US Military
333 Articles

U.K. Court Nixes Saudi Arms Sales–What it Means for the US and Other EU Countries
The court ruled, in essence, that in making decisions on arms sales, the U.K. government could no longer ignore uncomfortable facts. The result also could provide guidance to other…

Defense Policy Bill Should Require Reporting of Ex Gratia Payments
Without mandatory reporting on condolence payments in the National Defense Authorization Act, Congress—and the public—may remain in the dark about whether and how the Defense…

An “Emergency” Arms Deal: Will Congress Acquiesce in Another Blow to Its Authority?
If Congress can’t stand up to protect its own prerogatives on arms sales, then its chances of being heard on anything else will be permanently diminished.

Post-9/11 Veterans Have Mixed Feelings About Trump’s War Crimes Pardons
In order to better understand how to think about this controversial decision, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) conducted a flash poll this week, with over 1,600…

The American Way of War Includes Fidelity to Law: Preemptive Pardons Break that Code
"The news that President Trump is even considering such action is unlike conduct by any President in modern history, and the danger it poses to the rule of law is staggering. Such…

New Legislation Offers Opportunity to Address 2001 Authorization for Use of Force, Amid Fears of War with Iran
Thanks to a new amendment that will be introduced today to must-pass legislation, Congress will have the opportunity to wrest greater control over its authorization of war under…

Sticking It To Yourself: Preemptive Pardons for Battlefield Crimes Undercut Military Justice and Military Effectiveness
Chris Jenks served as Special Counsel to the General Counsel of the Department of Defense (2017-2018) where he was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional…

‘Flying Ginsu’ Missile Won’t Resolve U.S. Targeted Killing Controversy
Proponents of a new, modified Hellfire missile called the R9X tout it as a game-changer that can spare more civilian lives than traditional Hellfires. But the new technology can…

Getting Past the Veto on Ending Yemen War: How Congress’ Next Moves Can Succeed
Congress can now take two paths to end Yemen War, in light of President's Trump successful veto. A short-term and long-term strategy.

The Pentagon’s 2018 Civilian Casualties Report: What’s In It and What’s Next
The Pentagon’s latest annual report, released this morning, lists shockingly low numbers of "credible" civilian casualties. It also illustrated the need for better processes…

Transparency on Civilian Harm in Somalia Matters – Not Just to Americans
"Under the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations, much of the commentary on the use of lethal force in counterterrorism operations has focused on the importance of transparency…

The Mattis Transgender Policy Will Go Into Effect Next Friday
Last Tuesday, in response to a government motion, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit altered its previous schedule and ordered the Clerk to issue the…