countering terrorists to Russia is also bringing cutting-edge fighter-jet simulators.
- Patrick Tucker
Threats
Acting SecDef Miller Visits Troops in Afghanistan
Trump's designee returned 19 years after serving here, this time to oversee a controversial order to rush troops out before Joe Biden is sworn in.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation
As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
The Air Force Used AI to Operate the Radar on a U-2 Spy Plane
Officials tout ARTUµ algorithm as a step toward a “new era of warfare.”
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
National Guard Helping to Roll Out COVID Vaccine
Guardsman will divvy up some vaccine batches, backfill medical staff in nursing homes and prisons.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
The Pentagon Is Ill-Organized to Improve Its Use of Electromagnetic Spectrum, GAO Says
Old ways and means are quickly becoming obsolete — but spectrum issues remain everyone’s second job.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
US Military Starts Vaccinating Troops, Behind Russia and China
DOD has picked 16 sites for a “controlled pilot” COVID vaccination program.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
The Future Of Flight Training Is A Gamer Headset That Watches You Play
Google and other companies are helping design a smarter, cheaper way to produce aviators.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
AI Is Reshaping the US Approach to Gray-Zone Ops
Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools aren’t just for big hot wars, but also for places where the battle lines aren’t clear.
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
‘Artificial Skin’ May One Day Make Troops Invisible, Even to Heat Sensors
Small interconnected panels mimic the color and temperature of their environment, similar to an octopus
- Patrick Tucker
Science & Tech
Why Data Privacy Is Crucial to Fighting Disinformation
Information collected as we go about our daily lives can be weaponized into influence operations that are harder to detect.
- Patrick Tucker