National Guard Chief, VA Benefits Fix, Military Pay Raise: Here's What's Still on Congress' To-Do List as Recess Starts
The National Guard will be without a Senate-confirmed leader until at least September after the Senate left for a five-week summer break without taking action to approve a new chief. The National Guard vacancy is just one item in a stack of unfinished military and veterans-related business facing Congress as lawmakers head home for the […]
'At What Cost': Guard Chief Argues Border Mission Is Getting in the Way of Warfighting
The outgoing chief of the National Guard is doubling down on his recent criticisms of the service component’s long-troubled security mission on the U.S.-Mexico border, saying it’s a detriment to the Guard’s ability to wage war. “The reason the Guard exists is to fight and win our nation’s wars, period,” Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the National […]
Pentagon Chief Sidesteps Question on Privatized Barracks Oversight During Congressional Testimony
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the need to invest in housing when pressed Tuesday on how the Pentagon will ensure that any privatized barracks are not plagued with the same problems as privatized military family housing. Appearing at a wide-ranging Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Austin was asked by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., about how […]
The Beloved Air Force Chief Behind the 'AAFES Hot Dog Guy' Meme Has Died
For years, one of the most recognizable faces in military life was not that of the commander in chief, the secretary of defense or any other senior leader in the chain of command. It was the face of an airman who was (understandably) excited to eat a hot dog. His visage graced Army and Air […]
A Moment of Truth for the Army's Chief Laser Weapon
After nearly a decade in development, the Army’s primary vehicle-mounted laser weapon is on a collision course with its most fearsome foe yet — dust. The service has deployed four Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense, or DE M-SHORAD, prototypes — Stryker infantry carrier vehicles outfitted with 50-kilowatt laser weapons systems — to the Middle […]
Debate on Army Fitness Test Takes New Turn with Chief Nominee Testimony
The nominee for Army chief of staff told lawmakers Wednesday that he wants tougher and gender-neutral physical fitness standards, as the service and Congress remain locked in a years-long tug of war over how to measure athletic ability. Gen. Randy George, an infantry officer, testified on fitness standards as part of his confirmation hearing before […]
VMI’s Chief of Diversity Quits Amid Debate Over DEI
The chief diversity officer of the nation’s oldest state-supported military college, Virginia Military Institute, has turned in her resignation amid a debate among alumni over the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Jamica Love took on the new role in July 2021 — a month after a state-sanctioned report found VMI failed to address institutional […]
US Army Chief Seeks Closer Security Ties With Indonesia Amid Tensions in South China Sea
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — U.S. Army Chief of Staff James McConville met with Indonesia’s top defense official on Friday to push for stronger security ties amid growing Chinese maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific region. McConville said he and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto discussed ways to deepen cooperation, including enhanced military exercises between the countries. […]