Author Archive

Tara Copp

Senior Pentagon Reporter, Defense One

Tara Copp is the Senior Pentagon Correspondent for Defense One. She 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.
Threats

The Air & Space Brief: F-22s, deprioritized; F-35 buy, shrinking?; A Space Force CO, fired; And more…

  • Tara Copp
Science & Tech

The Air Force Is Planning For a Future Without the F-22

Just four fighters will make up the future fleet: F-35, F-16, F-15EX, and NGAD, chief says.

  • Marcus Weisgerber and Tara Copp
Science & Tech

Space Force Aims to Take on an Air Force Surveillance Mission

Ground Moving Target Indicator satellites would begin to replace decades-old aircraft as the newest service expands its mission set.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

‘Hype’ Over Military Coup Fears Delayed Troops’ Jan. 6 Response, Miller To Tell Congress

In testimony, former Acting SecDef Christopher Miller will say he dismissed Trump’s warning that 10,000 troops should be ready for his rally in Washington, but blames the media and credits his own deliberations for slowing the military's response at the Capitol.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

At House Hearing, Defense Appropriators Discuss Everything But the Budget

The Biden administration has yet to submit a 2022 budget request, limiting Congress’ ability to oversee defense spending.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Army Reorganizes Investigations Office After Fort Hood Review; Austin, Milley Signal More Changes

The service will remove harassment investigations from units, but keep them within the military ranks. Is that enough?

  • Tara Copp and Caitlin M. Kenney
Threats

Pentagon Has No Plans to Shoot Down Free-falling Chinese Rocket

Secretary Austin is monitoring the large rocket’s decaying orbit, but spokesman says it’s “too early” to develop options to intercept.

  • Tara Copp and Jacqueline Feldscher
Policy

‘That’s Why I Wear the Uniform:’ Milley Calls Racial, Religious Equality His ‘North Star’

The chairman’s remarks at an ROTC commissioning come amid Pentagon efforts to address inequality in the ranks.

  • Tara Copp
Threats

Today's D Brief: Milley on inequality; Space Guardsmen?; What Kabul wants; Defense CEO pay; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson, Bradley Peniston and Tara Copp
Policy

US Air Force, Navy Extend 50% Work-From-Home Indefinitely

New memos suggest office space occupancy may never return to 100 percent.

  • Marcus Weisgerber and Tara Copp
Policy

Retired Generals and Service Chiefs Launch 'Operation Protect Democracy' in Wake of Capitol Attack

Group plans to advocate for increased voter access at the federal and state level. But will the legislatures listen?

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

Biden Nominee for Pentagon Weapons Buyer Under Investigation

Inspector General complaint alleges DIU Director Michael Brown’s agency used federal hiring tools to hire friends, but office says it’s competing for talent.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Biden Taps Frank Kendall To Be Air Force Secretary

Former Pentagon acquisition chief has relevant experience defining threats and modernization needs, colleagues say.

  • Marcus Weisgerber and Tara Copp
Exclusive Policy

US Army to Replace Criminal Investigations Chief In Wake of Guillen’s Death

The service’s Criminal Investigation Command has faced criticism for its lax casework on soldier deaths, assaults and suicides.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Pentagon Panel Recommends Removing Sexual Assault Cases From Chain of Command

Moving cases to an independent prosecutor is a change long-sought by victims and families failed by the current system.

  • Tara Copp
Policy

Advocates Hope First Female Army Secretary Brings Change

Nominee Christine Wormuth has led strategy and policy at the highest levels. Can she lead cultural change as well?

  • Tara Copp
Policy

‘It’s Time to End the Forever War’: Biden Announces Withdrawal from Afghanistan

As for the idea that U.S. troops on the ground would produce a solution: “We gave that argument a decade.”

  • Tara Copp
Policy

US, NATO Troops to Withdraw from Afghanistan by 9/11, US Official Says

Decision for a September pullout follows “rigorous policy review.”

  • Tara Copp