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.

Defense

Analysis: Why Soldiers Can’t Claim Conscientious Objection if Ordered to Suppress Protests

The U.S. military can exempt from service those who are religiously or morally opposed to violence. But conscientious objector status won't help soldiers who disagree with specific lawful orders.

Pay & Benefits

Senate Defense Policy Bill Would Allow Pay Increases for a Few Federal Tech and Acquisition Jobs

The bill would also improve a recently enacted fix to tax regulations related to government-provided relocation expenses.

Defense

The Army Team That Is Trying to See, and Shape, the Future

The team’s scientists are charting how advances in various fields will unlock more advances, out to 2050.

Defense

Critics, Allies Wonder What Trump’s Trying to Achieve with Troop Cuts

One GOP lawmaker worries “it’s going to hurt U.S. strategic interests more than it’s going to punish Germany.”

Defense

The Pentagon's Research Chief and His Deputy Are Resigning

Michael Griffin, defense undersecretary for research and engineering, and his deputy announced their July 10 departure in an email to staff.

Pay & Benefits

Senator Calls for New Opt-In Period for Military's Blended Retirement System, More Financial Literacy

A new bill from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., would require service members to "affirmatively" choose between enrolling in the blended retirement system or a traditional military pension.

Defense

Navy to Punish Fired Captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt

In a reversal, the service’s top officer says further investigation revealed lapses in Capt. Brett Crozier’s judgment and actions aboard his COVID-stricken ship.

Defense

CEOs of Major Defense Companies Speak Out About Racism, Call for Unity

In many cases, their internal messages and social media posts went out days before military leaders issued their own calls for reflection.

Defense

Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear

Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.

Defense

Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change

After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.

Defense

Pentagon Sets New Rules for ‘Return to Normal Operations’ Worldwide

"We’ve got a ways to go," says official in charge of re-opening, but local commanders given authority to decide.

Defense

62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds

Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.

Defense

Why the Military Can Use Emergency Powers to Treat Service Members with Trial COVID-19 Drugs

Army physicians are turning to drugs approved for other conditions or newly developed treatments such as the antiviral Remdesivir to treat infected personnel.

Defense

Is the Military Prepared to Handle COVID-19 Within Its Ranks?

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic may force the United States military to shift its priorities back toward public health.