Early Bird Brief

Rep. Calvert on defense spending.

Today, Defense News congressional reporter Bryant Harris sits down with Republican Rep. Ken Calvert, who chairs the subcommittee in charge of defense appropriations. 

Fentanyl related deaths among troops more than double

Today, Pentagon data shows how the number of troops who lost their lives to the drug fentanyl jumped between 2017 and 2021.

Senators call out gaps in domestic defenses after UFO incidents

Today, lawmakers are riled up over objects that were shot down in North American airspace after spending billions on homeland protections.

NATO munition stockpiles need to ramp up

Today, the Secretary-General of NATO offered a blunt assessment of the current defense industrial base, saying the rate of production versus the rate of usage is in the red.

Three flying objects downed in three days

Today, the United States shot down three more ‘unidentified’ aerial objects.

News for military spouses this year

On the day before Valentine's Day, Military Times editor Karen Jowers breaks down all things spouse related for service members and their families. 

“Battle ready” against China and North Korea?

Today, an Army leader said U.S. forces and allies are prepared for conflict against Asian adversaries.

US approves new weapons for Poland

Today, the U.S. State Department approved Poland to purchase advanced rockets and rocket launchers.

Biden on defense policy at the State of the Union

For a special bonus episode, the podcast team went to the State of the Union to listen to President Biden's second annual address to Congress -- and get reactions from lawmakers following the speech. 

Shot fired at Joint Base Andrews

Today, a resident of the installation home to Air Force One opened fire after an intruder trespassed on the base.