Inside the Pentagon highlights

Some must-reads from this week's issue of Inside the Pentagon:

1. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is expected to release the new National Defense Strategy Friday in the middle of a political standoff over a government shutdown, which analysts say is illustrative of the challenges the Pentagon faces in pursuing a budget that matches its global ambitions.

Full story: Mattis to release new National Defense Strategy amid shutdown drama

2. The Defense Department has formally added a new project to its roster of big-ticket weapon system acquisitions: the John Lewis (T-AO 205)-class fleet oiler program, a $10.7 billion effort to build 17 new Navy logistics ships to recapitalize the aging T-AO 187-class cargo and fuel haulers.

Full story: DOD adds new Navy fleet oiler to roster of major weapon system acquisitions

3. A new report deems successful the Army's efforts to reduce the size and complexity of elements of its tactical network, but is based on testing that failed to examine a key -- and much maligned -- aspect of the system.

Full story: DOT&E: Downsized WIN-T 'operationally suitable,' notes limitations in training, access

4. The Defense Security Service is studying how tax incentives could be used to incentivize companies to better protect their supply chains from foreign intelligence threats.

Full story: DOD considers tax incentives to strengthen supply chain security