Service Members and Their Families Are Paying for the Air Force’s Fiscal Shortfalls

Recently, the U.S. Air Force announced that it is experiencing a shortfall in Fiscal Year 23 military personnel appropriation funding driven by higher-than-projected personnel costs. To address this insolvency, the Department of the Air Force directed actions to avoid exhausting funds. These actions included pausing permanent change of station (PCS) moves, delaying issuance of retirement… Continue reading Service Members and Their Families Are Paying for the Air Force’s Fiscal Shortfalls

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It Should Not Have Been a Surprise: The Threat from Putin’s Russia

The recent NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, left the world asking a hard question: “Are we in a new Cold War with Russia?” Our answer is to a different, and harder, and more important question: Is Russia already at war with the West? Vladimir V. Putin has been in perpetual war with the West—defined by… Continue reading It Should Not Have Been a Surprise: The Threat from Putin’s Russia

Ukrainian Refugees, U.S. and Allied Defense Strategy, Threats from AI: RAND Weekly Recap

This week, we discuss why European host countries shouldn’t treat Ukrainian refugees like short-term visitors; how to reverse the erosion of U.S. and allied power and influence; Washington’s concerns over Taiwan’s defense spending; addressing the mental health crisis in U.S. jails; tackling existential threats from artificial intelligence; and how the conflict in Sudan is creating… Continue reading Ukrainian Refugees, U.S. and Allied Defense Strategy, Threats from AI: RAND Weekly Recap

Book Review: ‘Delete the Adjective: A Soldier’s Adventures in Ranger School’ by Lisa Jaster

In 2013, then–Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta initiated the process to formally open all military jobs and units to women. Two years later, 19 women were among the 399 candidates who began the first-ever integrated U.S. Army Ranger School class. Delete the Adjective: A… Continue reading Book Review: ‘Delete the Adjective: A Soldier’s Adventures in Ranger School’ by Lisa Jaster

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Stacking Certificates and Degrees

In the minds of most Americans, going to college means pursuing a bachelor’s degree with a major in a traditional academic field like psychology, history, or mathematics. But in the last 10 to 15 years, many public community colleges and regional universities have greatly expanded their applied and technical programs, particularly in fields like health… Continue reading Stacking Certificates and Degrees

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The Russo-Ukrainian War Has Bolstered Ukraine’s Nonstate Alliance Network

President Vladimir Putin and Russia have given Ukraine an excuse to provide a haven for organizations aimed at destroying the current Russian state and its allies in Chechnya and Belarus. Since 2014, militant groups from Russia, Belarus, Chechnya, and elsewhere have established themselves as allies of Ukraine in its fight against Russia and its aligned… Continue reading The Russo-Ukrainian War Has Bolstered Ukraine’s Nonstate Alliance Network

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Why DoD Needs Greater Focus on Nonlethal Weapons, Intermediate Force Capabilities

Nonlethal weapons (NLWs) can play a critical role in military operations. Diverse systems that emit long-range sounds, create dazzling glare, disable engines, entangle propellers, or cause heating sensations can enable mission success in a variety of non-combat contexts. When facing gray-zone confrontations with rival powers, such as standoffs at sea, nonlethal capabilities can push back… Continue reading Why DoD Needs Greater Focus on Nonlethal Weapons, Intermediate Force Capabilities

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Shapiro Could Be the First Prominent Democrat to Deliver School Choice

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro could still be the first in his party to provide genuine school choice for his constituents. Part of Shapiro’s original allure was his ability to think and act for himself. When, as a gubernatorial candidate, he expressed his support for Lifeline Scholarships, Shapiro captured the attention of voters and pundits alike. Bucking… Continue reading Shapiro Could Be the First Prominent Democrat to Deliver School Choice

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Do Generals Dream of Electric Tanks?

Members of the House Armed Services Committee have expressed concerns over the electrification of Army combat vehicles. Though such concerns have some merit, there is also a larger issue motivating research and development efforts—the growing demand for energy on the battlefield. Strategists analyzing a potential U.S.-China conflict will often comment on the challenges presented by… Continue reading Do Generals Dream of Electric Tanks?