Tom Bowman
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Tom Bowman
Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey's new Pentagon roles raise ethics worries Original
Pentagon taps Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey for strategy study Musk's company, SpaceX, and Luckey's company Anduril, could potentially benefit from recommendations made in the study about future autonomous weapon systems. A new Pentagon study focusing on the future of warfare is raising ethical concerns about its authors' potential conflicts of interest. Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced "Project Meridian: The Future of Warfare," a study of automated and AI-powered weaponry.
Hegseth speech leans on culture war flashpoints
Cookie Settings When you visit our website or app, we store cookies on your browser, use similar tracking and storage technologies such as software development kits, and use information about the device you use to access our site or app (together "cookies"). The information these cookies collect might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site or app work as you expect them to and to provide a more personalized web or app experience.
Resignation by U.S. Army Secretary part of troubling pattern at Pentagon Original
Resignation by U.S. Army Secretary part of troubling pattern at Pentagon The resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is just the latest in a line of high profile exoduses at the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth. The resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is just the latest in a line of high profile exoduses at the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth. Sponsor Message NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews.
Pentagon explores partially restoring civilian protection program
Pentagon explores partially restoring civilian protection program After internal pushback amongst top military officials over gutting a civilian protection program, the Pentagon is looking at partially restoring it. After internal pushback amongst top military officials over gutting a civilian protection program, the Pentagon is looking at partially restoring it. Sponsor Message NPR does not offer or accept money for coverage or interviews.
Sources & Methods Original
Sources & Methods All Thing Considered host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR correspondents Tom Bowman and Emily Feng about the ways in which the U.S. war with Iran is connected to other conflicts across the globe. All Thing Considered host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with NPR correspondents Tom Bowman and Emily Feng about the ways in which the U.S. war with Iran is connected to other conflicts across the globe. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
Pentagon replaces USS Abraham Lincoln in Middle East following historic deployment
Pentagon replaces USS Abraham Lincoln in Middle East following historic deployment Families of crew members aboard the USS Lincoln have put pressure on the Pentagon to address problems that have cropped up during the aircraft carrier's record-breaking 250-day deployment. Families of crew members aboard the USS Lincoln have put pressure on the Pentagon to address problems that have cropped up during the aircraft carrier's record-breaking 250-day deployment.
The soaring demand for Patriot missiles, from the Middle East to Ukraine
Demand soars for U.S. Patriot missiles, from Mideast to Ukraine The U.S. and its partners depend on Patriot interceptors to shoot down incoming ballistic missiles. But Russia and Iran are firing their weapons at rates far higher than Patriots can be produced. KYIV, Ukraine, and WASHINGTON — Russia's massive air assault against Ukraine before dawn on Saturday included 27 ballistic missiles, many pounding the capital Kyiv, killing nine people and wounding more than 30.
Trump floats control of the Strait of Hormuz. Making it happen would be challenging
Trump floats control of the Strait of Hormuz. Making it happen would be challenging President Trump has talked about the U.S. fully controlling the Strait of Hormuz. But for the US military that means much more than imposing yet another blockade on the key waterway. President Trump has talked about the U.S. fully controlling the Strait of Hormuz. But for the US military that means much more than imposing yet another blockade on the key waterway. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little.
Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a powerful bargaining chip Original
Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a powerful bargaining chip Despite efforts by U.S. negotiators, Iran says it wants to charge a toll for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. It's yet another unresolved issue of the U.S.-Iran war. Despite efforts by U.S. negotiators, Iran says it wants to charge a toll for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. It's yet another unresolved issue of the U.S.-Iran war. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
Another top general expected to exit the Pentagon Original
Another top general expected to exit the Pentagon The commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa is expected to announce his retirement. It's yet another abrupt move in the ongoing changes to senior Pentagon leadership under Pete Hegseth. The commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe and Africa is expected to announce his retirement. It's yet another abrupt move in the ongoing changes to senior Pentagon leadership under Pete Hegseth. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
Here's how much the the Iran war cost -- and how its effects will linger
As conflicts go, the Iran war, should a loose framework and ceasefire deal hold, was relatively short in duration. But its costs and aftereffects will likely linger for years. The months-long conflict, which pitted the world's most powerful military against a far weaker, yet strategically adept, adversary cost the lives of 13 U.S. service members and more than 3,300 Iranians, according to state media.
