Rowan Scarborough

Army warns Congress of decreased readiness amid budget shortfall

The Army is telling Congress that its combat brigades will not be ready to fight overseas outside of Afghanistan and Korea due to "a rapid atrophy of unit combat skills." Published February 8, 2013

Military is advised against lower standards for women

With Republicans lacking the votes to reinstitute the ban on women in combat as federal law, conservatives are focusing on how to make sure the Pentagon does not lower the standards — and with them, combat readiness — to ensure that female service members graduate. Published February 6, 2013

Four House Democrats hit Army’s battlefield intel system

Four House Democrats are asking fellow party members to consider blocking funds for the Army's battlefield intelligence processor, citing the system's huge costs and failed operational tests. Published February 3, 2013

Washington Times gets action! Indiana Gov. spikes deal with Pakistani bomb supplier

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has suspended a deal to finance an in-state fertilizer plant to be built by a Pakistani conglomerate that the Pentagon has criticized for refusing to take steps to stop the flow of materials to makers of bombs that kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Published January 31, 2013

House GOP pursuing bill to keep combat standards high

House Republicans are beginning to discuss legislation that would prevent the Pentagon from lowering physical standards for women to ensure an ample number get accepted in the most arduous combat jobs in the infantry and special operations. Published January 29, 2013

Rep. Hunter: Subsidy for Pakistani fertilizer company ‘crazy’

A congressman who served as Marine officer in Iraq and Afghanistan says "it's crazy" that a Pakistani fertilizer maker is being allowed to build a plant in the U.S. while it rejects Pentagon pleas to control its products that end up in homemade bombs that kill American troops. Published January 28, 2013

Hagel fate is tied to political posturing

Defense Secretary-designate Chuck Hagel's confirmation fight in the Senate is not only about the issues. It's also a bit personal. Published January 28, 2013

Pakistani fertilizer firm to expand in U.S., but balks on controlling bomb materials

The Pakistani corporation that has refused the Pentagon's urgent appeals to control the flow of explosive materials to bomb-makers who kill U.S. troops is expanding its fertilizer manufacturing into the United States. Published January 27, 2013

Navy chief calls for sharp spending cuts

The Navy's top officer sent a memo to his admirals Thursday ordering them to curtail activities because of a $3.6 billion shortfall for operations and maintenance. Published January 24, 2013

Africa’s fast-reaction force ready to go from Colorado

Four years after its startup, U.S. Africa Command has it own fast-reaction commando force — based at Fort Carson, Colo., thousands of miles from the troubled continent. Published January 23, 2013

‘Far Right’ report outrages critics of federalism

A West Point think tank report that links people who believe in individual freedom with violent "far right" movements has stirred strong opposition from conservatives and former members of the military. Published January 21, 2013

West Point center cites dangers of ‘far right’ in U.S.

A West Point think tank has issued a paper warning America about "far right" groups such as the "anti-federalist" movement, which supports "civil activism, individual freedoms and self-government." Published January 17, 2013

Pentagon campaign for Hagel questionable, expert says

The White House, not the Pentagon, should be making the political argument to the Senate to confirm former Sen. Chuck Hagel as the next defense secretary, a government expert says. Published January 15, 2013

Pentagon  insiders  preferred  another  over Hagel

Military officers assigned to the Pentagon do not vote on who becomes secretary of defense, but if they did, former Sen. Chuck Hagel might finish in second place. Published January 14, 2013

Pentagon begins campaign to bust ‘myths’ about nominee Hagel

The Pentagon has begun a campaign to rebut what it calls "myths" about Defense Secretary-designate Chuck Hagel and is sending to senators documents purporting to show that he is pro-Israel and tough on Iran. Published January 13, 2013

Hagel’s group sees Iran as a future ally

The think tank overseen by President Obama's defense secretary-designate predicts that Iran one day will be a "natural partner" for the U.S. and could possess nuclear weapons. Published January 8, 2013

Hagel is in for tough challenge to lead the Pentagon

As White House officials confirmed Sunday that the president plans to nominate Chuck Hagel on Monday as Pentagon chief, Republicans made it clear that the former senator from Nebraska will face a tough confirmation battle. Published January 6, 2013

Senate balks at promotion for Navy officer who shot down Air Force jet

A Senate committee has refused to approve a promotion to admiral for a Navy officer who, as a young fighter pilot during a training mission, deliberately shot down an Air Force plane whose flier has suffered a life of pain from his forced ejection. Published January 3, 2013

Pentagon undeterred by sex scandals; policy on women proceeds

The Pentagon is pushing ahead with its campaign to move women closer to the battlefield, despite a series of sex scandals involving senior officers and a report showing an increase in sexual assaults among the troops. Published January 3, 2013

Army gets geographical command, at last

The Army stepped to the fore last month, winning one of the armed forces' most coveted commands after having seen Marine Corps generals selected in recent years to head operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Europe. Published December 31, 2012