Policy

White House, Pentagon Finalizing Plans to Get Thousands of Interpreters out of Afghanistan

No decision yet on where and how Afghans and their families will be housed and fed as they await U.S. visas.

Ideas

Mark Milley, Anti-Racist

The Joint Chiefs chairman’s defense of anti-racism education continues his support for American values he says are the heart of the U.S. military.

Policy

Austin, Milley Push Back on Lawmakers’ ‘Critical Race Theory’ Accusations

Republicans ask why West Point cadets learn about ‘White Rage,’ in pointed exchanges with nation’s first Black defense secretary.

Policy

Uncertainty About Post-Withdrawal Plans Clouds Biden’s Upcoming Meeting with Afghanistan’s Ghani

Still, experts say, the White House meeting will be an overdue show of support for the Afghan government.

Ideas

Fix the Pacific Deterrence Fund—and the Deeper Problem It Reveals

The military services are organized for efficient force development, not warfighting.

Policy

The Marine Corps Is Redesigning Infantry Battalions for the Future

Recommendations for a nimbler unit organization with fewer grunts and more tech will go to the commandant next year.

Ideas

Biden’s Defense Budget Will Worry America’s Indo-Pacific Allies

Spending to boost the U.S. military's future edge comes at the expense of addressing today's shortfalls in capacity and warfighting effectiveness.

Policy

Pentagon Works to Sharpen Definition of ‘Extremism’

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

Ideas

The Domestic Counterterrorism Strategy Is a Good Start—But Needs More

For at least three reasons, domestic CT strategy is harder than the international one that worked against al Qaeda.

Policy

After Trump ‘Chaos,’ National Security Council Seeks a Return to ‘Regular Order’

The Biden White House is reinvigorating an interagency process some argue had largely halted under the Trump administration.

Policy

Hundreds of Troops Complain About ‘Woke’ Racism, Extremism Training, Cotton Claims

Senator confronts Austin, releases list of purported examples of Black Lives Matter advocacy, anti-white male bias, and diversity efforts.

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.