“Defense officials keep getting in front of the White House,” The Hill reports.  

“Whether it’s the subject of arming Ukraine, slowing the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan or putting boots on the ground against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), defense officials seem to be embracing policy changes before the rest of the administration.”  

“Defense Secretary Ashton Carter this week expressed support for slowing the drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan — a step President Obama is considering, but has yet to endorse.”