The Insider

The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 28, 2025
By John Liang
February 28, 2025 at 12:56 PM

This Friday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on Navy shipbuilding, the Army's autonomous truck system, Air Force helicopters and more.

We start off with a bunch of news on Navy shipbuilding:

Lawmakers concerned Pentagon layoffs will undercut ship maintenance

Senate Democrats are worried the Pentagon’s plan to shrink its civilian workforce could further inhibit on-time ship and submarine maintenance if workers are laid off at the nation’s public shipyards.

GAO: Results of billions invested in shipbuilding efforts remain to be seen

Billions of dollars have been invested in the nation’s shipbuilding industrial base by the Navy and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, yet the effectiveness of these funds is difficult to determine -- made even more tedious by a lack of coordination between the two groups, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Document: GAO report on Navy shipbuilding and repair


SECNAV nominee aims to review and potentially renegotiate Navy contracts

John Phelan, President Trump’s nominee to serve as the next Navy secretary, told lawmakers today that if confirmed, he will personally review all existing contracts and renegotiate them if needed.

Document: Phelan's SECNAV nomination APQs

Army Maj. Gen. Michelle Donahue, commanding general of Combined Arms Support Command, spoke this week at a conference hosted by the National Defense Industrial Association:

Army autonomous truck system slowed by CR

Lack of a full-year appropriation is shelving funding and bumping timelines for the Army's Autonomous Transport Vehicle System, set to be the largest transformation to the service's sustainment community since it debuted trucks in 1915, a senior Army official said at a Tactical Wheeled Vehicles conference in Reston, VA, Feb. 25.

Inside Defense chatted this week with Azeem Khan, Boeing's MH-139 program manager and executive director:

Grey Wolf helos began IOT&E in January; all outstanding issues mitigated

The Air Force's nascent MH-139 Grey Wolf program is "hitting the ground running" in fiscal year 2025, according to an executive for the helicopter-maker, with initial operational test and evaluation starting as planned in January despite outstanding issues threatening its timeline at the end of last year.

The head of U.S. Southern Command was on Capitol Hill recently:

Criminal orgs amass 'staggering' sums, outpace defense spending across SOUTHCOM

Transnational criminal organizations operating across Latin America and the Caribbean amassed a "staggering" $358 billion in revenue last year -- six times the combined defense budgets of all nations in the region including Mexico -- posing a growing strategic challenge to the United States, according to a senior official.

Document: Senate hearing on SOUTHCOM, NORTHCOM

Retired captain Hung Cao nominated for Navy under secretary
By Nick Wilson
February 28, 2025 at 9:57 AM

President Trump has nominated retired Navy captain and former Virginia Senate candidate Hung Cao to serve as Navy under secretary.

In a Truth Social post, Trump described Cao as the “embodiment of the American dream.” Cao is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who was commissioned as a special operations officer and served for 25 years.

“As a refugee to our great nation, Hung worked tirelessly to make proud the country that gave his family a home,” Trump wrote. “With Hung’s experience both in combat, and in the Pentagon, he will get the job done.”

Cao, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam with his family in 1975, challenged incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) for a Virginia Senate seat in 2024 and was endorsed by Trump. Previously, Cao ran for Virginia’s 10th congressional district in 2022. He was unsuccessful in both races.

The announcement follows a Thursday confirmation hearing for John Phelan, who has been nominated to serve as Navy secretary.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 27, 2025
By John Liang
February 27, 2025 at 2:21 PM

This Thursday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's ability to carry an advanced bomb, plus coverage of the potential consequences of the Trump administration's proposed civilian workforce cuts and more.

We start off with news on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's ability to carry the Stormbreaker Small Diameter Bomb:

F-35s can't carry StormBreaker bomb until TR-3 is combat-capable

The Pentagon's lengthy effort to arm the tri-variant F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with StormBreaker precision-strike glide bombs cannot proceed until the aircraft's new Technology Refresh-3 software capability is fully operational, said an executive for the bomb-maker.

