News
Military COVID-19 vaccine mandate repealed in defense bill compromise
House and Senate lawmakers on Nov. 6 unveiled plans for a compromise defense authorization bill which would boost the military budget by 8 percent over fiscal 2022 levels and rescind the militaryís COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members.
US troops to expand patrols in Syria despite tension with Turkey
The move risks further upsetting relations between NATO allies.
Explosions at Russian air bases may change several nations’ calculations
Moscow says Ukraine converted old Soviet drones into long-range weapons that struck hundreds of miles inside Russian territory.
US reportedly made sure HIMARS given to Ukraine couldn’t fire long-range missiles
The US has made clear that all weapons it provides Ukraine are meant to strike targets inside Ukraine, not Russia.
Business
US Army to lay out communications gear needs for industry at TEM9
U.S. military leaders, acquisition officials and hundreds of companies and other defense industry players are gathering this week to discuss the future of Army communications and the cutting-edge gear soldiers will need to share information whenever and wherever needed.
Defense, Commerce Departments select companies to prototype space traffic management solutions
The Office of Space Commerce and the Department of Defense announced Dec. 6 they have selected six commercial firms to prototype space traffic data platforms that track objects and medium and geostationary Earth orbits.
Company that 3D-printed Army barracks wants to build habitats on the Moon
“The final deliverable of this contract will be humanity’s first construction on another world.”
Kodiak lands US Army autonomous vehicle contract
Kodiak Robotics received a nearly $50 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense on Dec. 6, to design and test autonomous vehicles for the military.
US approves potential sale $3.75 billion of M1A1 Abrams tanks to Poland
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of 116 General Dynamics (GD.N) made M1A1 Abrams tanks, other vehicles and munitions to Poland in a deal valued at up to $3.75 billion, the Pentagon said on Dec. 6.
After months of drama, France, Germany resolve industrial fight over next-gen fighter
One analyst described the final agreement between Dassault and Airbus as clearly a “French victory, a German capitulation.”
Defense
Senator vows hold on military nominees over Pentagon abortion policy
A prominent Republican senator is threatening to hold up all Defense Department nominations over senior leaders’ decision to provide leave and travel expenses to help troops access abortion services.
Navy lowers entrance exam requirements in bid to get more recruits
As the military struggles to attract new recruits, the Navy on Nov. 5 began a pilot program that will let in those who have lower scores on part of the entrance exam used to gauge a recruit’s ability to serve.
Marines’ updated amphibious concept calls for disruptive technologies
The U.S. Marine Corps is getting closer to finalizing a new amphibious warfare concept, which the head of the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab said will focus on leveraging and defending against emerging technologies.
Veterans
Honor those killed at Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona survivor says
The U.S. Navy and the National Park Service will host a remembrance ceremony at Pearl Harbor on the 81st anniversary of the 1941 Japanese bombing.
VA urges veterans to get COVID boosters before holiday season
Before holiday parties start, Veterans Affairs officials are urging all veterans to stop by their nearest medical center for an early present: a COVID-19 booster shot.
Bill to help deported veterans and non-citizen troops clears House
Deported veterans would have an easier path to returning to the United States, and non-citizen service members would have earlier opportunities to apply for naturalization under a bill passed Nov. 6 by the House.