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
There’s Rising Potential for a Tactical Military Clash on the Korean Peninsula
The greatest likelihood for military conflict on the Korean Peninsula is not from a full-scale North Korean invasion, but from a series of escalatory responses to a tactical-level skirmish. This is particularly true if an event occurs during already heightened tensions, as currently exists. Today’s inter-Korean exchange of artillery fire led to no injuries or…Bruce Klingner -
- Opinion
Should Military Chaplains Be Forced to Conduct Same-Sex Weddings?
Last month, the United States Army celebrated the 240th anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps. Amidst the celebrations there was also concern: there seems to be a growing threat to religious liberty for military chaplains. What happens to chaplains from religious communities that view marriage as a union between one man and one woman? With…Greg Davis -
- Opinion
ISIS Is Urging Supporters to Target Military Families. What US Should Do.
ISIS now claims it has the names, home addresses and other personally identifiable information of thousands of U.S. military personnel and government employees. It’s called for “local” supporters to use the information to attack the Americans listed. ISIS posted this data for about 1,400 people, but asserts this was just one percent of the data…Steven Bucci -
- Opinion
US Missile Defense Agency Conducts Successful Test
Last week, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted a successful test of the new SM-6 interceptor. Over the course of several days off the coast of Hawaii, the USS John Paul Jones launched four separate interceptor missiles at distant targets designed to simulate both threatening aircraft and incoming ballistic missiles. The tests proved successful. In…Cameron Swathwood -
- News
Scott Walker ‘Absolutely’ Supports First Amendment Defense Act
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—GOP presidential candidate Gov. Scott Walker says he supports the First Amendment Defense Act, a bill that would prevent the federal government from taking action against individuals or businesses because of their religiously held beliefs on traditional marriage. “Absolutely. To me, protecting our constitutional rights shouldn’t just take a piece of legislation,” Walker…David Brody -
- News
As Congress Finalizes Defense Bill, John McCain Calls for Repeal of Sequestration
Sen. John McCain is calling for the end of sequestration. McCain, R-Ariz, was joined by military experts at The Heritage Foundation Wednesday to discuss the future of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the budget expenditures for the Department of Defense. The NDAA for fiscal year 2016 is being negotiated between the…Diana Stancy -
- Opinion
Military Should Focus on Solving Real-World Problems
Over the last several years, there has been a noticeable uptick in terribly confused thinking about military matters that extends to understanding the nature of conflict, the role of military forces, and general thinking about military affairs. Sometimes the confusion emerges in the form of an identity crisis. The U.S. Army seems to have experienced…Dakota Wood -
- Opinion
Stanley McChrystal’s Accidental Exposé About the Military
Retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal has penned a revealing book—but its revelations are not intentional. The combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and his team of co-authors intended to author a guide on how to use small teams to infuse organizations with dynamic and adaptive leadership. Instead they deliver an accidental exposé of what is…James Carafano -
- News
What the Defense Department Learned From the Ebola Crisis
For most Americans, last year’s Ebola outbreak was a public health concern and cause for a debate over infectious disease practices, safety and travel. For West Africans, it was a real-life crisis with deaths in the thousands and desperate efforts to keep it from spreading. But for those tasked with developing the response for it…Leah Jessen -
- Opinion
National Defense Authorizations: Useful Steps on Nuclear Policy
Last week, the House Armed Services Committee took a first step in ensuring that the government provides for the common defense and passed the fiscal year (FY) 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now has to pass the full House, the Senate, and the President has to sign it. Managing a relationship with…Michaela Dodge -
- Opinion
What Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Said About World War II, U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hit the ball out of the park during his trip to America, but stumbled while rounding third base. Whether one highlights the success or shortcoming reflects the assessor’s focus either on the present or on Japan’s past. While most attention was focused on Abe’s historic speech to a joint meeting…Bruce Klingner -
- News
Congressman: ‘Disturbing’ for Military Chaplains to Be Punished Over Views on Sexuality
While the nation debates whether Christian business owners should be forced by the government to cater same-sex marriages, the military is embroiled in its own dispute over religious freedom. In two high-profile cases, military chaplains have been punished for citing their religious beliefs during private counseling sessions and other official events, sparking questions about what…Kelsey Bolar -
- Opinion
Can the Next President Deliver Better Defense?
There are more than a few signals indicating President Obama has been a poor steward of the nation’s defense. “Continuing to slash defense invites greater danger to national security while shamefully asking the country’s military men and women to do their jobs with shrinking resources,” wrote the chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Service…Matthew Rolfes -
- Opinion
How Serious Is ISIS Threat Against Military Families?
Our military and their families carry a heavy burden on behalf of all of us. That makes the threat against them by a shadowy outfit claiming affiliation with ISIS particularly heinous. A group, calling itself the “Islamic State Hacking Division,” posted the names, home addresses and photos of one hundred American service members and called…James Carafano -
- Opinion
Military Exercises Do Not Violate Posse Comitatus Act
Recent reports that several of the U.S. military’s various Special Operations elements may be participating in exercises in areas that are not on existing military facilities have raised concerns. These are fortunately unfounded. The military in general, and Special Operations in particular, have conducted exercises in civilian areas for decades. To be clear, even if…Steven Bucci -
- Opinion
The World Is Becoming More Dangerous. So Why Are We Letting Our Military Power Decline?
The world seems to be becoming more dangerous these days. Not so coincidentally, America’s military power continues to decline rapidly. Before considering how and why, here’s a snapshot of what’s happening around the globe: Russia has annexed Crimea, is dismembering Ukraine, is probing the defenses of Northern Europe, and is again casting a covetous eye…Dakota Wood -
- Opinion
Is Our Military Ready?
Most of us take it on faith that our military is the best in the world. But if asked to state in detail how ready we are to face certain challenges from around the globe, few of us would know how to answer. How prepared is each branch—Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines—to handle its…Ed Feulner -
- Opinion
New Index of U.S. Military Strength: The Cyber Threat
The growing number of cyber attacks in recent years has highlighted the risks that U.S. interests, critical infrastructure, and military operations face in cyberspace. Cyber threats, once relatively weak in nature compared to other military offenses, are now potential weapons of war, and considered hard-power tools of armed attack. Yesterday, The Heritage Foundation released the…Jennifer Guthrie -
- News
Republicans in Congress Demand Answers About Military Chaplain Disciplined for Referencing the Bible
A group of 24 Republican lawmakers are demanding an explanation about why the Army disciplined a military chaplain for making references to the Bible during a suicide-prevention seminar. In a letter addressed to Army Secretary John McHugh, lawmakers wrote: We believe this administrative action sets a dangerous precedent for Army suicide prevention initiatives, the role…Kelsey Bolar -
- Opinion
Questions for Secretary of Defense Nominee Ash Carter
When it was announced on December 5, 2014, that former Deputy Secretary of Defense Ash Carter was going to replace Chuck Hagel as President Obama’s fourth Secretary of Defense (SecDef), America immediately had many questions. Chief among them: “What does this mean for U.S. defense policy?” Carter is sure to be appointed, having broad bipartisan…Matthew Rolfes