Defense

One-Third of US Troops Are Refusing the COVID Vaccine. History May Help Explain Why

After botching anthrax shots decades ago, the Pentagon’s hands are tied. Only the president can order troops to take new vaccines.

Workforce

Defense Is Documenting Just 3% of Estimated Cases of Civilians Experiencing Sexual Assault

Shortfalls in the Pentagon's approach with the civilian workforce give the Biden administration another challenge as it addresses the "scourge" at Defense.

Defense

‘The Ban Should Never Have Been Imposed’

Former Army Secretary Eric Fanning says it’s time for Congress to pass a law that protects transgender servicemembers.

Management

Trump Vetoes Defense Policy Bill Over Base Names, Unrelated Internet Law

The House has already scheduled a vote after Christmas to override the president’s long-threatened rejection of the annual Defense authorization act, which also includes an expansion of federal employee leave benefits.

Defense

Space Force Troops Get a Name: ‘Guardians’

VP Pence revealed the moniker for Trump’s oft-teased newest military service branch to stand alongside soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines.

Defense

US Military to Start Vaccinating Troops, Behind Russia and China

DOD has picked 16 sites for a “controlled pilot” COVID vaccination program.

Defense

Army Disciplines 14 Soldiers, Creates New Duty Status After Murder

The steps follow the conclusion of one of several inquests into the April murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen.

Management

Compromise Defense Policy Bill Includes Paid Parental Leave Fix, Allows Feds to Carry Over More Annual Leave

The latest version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act does not include House-passed measures blocking the Defense secretary from exempting Pentagon employees from collective bargaining.

Defense

36 Members of the National Guard Heading to Work in El Paso Mortuaries as Coronavirus Cases Soar

The border city recently resorted to using inmates from the county jail to move bodies. At the request of county officials, the state is sending assistance.

Defense

Milley Speaks Out — and Trump Stays Mum

After a controversial summer, the Joint Chiefs chairman is holding his own with a string of public pronouncements.

Defense

All US Troops In Afghanistan To Withdraw By Christmas, Trump Tweets

The bewildering message came just hours after his national security advisor said the United States would draw down to 2,500 by 2021.

Defense

From Racism to Russia, Top General Says Army Must Change

Gen. McConville addressed the nation’s internal unrest, trust of the military, even QAnon, in a wide-ranging interview with Defense One.

Management

Pentagon Seeks Input from Workforce on Improving Diversity

The request is part of Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s overhaul of personnel practices.

Defense

No Orders To Reduce Troops in South Korea Yet, Esper Says

With traditional U.S. deployments still under review, the defense secretary announced he hopes to visit China by year’s end.

Pay & Benefits

Trump Threatens Veto of Defense Policy Bill Over Base Names, Other Issues

The White House issued a formal veto threat of the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act just hours before lawmakers voted on the must-pass legislation.

Defense

Ban by Omission: US Military Leaves Confederate Flag Off Approved List

Esper’s order seems designed to bar the flag from display without provoking the president.