Previous reductions in civilian employees were due in part to the "night court" process that was started during the previous Trump administration:

DOD officials weigh consequences of civilian workforce cuts

Cutting the Pentagon's civilian workforce between 5% and 8% will undoubtedly have consequences but could also present "opportunities" when it comes to business transformation, officials from various agencies said Wednesday during the Govini Defense Software & Data Summit in Washington.

The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on the U.S. defense industrial base this week, the same day the National Defense Industrial Association released its annual "Vital Signs" report on the DIB:

Defense industry advocates look to protect legacy companies from hi-tech disruptors

Leaders from some of the largest defense industry associations told lawmakers today that Congress should reform the Pentagon's labyrinthine acquisition system in favor of all military contractors, not just new-entrant technology companies angling to disrupt the status quo.

Document: House hearing on the DIB

More coverage of NDIA's "Vital Signs" report:

Defense group raises concerns over cost of CMMC implementation as companies prepare for assessments

The National Defense Industrial Association argues implementing the Pentagon’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program will put a significant cost on companies that could be a barrier to entry for industry partners, as part of an annual report taking the pulse of defense firms.

An upgraded version of the Army's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the JLTV A3, will host three key improvements that take on obsolescence issues already observed on the JLTV A2: swapping engines, changing shocks and implementing a new software system:

'Driven by obsolescence': Army sets sights on new JLTV version

The Army is eyeing a new, upgraded Joint Light Tactical Vehicle despite just starting production of its latest version in January, Army and Marine Corps officials announced at a Tactical Wheeled Vehicles conference Feb. 25.

A new Government Accountability Office report finds the Defense Department "has made progress in developing [technology for satellites to communicate via lasers], but it also faced delays and other issues -- and hasn't fully demonstrated that it works in space":

GAO: SDA not doing enough to ensure laser communications links work

The Space Development Agency isn't doing enough to demonstrate laser communications links work in each slate of launched satellites before moving onto the next, according to the Government Accountability Office.

Document: GAO report on laser communications in space

Rocket Lab passed its critical design review for VICTUS HAZE, the company announced this week, moving the effort into the production phase:

Space Force advancing TacRS with two VICTUS demonstrations in the works

The Space Force, in its effort to boost tactically responsive space capabilities, is moving forward with two demonstrations in its VICTUS series for agile and speedy deliveries to orbit.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 26, 2025
By John Liang
February 26, 2025 at 2:20 PM

This Wednesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on an ongoing Defense Science Board study on a Kwajalein Atoll facility, plus coverage of the submarine industrial base, the proposed "Golden Dome for America" system and more.

A new memo calls on the Defense Science Board to "conduct a study on the Designation of Certain Facilities on Kwajalein Atoll as a Major Range and Test Facility Base":

DSB to assess designation of Army missile defense test site as MRTFB

The Defense Science Board has been tasked with conducting a study on whether to designate U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll and the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site it houses as a Major Range and Test Facility Base, per a memo from the Pentagon's acting technology chief cleared for open publication Monday.

Document: DSB TOR memo on Kwajalein as major range and test base

The Submarine Industrial Base Council hosted an event this morning:

House GOP looks to reassure submarine industrial base amid budget uncertainty

House Republicans are attempting to reassure members of the shipbuilding industrial base that robust investment will continue -- when it comes to submarine production at least -- amid uncertainty over the Trump administration's defense spending priorities.

The Space Force's top uniformed officer spoke with reporters this week:

Saltzman: Space Force expects to play 'central role' in 'Golden Dome'

The Space Force will likely play a "central role" in developing and operating the next-generation homeland defense system outlined in an executive order from President Trump, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Salzman.

Army Col. Eric Anderson, division chief of Logistics Division (G-8), spoke at an NDIA conference this week:

TWV commonality vital in the face of funding woes, Army leaders argue

The Army has a "math problem," because costs of Tactical Wheeled Vehicle initiatives are greater than the funding for them, a service leader said at a National Defense Industrial Association conference in Reston, VA.

