Threats
One-Third of US Troops Are Refusing the COVID Vaccine. History May Help Explain Why
After botching anthrax shots decades ago, the Pentagon’s hands are tied. Only the president can order troops to take new vaccines.
Ideas
Want to Shed Older Weapons? You Need a Solid Plan
To overcome Congressional resistance, the Pentagon needs to work with combatant commanders and industry to ensure that new systems will be ready to take the place of existing ones.
Ideas
Confederate Military Base Names Just Met Their Gettysburg
A Black admiral, a gruff Marine, a never-Trumper, and the maker of a viral video slamming Confederate sympathizers? Say goodbye to “Fort Bragg” and the rest.
Ideas
The Pentagon Needs Budget Agility to Compete with China
It can take two or more years to shift funding from a failing program. That’s more than a money problem.
Policy
Only a Tiny Fraction of Sexual Assaults Against DoD Civilians Are Being Documented, GAO Says
Over a recent half-decade, DoD recorded 357 cases of sexual assaults that involved civilian employees. But a survey of employees indicated that thousands may have occurred.
Policy
Biden: ‘I Will Never Politicize’ US Troops
Biden also announced a new Pentagon-led review of military strategy towards China.
Business
Leaders Should Prioritize Troops Over Weapons Amid Defense Spending Cuts, Former Officials Say
There’s no “easy button” for finding items to cut the budget.
Ideas
How to Reconnect the Pentagon’s Strategy to its Budget
Biden will have little time and likely less money to enact his policies. He needs to tie strategy more closely to funding.
Business
Biden Extends Ban on Turkey Buying F-35 Stealth Fighter
Pentagon spokesman urges Ankara “not to retain” an advanced Russian air-defense system.
Threats
House Lawmakers Split Oversight of Cyber, Intel
Seven Armed Services Committee subcommittees will help oversee the vast Defense Department.
Ideas
A Sharper Approach to China’s Military-Civil Fusion Strategy Begins by Dispelling Myths
MCF isn't new. It's not all-encompassing. It's not even uniquely Chinese.
Business
Hicks Warns Against ‘Extreme Consolidation’ in Defense Industry
Kathleen Hicks, President Biden's pick to be deputy defense secretary, cruised through her confirmation confirmation hearing.
Ideas
Urgent Job Opening: US Navy Secretary
The chaos and uncertainty atop the sea service is undermining national security.
Ideas
How to Root Out Extremism in the US Military
Start by figuring out how pervasive the problem is.
Ideas
If Austin Is Serious about Preventing Sexual Assault, Why Is Hyten Still Vice Chief?
The Air Force general was never cleared of nine alleged incidents of unwanted sexual contact.
Ideas
Pentagon Advisory Boards Need to Offer 10X Ideas, Not 10% Ones
DoD's 40-plus boards must be restructured to help the department think far bigger.
Ideas