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Pentagon, Navy Nominees Outline Defense Priorities in Senate Confirmation Hearing
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Senate seal. The Senate is considering four individuals for key Pentagon and Navy roles

The Senate Armed Services Committee has conducted a hearing to consider nominations of Marc Berkowitz, Joseph Jewell, James Caggy and Brendan Rogers in critical positions at the Department of Defense.

If confirmed, Berkowitz, Jewell and Caggy will serve as assistant secretaries of defense for space policy, science and technology, and mission capabilities, respectively. Meanwhile, Rogers is nominated to be assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment. 

In his opening remarks, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., emphasized the importance of each of the roles in advancing the Pentagon’s mission. 

“The American people need public servants to step up and help us deter our enemies. We face a threat environment more dangerous than any since World War II,” Wicker, who sits as chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated. “I say this at almost every hearing because it bears repeating. In such challenging times, I am grateful that these individuals have answered the call to serve.”

What Are the Nominees’ Priorities if Confirmed?

In his opening statement submitted to Congress, Berkowitz committed to ensuring U.S. space and missile defense forces are ready to deter aggression and defend the homeland if confirmed as assistant secretaries of defense for space policy.

Meanwhile, Jewell said he intends to strengthen the nation’s technological edge by accelerating defense research in areas such as hypersonics, directed energy and artificial intelligence if confirmed. He plans to expand collaboration across government, academia and industry, shorten the path from discovery to deployment and foster new STEM talent to sustain U.S. military innovation.

If appointed as assistant secretary of defense for mission capabilities, Caggy said he will prioritize efforts to speed up the development and deployment of advanced defense technologies, strengthen innovation pipelines and testing infrastructure, and deepen partnerships with the defense technology sector. 

Rogers, the nominee for assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment, said he will focus on bolstering the service’s readiness and resilience. He pledged to work with Congress and stakeholders to “strengthen the foundations on which our Sailors and Marines live, train and fight.”

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Pacific Fleet Commander Urges Rapid Tech Acquisition, AI Integration
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U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Stephen Koehler. Adm. Stephen Koehler has pushed for a rapid tech acquisition strategy.

Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, urged defense and industry leaders to accelerate the acquisition and deployment of advanced technologies to service members, Defense One reported Thursday.

Pacific Fleet Commander Urges Rapid Tech Acquisition, AI Integration

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Why Is Adm. Koehler Urging Faster Tech Adoption?

Speaking at the AFCEA TechNet Indo-Pacific conference, Koehler emphasized the need for a rapid acquisition strategy to outpace adversaries in equipping forces with advanced systems capable of operating inside the weapons engagement zone. He encouraged a “holistic, innovative approach” to technology integration and urged the Navy to “embrace the red,” a mindset focused on confronting problems directly, adapting quickly and addressing challenges at speed.

Koehler said the Pacific Fleet continues to integrate artificial intelligence into its operations, using AI-driven tools for data analysis and expanding efforts to enhance command control and decision-making. He outlined a vision in which AI accelerates maneuver and fires cycles for more decisive combat responses.

He also called for deeper collaboration between the military and defense industry, citing Indo-Pacific Command’s innovation hub, The Forge, as a model for rapid experimentation. Koehler added that sailors must have the authority to repair and reconfigure their own systems in the field to maintain resilience and readiness.

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Johns Hopkins APL Launches GenWar Lab to Advance AI-Driven Wargaming
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Johns Hopkins APL. GenWar Lab set for AI-driven wargaming

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory has established the GenWar Lab program, a new incubator aimed at advancing artificial intelligence-driven wargaming and decision support for military and national security leaders.

GenWar Lab will integrate and build on two existing initiatives, GenWar TTX and GenWar Sim, combining them into a broader environment designed to fuse human insight with machine intelligence, APL said Thursday. The lab added that the new incubator will also serve as the foundation for a new exploratory effort, GenWar X, focused on developing future concepts and experimental tools.

Johns Hopkins APL Launches GenWar Lab to Advance AI-Driven Wargaming

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What Do the GenWar Digital Environments Offer?

GenWar TTX provides a digital environment where commanders and civilian leaders can engage in tabletop exercises with AI-enabled advisers and adversary models. The system is designed to enable participants to test strategies, explore dynamic mission scenarios and assess how AI agents behave in complex decision-making environments.

