Search

The Pentagon is scrambling to prepare new COVID rules as the vaccine mandate for the U.S. military nears its end. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act requires Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to rescind his memo to vaccinate all military personnel within 30 days of the bill's signing. The Department of Defense is currently developing further guidance on the matter, and in the meantime, all actions related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for service members are on hold. Questions remain about how the rescinding of the mandate will affect troops and whether new measures will be needed to protect them or maintain unit readiness. The military services are awaiting guidance from the Pentagon to determine their next steps. [Extracted from the article]

The article from Defense One titled "The Naval Brief: Vaccine mandate repeal; More parental leave; Wagner gains; and more..." provides several updates related to the sea services. Firstly, the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act has repealed the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and the Pentagon is currently working on further guidance regarding this decision. Additionally, the Pentagon has announced that troops will now be able to take 12 weeks of leave after the birth or adoption of a child, an increase from the previous six weeks for birth parents or primary caregivers and three weeks for the other parent. Lastly, it is reported that mercenaries from the Russian Wagner Group are making incremental gains in the Bakhmut region of Ukraine. [Extracted from the article]

The Navy's unmanned-and-AI task force has reached full operational capacity, prompting the Navy's top officer, Adm. Mike Gilday, to consider expanding its lessons and experimental spirit to other areas of the fleet. The task force, known as Task Force 59, has achieved full operational capability in just 15 months since its creation and has participated in numerous exercises and hours of safely operating unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) around the Arabian Peninsula. The USVs in Task Force 59 are commercial drones equipped with sensors and cameras that provide data for navigation, data collection, and intelligence purposes. The next milestone for the 5th Fleet is the deployment of a fleet of 100 unmanned ships, consisting of platforms from the US and its regional allies, which is expected to be patrolling by the summer. [Extracted from the article]

Lawmakers are criticizing proposals to reduce federal spending in 2024 to the levels of 2022. These discussions were reportedly made by Rep. Kevin McCarthy in his bid to become Speaker of the House. The 2022 federal budget was $1.5 billion, with $727.7 billion allocated to the Defense Department, while the recently enacted 2023 budget is $1.7 billion, with $797 billion for the Pentagon. Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Jim Jordan, are open to considering spending cuts, while others, like Rep. Chip Roy, insist that the defense budget should not be touched. Rep. Joe Courtney expressed concern about the budget-cutting talk, calling it unrealistic and a "fool's errand." Rep. Rob Wittman emphasized the importance of providing proper funding to the military and highlighted the need to factor in inflation when allocating Defense funding. [Extracted from the article]

A new parental leave policy has been implemented by the Pentagon, granting all parents in the military up to 12 weeks of paid leave within the first year of a child's birth or adoption. The change, mandated by the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, aims to standardize leave policies that previously varied based on the parent's role. Lawmakers and military officials believe that this policy will help with retention and recruitment, as well as make the military more competitive with the civilian job market. However, the impact of the policy on troop retention and recruitment is yet to be determined, and the implementation and communication of the policy will be crucial. The policy is also seen as a step towards normalizing same-sex parents in the military and may serve as a model for other federal agencies and the country. [Extracted from the article]

The Army's top uniformed leader, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, has suggested that the Army should consider stockpiling critical weapons parts in advance to avoid delays in replenishment during a conflict. The United States has pledged billions of dollars worth of weapons to Ukraine since Russia's invasion, but supply chain problems have raised concerns about the ability to restore stocks before the next conflict. McConville believes that purchasing and stockpiling parts that take longer to obtain could reduce resupply time and improve readiness. Replenishing weapons and equipment also presents an opportunity to upgrade to newer systems. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Navy has completed a study to determine the future composition of its amphibious warship fleet, but the results are classified and will not be publicly released. The study assessed the risk associated with the size and composition of the fleet, including both traditional and planned amphibious warships and platforms. The results will be incorporated into an ongoing battle force ship assessment that will be published later this year, although it is unclear how much of the study's findings will be revealed in the assessment. Marine Corps officials have stated that they require a minimum of 31 amphibious ships, including 10 big-deck amphibious assault ships and 21 amphibious transport dock ships, as well as 35 future light amphibious warships. However, there are differing opinions on the suitability of the light amphibious warships for combat. [Extracted from the article]

