As “linchpin service,” Army sees logistical, communications and, yes, combat roles in possible conflict.
By Andrew EversdenThe Marine Corps Commandant suggested the US could deter adversarial aggression by spotlighting their actions on the world stage.
By Justin KatzOn the space acquisition czar, Rep. Jim Cooper said: “let’s not let the politics of the Puzzle Palace dominate here. We can and must figure this out.”
By Theresa HitchensSolarWinds threat actor reportedly accessed DHS emails and DoE schedules. Cyberespionage campaigns are “the types of things we should expect [Russia] to do,” one cybersecurity expert observed. “I’m not arguing we shouldn’t have a response. We should respond. …My only argument is that we should not overact.”
By Brad D. WilliamsIn April, the Yuma, Ariz. test range will host a competition of “low collateral damage” countermeasures designed to stop mini-drones without firing a shot. But can such a restrained approach stop the drone swarms Russia and others are developing?
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.With over two decades in the Pentagon under Clinton, Bush, and Obama, Kathleen Hicks brings the civilian bureaucratic experience that retired Gen. Lloyd Austin sorely lacks. Neither has the political clout of a Jim Mattis or a Bob Gates.
By Colin ClarkArmy Contracting Command still accounts for 45 percent of all DoD Other Transaction Authority obligations, but the Air Force and, belatedly, the Navy are starting to catch up.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.The Senate voted to subsidize domestic manufacturers of vital computer components. Will national security concerns overcome a longstanding aversion to government-led industrial policy?
By Kelsey AthertonIntegrating missile defense – shooting down incoming missiles – with missile offense – destroying the launchers before they fire again – requires major changes in how the military fights.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.After decades of building traditional helicopters in traditional ways, contractors must get ready for the Army’s new high-speed Future Vertical Lift aircraft. Small makers of key parts need help.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.“Looking ahead, defense acquisition is in uncharted territory,” says Air Force acquisition head Will Roper of the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
By Theresa Hitchens“I know $178 billion, by anybody’s standard, is a lot of money, but I gotta tell you, this is a million-man Army,” the deputy comptroller told reporters. But cutting manpower is off the table – for now.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
Without recruit training, the services will lose .5 percent of their end strength every month (unless stop loss is imposed, and that has its own costs). Because the training pipeline is several months long, units will not feel that gap for several months, but when the pipeline begins to runs dry, units will shrink.
By Mark Cancian and Adam Saxton