GenWar Sim, built on the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration and Modeling, bridges traditional wargaming with data-driven modeling. It is geared to allow players to describe moves in natural language, which are then translated into executable simulations, combining human judgment with AI speed and analytical strength.

GenWar Lab Facility Opening in 2026

APL said the GenWar X program will advance its capabilities further by developing cross-cutting tools and experimenting with scenarios that anticipate emerging threats and adversary behaviors. A dedicated GenWar Lab facility at APL’s Laurel, Maryland campus is expected to open in 2026. 

Kelly Diaz, GenWar Lab program manager, said the lab is designed to give APL a structured, analytical environment for tackling complex national security challenges. “Rather than replacing expert judgment, it will amplify it, allowing teams to explore a much broader landscape of possibilities, stress-test assumptions and expose decision inflection points that human teams can then interrogate in depth,” Diaz pointed out.

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CISA, NSA Issue Guidance to Strengthen Microsoft Exchange Server Security
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Nick Andersen, an official at CISA. Andersen highlighted the value of cybersecurity practices on Microsoft Exchange servers

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Security Agency, along with global cybersecurity partners, have issued new guidance outlining best practices to secure Microsoft Exchange servers against cyberattacks. 

The release is part of an ongoing collaboration between U.S. and allied cybersecurity agencies to counter evolving threats to critical infrastructure and national security, CISA said Thursday.

CISA, NSA Issue Guidance to Strengthen Microsoft Exchange Server Security

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The 15-page document, titled Microsoft Exchange Server Security Best Practices, expands on CISA’s earlier Emergency Directive 25-02 and provides technical recommendations for organizations using on-premises Exchange or hybrid environments.

What Are the Roadmap’s Suggested Cybersecurity Steps?

The guidance urges organizations to enforce a prevention posture, emphasizing principles such as least privilege, deny-by-default and timely patching. It calls for maintaining regular security updates and enabling Microsoft’s Emergency Mitigation Service to reduce system vulnerabilities.

It also recommends applying security baselines across Exchange servers, operating systems and mail clients to maintain consistent configurations and quickly identify deviations. Agencies, such as the Defense Information Systems Agency, the Center for Internet Security and Microsoft, have published baseline templates that network administrators can follow.

The document further suggests enabling built-in protections, including Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Antimalware Scan Interface, Attack Surface Reduction, AppLocker and Exchange’s own anti-spam and anti-malware tools.

Additional Guardrails Through Zero Trust Principles

Additional measures—such as restricting administrative access, implementing multifactor authentication, enforcing transport security and adopting zero-trust principles—can further strengthen defenses, according to the guidance. CISA and NSA also warned that some Exchange Server versions have reached end-of-life and urged organizations to take proactive steps to mitigate associated risks.

“With the threat to Exchange servers remaining persistent, enforcing a prevention posture and adhering to these best practices is crucial for safeguarding our critical communication systems,” said Nick Andersen, executive assistant director for CISA’s cybersecurity division. “This guidance empowers organizations to proactively mitigate threats, protect enterprise assets and ensure the resilience of their operations,” the agency official stressed. 

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Hegseth Plans to Shift Pentagon’s Arms Sales Office to Acquisition Leadership
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Pete Hegseth. The DOD secretary is expected to announce a restructuring of the Pentagon’s arms sales operations.

Pete Hegseth, secretary of the Department of Defense and a 2025 Wash100 awardee, is expected to announce a major restructuring of the Pentagon’s arms sales operations on Nov. 7 at a meeting of defense industry executives, Politico reported Wednesday.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees U.S. foreign military sales, will move from under the policy side of DOD led by Elbridge Colby to the acquisition and sustainment office headed by Michael Duffey.

The move is designed to accelerate weapons production and streamline FMS deals. By aligning arms sales with the Pentagon’s $400 billion weapons-procurement office, officials hope to reduce delays that have frustrated allies seeking U.S. equipment. 

Army to Consolidate PEOs Under New ‘Portfolio Acquisition Executives’

The defense secretary is also expected to announce a broader reorganization of the Pentagon’s acquisition bureaucracy.