Stephen Feinberg this week submitted written answers to advance policy questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding his nomination to be deputy defense secretary:

Feinberg promises 'war room' reviews, wants new companies to take on 'major defense players'

Billionaire financier Stephen Feinberg said today that if he is confirmed as deputy defense secretary, he will establish a "war room" to review Pentagon spending in detail to ensure it is aligned to compete with China, highlighting his belief that the department is overly reliant on legacy systems and large prime contractors.

Document: Feinberg's nomination hearing APQs

The Navy aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford's (CVN-78) Total Ship Survivability Trial has been completed, while sortie-generation rate and Ship Self-Defense System test events are scheduled for fiscal year 2025:

Several Navy ship programs make progress in testing phase, including CVN-78 survivability

The Navy is progressing in testing across several ship programs, with advances that include the completion of key survivability testing for the lead Ford-class carrier.

Navy seeking information via survey on counter-uncrewed systems
By Abby Shepherd
February 26, 2025 at 11:38 AM

The Navy is seeking responses from industry members and government organizations regarding counter-uncrewed systems -- specifically capabilities with a technology readiness level of five or higher -- according to a government notice issued today.

Low collateral defeat options should be considered, according to the request for information. These methods are implemented in situations where friendly forces or civilians are close to the threat, and “are designed with precision and control requirements to ensure extremely low probability of collateral damage,” according to a survey accompanying the RFI.

Alternative low collateral small-unmanned aerial systems are in various development phases, and all options should be explored, the survey adds.

The survey form asks that industry members and organizations answer where their capability falls within the kill chain, if it is an individual system or system of components and what domain it operates in, among other questions. Those who respond will be considered for future test events and demonstrations, according to the survey.

Responses are due April 30.

Trump's DOD nominee won't say Russia invaded Ukraine -- but he did write it
By Tony Bertuca
February 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM

Stephen Feinberg, the billionaire financier nominated by President Trump to serve as the Pentagon's No. 2 civilian, declined to comment during a Senate hearing today on whether he believes Russia has invaded Ukraine, taking criticism from Democrats. Feinberg, however, has submitted written testimony to lawmakers in which he characterizes Russia's actions in February 2022 as "further invasion."

Feinberg was pressed during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing today by Democrats, following comments from President Trump, who has falsely framed Kyiv as the aggressor amid negotiations with Russia. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and national security adviser Mike Waltz have also recently refused to describe Russia’s actions as an invasion.

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) told Feinberg today that the answer is “not complicated.”

“Russia did in fact invade our ally Ukraine,” Kelly said. “They moved tanks and troops and armored personnel carriers across the Ukrainian border.”

Feinberg said he understood Kelly’s point but went on to say that he does not feel he should publicly comment on the matter in the middle of the White House’s negotiations with Russia.

“There's a very intense negotiation going on right now,” he said. “I don't think some person who is not informed on this, not involved in the discussions, should make statements public that could undermine what the president and the secretary’s intent is. I do have confidence that President Trump is very strong in negotiation, has a plan and he will find a good outcome for Americans.”

But Kelly told Feinberg, an investor who has never held a position in government leadership, that if he is confirmed he will likely find himself “in the room” dealing with high-level national security issues.

“Mr. Feinberg, we've got to live in the real world here,” Kelly said. “Things happen and it's obvious to the rest of the world. For us to not be able to say an obvious fact? It doesn't help a negotiation.”

But Feinberg, in written responses to advance policy questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee, called Russia’s actions in February 2022 a “further invasion.” Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.

Feinberg’s answer came in response to a question about the Pentagon’s multibillion-dollar European Defense Initiative, which could be on the chopping block as the Trump administration seeks to pull back from past guarantees of European security and push NATO nations to spend more on their own defense.

“EDI investments since 2014 did not deter Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,” Feinberg wrote. “If confirmed, I would support a review of the allocation of resources across the different theaters of conflict and recommend investments that best protect U.S. interests, deter conflict, and leverage the investments of our Allies to provide for their own defense.”

While Feinberg’s written answer did not come up during the hearing, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also pressed him to call Russia’s actions an invasion, characterizing Trump’s recent negotiating posture as “bowing down” before Russia.