Getting a promotion at the Pentagon seems to be getting harder under Hegseth
Getting a promotion at the Pentagon seems to be getting harder under Hegseth Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has blocked or delayed the promotions of several officers across the military branches, and a disproportionate number of those officers are women and people of color. Why? And how is Congress responding?
U.S. and Iran trade strikes. How will this affect deal to end war? Original
U.S. and Iran trade strikes. How will this affect deal to end war? Do new strikes affect a potential deal to end the war with Iran? NPR's Scott Detrow breaks it down with NPR International Correspondent Aya Batrawy and NPR Pentagon Correspondent Tom Bowman. Do new strikes affect a potential deal to end the war with Iran? NPR's Scott Detrow breaks it down with NPR International Correspondent Aya Batrawy and NPR Pentagon Correspondent Tom Bowman. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot.
In Hormuz deadlock, U.S. and Iran refuse to back down
In Hormuz deadlock, U.S. and Iran refuse to back down The U.S. and Iran remain deadlocked in the Strait of Hormuz, with no clear way forward. The U.S. and Iran remain deadlocked in the Strait of Hormuz, with no clear way forward. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return. Enjoy bonus content, early access and sponsor-free listening from your favorite NPR podcasts. Get NPR+
The Trump administration's changing Iran policy
The Trump administration's changing Iran policy It's been a week of shifting messages and strategies on the Iran war. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly breaks down the week with Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman. It's been a week of shifting messages and strategies on the Iran war. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly breaks down the week with Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman. Sponsor Message Sponsor Message Give a little. Get a lot. Support mission-driven journalism while getting something great in return.
U.S. says it's made Hormuz safe for commercial shipping, but standoff hasn't changed Original
U.S. says it's made Hormuz safe for commercial shipping, but standoff hasn't changed The administration has announced a new military strategy designed to open up the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but it's unclear if this will break Iran's grip on the key waterway. The administration has announced a new military strategy designed to open up the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, but it's unclear if this will break Iran's grip on the key waterway.
A fragile ceasefire and emboldened Iran Original
Audio will be available later today. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with International correspondent Daniel Estrin about how the US-Iran-Israel ceasefire is being received in Israel.
Is the U.S. Navy ready to clear sea mines in the Persian Gulf? Original
Is the U.S. Navy ready to clear sea mines in the Persian Gulf? In the ongoing war with the United States and Israel, Iran has been threatening to mine the vital Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting it may have already placed devices in the narrow shipping chokepoint. It has set the stage for a possible complex and risky U.S. Navy operation to reopen the waterway using new mine-clearing technology.
Defense Secretary Hegseth intervened to stop promotions of Black and female officers
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth intervened to stop the promotions of four Army officers, two Black and two female soldiers on track to become one-star generals, NPR has confirmed. According to a U.S. official not authorized to speak publicly, Hegseth made the highly unusual move of interfering in the regular promotion process, as first reported in the New York Times.
Trump has talked about seizing Iran's Kharg Island. But what would that look like? Original
Trump has talked about seizing Iran's Kharg Island. But what would that look like? President Trump has spoken about taking control of a key location for Iranian oil infrastructure. What would that look like in practice?
What it's like to be in the widening war zone Original
What it's like to be in the widening war zone On this sixth day of war between Iran and Israel and the United States - in that time, thousands of bombs have been dropped on Iran, and the conflict has begun to widen. Iran has struck back at Israel, also at targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Dubai. That last one, Dubai, is where I found NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawy.
Defense secretary under fire as lawmakers question admiral about deadly boat strikes Original
Defense secretary under fire as lawmakers question admiral about deadly boat strikes Defense secretary under fire as lawmakers question admiral about deadly boat strikes Audio will be available later today. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under pressure this week as a Navy admiral faces tough questions from lawmakers about the legality of striking boats allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean.
News organizations refuse to comply with restrictive new Pentagon policy Original
News organizations refuse to comply with restrictive new Pentagon policy NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman is turning in his press pass, but won't stop reporting. Major news organizations are rejecting a restrictive new policy around covering the Department of Defense.
Opinion: Why I'm handing in my Pentagon press pass
Today, NPR will lose access to the Pentagon because we will not sign an unprecedented Defense Department document, which warns that journalists may lose their press credentials for "soliciting" even unclassified information from federal employees that has not been officially approved for release. That policy prevents us from doing our job. Signing that document would make us stenographers parroting press releases, not watchdogs holding government officials accountable.
