Highlights from Inside the Pentagon

Here's a few must-reads from this week's edition of Inside the Pentagon:

1. The head of U.S. Northern Command is drafting a first-ever strategic estimate for the Arctic, the latest development by the Defense Department to refine plans for the polar region, an expected prelude to a theater campaign plan and operational plan for a region where military threat is considered low but activity is expected to increase as sea ice recedes. 

Full story: NORTHCOM drafting first-ever strategic estimate for Arctic

2. The Trump administration ended the federal hiring freeze this week and is embarking on an ambitious new effort to restructure the executive branch, potentially cutting, consolidating and realigning federal agencies, according to White House Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. 

Full story: Trump admin ends hiring freeze, plans major government restructuring

3. The Defense Innovation Unit Experimental is calling for the Defense Department to be more flexible in its approach to acquisition and has proposed a revision to Other Transaction Authority guidance, according to a recent report sent to lawmakers. 

Full story: DIUx seeks new DOD guidance to help enhance flexible acquisition