News & Insights

Modernizing the Nuclear Triad: Decline or Renewal?

October 31, 2021

The United States is planning to modernize its strategic nuclear deterrent for the first time since the Cold War ended over thirty years ago. The deterrent comprises three main components,…

Episode 7: George Knost III, Owner and President of Arkel International

October 29, 2021

General Joseph Votel speaks with BENS Texas member George Knost III. Owner and President of Arkel International, an infrastructure and technical services company helping organizations, governments, and militaries work successfully…

Episode 6: Pete Dordal, President of GardaWorld Federal Services

October 18, 2021

General Joseph Votel speaks with BENS DC member Pete Dordal, President of GardaWorld Federal Services. He’s an accomplished security management professional and a business leader with over 35 years of…

James "Hondo" Geurts

Former Navy Official James ‘Hondo’ Geurts Joins BENS as Distinguished Fellow

October 12, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOctober 12, 2021 Contact:Nate Thompson(202) 296-2125nthompson@bens.org WASHINGTON, DC—Former U.S. Navy acquisitions chief James “Hondo” Geurts has joined Business Executives for National Security (BENS) in the role of Distinguished…

Episode 5: Ed Davis, Founder and CEO of the Edward Davis Company

October 6, 2021

General Joseph Votel interviews BENS Boston member Ed Davis, founder and CEO of the Edward Davis Company, a business strategy and security services firm. Davis leads a team of former…

Senate Dems Break Biden Nominee Deadlock

September 30, 2021

Former Obama administration Air Force Secretary Deborah James has been named chairperson of the Defense Business Board, one of the top outside advisory boards to the Pentagon. Other high-profile appointees…

Deborah Lee James Takes Oath as Defense Business Board Chair

September 20, 2021

Deborah Lee James, former secretary of the U.S. Air Force and a previous Wash100 Award winner, took her oath of office as the new chair of the Defense Business Board…

Between Then and Now, They Did Not Die in Vain

September 9, 2021

Army Capt. Dan Whitten was a young West Point officer serving in Afghanistan when I met him for the first time. One of his friends noted that he was outgoing…

US military personnel guard evacuees in Kabul, Afghanistan

Evacuating is the Most Demanding Mission of 20 Years in Afghanistan

August 27, 2021

The images of the last two weeks have been riveting to many Americans, but especially to the nearly 800,000 U.S. veterans and service members who served in Afghanistan. No one…