All Security
Women in combat no later than 2016, Pentagon saysThe next steps to prepare for women in combat include setting physical standards for previously male-only jobs and reassuring Congress that combat won't expose more women to sexual assault.
No-fly zone in Syria 'no less than an act of war,' top general saysIn a letter to Congress, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff cautions that a no-fly zone in Syria could also be costly, averaging as much as $1 billion per month.
Al Qaeda growing, but less focused on US, study findsThe number of Al Qaeda affiliates has expanded, as have their geographic scope, but the terror network has become more diffuse and decentralized, the RAND study found.
- Why does John McCain have a problem with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs?
Sen. John McCain said he’d put a hold on the confirmation of Gen. Martin Dempsey for a second term after a testy exchange about Syria. Is the senator's real aim to engage with the White House on Syria policy?
- Bradley Manning trial: 'Aiding the enemy' charges stand, but hard to prove
The judge in the military trial of Bradley Manning ruled Thursday she would not dismiss the 'aiding the enemy' charges. But prosecutors so far have proved neither intent nor harm, observers say.
FocusSexual assault in the military: Can special counsels for victims help?After a wave of sexual assault cases in the military, the Air Force is using special lawyers in a venture that top Pentagon officials hope will transform the way the armed forces treat victims.
Pentagon girds for Senate fight over sexual assault billA bill to strip commanders of their authority in sexual assault cases has bipartisan support in the Senate. But Pentagon officials say it would make a bad situation worse.
Rebuilding Iraq: Final report card on US efforts highlights massive wasteHere are five of the most wasteful projects uncovered by the Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Its final report paints a 'very grim picture' of America's ability to plan and carry out large-scale nation-building operations.
Drone landing on aircraft carrier opens new possibilities for PentagonThe X-47B drone made the carrier landing off Virginia Wednesday. How military leadership decides to put the drone into use will form the crux of ‘naval doctrine moving forward,’ one expert says.
- 'Sequester' at Pentagon: why furloughs may not be as harmful as predicted
As part of the sequester, the Defense Department began furloughs of civilian employees Monday. The Pentagon has warned of a devastating impact, but at least one analyst suspects that some of the undone work won't be missed.
Veterans' benefit? VA, buried under claims, says it's finally digging out.The VA, scorned for its infamous backlog of veterans benefits claims, is belatedly dispensing with paper and seeking other innovations to serve veterans more quickly and equitably.
Probe of Stuxnet leak said to focus on US general. But why would he blab?News reports say retired Gen. James Cartwright is the subject of a Justice Department investigation into a leak about the Stuxnet cyberweapon, which took aim at Iran's nuclear program. Here's what he's said in the past about what should and shouldn't be a military secret.
DOMA: Military spouses to see benefits 'as soon as possible,' Hagel vowsThe Supreme Court ruling against DOMA 'helps ensure that all men and women who serve this country can be treated fairly and equally,' Defense Secretary Hagel says.
FocusIs Afghanistan ready to defend itself?Evidence is mixed as to the readiness of Afghanistan's Army and National Police to assume the lead in planning and fighting – with the summer combat season likely to be the first big test.
Prisoner swap? What Taliban want in return for US soldier Bowe Bergdahl.US soldier Bowe Bergdahl has been a Taliban captive for four years. The Taliban, after opening an office in Qatar from which to conduct reconciliation talks on Afghanistan, wants a prisoner exchange with the US.
SEAL Team 6 could include women by 2016 under Pentagon planThe Pentagon has said women will be able to compete for positions within Special Operations Forces like SEAL Team 6. The transition won't be simple, officials warn.
US promises military aid to Syrian rebels. Now what?US military aid to Syrian rebels is expected to begin arriving in a few weeks, delivered by the CIA through secret bases in Turkey and Jordan. Reports say it will include light weaponry, but not shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles. The Pentagon also has proposed a partial no-fly zone.
US to start arming Syrian rebels, but will it make much difference?Some senior US military officials question the strategic value of sending small arms and ammunition to the Syrian rebels. But other options – including a no-fly zone – also carry concerns.
Presidential cyberwar directive gives Pentagon long-awaited marching ordersThe 18-page, Top Secret 'Presidential Policy Directive 20' instructs the Pentagon to draw up a cyberwar target list and to protect US infrastructure from foreign cyberattack.
Military brass, senators united against sexual assault but at odds on remedyTop military leaders received a dressing down from lawmakers Tuesday for failing to curb sexual assault within the ranks. The brass, however, opposed changes to the military justice system.
