Esper Targets Area No Longer Under Treaty
A day after the US pulled out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, DefSec Mark Esper said he wants to deploy a ground-based missile able to travel into the previously prohibited range, “sooner rather than later.”
More Troops Headed to the Middle East
More service members, intelligence aircraft, engineers, and fighter pilots are heading to the Middle East as a “prudent defensive measure” against Iran.
Is Another Shutdown on the Horizon?
The deal reached to reopen the federal government gives President Donald Trump and Congress until Feb. 15 to reach a new deal to prevent another partial shutdown.
CBO Still Sees Billions in Savings in the Military
Capping pay, scrapping aircraft, slashing benefits and a host of already discussed military and veterans program reforms reappear in this year’s CBO annual “options for reducing the deficit” report.
Congress Says No F-35s to Turkey; Mattis Objects
The Senate and House move to prevent the sale of F-35s to Turkey, a move DefSec Mattis opposes.
Pentagon Eyes Change in Cellphone Policy
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is expected to order a tightening of security policy governing military and civilian personnel bringing cellphones into classified workspaces in the Pentagon.
Are Shulkin’s Days at VA Numbered?
Is the Veterans Affairs secretary on his way out? There are conflicting reports. Sources say President Trump is planning to oust David Shulkin amid a rebellion at the agency and damaging government investigations into his alleged spending abuses. Others say the president has confidence in Shulkin “at this point in time.”
Navy Admonished to Fix Pilot Hypoxia Issues
The House Armed Services Committee tells the Navy to “fix” physiological issues facing fighter jet pilots and student pilots. Hypoxia incidents have been increasing in Navy aircraft over the past decade.
Norquist to Give Update on DoD Audit
Department of Defense Comptroller David Norquist is scheduled to testify before the House Armed Services Committee this week to discuss the progress of the Pentagon’s audit.
Self-Driving Cars in Terrorists’ Future Also
The future is bright for self-driving cars, but credible reports out of Finland show terrorist groups considering how autonomous vehicles can replace suicide bombers and conduct ramming attacks.