According to the report, Hegseth’s team is expected to consolidate the U.S. Army’s 13 program executive offices — which oversee the procurement of tanks, artillery shells and other weapons systems — into larger portfolios overseen by new senior officials known as “portfolio acquisition executives.” These leaders will report directly to the Army secretary and chief of staff, giving top officials a clearer picture of the service’s most critical programs.

Similar changes are anticipated for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force as part of Hegseth’s push to improve oversight, speed up decision-making and better coordinate weapons production with global demand.

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Trump Administration Scores Major Maritime, Tech Deals With South Korea
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White House. The Trump administration secured deals with South Korea in technology and shipbuilding.

The Trump administration has announced key investments and agreements with South Korea to strengthen U.S. exports, advance American leadership in technology and energy, and build up maritime partnerships.

How Will South Korea’s Maritime Investments Strengthen American Shipbuilding?

The White House said Wednesday President Donald Trump secured multibillion-dollar investments from South Korean companies to modernize and expand the capacity of the U.S. shipbuilding industry during the final stop of his Indo-Pacific trip.

HD Hyundai and Cerberus Capital Management will partner on a $5 billion investment program to upgrade U.S. shipyards, strengthen supply chains and advance the use of automation, digitalization, autonomous navigation and other new technologies.

Hanwha Ocean unveiled a $5 billion infrastructure plan to expand Pennsylvania’s Philly Shipyard workforce and boost production capacity. 

Samsung Heavy Industries will work with Vigor Marine Group on naval vessel maintenance, repair and overhaul efforts, as well as U.S.-flagged ship construction and shipyard automation initiatives.

What Will US-South Korea Technology Cooperation Deliver?

To advance innovation and strengthen technological leadership, the U.S. and South Korea are signing a Technology Prosperity Deal focused on artificial intelligence, 6G, biotech supply chains, research security and quantum innovation. 

Amazon will invest $5 billion through 2031 to develop South Korea’s cloud infrastructure, supporting U.S. exports and advancing the country’s leadership in AI.

According to the White House, NASA’s Artemis II mission will include the deployment of a Korean satellite to measure space radiation. Both countries have committed to diversifying the critical mineral supply chains through public-private partnerships.

South Korea’s air force tapped L3Harris Technologies for a $2.3 billion program to build an airborne warning and control aircraft. The agreement is expected to support more than 6,000 U.S. jobs.

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Vice Adm. Thomas Allan Nominated as Coast Guard Vice Commandant
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USCG's Thomas Allan. Vice Adm. Thomas Allan has been nominated as Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The White House has nominated Vice Adm. Thomas Allan Jr. for vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

A congressional notice confirmed that Allan’s nomination by President Trump was officially submitted to the Senate on Thursday and has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation for review.

Allan has been serving as acting vice commandant since July 3. His prior roles include acting deputy commandant for operations, deputy commandant for mission support, director of operations at U.S. Southern Command and commander of the Coast Guard’s First District.

Get all the latest updates on the Coast Guard from Sec. Kristi Noem herself at Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 12! This all-day GovCon networking conference is essential for industrial base members looking to develop or deepen partnerships with DHS.

Who Are the Other Coast Guard Officials Nominated?

Aside from Allan, the White House sent other nominations for top Coast Guard positions to the Senate, including Adm. Kevin Lunday as commandant of the Coast Guard.

Vice Adm. Nathan Moore, commander of the Atlantic Area, was nominated to serve as deputy commandant for operations, while Acting Deputy Commandant for Operations Rear Adm. Douglas Schofield was nominated as chief of staff.

Rear Adm. Jo-Ann Burdian, currently serving as the director of the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and Rear Adm. Joseph Buzzella, Jr., commander of Coast Guard Pacific, were nominated for promotion to vice admiral.

Vice Adm. Thomas Allan Nominated as Coast Guard Vice Commandant
Government Shutdown Could Cost US Economy Up to $14B
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US Capitol. CBO warned that the shutdown could permanently erase up to $14 billion from the U.S. economy.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the ongoing government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, could result in a permanent economic loss of between $7 billion and $14 billion in 2025 dollars even after most federal spending and activity resume.

In a letter to House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, CBO Director Phillip Swagel said the lapse in discretionary appropriations will temporarily lower U.S. economic output and increase unemployment, with the severity of the impact depending on how long the shutdown continues and which federal activities remain suspended.

