Policy
Exclusive
JSOC commander likely to be SOCOM pick, sources say
The White House “loves" Vice Adm. Mitch Bradley, but final decisions are not yet in.
Exclusive
State Department plans deeper-than-anticipated staff cuts
Some 3,400 jobs are now expected to be eliminated starting on June 2, up from around 2,000.
Senators question Army undersecretary nominee on transformation plan
The Anduril senior director was also questioned about his determination to hold onto defense-industry stocks.
Trump’s F-15 basing decision adds to Air Force’s training troubles
Service already had too few jets to prep pilots.
Could striking first in cyber be new Pentagon policy?
Bolstering cyber operations is top of mind for Katie Sutton, the White House’s pick to lead Defense Department cyber policy.
Trump’s Pentagon-personnel nominee wants to curb DOGE data access
But Anthony Tata, a retired Army general, couldn’t outrun past inflammatory and social media posts during his confirmation hearing.
Hegseth orders elimination of 10% of general, admiral jobs
Memo also orders the elimination of one-fifth of 4-star posts. No deadline, few guidelines given for shakeup.
‘Gimmicks’: GOP lawmakers slam Trump’s ‘trillion-dollar’ defense-spending proposal
White House claims of a 13% increase rest on unusual budgetary maneuvers, not a higher DOD topline.
Defense One Radio, Ep. 179: The Army’s updated fitness test
We discuss nearly three decades of Army fitness tests, and the combat-related changes slated for introduction next year.
Top NSC official wants to normalize offensive hacking as tool of US might
Alexei Bulazel's remarks are the clearest indication yet that the United States is working out ways to hack back against foreign enemies and rivals.
Trump’s pick for Air Force No. 2 civilian defends past political comments
Democratic lawmakers voiced concern over Lohmeier’s previous calls for “serious consequences” for officials who “hyper-politicized” the military.
Hegseth issues Army a lengthy to-do list
The Wednesday memo includes deadlines for weapons and tech, orders to streamline units and organizations, and more.
Marines’ top goal: 3 amphibious ready groups at sea
Ship maintenance backlogs have kept the amphib fleet limping for years.
‘Just wait’ to see how CISA reforms play out, DHS head tells cyber community
Kristi Noem said her cuts to nation's lead cyber defense agency plus other unspecified changes will eventually strengthen it.
The Army made a tank it doesn’t need and can’t use. Now it’s figuring out what to do with it.
The M10 Booker busted its requirements from the beginning. It’s a case study in how Army procurement wants to change.
New White House order makes it easier to fire probationary employees
Move comes after judge called first Trump-administration effort to remove such workers a “a total sham.”
Read the State Department's new org chart
Cyber and digital policy functions move to the Economic Growth office, and the intelligence-and-research bureau to a new Emerging Threats organization.
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Breaking News
State to slash 15% of domestic staff, eliminate 132 offices
Layoffs are expected by July 1. No overseas posts are yet affected.
US to allies: Don’t use Chinese satellite services
Internal talking points also give State Department officials guidance on responding to concerns about SpaceX’s Starlink.
State of the Air Force 2025
The unveiling of a new, sixth-gen fighter jet bodes well for more airpower investment, but readiness problems and funding questions persist.
