Next Month.

Special Report: Rare Earths

* While America slept, China nearly cornered the refinement of rare earths, vital strategic minerals that are needed as building blocks for several defense and commercial technologies. Now, one company in the California desert is seeking to claw back U.S. share of the market--and others are following.

KC-46 Tanker

* The KC-46A Pegasus program--which will replace the Air Force's fleet of aging aerial refueling tankers--has been dogged by issues for years. As problems persist, what's next for Boeing's beleaguered aircraft?

F-15EX

* The Air Force took delivery of its first F-l 5EX Eagle II fighter jet earlier this year. What does the future hold for the controversial platform, which was a pet project of the Trump administration?

Marine Infantry

* The Marine Corps is conducting a series of training programs designed to enhance the capabilities of Marine infantry elements to meet future demands. National Defense recently observed the first of the new pilot programs at Camp Pendleton, California.

Cognitive Raiders

* A strategic vision for Marine Corps Forces Special Operations...