Feinberg said he disagreed, asserting that Trump is “the first guy who brought Russia to the table.”

“I don't feel that I should publicly comment in the middle of a tense negotiation,” he said. “I’m not privy to the details of what’s going on in the negotiation between Russia and Ukraine, what the sensitivities are, [and] what the president is trying to accomplish. I’d be afraid to speak out of turn and undermine that.”

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) said he is alarmed by the Trump administration’s posture.

“This was a Russian invasion of Ukraine, and at the highest levels of our government right now, we have folks who won’t speak the truth,” he said. “It is important that we not let these things just pass by unremarked upon.”

But Feinberg said Trump is “very cunning” in how he negotiates.

“I'd like to see how it works out,” he said. “I have confidence it will work out favorable to America.”

Elsewhere in the hearing, Feinberg, who has a reputation as a “reclusive” billionaire, said that, if confirmed, he would prefer to do his job as DOD’s No. 2 civilian in “total anonymity,” working to improve acquisition and successfully audit the department.

Sen. Angus King (I-ME), who during his questioning of Feinberg noted the tense political debate surrounding some of the Trump administration’s decisions to cut DOD civilian employees, said he understands Feinberg’s desire to stay out of the spotlight.

“Total anonymity is something all of us seek but none of us achieve,” King said.

Feinberg responded: “Yes, sir.”

White House issues RFI for artificial intelligence policy strategy
By Theresa Maher
February 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM

The Trump administration is seeking public comment to inform the development of its plan to ensure U.S. artificial intelligence dominance, according to a Federal Register notice.

The Feb. 6 request for information seeks input on regulatory actions for inclusion in the development of an AI Action Plan, which would define priority policy actions “to enhance America’s position as an AI powerhouse” and protect private sector innovation from hindrance caused by “burdensome requirements,” the White House said in a statement.

The RFI, which closes March 15, comes less than a month after President Trump issued an Executive Order including direction to develop the AI Action Plan

“This AI Action Plan is the first step in securing and advancing American AI dominance, and we look forward to incorporating the public’s comments and innovative ideas,” Lynne Parker, principal deputy director at the Office of Science and Technology Policy, said in the White House statement.

AI policy topics for public comment and consideration include but are not limited to data centers, energy consumption and efficiency, open-source development, cybersecurity, national security and defense, procurement, international collaboration and export controls, according to the Federal Register notice.

“Respondents are encouraged to suggest concrete AI policy actions needed to address the topics raised,” the notice said.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 25, 2025
By John Liang
February 25, 2025 at 1:23 PM

This Tuesday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on the rebranding of the Pentagon's "Iron Dome for America" effort plus a Space Force official talking about not being fazed too much over the changes the new administration wants to implement and more.

The Defense Department's "Iron Dome for America" effort has been rebranded as the "Golden Dome for America":

'Iron Dome' rebranded 'Golden Dome' after trademark trips up Trump marquee project

The Pentagon is renaming its next-generation domestic air defense modernization initiative -- a project that is poised to potentially double missile defense spending -- only four weeks after the White House launched the project, a major brand stumble right out of the gate for the Trump administration's marquee project.

Document: MDA's 'golden dome for America' RFI

Every administration comes in with budgetary priorities that are different from the previous administration, and it's the duty of service leaders to meet those changes, according to a senior Space Force official:

Senior Space Force official downplays effects of Trump administration shakeups

The order for military departments to suggest 8% cuts within their budgets and the potential firing of thousands of Defense Department civilians is not that different from previous administration transitions, a senior Space Force official said Monday.

The latest CMMC news from our colleagues at Inside Cybersecurity:

Contracting attorneys argue Arrington's return to Pentagon could accelerate CMMC program

Katie Arrington's return to the Pentagon shows a renewed interest in getting the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program off the ground, according to contracting attorneys who highlighted the pressure companies are facing with official assessments now underway while a final rule to start the clock for requirements is still pending.

