Author Archive
Bradley Peniston
Executive Editor
Bradley Peniston is executive editor of Defense One. A national security journalist for a quarter-century, he helped launch Military.com, served as managing editor of Defense News, and was editor of Armed Forces Journal. His books include No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf (Naval Institute Press, 2006), which has been recommended by the Navy's Professional Reading Program and the U.S. Coast Guard's doctrine guide. Contact him on Signal at bradp.56.
Bradley Peniston is executive editor of Defense One. A national security journalist for a quarter-century, he helped launch Military.com, served as managing editor of Defense News, and was editor of Armed Forces Journal. His books include No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf (Naval Institute Press, 2006), which has been recommended by the Navy's Professional Reading Program and the U.S. Coast Guard's doctrine guide. Contact him on Signal at bradp.56.
Defense
Hegseth gives Defense leaders less than two weeks to lay out staffing cuts, changes
A Friday memo opens a new phase in the Defense secretary’s hurried effort to shrink the department's workforce.
- Bradley Peniston
Defense
At least one Pentagon agency has begun firing probationary workers
The Defense Logistics Agency has begun dismissing its share of the Defense Department’s 5,400 targeted employees.
- Bradley Peniston and Lauren C. Williams
Defense
Comply with the next ‘what you did last week’ email, Hegseth tells Pentagon civilians
Defense secretary’s memo aims to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s confusion and stress.
- Bradley Peniston
Breaking News
Defense
Bloodbath: Joint Chiefs chair, CNO, Air Force vice chief, three top JAGs to be replaced
Trump, Hegseth announce plans to oust several of the military’s top officers amid larger DEI purge.
- Bradley Peniston and Audrey Decker
Updated
Defense
Former vice chief of naval operations arrested on bribery, conspiracy charges
Robert Burke, a retired four-star, is alleged to have steered work toward a services company while he was commanding Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
- Bradley Peniston
Defense
Meet the frustrated negotiators seeking a Gaza ceasefire
Qatar is increasingly the world’s mediator, but this is the energy-rich sheikdom’s toughest case yet.
- Bradley Peniston
Defense
Tuberville says he'll drop his hold on most military promotions
Alabama senator says he will keep the brakes on some of the most senior officers’ nominations.
- Bradley Peniston and Audrey Decker
Defense
Biden to reverse Trump decision to move Space Command to Alabama
The decision to keep the command at its current home in Colorado will surely enrage Alabama politicians.
- Marcus Weisgerber and Bradley Peniston
Defense
Left in Limbo, a Handful of Biden’s Defense Picks Await Senate Action
Four nominees—all people of color—received committee approval months ago but have yet to get a Senate vote.
- Bradley Peniston
Breaking News
Defense
Pentagon Rescinds COVID-Vaccine Mandate
The move was required by the 2023 defense policy bill. Troops who were ejected for refusing the vaccine may petition for a change in their discharge status.
- Bradley Peniston
Defense
After Army Vet's Heroic Actions in a Gay Bar, GOP Lawmakers Release Anti-Woke Manifesto
As violence and threats rise against LGBTQ+ people, 10 senators join bill to roll back a Pentagon diversity-and-inclusion effort.
- Bradley Peniston and Elizabeth Howe
Defense
The Space Force Has a Song
The song honors the “invisible front line” of warfighters keeping watch “beyond the blue.”
- Bradley Peniston and Jacqueline Feldscher
Defense
Confederate Names and Symbols on Hundreds of Military Roads, Structures, Ships Under Review
Congress’ Naming Commission has revealed what else besides base names may get relabeled or removed—right down to a water tank.
- Bradley Peniston and Caitlin M. Kenney
Workforce
Teleworking DoD Civilians May Be Recalled to In-Person Work
Two years after the pandemic sent DOD into “maximum telework,” Thursday’s memo points the way toward a new new normal.
- Bradley Peniston and Elizabeth Howe
Defense
What Just Happened With Putin’s Nuclear Forces? Here’s What Experts Say
Whatever it is, U.S. officials are calling it escalatory–but not “high alert.”
- Bradley Peniston and Caitlin M. Kenney
Defense
US Navy’s Latest Plan for Its Future May Not Come Until 2023, Says Top Admiral
It’s the fourth attempt in four years to define the future of the Navy.
- Bradley Peniston
Breaking News
Defense
DOD Reimposes Mask Mandate Inside Pentagon, Other Bases Near ‘Substantial’ COVID Transmission
Troops, employees, contractors, and others must be masked when indoors on Defense Department facilities in these areas.
- Bradley Peniston and Tara Copp
Defense
Right-Wing Extremists Storm U.S. Capitol
Tear gas in the Rotunda after Trump-incited insurrectionists overwhelm Capitol Police, disrupts election certification.
- Katie Bo Williams and Bradley Peniston
Defense
Trump Fires Esper, Taps NCTC Director to be Acting SecDef
Christopher Miller becomes Trump's fourth acting defense secretary just 72 days before Inauguration Day.
- Marcus Weisgerber, Bradley Peniston and Katie Bo Williams
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.
- Bradley Peniston