Topic: The Pentagon

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Opinion 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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Focus Sexual assault in the military: Can special counsels for victims help?

After a wave of sexual assault cases in the military, the Air Force is using special lawyers in a venture that top Pentagon officials hope will transform the way the armed forces treat victims.
Pentagon girds for Senate fight over sexual assault bill

A bill to strip commanders of their authority in sexual assault cases has bipartisan support in the Senate. But Pentagon officials say it would make a bad situation worse.
'Sequester' at Pentagon: why furloughs may not be as harmful as predicted

As part of the sequester, the Defense Department began furloughs of civilian employees Monday. The Pentagon has warned of a devastating impact, but at least one analyst suspects that some of the undone work won't be missed.
Probe of Stuxnet leak said to focus on US general. But why would he blab?

News reports say retired Gen. James Cartwright is the subject of a Justice Department investigation into a leak about the Stuxnet cyberweapon, which took aim at Iran's nuclear program. Here's what he's said in the past about what should and shouldn't be a military secret.
Pentagon slammed for $1 billion deal with banned arms dealer

Including the new contract, the Pentagon has spent more than $1 billion on helicopters and related maintenance and service with Rosoboronexport, Assad's top arms supplier.
DOMA: Military spouses to see benefits 'as soon as possible,' Hagel vows

The Supreme Court ruling against DOMA 'helps ensure that all men and women who serve this country can be treated fairly and equally,' Defense Secretary Hagel says.
Opinion To stop sexual assault against women in the US military, add more women

The US military must change the culture that leads to sexual assault by genuinely accepting women as fully capable and by greatly increasing the number of women. Change must start at the top, beginning with more admissions of women in the service academies.
Obama nuke proposals: Status quo, or too risky?

Obama's offer to Russia to jointly cut deployed strategic nukes was just part of a broader, and more cautious, nuclear weapons strategy announced by the White House.
US to start arming Syrian rebels, but will it make much difference?

Some senior US military officials question the strategic value of sending small arms and ammunition to the Syrian rebels. But other options – including a no-fly zone – also carry concerns.
Presidential cyberwar directive gives Pentagon long-awaited marching orders (+video)

The 18-page, Top Secret 'Presidential Policy Directive 20' instructs the Pentagon to draw up a cyberwar target list and to protect US infrastructure from foreign cyberattack.
Military brass, senators united against sexual assault but at odds on remedy (+video)

Top military leaders received a dressing down from lawmakers Tuesday for failing to curb sexual assault within the ranks. The brass, however, opposed changes to the military justice system.
The Monitor's View Sex assault in the military: Victims need trust, care

As Congress and the Pentagon rush reforms to curb sex assaults in the military, they must focus foremost on raising trust in military justice and in the care of victims. Only than will reporting rates rise.
American public has few qualms with drone strikes, poll finds

President Obama's aggressive campaign of drone strikes has generated controversy overseas and among terrorism experts. But Americans seem fine with it, according to a Monitor/TIPP poll.
Obama pledges to halt military sexual abuse

On Thursday, Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno acknowledged the military is failing to stop sexual assaults. President Barack Obama vowed to leave no stone unturned to halt the abuse.
Robert Gates: Obama made right decisions night of Benghazi attack

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates says those urging a military response the night of the Benghazi attack have 'a cartoonish impression of military capabilities.' Republicans in Congress want to grill former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of a special inquiry.
Difference Maker He brought Christianity into the streets to promote civil rights

Episcopal priest Malcolm Boyd has taken the message of Christianity outside the walls of church to champion minority rights and show that God is everywhere.
Pakistani fertilizer grows both Taliban bombs and Afghan crops

The Pakistani government is working with the US to make sure a key ingredient for bombs stays away from insurgents in Afghanistan, but that effort may be having an unintended casualty.
Defense secretary worries sexual assault in military nearing a tipping point (+video)

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says that sexual assault allegations in the military are so alarming that they could hurt the Pentagon's ability to recruit and retain 'the good people we need.' Critics are pushing for reform.
US, South Korea put up a tough front, but it doesn't close door to North (+video)

South Korean President Park, in the US to meet with Obama, has made it clear that she sees her toughness as part of a “trust politik” that would allow for renewed dialogue with the North.
Sexual assault in military: Pentagon report, scandal deal a double blow (+video)

Even as the Pentagon prepared to report a dramatic increase in sexual assaults in the military, the officer in charge of the Air Force prevention program was alleged to have groped a woman.
The Monitor's View China must end cyberspying on US industry, look to its own innovation

The Pentagon accuses China of massive cyberspying on American industry to gain a competitive edge. Beijing has already invested heavily in innovation. Why not look to is own people for creativity?
$900,000 per inmate: World's most expensive prison (+video)

$900,000 per inmate makes Guantanamo Bay the world's most expensive prison. That's 13 times the cost of a super max inmate. Is $900,000 per inmate worth it to US taxpayers?
Monitor Breakfast Why America's top general is wary of US military intervention in Syria

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a Monitor-sponsored breakfast he has doubts about whether US military action in Syria would achieve three key aims.

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North Korea missile threat? North Korea 'closer' to nuclear threat, says Pentagon

North Korea missile threat: Intelligence agencies disagree on how great a missile threat North Korea poses, despite North Korea's recent threats against South Korea, Japan, and the US.
Decoder Wire Paul Ryan gay adoption: Is his support a big deal?

Paul Ryan: Gay adoption is an idea he now supports, although the former GOP VP candidate still opposes gay marriage. His change of heart is another indication that the political ground on gay rights is shifting rapidly in the US.