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has stated that the construction of the Navy's newest ballistic-missile submarine, the Columbia-class, is facing delays due to challenges with design, materials, and quality. The prime contractor, General Dynamic Electric Boat, has not conducted a schedule risk analysis as recommended, which limits insight into potential schedule risks and the amount of extra time needed to manage critical risks and avoid delays. The Navy aims to deliver the submarine in 78 months, but the GAO noted that the last first-in-class submarine took four months longer than its target. Electric Boat has shifted employees from another program to work on the Columbia-class, potentially causing delays in future projects. The GAO emphasized the importance of long-term planning and schedule risk analysis to ensure the Navy's budget is sufficient to meet production schedules. The GAO also highlighted that the Navy receives schedule data from Electric Boat in formats that make it difficult to assess the data. The Navy and Electric Boat have defended their methods, but the GAO remains skeptical. Pentagon officials have concurred with some of the GAO's recommendations and will perform additional schedule evaluations. The Navy maintains that the Columbia Program is on track. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps is implementing immersive technologies to train the next generation of Marines for a more complex battlefield. The Force Design 2030 plan aims to prepare the Marine Corps for a future multi-domain fight, and the Training and Education 2030 document outlines the changes and deliverables needed to achieve this goal. One program, Project Tripoli, will provide a live, virtual, and constructive training environment for Marines at all unit levels. This training environment will allow Marines to train from distributed sites globally and integrate different domains, such as aviation, logistics, and ground combat arms. The Marine Corps aims to fully employ Project Tripoli by September 2024. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps has officially opened its first new base in 70 years, Camp Blaz in Guam, which will serve as a strategic hub for the U.S. military's Pacific operations. The base was initially activated in October 2020 but the ceremony was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Camp Blaz will play a crucial role in strengthening regional security and promoting collective defense. It will also serve as a training area for U.S. and regional forces. The base is expected to eventually host 5,000 Marines, with funding partially provided by Japan. Some Marines will remain in Okinawa, where the 3rd Marine Division headquarters and 12th Marine Regiment will transform into the Corps' next Marine Littoral Regiment by 2025. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force have implemented a time limit on a gearbox part in the V-22 Osprey to address the aircraft's hard clutch problem. The Air Force Special Operations Command grounded their Ospreys in August due to concerns with the hard clutch, while the Marines and Navy continued flying the aircraft. A subset of Ospreys with assemblies that have exceeded the time limit will be on flight restrictions until the part can be replaced. The manufacturer, Bell-Boeing, is working on a complete redesign of the clutch to find a permanent solution. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. military is increasing its cold-weather preparations as the Arctic becomes more strategically important and the potential battlefield expands. The Pentagon puts hundreds of troops through extensive training each year to learn how to operate in complex and dangerous cold weather conditions. The Army has turned its Alaska command into a full-fledged division to better execute its new Arctic strategy and build up cold-weather expertise. Winter conditions can shape operations, and troops must learn to operate in harsh environments and adapt their equipment and tactics accordingly. Keeping troops healthy in cold weather requires extra effort, with frostbite being a significant concern. The United States has pledged to provide Ukraine with thousands of pieces of cold weather gear to assist in their defense against Russian forces. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Marine Corps' No. 2 officer has warned that reducing the fleet of large amphibious warships below 31 increases risk for combatant commanders and personnel. The Navy had planned to cut the fleet to as few as 24 ships, but Congress intervened and mandated a minimum of 31 in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The Marines agree with the Navy's focus on acquiring new ballistic missile submarines, but emphasize the need for sufficient training and replacement of aging ships. The possibility of obtaining more than the minimum number of amphibious ships will depend on a classified study that will shape future ship assessments. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps was unable to send a crisis-response unit to Turkey after a devastating earthquake due to a lack of amphibious ships in the region. General David Berger, the Marine Corps commandant, expressed concerns about the service's ability to fulfill its core missions. This incident highlights the need for at least 31 amphibious ships, according to General Eric Smith, the Marines' assistant commandant. The Navy currently has the minimum required number of ships, but there are plans to reduce it before bringing it back up to 31 by 2030. The Marine Corps supports funding for ship maintenance and readiness to address these issues. [Extracted from the article]

