A new Pentagon directive bars the public affairs shops of the armed forces from taking about, or answering any questions concerning, the ongoing Quadrennial Defense Review. Until recently, a service could, if it wished, sketch out the “context” of QDR issues with reporters, often putting up their QDR point men to talk. No more. All press inquiries about the QDR are to be routed to the main DOD public affairs operation. When reporters call there, they are told nothing can be said until the QDR is finished, whenever that may be. The QDR results are supposed to be made public in February. More or less.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.