How Much Will the Shutdown Affect the Economy?

CBO projected that the shutdown would lower annualized real gross domestic product growth in the fourth quarter of 2025 by 1 to 2 percentage points, depending on whether it lasts four, six or eight weeks. Although output will rebound once funding is restored, some of the decline in real GDP will not be recovered.

The GDP slump is primarily attributed to fewer government services, delayed federal spending on goods and services, and reduced private-sector output caused by lower aggregate demand. While activity will recover as federal workers receive back pay and agencies restart operations, some lost productivity from furloughed employees will be permanent.

How Will the Shutdown Affect Workers and Businesses?

The shutdown is expected to temporarily raise unemployment as most furloughed workers are counted as unemployed. 

Businesses dependent on federal spending or tourism, especially those near closed national parks and monuments, will experience income losses.

What Broader Effects Could the Shutdown Have?

Beyond lost output, CBO warned that the shutdown could undermine confidence in federal operations.

The agency noted that some activities, such as pay for active-duty military and certain law enforcement officers, continue under exceptions, but prolonged disruption could lead to deeper operational and economic consequences.

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DOT Awards $89M Contract to Google Under GSA’s OneGov IT Strategy
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Josh Gruenbaum. GSA official highlighted OneGov strategy's taxpayer savings

Google has secured a five-year, $89 million contract to provide the Department of Transportation workforce with the cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools available in Google Workspace. The company booked the deal under the General Services Administration’s OneGov Strategy enabling volume discounts on federal agencies’ IT acquisitions and procurement, NextGov/FCW reported Wednesday.

What Are the Details of the DOT Contract?

According to the report, the contract was awarded Sept. 27 through Carahsoft. It will provide to DOT’s more than 50,000 employees access to the tools in the Google Workspace suite, including Gmail, Drive, Docs and Meet. Artificial intelligence features, such as Gemini and NotebookLM, will also be available to the department’s personnel.

Google became the first vendor to sign a OneGov agreement in April, offering federal customers temporary discounts of up to 71 percent through Sept. 30. The program treats the government as a single large buyer, enabling agencies to secure lower prices and simplified procurement.

More than a dozen other tech firms, including Oracle, have since followed with similar OneGov arrangements.

“We’re excited to see agencies using the OneGov offerings to help deliver on their missions while also saving taxpayer dollars,” Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, told Nextgov/FCW. “This outcome shows how diversity in the federal marketplace yields efficiency, prioritizing American taxpayers first,” added Gruenbaum, a 2025 Wash100 Award winner.

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FCC Head Seeks Comment on Proposed Rules to Auction Additional Upper C-Band Spectrum
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Brendan Carr. FCC chairman released for comment a draft on rules on auctioning additional Upper C-Band spectrum

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr is seeking comment on a proposal to auction additional mid-band spectrum in the Upper C-Band to support next-generation wireless services.

Under a draft notice of proposed rulemaking Carr circulated on Wednesday, input is being solicited on auctioning up to 180 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.98–4.2 gigahertz range, the commission said. The proposal aims to maximize available spectrum as upgrades continue in the neighboring aviation band.

The rulemaking also responds to the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill directing FCC to complete a competitive bidding process for at least 100 MHz of Upper C-Band spectrum by July 2027. The commission will vote on the draft notice at its open meeting in November.

Goal: Restore US Leadership in Wireless Services

“President Trump has been clear that America is going to lead the world in next-generation technologies. That is why the FCC’s Build America Agenda prioritizes the work needed to restore U.S. leadership in wireless,” Carr said. 

He noted that the Trump-backed bill provides the tools for the commission to deliver on the U.S. leadership goal. “Specifically, the bill authorizes and requires the FCC to auction prime, mid-band spectrum in the Upper C-Band, and my proposal aims to maximize the amount of spectrum available for 5G and 6G services,” Carr pointed out.

The FCC is specifically requesting feedback on how much spectrum beyond the 100 MHz minimum could be repurposed, potential coexistence measures with radio altimeters, and the technical and licensing rules that would govern new wireless operations. The proposal builds on the commission’s 2020 auction of the Lower C-Band, which expanded 5G access nationwide.

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