Topic: The Pentagon
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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4 ways Chuck Hagel can improve cyber security
Newly sworn-in Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel must guide the Department of Defense through a few key challenges to better secure the nation’s cyber networks. His focus at the Pentagon should be on these four key areas.
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If not 'sequester,' then what? Five ideas from left and right.
Few in Washington believe that "the sequester,” $85 billion in automatic spending cuts set to hit the federal budget as of March 1, is a good idea. But what's the alternative? Here are five proposals, from the right, the center, and the left, to replace the sequester. Which do you like?
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Sequester 101: What happens if $85 billion in cuts hit on March 1
The sequester is a complex concept with a tortuous history. Here are the basics on the automatic spending reductions set to kick in March 1.
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5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet
Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
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Pentagon's budget nightmare: How each branch would handle sequester cuts
With the threat of a mandatory, across-the-board series of cuts known as sequestration looming over the Pentagon, each of the services has begun its worst-case-scenario planning. Here is where the cuts stand now:
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Obama girds for State of the Union address. His Republican opponents do too.
President Obama will face a tough crowd of Republicans during his State of the Union address Tuesday night. They probably won't like what they hear about taxes and spending.
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Outgoing general predicts an Afghanistan liberated from foreign intrigue
The remarks from Gen. John Allen came at a change-of-command ceremony. American Gen. Joseph Dunford now leads NATO's mission in Afghanistan.
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The Monitor's View: Obama's hidden nonplan to arm rebels in Syria
News that Obama vetoed a plan by his senior security staff to arm Syrian rebels reveals the extent of his humanitarian impulse. But he must also protect the new UN doctrine of a 'responsibility to protect' by being more open about his Syrian strategy.
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Why Brennan came off better than Hagel in Senate hearing
CIA director-designate John Brennan, in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, was not pressed very hard on the controversial drone strike program.
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The Monitor's View: A comforting arm to curb Army suicides
A record in military suicides, despite many new prevention programs, points to a need to change military culture to help detect those in need and make it easier to get help.
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Cybersecurity: how preemptive cyberwar is entering the nation's arsenal
In addition to authorizing the use of cyberweapons, the White House is preparing an executive order to beef up cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, such as the electric grid, refineries, and telecommunications.
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Chuck Hagel: Filibuster in store for Obama nominee?
Chuck Hagel filibuster: Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said opposition to the former Republican senator leading the Pentagon was growing.
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After his rough Senate hearing, Chuck Hagel gets a boost from backers
His confirmation hearing performance was universally described as 'lackluster' at best – and far worse by many accounts. But Defense Secretary-nominee Chuck Hagel got some support Sunday, including another Republican backer in the Senate.
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Decoder Wire Why Chuck Hagel is likely to squeak through as Defense secretary (+video)
Chuck Hagel probably has enough Senate votes to be confirmed as Defense secretary, despite a poor showing at his confirmation hearing. But if the GOP opts to filibuster his nomination, conventional wisdom gets upended.
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US economic backsliding temporary? Maybe not if 'sequester' hits.
A dip in GDP during the fourth quarter of 2012 stemmed largely from a dive in federal defense spending. Some economists see a cautionary lesson for upcoming sequester talks in Congress.
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McCain pounds Chuck Hagel in Senate confirmation hearing
At the confirmation hearing for Chuck Hagel as Defense secretary, Sen. John McCain took a particularly robust line of questioning, asking him about his views on the surge in Iraq.
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5 reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet
Africa’s experiment in a regional approach to security is serious and laudable, but it will take time to build credible capacity. Here are five reasons why Africa is not ready to meet its own security needs – yet.
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Pentagon's budget nightmare: How each branch would handle sequester cuts
With the threat of a mandatory, across-the-board series of cuts known as sequestration looming over the Pentagon, each of the services has begun its worst-case-scenario planning. Here is where the cuts stand now:
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Tale of 'Bob': Does outsourcing new software pose cyber security risk? (+video)
Many US companies hire foreigners to build new software for their computer networks – a practice that may raise their risk of cyberattack, some experts warn. Even firms that do not outsource software development may find an occasional employee doing it on the sly, as in the case of 'Bob.'
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Opinion: Attacks in Mali, Libya, Algeria show why Africa still needs US support
Attacks by Islamist insurgents on US outposts in Benghazi, Libya, at a gas plant in Algeria, and in Mali expose several reasons for persistent security weakness across Africa. For one thing, many countries are too poor to supply the funds and soldiers for regional peace efforts.
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The Monitor's View: The listening legacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton
The legacy of Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of State may be in her enhancement of the diplomatic art of listening to other peoples – especially women – and not only world leaders. With President Obama honoring her in a "60 Minutes" interview, that legacy needs to be sustained.
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Oscars 2013: Is Hollywood ready for gender-neutral awards?
With the 2013 awards season in full swing, Hollywood insiders discuss whether Oscars and other awards should still be separately awarded to actors and actresses.
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Women could serve in combat in Afghanistan
The plan to let women serve in combat does not have any firm timeline. But it's possible implementation could begin before the Afghanistan war ends, one official says.
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Pentagon lifting ban on women in combat, opening new opportunities
Chiefs of the individual service branches are being told to submit a plan to implement the new policy to the secretary of Defense by May.
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Father, sons die hiking after missed turn in Missouri mountains
A father and his two young sons died after taking a wrong turn on a hike in Missouri and being caught in freezing temperatures and a rainstorm. Their Labrador puppy survived and was still with them when authorities arrived.
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The Daily Reckoning Is the US a nation of dependents?
When too many people and companies depend on government subsidies, Bonner writes, your society consumes more wealth than it produces.
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Senate 'old boy' network is misfiring on Hagel nomination (+video)
While senators typically support their own in confirmation hearings, that is not the case for former Senator Hagel, whose nomination to be secretary of defense is under heavy fire.
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US 'fully committed' in Afghanistan, Panetta says. But no troops after 2014?
Afghan President Hamid Karzai meets with President Obama Friday in the wake of a 'zero option' being floated for US troops. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Mr. Karzai met at the Pentagon Thursday.
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Obama expected to nominate Jack Lew as Treasury secretary
The President's chief of staff has an extensive background in government work that includes running the Office of Management and Budget.
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Obama administration not ruling out complete troop withdrawal from Afghanistan
'We wouldn't rule out any option,' including zero troops [beyond 2014], Ben Rhodes, a White House deputy national security adviser, said Tuesday.
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