Defense
Fake DOD memo about ‘compromised’ apps shows swift spread of deceptive messaging
The message, widely circulated as the U.S. bombed Iran, shows how quickly unverified information can reach troops.
Strikes on Iran will test US cyber strategy abroad, and defenses at home
The federal government’s cyber defense agency is short-staffed, and Tehran is known for its retaliatory cyberattacks.
The clearance system is mission infrastructure. Treat it like one
COMMENTARY | Clearance reform is not optional. Without sustained leadership and consistent execution, government modernization risks undermining the trusted workforce it depends on.
Exclusive
Some Army civilians worked during the shutdown—and were told to say they didn’t
What started as confusion became a coverup, employees and emails say.
JAGs are becoming federal prosecutors in Minneapolis. Experts warn it’s new territory
Military lawyers have served as special assistant U.S. attorneys before, but never like this.
I ‘did not expect to be told to build a battleship,’ Navy’s surface warfare director says
The Trump administration’s priorities are forcing the service to rethink its shipbuilding plans.
Breaking News
US spy agencies contributed to operation that captured Maduro
The CIA helped locate the Venezuelan leader while others monitored electronic communications.
Pentagon preps to enforce ban on companies with ‘indirect’ ties to China
Defense firms will be notified of potential links to blacklisted Chinese-military companies a year before the contracting ban goes into effect, the assistant defense secretary for industrial policy said.
Pentagon will cough up summaries of 3 years of safety investigations, per NDAA
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., pushed for the disclosure amid rise in military aviation mishaps.
Trump rebrands troop housing subsidy as ‘warrior dividend’ bonus checks
More than $2.9 billion in reconciliation funds was allocated to beef up troop housing allowances. Now, it’s being used for $1,776 checks.
Exclusive
There’s a divide within the Space Force. Congress is forcing the service to address it
The new service was supposed to meld the “tribes” of operators and acquisition specialists. It didn’t happen.
Featured eBooks
Pentagon would have to explain future JAG firings under NDAA provision
The compromise version of the defense policy bill reflects lawmakers’ concern about Hegseth’s February purge of three judge advocates general.
Hegseth hints at higher defense budgets as OMB says another reconciliation bill is possible
Analysts had warned that the $156 billion reconciliation bill might lead to efforts unsustainable without more money.
Hegseth broke rules, DODIG concludes, even though he said Yemen strike details were ‘safe to declassify’
Inspector general’s Signalgate report arrives two months after SecDef alleged the office had been “weaponized.”
NSA has met 2,000-person workforce reduction goal, people familiar say
A broader Pentagon goal to shrink the nation’s defense budget over the coming five years could potentially subject the agency to further downsizing.
Pentagon investigates Sen. Mark Kelly after he appears in video blasted by Trump
The Defense Department’s inquiry has intensified tensions between the administration and Democratic lawmakers while spotlighting the limits of military law over members of Congress.
Foreign spies are targeting Army soldiers, civilians and families, official warns
Current and former federal workers, especially those with security clearances, should be aware of the attempts, an Army intelligence chief said in a November memo.
Trump: Telling troops to refuse illegal orders is 'seditious behavior'
"Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders,” six Democratic lawmakers said in a video. "TRAITORS!!!" Trump responded.
Space Force astronauts? New report says guardians in space would be an asset for future ops
Experts say humans in space would be an advantage, alongside needed tech improvements.
Memo lays out path to removing even more defense civilians from their jobs
The Defense Department, which has met its 8% overall reduction goal, is now going after “low performers.”