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate want the Pentagon to set up a new Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel:

New bill would spend nearly $1.4B to expand U.S. defense partnership with Israel

A bicameral, bipartisan group of lawmakers wants the United States to spend about $1.4 billion over the next five fiscal years expanding U.S. defense cooperation with Israel on emerging technologies, including the establishment of a new Defense Innovation Unit office.

Last Friday brought about a shakeup in the leadership of the Navy:

Kilby performing the duties of CNO after Franchetti's firing

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jim Kilby is now performing the duties of the chief of naval operations after Adm. Lisa Franchetti was removed from the role on Friday night.

Senate confirms Driscoll to be next Army secretary
By Dan Schere
February 25, 2025 at 12:17 PM

The Senate voted 66 to 28 today to confirm Dan Driscoll to be the Army's next secretary.

Driscoll was a senior adviser and Yale Law School classmate of Vice President JD Vance. He served in the Army from 2007 to 2011, including a deployment to Iraq in 2009 with the 10th Mountain Division.

More recently, Driscoll ran unsuccessfully for a congressional seat in North Carolina in 2020, owned a consulting practice and served as chief strategy officer for OnCall Physician Staffing.

President Trump nominated Driscoll in December, and he appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee Jan. 30. During the hearing, Driscoll emphasized the need to stockpile critical munitions and said the Army must look at directed energy as a potential counter drone solution.

During that hearing, Driscoll also addressed the fatal collision between an inbound American Airlines flight and a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people, promising to work toward preventing future similar tragedies. Driscoll suggested the Army ought to re-evaluate whether it conducts training exercises near the airport.

The Jan. 30 hearing also featured a tense exchange in which Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) told Driscoll that he “performed very poorly” when they met initially a week earlier. She then quizzed him on topics such as the number of personnel in a brigade combat team, the Army training manual and elements of force posture.

“I'm glad you're doing your homework. See, this is working because you're doing your homework, which you did not do because you couldn't name a country in Africa where we have troops, when I asked you,” Duckworth said in the hearing.

Driscoll’s nomination was voted out of committee earlier this month.

Driscoll succeeds Christine Wormuth, who served as Army secretary during the Biden administration.

Three-star general performing duties of Air Force vice chief of staff after Trump firing
By Shelley K. Mesch
February 24, 2025 at 7:49 PM

Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus is performing the duties of the Air Force vice chief of staff after President Trump ousted Gen. Jim Slife Friday night.

Pleus is the current director of staff for Headquarters Air Force, according to his online biography. He “synchronizes and integrates policy, plans, positions, procedures and cross-functional issues for the headquarters staff,” according to the page.

Slife had been vice chief for just over a year, starting the position in December 2023. Previously, he was deputy chief of staff for operations at Headquarters Air Force and before that commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Slife’s ouster Friday night. In an atypical move, Trump and Hegseth fired several top officers, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti.

The Army, Navy and Air Force judge advocates general -- the top lawyers for each service -- were also fired Friday night.

Maj. Gen. Rebecca Vernon, the deputy judge advocate general for the Air Force, will be performing the duties of the judge advocate general. Lt. Gen. Charles Plummer had held that position.

In another unusual move, Trump named retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine -- who has most recently worked with venture capital firms -- as his pick for Joint Chiefs chairman. Nominations for the other five positions have not yet been named.

The INSIDER daily digest -- Feb. 24, 2025
By John Liang
February 24, 2025 at 12:15 PM

This Monday INSIDER Daily Digest has news on civilian workforce cuts announced by the Defense Department late last week and more.

Civilian workforce cuts announced by the Pentagon late last week are intended to "produce efficiencies and refocus the department on the president’s priorities and restoring readiness in the force":

DOD plans to cut civilian workforce 5%-8% under new Trump efficiency plan

The Defense Department is planning to reduce its civilian workforce between 5% and 8%, according to a statement from a senior defense official, who also announced the coming planned termination of about 5,400 probationary workers next week and a DOD-wide hiring freeze.

