ICYMI: Most viewed Lawfire posts for 2025
2025 was another great year for Lawfire thanks to you, the readers! In case you missed some of the most-read posts, here are a couple for you: Is independent, nonpartisan legal advice from military...
Category: Military Justice
Guest post: “The Army’s ‘New’ Investigative Standards Are Not New at All”
Today Lawfire® contributor Butch Bracknell unpacks the recent (22 Jun 2025) changes to Army Regulation (AR) 15-6, Procedures for Preliminary Inquiries, Administrative Investigations, and Boards of Officers. The media reports that the changes have...
Yes, the law of military orders matters, and here’s how
In recent weeks, professors from four U.S. military institutions have expounded on what is in essence the law of military orders (even if they don’t acknowledge it as such). Decide for yourself, but I...
Guest Post: Chuck Pede asks “Firing the Army chief prosecutor–is this what independence looks like?”
Today’s guest post is by my friend retired Army lieutenant general (LTG) Charles (“Chuck”) Pede who now teaches at George Washington University Law School. LTG (R) Pede’s thoughtful essay raises serious issues about the...
Your summer 2023 reading recommendations are here!
Are you assembling your reading list for the summer? I am, so I thought perhaps you’d be interested in some ideas. If you are new to the national security arena, may I invite you...
The Pentagon’s vaccine imbroglio: where to go from here?
What could Congress’ repeal of the military vaccine mandate mean for morale and discipline in the armed forces? Should those who were separated for failing to obey vaccine orders be reinstated? These and related...
Cheer the Air Force’s 75th Anniversary, but understand the challenges ahead
Today the Air Force celebrates its 75th anniversary, and there is much to celebrate…but also much for concern. First the good news: virtually every survey shows that the U.S. Air Force is rated as...
Guest Post: Don Rehkopf on “Courts-Martial Verdicts: Some Thoughts on Unanimity”
Today’s post is a return visit by Lawfire®contributor Don Rehkopf. As you may recall from his previous post, Don has practiced military law for more than 45 years as an active duty officer, reservist,...
Why are politicos trying to silence the senior uniformed lawyers informing Congress about critical military justice issues?
In what only can be described as an ill-considered—not to mention inaccurate—op-ed, Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Administration favorite Lynn Rosenthal made one of the most serious and insulting accusations possible against military officers...
Brian Cox on: “Congress Must Make Informed Decisions to Prevent Risk of Systemic Military Justice Failure”
Congressional action is underway to eviscerate commanders’ authority in military justice matters but prudent consideration of the long-term and broader military impact is needed. Brian Cox, a doctoral candidate lecturer and J.S.D. candidate at...
