Ideas

2024 in review: Business

The rise of the software contractors, wobbles among the old guard—and more defense-industry news of the year.

  • Defense One Staff
Policy

2024 in review: Policy

Preparing in the Pacific, learning from Ukraine, girding for a new administration—here are some of the policy stories that shaped the past year.

  • Defense One Staff
Ideas

In defense of the military’s unfunded priority lists

The service branches’ “wish lists” are a key part of Congress’ oversight process.

  • Mackenzie Eaglen, John Ferrari and Elaine McCusker
Ideas

Assad’s fall lays the ground for wider peace—if the US can seize the moment

A key will be reshaping the role of the Kurdish militants in Syria.

  • James Jeffrey
Policy

US force in Syria is larger than previously known, Pentagon says

Military operations against ISIS are increasing, along with diplomatic outreach to the new government.

  • Patrick Tucker
Exclusive Policy

Army will trim 5% of general-officer jobs in coming years, chief’s spokesman says

Gen. Randy George agrees the Army is “too top-heavy.”

  • Meghann Myers
Defense Systems

Air Force may curtail F-35 plan if newer tech pans out, SECAF says

Outgoing secretary Frank Kendall also clapped back at recent comments by Elon Musk about manned vs. unmanned systems.

  • Audrey Decker
Science & Tech

Are AI defense firms about to eat the Pentagon?

Competitors are becoming collaborators in the industry’s hottest segment.

  • Patrick Tucker
Policy

Lawmakers tee up efforts to keep spyware off troops' devices

The compromise 2025 defense policy bill would mandate security standards, reporting, and more.

  • David DiMolfetta
Threats

The D Brief: What’s next for Syria?; Defense-policy bill unveiled; New counter-UAV strategy; Some GOPers unsold on Hegseth; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Threats

Some Republicans remain unsold on Hegseth

Sexual-assault allegation cited along with other concerns about Trump's pick for defense secretary.

  • Audrey Decker
Policy

A day in the diplomatic life of America’s defense secretary

A busy slate of meetings illuminates Lloyd Austin’s efforts to weave a region’s militaries into a defense network.

  • Bradley Peniston
Ideas

Want ‘government efficiency'? Help change agencies from within

DOGE leaders talk a lot about slashing headcount. They should foster better decision-making instead.

  • Steve Kelman
Defense Systems

New joint data standards could come in early 2025

The anticipated document would help ensure compatibility between training and simulation systems across services.

  • Lauren C. Williams
Policy

Could Trump’s pick for Pentagon No. 2 accelerate DOD’s hypersonic efforts?

Stephen Feinberg has an impressive business record and deep industry ties.

  • Patrick Tucker
Ideas

What game theory says about a MAGA military

A thought experiment based on Trump’s desire for officers who obey without question.

  • Thomas Crosbie
Policy

Agreement clears Trump transition teams to meet with Defense, other departments

But president-elect and staff are still sidestepping FBI background checks, other customary requirements.

  • Eric Katz
Ideas

Will Musk’s ‘Algorithm’ reduce military inefficiency—or increase risk?

It's good to question Pentagon requirements. But many exist for deadly serious reasons that may not be obvious in a hasty review.

  • Todd Harrison
Threats

The D Brief: Invasion gains pace; Plane crash in Lithuania; New Pacific missile sites?; DepSecDef candidates; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Policy

In Fiji, defense diplomacy and rain-soaked rugby

SecDef Austin advanced two agreements and faced a question about Trump and climate change.

  • Bradley Peniston
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