Hegseth summons military top brass to meet next week. The reason why is unclear
Hegseth summons military top brass to meet next week. The reason why is unclear Hegseth summons military top brass to meet next week. The reason why is unclear Audio will be available later today. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called top military officials from around the world to a meeting in Virginia next week. The reason for this unusual gathering isn't known.
Watch live: The Pentagon holds a briefing after U.S. strikes Iran
Updated June 22, 2025 at 6:52 AM CDT The U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear sites involved B-2 Stealth Bombers and also included at least one submarine, according to a U.S. official who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information. Those are some of the details emerging hours after the first U.S. offensive operation in war between Israel and Iran. The Pentagon will provide a briefing on the U.S. strikes on Iran — dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer — Sunday morning.
Ahead of the Signal leak, the Pentagon warned of the app's weaknesses
Days before top national security officials accidentally included a reporter in a Signal chat about bombing the Houthi sites in Yemen, a Pentagon-wide advisory warned against using the messaging app, even for unclassified information. "A vulnerability has been identified in the Signal messenger application," begins the department-wide email, dated March 18, obtained by NPR.
Arlington National Cemetery stops highlighting some historical figures on its website
Arlington National Cemetery has begun wiping from its website histories highlighting Black, Hispanic and women veterans. The change is in line with President Trump's directive to remove references to and support for diversity, equity and inclusion from the federal government. A U.S. official not authorized to talk to media told NPR the removal of links and sections about these groups have been dubbed a "digital content refresh" by top Pentagon officials.
Pentagon proposes $50 billion in annual cuts and identifies priorities to expand
Updated February 20, 2025 at 13:08 PM ET The Pentagon has proposed cutting 8 percent of its budget in each of the next five years — amounting to some $50 billion each year — but prioritized 17 areas from drones and submarines to military assistance for the southern border as well as increased funding for the U.S. command that focuses on China.
Ukraine carries out first attacks on Russian territory using U.S. ballistic missiles Original
Ukraine carries out first attacks on Russian territory using U.S. ballistic missiles For the first time, Ukraine has fired U.S. ballistic missiles into Russia as part of heavy ongoing fighting. Russia is expressing strong opposition and says this marks an escalation in the war.
The Jan. 6 riot included Marines. The military is wrestling with the consequences
For more reporting about Josh Abate and extremism in the military, listen to the new series 'A Good Guy' from NPR's Embedded podcast. “Have you ever tried to overthrow the U.S. government?” If you’re trying to get top secret security clearance for a government job, that’s a standard question for the required polygraph exam. And the answer, obviously, should be no. But Josh Abate couldn’t say no if he wanted to pass the test.
What Does Winning Look Like for Ukraine Now?
NPR What Does Winning Look Like for Ukraine Now? After months of delay in Congress, Ukraine is finally receiving the U.S. military aid it says is crucial in winning its fight against Russia. But after two years of war, what it means to win is increasingly complicated. We hear about the state of the conflict from our correspondent in Kyiv and our Pentagon correspondent.
U.S. strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen
The United States launched strikes on multiple Houthi militant targets in Yemen, a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. The strikes follow more than two months of attacks by the Houthis against international cargo ships and U.S. warships in the Red Sea, expanding a Middle East conflict U.S. officials have worked hard to contain.
Senator wants Marines to explain why wounded troops weren't told the truth
Elena Zurheide was relaxing at her home in Camp Pendleton, Calif., due to deliver her first child. It was April 12, 2004. On the other side of the world, her husband, Rob, lay dying. A U.S. Marine mortar had sailed through the sky and dropped nearly on top of him, inside a dusty courtyard of a school in Fallujah, Iraq, where he and other members of his Marine unit were hunkered down, fighting insurgents.
'Taking Cover' update: A senator and soldier try to get to the truth
In an update to NPR's Taking Cover investigation, a U.S. senator asks for answers from the Marines and an Army soldier, still serving on active duty, has been denied the truth about his war wounds. Copyright 2023 NPR
U.S. shoots down armed drone flown by NATO ally Turkey
An American F-16 shot down an armed Turkish drone after it flew close to U.S. forces in northeast Syria and ignored warnings to stay away. Officials said it was the first time the U.S. has shot down an aircraft from Turkey, a NATO ally. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said it was a "regrettable incident" and said U.S. troops had to go into bunkers at their base in Hasakah for safety while Turkey bombed Syrian Kurdish fighters less than a mile away.
