The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode: Pentagon broadens counter-drone authorities in bid to shore up vulnerable U.S. bases
Date: January 28, 2026
Host: Billy Mitchell

Episode Overview

This episode covers two major headlines relevant to U.S. government operations:

• The Pentagon's expansion of counter-drone authorities to better protect vulnerable U.S. military bases in response to increasing drone incursions and gaps in policy.
• Challenges facing the IRS as it confronts staffing shortages, a mounting backlog, and delays in IT modernization at the onset of the 2026 tax filing season.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pentagon Broadens Counter-Drone Authorities

[00:30 - 03:50]

• Background:
  Drone incursions over U.S. military bases have escalated in recent years, creating security concerns. A recent Pentagon watchdog (Inspector General) report highlights confusion and inconsistent policies, leaving bases vulnerable.

• Policy Changes:

  • The Pentagon consolidated and clarified its guidance for protecting military installations, giving commanders increased authority and flexibility to defend airspace over their bases.
  • Signed on December 8 by Defense Secretary Pete Hexseth, the updated policies:
    • Expand commanders' defensive jurisdiction around facilities.
    • Categorize any unauthorized drone surveillance as a threat.
    • Enable sensor data sharing with other federal agencies.
    • Allow top leaders to designate "covered" facilities, granting special drone defense status.

• Challenges:
  Countering drones is complicated by:

  • The prevalence of drones among hobbyists and adversaries.
  • The need to avoid civilian harm or infrastructure damage.

• Inspector General's Findings:

  • The IG reviewed 10 installations, interviewed officials from many agencies, and found policy gaps.
  • Some critical facilities like Luke Air Force Base (major F-35 training site) were not given "covered" status, preventing them from using counter-UAS (CUAS) technologies.
  • Lapses bring to mind incidents such as “Operation Spiderweb” (Ukrainian drone attack on Russian aircraft, 2025), underlining the dangers of inadequate protection.

• Memorable Quote:

  • “The DoD’s confused policies meant some facilities in the U.S. couldn't adequately protect themselves.” — Billy Mitchell ([01:10])

2. IRS Facing Inventory Backlog and Modernization Delays

[03:51 - 06:10]

• Situation Overview:
  As tax season begins, the IRS is under pressure due to:

  • Workforce cuts that have reversed prior hiring gains from post-pandemic legislation.
  • Persistent processing backlogs and delayed IT modernization.

• IG Concerns:

  • In a memo to IRS leadership, Deputy Inspector General Diana M. Tangesthal flagged the return to October 2021 staffing levels, undermining recent modernization and enforcement efforts.
  • Pandemic-era tax return backlogs persist, with current inventory at 129% of pre-pandemic levels.

• Consequences:

  • Untouched inventory will spill into the 2026 season, risking longer processing times and delays in taxpayer refunds.
  • The IRS paid over $2.6 billion in interest to individuals in 2025 due to these delays.

• Workforce Data:

  • The IRS lost about 19% of its staff (19,000 employees) since October 2025, including 8,300 in key filing tasks and IT.
  • IT workforce shrank by 16%, directly impacting system updates and processing enhancements.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "This could result in delays in taxpayers receiving funds and could result in the IRS paying interest." — Billy Mitchell paraphrasing Deputy IG Tangesthal ([05:00])
  • “New efforts to modernize tax administration are delayed and their expected efficiencies may not occur during the upcoming filing season.” — Billy Mitchell summarizing IG report ([05:35])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On DoD Policy Confusion:
  “The DoD’s confused policies meant some facilities in the U.S. couldn't adequately protect themselves.”
  — Billy Mitchell ([01:10])

• On IRS Processing Crisis:
  "Inventory that is not worked during the current processing year will be carried into the 2026 filing season and may affect the IRS’s ability to timely process tax returns."
  — Deputy IG Diana M. Tangesthal, as relayed by Billy Mitchell ([04:50])

• On Financial Impact:
  “During processing year 2025, the IRS paid more than $2.6 billion in interest to individuals as of November 30, 2025.”
  — Billy Mitchell ([05:20])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:30] Pentagon responds to drone threats with new policies
• [01:10] Inspector General's findings on inconsistent protections
• [02:45] Base-level impacts and Operation Spiderweb comparison
• [03:51] Treasury watchdog's warning to the IRS
• [04:50] Details on the IRS backlog and staffing crisis
• [05:20] Financial repercussions: billions in interest paid to taxpayers

Summary & Takeaways

• Security at U.S. military bases is being strengthened through clarified, expanded counter-drone rules, finally giving commanders the tools they need to respond quickly to drone threats. However, implementation gaps remain, with critical installations still exposed.
• The IRS faces a “precarious position” as reductions in workforce and modernization funding have reversed recent progress, risking more backlogs, late refunds, and costly interest payments.

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