The Army doesn't think it needs an additional variant of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle:

Army argues against DOT&E's AMPV recommendation

The Army is making the case it doesn't need to develop a sixth, fire direction-specific variant of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle, going against a recommendation the Pentagon's chief weapons tester has repeatedly put forth.

In a recent memo, acting Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Steven Morani calls on military component heads to "conduct a comprehensive review and validation of existing contracts for consulting services":

Pentagon to review all consulting contracts for possible budget cuts

The Defense Department, with an eye toward budget efficiency, has begun a review of all contracts for consulting services, according to a new memo from the Pentagon's acting acquisition chief.

Document: DOD memo on review and validation of consulting services contracts

Lockheed Martin's top executive spoke about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program last week:

Lockheed CEO: F-35 still 'essential' despite promises of unmanned warfare

Lockheed Martin's CEO doesn't see the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter losing prominence in the U.S. or partner fleet anytime soon, despite some Trump administration officials questioning the jet's usefulness as drones are made more sophisticated.

The head of U.S. Southern Command recently warned about growing Chinese influence in the Caribbean region:

SOUTHCOM: China eyeing Caribbean as 'offensive island chain' to threaten U.S. at home

The U.S. military is increasingly concerned that the Caribbean could become an "offensive island chain" for China as Beijing expands its footprint in the region in a way that could increase combat access and potential force projection, jeopardizing the United States' strategic positioning in its own hemisphere.

The week ahead
By Tony Bertuca
February 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Senior defense officials are scheduled to speak at several events around Washington this week.

Monday

The Hudson Institute hosts a discussion on nonproliferation in great power competition.

Tuesday

The Senate Armed Services Committee holds a nomination hearing for Stephen Feinberg to be deputy defense secretary.

Wednesday

The House Armed Services Committee holds a hearing on the U.S. defense industrial base.

The House Armed Services intelligence and special operations subcommittee holds a hearing to discuss the role of special operations in great power competition.

Govini hosts the 2025 Defense Software and Data Summit.

Thursday

The Senate Armed Services Committee holds a nomination hearing for John Phelan to be Navy secretary.

The Atlantic Council hosts a discussion on the role of operational energy in military resilience and readiness.

Trump fires Brown, picks Caine for Joint Chiefs chairman; CNO, AF vice chief to be replaced
By John Liang
February 21, 2025 at 8:28 PM

The Pentagon announced this evening that President Trump intends to nominate retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan "Razin" Caine as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing Gen. CQ Brown, who has been fired. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Air Force Vice Chief Gen. James Slife are also being replaced.

"I want to thank General Charles 'CQ' Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Brown has been chairman since October 2023, nominated by then-President Joe Biden. The Senate confirmed Brown in an 83-11 vote after a months-long nominee blockade from Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

Meanwhile, Trump said Caine, a retired three-star, was “instrumental” in defeating ISIS in his first term, alleging that he had been passed over for promotion in the previous administration.

“Despite being highly qualified and respected to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the previous administration, General Caine was passed over for promotion by Sleepy Joe Biden,” Trump wrote. “But not anymore! Alongside Secretary Pete Hegseth, General Caine and our military will restore peace through strength, put America First, and rebuild our military.”

In a statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Caine "embodies the warfighter ethos."

"The outgoing Chairman, Gen. Charles 'CQ' Brown, Jr., USAF, has served with distinction in a career spanning four decades of honorable service. I have come to know him as a thoughtful adviser and salute him for his distinguished service to our country," Hegseth continued.

Prior to being confirmed as defense secretary, Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, had stated publicly that Brown should be fired over his perceived championing of “woke” diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

The secretary also said he was "requesting nominations for the positions of chief of naval operations and Air Force vice chief of staff" to replace Franchetti and Slife.

"Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers," Hegseth said. "We thank them for their service and dedication to our country."

Additionally, Hegseth said nominations are also being sought for the Army, Navy and Air Force judge advocates general.

"Under President Trump, we are putting in place new leadership that will focus our military on its core mission of deterring, fighting and winning wars," Hegseth said.

It is unclear whether Brown, Franchetti or Slife will stay on the job until they are replaced.

