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
Does Congress Need to Authorize a New Use of Military Force Against ISIS?
For over three years it has been debated whether Congress should update the Authorized Use of Military Force from Sept. 18, 2001 with a new war authorization designed to confront emerging terror threats from groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS). An Authorized Use of Military Force is not a substitute for a comprehensive strategy…Cully Stimson -
- Opinion
For Many Vets, Military Career First Step in Service to US, Followed by Serving in Law Enforcement
As Americans, Veterans Day allows us to reflect upon the gratitude we feel for the men and women who have taken it upon themselves, through their service, to protect the freedoms we enjoy here at home. To those special individuals we call veterans, patriotism and service to country embody more than mere rhetoric; they encompass a…Scott Erickson -
- Opinion
Is a Defense Renaissance Around the Corner?
Get ready for resurgence in planning the future of the American military. It’s long overdue. In fact, serious thinking about the “future force”—what America will need to assure national security in the face of foreseeable, emerging threats—has been largely lacking in the post-Reagan era. Thankfully, that seems to be changing. The Pentagon recently announced the…James Carafano -
- Opinion
US Military Is Now Less Ready to Defend Our National Interests Than It Has Been for Decades
The world’s an even scarier place than it was last year. From the Middle East to the South China Sea, the bad guys have grown stronger and bolder. Meanwhile, our allies and friends—suffering from economies much weaker than ours—are spending less and less on defense. This means less help available to us, if things go…Steven Bucci -
- Opinion
America’s Military Can’t Run on Wishful Thinking
It seems fitting that the Heritage Foundation released its latest Index of U.S. Military Strength just before Halloween. It makes for some scary reading. It’s easy to assume that our military will always be prepared to not only defend our shores, but protect our allies and interests worldwide. Indeed, to suggest otherwise might seem unnecessarily pessimistic. But wishful…Ed Feulner -
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Is US Military Strong Enough? As We Fight Terrorism, Military Isn’t What It Was During Cold War
One of the very few things the federal government must do, per the U.S. Constitution, is protect our country and our national security interests. In fact, this is something that only the federal government can do. One of its primary tools to do so is the U.S. military and it spends a lot of money…Dakota Wood -
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Missile Defense Essential for Countering Iranian Threat
Recently, Iran conducted a successful test of a new precision-guided, long-range ballistic missile—dubbed “Emad.” This test is an outright violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231, which states that “Iran is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using…David Poortinga -
- Opinion
The Army Is the Smallest It Has Been Since Before World War II, And Other Signs of the Military’s Decline
The state of our military isn’t good. The Heritage Foundation released its 2016 Index of U.S. Military Strength today, and its findings are cause for concern. While potential adversaries have either grown more threatening or maintained their levels of aggressiveness, U.S. military strength continues to atrophy due to budget cuts and lack of prioritization from…Brian Slattery -
- Opinion
Navy Conducts Successful Missile Defense Test
Last week, off the coast of Scotland, the U.S. Navy conducted a successful test intercept of a ballistic missile target (video), the first live intercept of a ballistic missile in Europe. The Navy launched a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA interceptor from the USS Ross as part of a joint exercise with eight U.S. allies. The…David Poortinga -
- Opinion
Defense Analysts Explain Real Cost of Nuclear Forces
The United States is facing an increasingly constrained fiscal environment, with the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA) placing mandatory limits on spending. At the same time, all three legs of the U.S. nuclear triad—land-based, sea-based, and airborne—are due for extensive modernization. Further programs are needed to sustain the U.S. stockpile of nuclear warheads. These necessary…David Poortinga -
- Opinion
Defense Reform Is Far From Dead in Congress
Defense reform has gotten a lot of attention around Washington—from members of Congress and senior Pentagon leaders as well as the usual policy mavens and influencers. Lately, though, whispers wafting from the Pentagon have suggested that perhaps defense reform has peaked, that Congress won’t support meaningful reform. Bushwah! Defense reform is far from dead in…Justin Johnson -
- Opinion
8 Important Takeaways From the 2016 Defense Authorization Act
On Thursday the House (with the Senate shortly thereafter) will vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. That’s a long name for the annual defense policy bill passed by Congress for 53 years in a row. While many of the issues addressed by the bill are extremely…Justin Johnson -
- Opinion
While Iran Receives Billions From Lifted Sanctions, the U.S. Military Is Cut by Billions
There are many reasons to think that the Iran nuclear deal is an awful agreement—one of those being the $150 billion (or so) that Iran will receive as sanctions are lifted. While Iran is receiving $150 billion, the U.S. military is struggling under cuts that total over $180 billion over the last four years. In…Justin Johnson -
- News
David Petraeus Calls on US to Escalate Military Action in Iraq, Syria
Former CIA Director David Petraeus returned to Capitol Hill Tuesday for the first time since his 2012 resignation to detail his strategy for the United States to escalate military involvement in Iraq and Syria. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Petraeus advised the U.S. to form enclaves in Syria protected by coalition airpower…Natalie Johnson -
- Opinion
Forget the Talking Points. What Should the US Really Spend on Defense?
The debate about defense spending will likely reignite this month as Congress returns from recess and the end of the fiscal year draws near. Unfortunately, much of that debate will not be very helpful or informative. Instead of arguing the merits of a particular military spending level, much of the debate will revolve around Democratic…Justin Johnson -
- News
Army Photographer Founds Music Non-Profit to Help Struggling Military Members
When you meet confident, Emmy-winning Michael Henneberger, it’s hard to believe that just seven years ago he was diagnosed with both panic disorder and major depressive disorder. Henneberger, then 25, had joined the Army as a combat photographer. He was stationed at Ft. Meade, Md., for a year of training prior to his discharge. The former musician found…Leah Jessen -
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UK’s Former Defense Secretary: The West ‘Surrendered’ to Iran in Nuclear Talks
The nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers merely places Tehran’s nuclear ambitions “on hold” and undercuts the international community’s ability to condemn the regime if it violates the deal, the United Kingdom’s former defense secretary said Thursday. Liam Fox, a conservative member of Parliament, said the P5+1 “caved” to Iran’s…Natalie Johnson -
- Opinion
How Much Should the US Spend on Defense?
The debate about defense spending will likely reignite in September as Congress returns from recess and the end of the fiscal year draws near. Unfortunately, much of that debate will not be very helpful or informative. Instead of arguing the merits of a particular military spending level, much of the debate will revolve around Democratic…Justin Johnson -
- Opinion
No More Double Standards for Women in the Military
Last week, two female Army officers and West Point graduates made history when they successfully passed Army Ranger School, known as one of the most physically challenging and difficult leadership schools in the military. Not only is this a phenomenal personal accomplishment, but they have paved the way for other women to advance in the…Amber Smith -
- News
More Than 200 Retired Military Leaders Push Congress to Reject Iran Deal
More than 200 retired U.S. generals and admirals added their names to the Iran nuclear agreement’s opposition this week after they sent a letter to top congressional leaders pressing lawmakers to reject the accord. The former senior military officers contend that the deal threatens U.S. national security, noting the estimated $150 billion that will pour…Natalie Johnson