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.
The Department of the Air Force has identified 50 programs that will make up the core of its contribution to the Pentagon’s joint all-domain command and control effort, branding them part of the “DAF Battle Network,” according to newly-released budget documents. The DAF Battle Network programs span multiple offices and agencies…