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The article focuses on reorienting the U.S. military to compete with the People's Republic of China as of August 2021. Topics include U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, and the disputed islands in the South China Sea.

The article discusses the issue of public trust in the U.S. armed forces. It mentions the politicization of opinion driven in a large part by former president Donald Trump, the problems of sexual assault and right-wing extremism that plague the services, and whether civil-military relations can be improved.

The article reports on the new Army Combat Fitness Test for the U.S. Army which focuses on upper body and core muscle strength.

The article discusses prospects for immigration reform in the U.S. Although President Barack Obama is eager to sign a reform bill, some Democrats are wary he'll make concessions not agreeable to their Hispanic constituents. Republican House Speaker John Boehner says the House won't pass a comprehensive Senate measure approved in June 2013, but will instead draft smaller bills that deal with specific immigration-related issues.

The article reports on the U.S. Pentagon's $700 billion budget and offers information on items that are not directly related to defense. Items include classical statues from Italy, cookie dough, and personal trainers. Goats, used for practice surgery by military surgeons and medics, are also included.

The article briefly discusses the cost of various weaponry used by the U.S. military against forces loyal to Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Qaddafi in 2011.

The article examines the intent of the U.S. government to cut defense spending increases. While defense contractors within the military-industrial complex have recognized large profits from a generous national budget, the author attests that Democrats and Republicans both advocate for decreased spending as a way to reduce the national deficit. Admonitions issued by U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates are provided.

The article focuses on Mike Franc, policy director for U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, and discusses his previous work experience, his ties with conservative congresspeople, and his knowledge of conservative economist ideology.

The article discusses U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan's proposed federal budget for 2013, and Senator Patty Murray's alternative plan, examining the benefits and drawbacks of each. Topics include how Ryan plans to balance the budget in ten years without increasing taxes, Murray's belief that closing tax loopholes will increase tax revenue and balance the budget, and the likelihood that Democrats and Republicans will compromise on a budget plan.

The article reports that during the 2012 political election season, both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives are conducting short sessions in order to prevent U.S. President Barack Obama from making recess appointments while congress members are campaigning.

The article presents brief commentary on each of the 54 pieces of legislation that the U.S. Congress has sent President Barack Obama during 2012 through mid-July. Bills noted include one that reauthorized the Export-Import bank, another that provided exemptions to small businesses from certain regulations, and a third that extended a reduction in payroll taxes.

The article discusses programs and items that might be cut from the United States military budget due to the United States' debt. The article also notes programs and items for which the military might boost funding. The article calls for cuts including light tactical vehicles, body armor, and advanced fighter jets. Funds for helicopters, unmanned aircraft, and cybersecurity will likely be boosted, according to the article.

The article looks at the practice of sales representatives entering war zones to build relationships with soldiers to secure contracts. Topics include how the sales representatives help find equipment that needs improvement and defense companies that use the sales tactics including Harris Corp., Oshkosh Corp., and Navistar International.