Ideas

Defense One Radio, Ep. 87: Climate change vs. everyone

In this episode, we review how our understanding of the threats posed by human-caused climate change is evolving, and we look at some ways the U.S. could more smartly compete with China.

Policy

China Hawks Try for Beijing Olympics Boycotts on Defense Bill

Democrats rejected proposals that could affect military bases, but unlikely allies appear to be forming.

Policy

COVID-19 Vaccines Will Become Mandatory For Troops Next Month—or Sooner

Biden says he will approve Austin's recommendation to require vaccinations by mid-September, or sooner if the FDA formally approves them.

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.

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.

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.”

Threats

The Next War’s ‘Butcher’s Bill’ Will Match WWII’s—Unless the US Adapts, Milley Says

NATO militaries must master new technologies, from AI to next-gen long-range fires, within 15 years, Joint Chiefs chair warns.

Ideas

How We Get to Captain America-level Battle Speeds

We are on the verge of Hollywood-level fast, but the service branches need cultural change and cooperation for it to work.

Policy

DoD Makes Recommendations to Close ‘Troubling Gap’ in Sexual Assault Response

Improving victim care, focusing on prevention and removing prosecution from the chain of command are some top priorities of the 300-page report.

Policy

‘Black Hawk Down’ Veterans to Receive 58 Silver Stars

The Army just upgraded combat medals given to 60 special operators of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, right as Pentagon officials decide whether to return to Somalia.

Policy

Austin: I Support Taking Military Sex Crime Prosecutions Away From Chain of Command

Defense secretary breaks with Joint Chiefs after they warn that Sen. Gillibrand’s leading UCMJ reform bill goes too far.

Policy

Pentagon Works to Sharpen Definition of ‘Extremism’

Review could reshape cooperation with domestic agencies, consequences for troops’ social media posts, and more.

Policy

If China Is the No. 1 Threat, Why Doesn’t the 2022 Budget Reflect It?

The Middle East will continue to demand resources even as troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

Threats

China Is Our No. 1 Priority. Start Acting Like It, Austin Tells Pentagon

Task force says the military Biden inherited from Trump had a “say-do gap” in the resources directed at China.

Policy

For Now, ‘Over the Horizon’ Protection for Afghanistan Will Fly From Existing Hubs, Acting Air Force Secretary Says

Service wants $10 billion for South Asia and Middle East operations as Pentagon develops long-term plan for Afghanistan support.

Exclusive Policy

Space Force Seeks $831.7M for Unfunded Priorities

Projects left out of 2022 budget would boost Cheyenne Mountain security, space-based cryptology.

Ideas

Three Fixes to Prevent Another Battle of Lafayette Square

A year after federal forces violently cleared the park near the White House, the legal loopholes that militarized D.C. remain wide open.

Ideas

The F-35’s Painful Lessons Must Inform Future Programs

Congress and the Pentagon must question dubious technical requirements, rosy buy-in costs, and optimistic schedule promises.

Ideas

The ‘Rule of Thirds’ Is Bunk

The military services’ shares of overall defense spending have always fluctuated with strategy and need.