Biden says he's worried about Ukraine aid. The Pentagon warns it's running low
Updated October 4, 2023 at 4:26 PM ET President Biden said he is worried that disarray in Congress could undermine his promise to give Ukraine what it needs for its fight against Russia — concerns that come as the Pentagon warns that military aid in Ukraine is rapidly running out. NPR has learned the Pentagon has warned U.S. lawmakers that they urgently need to approve more aid to prevent a disruption in the flow of weapons to Ukraine.
Afghans are still making the dangerous trek to the U.S. via Mexico to escape Taliban
Kabul fell to the Taliban close to two years ago, but desperate Afghans continue to flee, even taking the dangerous journey into the U.S. across the Mexican border. Copyright 2023 NPR
Friendly fire killed an Iraqi interpreter. The U.S. told his family something else
The NPR "Taking Cover" podcast team tracks down the family of an Iraqi man who was mistakenly killed by Marines.
The U.S. told them terrorists killed their brother. It was a lie they held for years
BAGHDAD — There's a warren of narrow walkways in central Baghdad with stalls and little shops, bags of spices and nuts, food and ice cream. The air has a sweet scent, and clusters of men sip tea and chat, or haggle over antiques. They call it "the Thieves' Market." The last time we were here, as the Iraq War droned on almost 20 years ago, Westerners could scarcely go outside without becoming a target. Today, not even a hard glance. We've come to find a piece to the puzzle we've been trying to solve.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet Biden at the White House today
Updated December 21, 2022 at 1:00 AM ET Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit President Biden at the White House on Wednesday and address a joint session of Congress in a trip aimed at underscoring U.S. support for the country as Russia's war against its neighbor drags on. During the visit, Biden will announce nearly $2 billion in new security aid, including a Patriot surface-to-air missile battery, a senior administration official told reporters on a conference call.
Russia retreats from Kherson. Why is the U.S. nudging Ukraine on peace talks?
Updated November 11, 2022 at 8:18 AM ET Russia announced Friday morning that it has withdrawn all its troops from the key southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, marking another big setback for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. This is the latest military success for Ukraine since it launched a major offensive more than two months ago, giving it the clear momentum on the battlefield.
Russia retreats from Kherson. Why is the U.S. nudging Ukraine on peace talks?
Transcript : ELISSA NADWORNY, HOST: Russia says it's withdrawing troops from the key southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, which would be yet another big military setback. Yet Ukraine says it isn't seeing a full-scale Russian pullout and is questioning whether this may be some sort of trap. The Biden administration is asking Ukraine to show a willingness to negotiate with Russia. To break this all down, we're joined by NPR's Tom Bowman in Washington and Greg Myre in Kyiv. Welcome, both.
Fixing digital advertising: 5 minutes with… Tom Bowman
Q: What challenges do you see in digital advertising today? A: A critical one is that advertisers are struggling to access audiences, get their campaigns away and achieve the campaign results they want. This means publishers are losing out on revenue and opportunities because marketers are failing to maximise the value of their digital campaigns.
What Role Does Small Business Accounting Services Play In SMBs Productivity?
Browse Articles » Finance » What Role Does Small Business Accounting... by Tom Bowman Bowman & Company CPA, PC If you're an entrepreneur who's unsure whether outsourcing an accounting service for your startup is a good idea, keep reading. Well, I’m not going to give you a straight answer, which might again confuse you. However, a certified public accountant can give you the right answer by working for your company and allowing you to see whether it is essential or not.
The U.S. Withdrawal From Afghanistan Gets A Hearing In The House
By Noel King & Tom Bowman • 28 minutes ago Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
The Afghan Army Collapsed In Days. Here Are The Reasons Why
The quick collapse of the Afghan National Army stunned many, including the Pentagon's top military officer, Gen. Mark Milley. He told reporters this week that the U.S. intelligence community estimated that if U.S. forces withdrew, it would be weeks, months, even years before the Afghan military fell to the Taliban. Instead, it was just 11 days. So what happened? How could U.S. officials be so wrong?
With No Parades And Little Ceremony, America's Longest War Draws To A Close
With little fanfare, the last major U.S. military base in Afghanistan has been handed over to the Afghans. While the U.S. military is not calling the departure from Bagram Air Field a formal end to the U.S. war effort, it does reflect a presence that dwindled to a tiny remaining force.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Tom
Contact Tom, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack