Defense
44 went after his critics attacking him for cuts to the military through sequestration, accusing them of trying to “wriggle out” of a deal they made last year. – DEFCON Hill
U.S. law bars foreign shipyard workers from doing such tasks as preventative and corrective maintenance, deep cleaning and corrosion control — crucial work for a ship manned by only 50 or so sailors, meaning it will rely more on shore-based support than other U.S. Navy ships. – Defense News
The Pentagon wants to fill a number of top U.S. Air Force leadership positions, particularly in the area of acquisition. But with a presidential election in November looming, finding people to serve in those roles might be a pipe dream. – Defense News
Arthur Herman writes: The original father of our World War II “arsenal of democracy” was General Motors president Bill Knudsen, who used to say that “the better a thing is, the cheaper it is to make.” That’s a far cry from our current Pentagon business model. But it’s one that will help it overcome procurement problems in the future, and a benchmark for a new arsenal of democracy for the 21st century. It will also preserve America’s military leadership before it’s too late. – Wall Street Journal (subscription required)
Cybersecurity
As Congress enters its final few weeks before its August recess, Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member John McCain, R-Ariz., on Monday castigated Senate leaders for planning to debate a “controversial and flawed” cybersecurity bill later this week. – National Journal
Tom Mahnken writes: The growth, spread, and effectiveness of cyber weapons is an important subject. Although cyber-hysteria may grab headlines and sell books, it is a topic important enough to deserved focused, reasoned, and thoughtful discussion – Shadow Government
