Military News
Coverage of the armed forces, defense spending, and global security challenges. The Daily Signal offers news, analysis, and conservative commentary.
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- Opinion
Problematic Women: Air Force Veteran Talks Military Service, Marriage, and Feminism
If “the American dream” describes overcoming the challenges of a difficult childhood; serving in the armed forces; having the financial freedom to support not only yourself, but also your family; making a difference in your community through political engagement; and finding love along the way, then Anna Paulina Luna is living the dream. Luna joins…Virginia Allen -
- Opinion
In the Wake of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Fracas, Some Insights on Military Protocols and Leadership
Americans concerned about the coronavirus threat have heard a great deal about how it’s affecting everything from hospitals to grocery stores. With so much to keep track of, though, it’s likely they know little about the outbreak that occurred aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, let alone what to make of the debacle that led…Dakota Wood -
- Opinion
The Defense Production Act: Why Voluntary Cooperation Is Nearly Always Better Than Forced
Since President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week to invoke the authorities in the Defense Production Act for use in the coronavirus crisis, there has been a lot of talk about what he should and should not do with these enhanced powers. The Defense Production Act allows the administration to prioritize private sector…Thomas Spoehr -
- News
Sen. Toomey Rises ‘in Defense of Capitalism’ Against Critics on Left, Right
Families today are driving safer cars, living in larger houses, and using technology unimaginable 20 years ago. The standard of living in the United States is constantly rising as a result of market capitalism. While Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., a self-described “democratic socialist,” is perhaps the most high-profile critic of market capitalism, even some on…Allison Schuster -
- News
Massive US Military Exercise in Europe Is Still a Go, Despite Travel Restrictions
KYIV, Ukraine—Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. military has plans to scale back, but not cancel, its biggest military exercise in Europe in 25 years. Some 20,000 U.S. troops were slated to deploy to Europe and back this spring for the Defender-Europe 20 exercise, which was to last through May and take place in…Nolan Peterson -
- Opinion
‘An Era of Great Uncertainty’: Retired Army Gen. Carter Ham on Today’s Military Challenges
Gen. Carter Ham, retired from the United States Army, is currently president and chief executive officer of the Association of the United States Army. On today’s podcast, he tells his story of why he decided to join the military, what he learned in some of his deployments in places like Africa and Somalia, as well…Rachel del Guidice -
- Opinion
New Guidelines Could Help Secure America’s Defense Technology
Last week, the Pentagon released new guidelines on cybersecurity that it hopes will represent a big step forward for protecting American national security if implemented right. Designed to improve the cybersecurity of Department of Defense contractors, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification should strengthen cybersecurity practices throughout the supply chain, which would lead to more…James Di Pane -
- News
How Historically Black Colleges and Universities Aid Military Preparedness
Historically black colleges and universities have been an integral part of the U.S. military’s competitive edge, according to participants in a panel discussion Thursday at The Heritage Foundation’s inaugural forum on HBCUs. The panel discussion—hosted by James Carafano, a national security expert at The Heritage Foundation—laid out the role HBCUs play in ensuring military readiness…Jarrett Stepman -
- News
Toxic Politics Complicate President’s Obligation to Notify Congress of Military Strike
The confrontational political environment in Washington made it more difficult for the president to give Congress advance notice of the U.S. drone strike that killed Iran’s chief terrorist in Iraq, national security experts contend. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said she plans to introduce a war powers resolution to curb future strikes against Iran, and…Fred Lucas -
- Opinion
2020 NDAA Represents a Big Step Forward in Rebuilding Our Military
The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020 is heading to President Donald Trump’s desk for signature. It represents a big step in the right direction in the long process of rebuilding our military. As the Index of U.S. Military Strength shows, it will take a military of sufficient quality and size to defend…Frederico Bartels -
- Opinion
How Pentagon’s ‘Trusted Capital’ Program Can Secure Financing for Defense Industrial Base
The Department of Defense this month partnered with Texas A&M University to co-sponsor Drone Venture Day, the first event of the Pentagon’s new Trusted Capital Marketplace initiative. The Nov. 13 event brought American manufacturers of unmanned aircraft and counter-unmanned aircraft systems together with trusted capital providers, with the hope that the connections made might lead…Jack Penders -
- Opinion
The Decline of America’s Military, and Why It Matters
None of us want to think about another attack on America. But nor do we want to be unprepared if such an attack occurs. Dakota Wood, the lead editor of The Heritage Foundation’s Index of U.S. Military Strength, explains that right now the military’s readiness status is “marginal.” In other words, between aging equipment and…Katrina Trinko -
- Opinion
Is America’s Military Headed for a ‘Rocky’ Experience?
Movie sequels rarely top the original. But that doesn’t mean they can’t offer some useful real-world lessons. Take “Rocky III.” The film starts off with our hero, Rocky Balboa, having captured the heavyweight boxing title by finally defeating Apollo Creed. He’s happy, wealthy, and hugely popular. He finally has his mansion, a beautiful wife, fancy…Dakota Wood -
- Opinion
Index of Military Strength Finds Preparedness to Defend Homeland, Win Wars ‘Marginal’
How prepared is the United States military to defend the American homeland, win wars abroad, and preserve freedom of commerce internationally? Marginally. “Marginal” is a reality-based description for America’s military, according to The Heritage Foundation’s 2020 Index of U.S. Military Strength, set for release Wednesday. The latest Index of U.S. Military Strength is a one-of-a-kind…Thomas Spoehr -
- Opinion
Game of Drones: Coming to a Military Theater Near You
In light of the recent attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities and oil fields, more people are paying attention to the use of armed drones, especially in the Middle East. While the investigation into the strike at Abqaiq and Khurais continues, one thing is now clear: The threat of armed drones is not only an…Peter Brookes -
- Opinion
In Military Affairs, Quantity Really Does Matter
In a recent article, the staff at Stratfor Worldview noted how the unwillingness and/or inability of allies to work with the U.S. to address regional security concerns ultimately limits the ability of America to meet new challenges. In early 2018, then-Secretary of Defense James Mattis made the case that a period of “long-term strategic competition”…Dakota Wood -
- News
Military Parents Want ‘Choice-Driven’ Policy in K-12, Report Finds
Active-duty service members and their spouses show strong support for “choice-driven education policies and programs” for their children, according to a survey on military families and K-12 education. “It is a national security issue. … We need to not hurt our families by limiting their education,” said report co-author Lindsey Burke, director of the Center for…Kaylee Greenlee -
- Opinion
Nominee for Joint Chiefs Chairman Holds Forward-Looking Vision for Military
The chief of staff of the Army, poised for the ultimate military promotion, says he will bring a forward-looking, high-tech vision to the chairmanship of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Army Gen. Mark Milley has been nominated to replace Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford, who will be retiring upon the completion of his second term…Emma Watkins -
- Opinion
House Defense Bill Would Fail to Rebuild the Military
The House Armed Services Committee needs to do more if it’s serious about continuing to rebuild the military and meeting the challenges outlined in the president’s National Defense Strategy. It all starts with the budget. Chairman Adam Smith, D-Wash., has proposed a version of the National Defense Authorization Act funding our nation’s defense at $733…Will Coudret -
- Opinion
It’s Actually OK to Be Proud of the Military on Independence Day
Some are hyperventilating over reports that this year’s annual Independence Day celebration in Washington will feature remarks by President Donald Trump, military flyovers, and stationary displays of Army equipment, including tanks. The Washington Post highlighted the increased costs of the event and expressed anxiety over how there was a chance that tanks and other heavy…Thomas Spoehr