Threats

DOD Says Midterm Elections Will Not Alter the Defense Budget

Instead, DOD Comptroller Mike McCord sees lawmakers striking some kind of short or long-term budget deal next spring. By Marcus Weisgerber

Policy

Congress Will Scramble To Pass Crucial Defense Legislation After Midterm Elections

Most of the must-pass defense bills have been left for the uncertain last days of Congress after Nov. 4. By Molly O’Toole

Business

Military Retirees Will Receive a 1.7 Percent COLA for 2015

The cost of living adjustment for federal and military retirees reflects a slight loosening of the fiscal belt, though it's still the third straight year the boost has been less than two percent. By Kellie Lunney

Ideas

Stop Saying the Pentagon Can’t Pay for Our Wars

The Pentagon has plenty of money to do its job. By Ethan Rosenkranz, Erica Fein and Stephen Miles

Business

Army Fights Budget Cuts While Industry Targets Europe

After more than a decade of war, the Army is planning to buy less stuff, while defense firms are courting Europe in the wake of Ukraine. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

This Is a Pivotal Moment for the US Nuclear Arsenal

The government is on the brink of hitting a nuclear spending cliff. Can the administration balance the need for deterrence with the promise of dismantling the nation's nuclear arsenal? By Adam Mount

Policy

Bobby Jindal Wants To Be Wonk in Chief

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is positioning himself to be the national security wonk in 2016. By Molly O’Toole

Business

The Pentagon’s Special War Funding Account Isn’t Going Away

Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work says let the Pentagon keep its Overseas Contingency Operation money with new rules on how it’s spent. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

Hagel’s Right-Hand Man on Acquisition Reform

Frank Kendall’s close relationship with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has helped elevate his plans for acquisition reform. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

Review Finds Few Efficiences in the Pentagon's Joint Basing Plan

A new GAO report reveals numerous geographic and technological problems to the Pentagon's plan to consolidate 26 bases into 12 joint facilities. By Bob Brewin

Policy

Congress Staves Off Another Government Shutdown...For Now

The Senate easily passed a short-term spending bill on Thursday, clearing the way for the government to avoid a shutdown until at least mid-December. By Eric Katz

Ideas

How Retirement Threatens the Pentagon's Future Weapons

Can the Defense Department make the necessary adjustments to backfill its aging cadre of technical experts? By Rear Adm. Michael Moran and Scott O'Neil

Business

Here's A Chart Showing 30 Years of Military Pay Raises

Civilian federal employees appear headed for a 1 percent pay raise for fiscal year 2015. The fate of military pay, however, is still in limbo. By Eric Katz

Policy

House Republicans Unveil Plan To Keep the Government Open

The fine print offers good news for the Pentagon and State Department and ongoing VA oversight, as well as efforts to curb the Ebola outbreak. By Billy House

Policy

This Graph Shows How NATO’s Military Capability Has Evolved Since 1949

Three takeaways from the annual spending trends of each alliance member over NATO's 65-year history in 2011 U.S. dollars. By Janine Davidson

Business

The Pentagon Is $200 Billion Short of What It 'Needs' for FY15, Study Shows

Next year's Pentagon budget, a new analysis suggests, is dangerously dominated by personnel costs rather than a fully-realized national security plan. By Charles S. Clark

Ideas

Why 'More' Is Not a Better Plan for US Defense

The NDP missed a chance to help the Pentagon develop innovative solutions to its serious challenges. By Nora Bensahel

Policy

Government Shutdown Whispers Begin Again

The same Republican faction that brought last year's furloughs and closings may be ready to have at it again. By Molly Ball

Ideas

It’s Time to Sink the Littoral Combat Ship

Things that seem too good to be true usually are, and so it is with the LCS. By Jacob Marx and William D. Hartung

Business

Here's How the Pentagon's Bean Counters Are Managing on a Tight Budget

The Pentagon's budget managers are increasingly turning to data analytics as they scramble to retain experts in an era of sequesters and furloughs. By Clarles S. Clark