The Americas

US hits Chinese defense companies with sanctions

The United States announced penalties on three companies it said were engaged in unspecified “missile technology proliferation activities.”

Before US pullout, watchdog warned of Afghan air force collapse

The SIGAR report underscores that American authorities had been alerted that Afghanistan’s air force did not have the capabilities to survive after a U.S. withdrawal.

Milley, Berger, test positive for COVID-19

Two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have contracted COVID-19.

Inflation and unpredictable funding are straining Navy readiness, says top officer

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said the Navy’s funding levels have remained “flat relative to inflation for over a decade."

Most federal agencies still aren’t meeting cybersecurity targets

A Jan. 11 Government Accountability Office report found that as of fiscal year 2020 federal civilian agencies were inconsistent in implementing cybersecurity policies and practices.

Online survey finds hacking to be the number one concern of government IT workers

Public sector survey respondents no longer believe insiders are the greatest threat.

President nominates new chief for National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

If confirmed by the Senate, the current director of intelligence for the Joint Staff would take over the NGA, the intelligence agency in charge of analyzing and distributing geospatial intelligence for the national security community.

Commentary

Inflation is the silent cyberthreat jeopardizing our workforce

The inflation expectations in 2022 are the highest in decades, which will directly impact the cost to attract and retain a cyber workforce.

For their next acts, former Trump administration DoD officials look beyond traditional defense contractors

The moves align with an increased focus by the Defense Department on transformative technologies — from artificial intelligence to 5G networks to hypersonic weapons.

XVIII Airborne Corps commander set to be next CENTCOM boss

Lt. Gen. Erik Kurilla has been nominated for the military's top Middle East job.

Oklahoma Guard bars unvaccinated airmen from drilling after Jan. 1

The head of the Oklahoma National Guard has ordered unvaccinated airmen to stay home from drill weekends.

Cost of rebuilding Offutt will be higher than original estimate

Offutt Air Force Base was inundated with floodwaters in March 2019.

Pentagon pushes maximum telework through January 2022

The health protection condition status for the Pentagon Reservation hasn't changed, but officials are tightening restrictions and safety measures for the worksite.

HASC’s top Republican takes aim at budget gridlock, Russia policy and vaccination mandate

“I mean, these [continuing resolutions] are killing us,” Rep. Mike Rogers told Defense News. “If they do another CR in February to the end of the year, it’s going to basically cost [the Pentagon] $40 billion. It’s going to negate everything we just did in this authorization, plus more. And it’s just literally un-American if we aren’t doing a better job to provide for our military than that.”

Inflation and budget gridlock take a toll on the Pentagon

The prospect of increased weapons costs and rising wages are already causing significant problems for Pentagon planners as they craft President Joe Biden’s upcoming budget proposal for fiscal 2023, defense experts say.

Year in review: Top stories from 2021

Taliban weapons seizures, aircraft competitions and Chinese military modernization projects: Here are the top stories from the year.

FY22 defense bill gives feds parental bereavement leave, makes changes at the Pentagon

Feds will receive two weeks of paid leave to grieve the death of a child, under the fiscal 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

UAE suspends talks on $23 billion weapons deal with US

The United Arab Emirates has suspended talks on a deal to purchase American-made F-35 jets, armed drones and other equipment, in a rare dispute between Washington and a key U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf.

Pentagon watchdog: US should insist TransDigm refund $20 million in ‘excess profit’

The Defense Department's inspector general recommends the Pentagon seek a refund of at least $20.8 million from TransDigm, a company long under fire for what department officials say is a pattern of collecting “excess profit.”

Judge blocks Biden vaccine mandate for federal contractors

The judge found that the states opposing the mandate are likely to succeed in their claim that the president exceeded authorization from Congress when he issued the requirement in September.

Commentary

Here’s what America must do to counter Russian aggression against Ukraine

Now is the time for the United States to reassert its leadership.

NATO chief: The alliance is charting its path forward amid a changed security environment

NATO will engage even more closely with partners that share our values and interests, including countries, organizations, private companies and academic institutions. Preserving peace, the global rules and our democratic way of life is a collective effort.

US Air Force chief: Interoperability is key to winning future wars

We must find fresh ways to connect forces, allies and partners that provide an effective response to the challenge of a highly contested environment not seen in the last 20 years.

Polish defense minister: Here’s how NATO must adapt

Addressing the high dynamics of the global and regional situation will not be effective unless we continuously adapt. Our laws, institutions and mindsets must adapt. Our military must adapt. NATO must adapt.

IISS analysts: Fiscal constraints drive the state of South America’s defense

In 2021, South American militaries remained focused on domestic security threats, with power projection ambitions often limited by significant equipment-availability challenges and funding shortfalls.