Threats

Russia’s Rocket Barrages Reveal Bad Planning, Cruelty—and the Absence of Crucial Skills

“Everybody is surprised by the lack of combined arms capability in the Russian army,” said one general-turned-analyst.

Policy

Russia’s Invasion Will Boost 2023 Defense Budget, Top Democrat Says

Rep. Adam Smith: Putin’s war “fundamentally altered what our national security posture” needs to be.

Policy

‘Battle Between Democracy and Autocracy’ Leads Biden’s First State of the Union

President says Putin “will pay” even more for Ukraine invasion–but mentions no other foreign policy priorities.

Business

Defense Firms Brace for Billions of Dollars in New Taxes, And Hope for Congressional Relief

If a 2017 law stays in place, there’s a fear U.S. companies would reduce research-and-development spending.

Policy

US Politicians Use Russia’s Invasion to Attack Putin—and Biden

While most politicians blamed the Russian leader for the attack, some Republicans criticized the U.S. president for failing to deter it.

Threats

An Exiled Russian Dissident Watches Putin Invade Ukraine

“Russia doesn’t need to invade Ukraine for there to be justification for sanctions today,” said a confidante of Alexey Navalny on a low-profile visit to Washington.

Threats

WEST 2022 Conference Wire: Comms Challenges

PacFleet commander wants better information-sharing with allies, while a lawmaker wants more clarity in Navy messaging,

Policy

The Navy’s Messaging Choke Point

Some say the service needs to stop using jargon like “littoral operations” and “sea denial” if it wants to connect with more Americans.

Ideas

What’s Taking So Long? Rename Those Confederate Bases

It shouldn’t be this hard or require this political theater to do what’s right, right now.

Threats

Iran Is ‘No. 1 Destabilizing’ Threat In Middle East, CENTCOM Nominee Says

The U.S. must use advanced technology and work with regional partners to counter Tehran, Army three-star tells lawmakers.

Ideas

The $76 Billion Cost of a Yearlong Continuing Resolution

Inflation is making 2022 a terrible year to lack a budget. Congress must act.

Policy

It Could Be Months Before the Biden Administration Submits Its FY23 Spending Proposal

The fiscal year is one-third over, and the White House is still waiting for Congress to pass a 2022 budget.

Threats

Lawmakers Ask Biden To Make Sure DOD Follows Climate Rules

The Pentagon has said it will not seek an exemption to the climate goals.

Policy

Republicans Are Split Over Ukraine, Threatening a Rare Bipartisan Consensus

Some GOPers think Biden is doing too little to counter Russia. The far right thinks he’s doing too much.

Ideas

Another Delay Could Scuttle Crucial VA Reform

Legislation and election timelines leave precious few months to launch a once-in-a-generation effort to reset the infrastructure that supports veterans’ health care.

Policy

Military Chiefs Sound Alarm at Proposal to Hold 2022 Spending to Last Year’s Level

In Wednesday testimony to lawmakers, service leaders decry what would be a record-breaking continuing resolution.

Ideas

Who’s Afraid of an ICBM Review?

It’s worth spending five figures to assess whether to move ahead with a program that could cost more than a quarter-trillion dollars.

Ideas

Defense Giants Should Stop Funding Election Deniers

If it turns out that antidemocratic action is not a red line for the defense industry, we need to start asking more serious questions.

Threats

One Year After Jan. 6 Attack, Push For Quick Reaction Force Is Dead On Capitol Hill

Experts also warn changes at DOD won’t speed up how quickly Guardsmen could respond to future incidents.