Author Archive

Tara Copp

Senior Pentagon Reporter, Defense One

Tara Copp
Tara Copp is senior Pentagon correspondent for Defense One. Copp has reported through the Middle East, Asia and Europe to cover defense policy and its impact on the lives of service members. Her investigative reporting on military aviation accidents and on skyrocketing veteran cancer rates drove Congressional hearings and legislation. Before returning to journalism, she worked as a senior defense analyst at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, focused on readiness and military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a Plan II graduate of the University of Texas and earned her masters in Security Studies at Georgetown University.
Policy

For US Troops, Getting COVID Vaccine Is Now a Matter of 'How and When'

President tells Pentagon to add COVID to list of required vaccinations. He also imposed requirements on federal employees and contractors who decline to get vaccinated.

  • Tara Copp
Threats

Wildfires Are So Dangerous Now that the National Guard Prepares for Them Like Hurricanes

For West Coast units, there’s no wildfire season anymore. ‘It’s really a fire year now,’ top general says.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

DOD Reimposes Mask Mandate Inside Pentagon, Other Bases Near ‘Substantial’ COVID Transmission

Troops, employees, contractors, and others must wear masks indoors on Defense Department facilities in the Pentagon and these areas.

  • Bradley Peniston and Tara Copp
Policy

‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense

In Singapore, defense secretary chides Beijing for “aggression...coercion...genocide” but says he wants a “constructive, stable relationship with China.”

  • Tara Copp
Policy

‘It Failed Miserably’: After Wargaming Loss, Joint Chiefs Are Overhauling How the US Military Will Fight

In a fake battle for Taiwan, U.S. forces lost network access almost immediately. Hyten has issued four directives to help change that.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says

US needs to 'divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,' says Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Hyten

  • Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Science & Tech

The Air & Space Brief: Ursa Major moves on rocket market, Elon’s bug woes, Pregnant cadets may get help, and more...

  • Tara Copp
Policy

‘Not One Time’: Milley Says Joint Chiefs Did Not Violate Oath in Handling Trump

Chairman doesn’t deny that he and other chiefs mulled resigning if given an illegal order.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

First Wave of Afghan Interpreters Head to Fort Lee

Arriving families will stay for the moment in barracks or other housing; the State Department will pick up their food and medical costs.

  • Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Science & Tech

The Air & Space Brief: China cyberspace sanctions, First wooden satellite, China concern, Militarized space?

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Republicans Try New Bill to Repay National Guard for Post-Riot Protection, Minus a Rapid Response Force

No House GOPers voted for a May bill that would have reimbursed the Guard more than a half billion dollars.

  • Tara Copp
Featured eBooks
The Cybersecurity Challenge
Army Tech & Trends
Mission: Space
Exclusive Policy

National Guard Scrambles for Funds After Congress Refuses to Cover Jan. 6-Related Costs

More than a half billion dollars in the hole, the Guard’s chief has ordered the heads of the Army and Air Guards to claw back money from state units.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Officials Deny American Troops Are Pulling Out Of Iraq as Strategic Talks Near

Biden will likely discuss the future of the American troop presence in Iraq when the prime minister visits Washington this month.

  • Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Policy

Biden Nominee for Pentagon’s Top Weapons Buyer Withdraws

Michael Brown to remain at DIU for now, Pentagon says.

  • Tara Copp
Science & Tech

Plywood Satellite Cleared for Space Launch

The WISA Woodsat could reduce space debris by using materials that will burn as they fall back into Earth’s atmosphere.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

The Air & Space Brief: China rocket falls, F-16s go 3D, INDOPAC’s China concern, and more...

  • Tara Copp
Threats

Another Free-Falling Chinese Rocket Body Hit Earth Last Week

China continues to burn all the fuel in its launches, allowing the used-up rockets to fall back to Earth uncontrolled.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Fighter Jets Leave Afghanistan as US Departs Bagram

Withdrawal from the mammoth base comes as officials continue to seek access elsewhere in the region.

  • Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Science & Tech

B-52 Engine Replacement Could Keep Bomber Flying Through Its 100th Birthday

Other improvements have the Air Force contemplating smaller air crews.

  • Tara Copp
Threats

The Air & Space Brief: F-15s, F-16s hit Syria, UFO taskers, Microsoft’s space play; And more...

  • Tara Copp