The shake-up has been expected for several days as word began to leak that the White House would soon begin purging military leaders who are not seen as aligned with Trump’s “American First” ideology, which eschews diversity, equity and inclusion. Brown is only the second black chairman and Franchetti is the first female CNO.

Franchetti is the second top female military officer to be fired by Trump, with the first being Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan just a day after the president was sworn in.

The news drew partisan reactions from Capitol Hill, with Republicans supporting the move and Democrats decrying it.

“I thank Chairman Brown for his decades of honorable service to our nation. I am confident Secretary Hegseth and President Trump will select a qualified and capable successor for the critical position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs,” Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) said in a statement that did not mention Caine's name.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, said on X that it was just “more chaos from Trump on national security.”

“Firing CQ Brown as joint chiefs chair is completely unjustified,” Smith wrote. “Smart, competent leader to be replaced by a retired 3 star? More weakening of America. Putin just keeps smiling.”

Army puts modern software IDIQ on hold to 're-examine' strategy
By Dan Schere
February 21, 2025 at 3:59 PM

The Army has put the final solicitation for the modern software delivery indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract on hold to "re-examine the strategy," according to the program office.

The contract, worth billions over 10 years, is meant to enable the Defense Department to “build functionality, implement and extend the capabilities” of the Army when it comes to modernizing rapid development and delivery of software capabilities, according to the solicitation.

The IDIQ is meant to efficiently award task orders to support “software capability efforts” in areas such as software development, security and operations (DevSecOps), as well as software delivery using “modern architectures, infrastructure and platforms.”

The solicitation was released in May 2024, a couple months after the Army issued a new policy aimed at cutting through red tape when it comes to making software development more agile and lean.

On Feb. 18, the Army updated the software IDIQ to note that it is “on hold indefinitely” because the Army was “reviewing the strategy.”

The Program Executive Office for Enterprise, in response to questions from Inside Defense about the update, wrote in a Feb. 21 statement that the office “placed the Modern Software Delivery IDIQ final solicitation on hold to re-examine the strategy.”

“A notice was issued on SAM.gov on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to inform industry of this decision. We appreciate the work and engagement with our industry partners over the last few months and will provide an update on SAM.gov as appropriate,” the office said.

“Requirements continue to evolve, and we want to ensure any solicitation we issue yields the best possible solution.”

The announcement comes the same week the Pentagon announced it is developing a $50 billion list of “offsets” to cut from the fiscal year 2026 budget to reinvest in other priorities of the Trump administration. It was not immediately clear whether the software contract is among areas that could experience cuts.

Bipartisan team of lawmakers seeks Hegseth's justifications for possible military firings
By Tony Bertuca
February 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers wants Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to explain why the Trump administration is considering firing senior military leaders, which critics have likened to a political "purge."

In a letter sent today, Reps. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jason Crow (D-CO), Jared Golden (D-ME), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Don Bacon (R-NE) ask Hegseth for “clear, transparent and apolitical criteria” for the possible firings.

“As your administration contemplates removing numerous General and Flag Officers, it is vital that we have transparency on the criteria and process used to evaluate these officers,” the lawmakers wrote. “There are valid reasons to remove a General or Flag Officer, but there must be clear, transparent and apolitical criteria and processes associated with any such dismissal.”

The letter follows media reports that a list of possible staff terminations is circulating among Republicans on Capitol Hill that includes Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti.

The Pentagon has declined to discuss the reports of possible staff terminations.

Prior to being confirmed as defense secretary, Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran, had stated publicly that Brown should be fired over his perceived championing of “woke” diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

In their letter to Hegseth, the lawmakers acknowledge that all senior military leaders serve at the pleasure of the president.

But, they wrote, the “General and Flag Officers of this country are patriots who have dedicated their lives to the defense of the United States.”

“Most, if not all, of the current three- and four-star General and Flag officers were General and Flag officers under the first Trump administration and all have served honorably under many administrations of both parties,” they wrote. “Each of them has been confirmed by the United States Senate repeatedly over the course of their careers.”