The Navy secretary, Carlos Del Toro, has requested a multi-year plan to address the most urgent infrastructure issues within the Navy and Marine Corps. Del Toro emphasized the neglect of Navy and Marine Corps infrastructure over the years and the need to prioritize these problems. He also mentioned the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), which aims to modernize and optimize aging shipyards. The 30-year infrastructure plan will cover various aspects, including piers and bases, and will be based on data to determine the most critical needs. Del Toro highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure to improve combat readiness and minimize risk. The timeline for releasing the plan is currently unknown, but it may be used to develop the Program Objective Memorandum (POM) for 2025 and 2026. [Extracted from the article]

American and British officials estimate that Russia has suffered around 200,000 casualties, including 40,000 to 60,000 deaths, in its invasion of Ukraine. The casualty rate has increased since September 2022 due to inadequate medical provision. Russian spies expelled from European countries have attempted to return to different European countries, but their efforts have been unsuccessful. Google reports that Russian phishing campaigns targeting NATO members and Ukrainians have increased significantly since the invasion began. The U.S. has approved the sale of HIMARS long-range artillery systems to the Netherlands and Poland. President Joe Biden plans to visit Poland to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces have changed their tactics by launching cruise missiles at night to surprise Ukrainian air defense forces. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Navy will be testing the use of unmanned boats to medevac sailors with medical emergencies during a maritime exercise in the Middle East. The experiment will involve using a medical mannequin to simulate a patient and transferring it from a ship to shore using a high-speed surface drone. This initiative is part of the exercise's focus on global health, along with other areas such as command and control, maritime security, mine countermeasures, and unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration. The exercise involves 50 participating countries, international organizations, unmanned and artificial intelligence systems, ships, and personnel. Additionally, the exercise will feature the debut of the K1000ULE, a long-range aerial drone, and efforts to improve AI and edge intelligence systems for more efficient data analysis. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps is focused on preparing its forces for operations in the Pacific while also maintaining readiness for global crises. They have reactivated Camp Blaz in Guam and established the 12th Marine Regiment in Japan as part of their plans to move Marines from Okinawa. The Marine Corps is also working on modernizing their force and improving their installations and logistics. They are experiencing success in retaining troops and are implementing new training programs. The Marine Corps is expected to ask for funding in the 2024 defense budget to replenish their stocks of equipment sent to Ukraine. The size and composition of the amphibious fleet is being analyzed, and the readiness of the ships is considered more important than their number. The Marine Corps is also pursuing a shore-to-shore connector ship and leasing commercial vessels for experimentation. The future leadership of the Marine Corps and the potential role of Gen. Berger as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff remain uncertain. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps has seen early successes in its efforts to retain Marines, particularly through the Commandant's Retention Program, which has increased first reenlistments by outstanding performers by 72 percent. The focus on retention has generated enthusiasm among Marines, and the Corps has met its goal of first-time reenlistments. The Marines are also working on improving policies and eliminating outdated ones that hinder careers. Additionally, they are exploring options such as lengthening initial contracts for technical jobs, improving barracks and food options, and implementing a Talent Management Engagement Portal to enhance career assignment selections. [Extracted from the article]

The governor of Okinawa, Denny Tamaki, visited Washington, D.C. to discuss the tensions between China and the U.S. and its allies. Tamaki emphasized the need for diplomacy rather than military deterrence in the delicate situation. He expressed concerns about China's military presence in the region and the increasing incursions into Japanese air-defense airspace. Tamaki also highlighted the economic entwinement between China and the United States as a reason why a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is unlikely. He advocated for peaceful diplomacy to maintain the balance and economic stability in the region. [Extracted from the article]

According to an article in Defense One, the readiness of the Navy's amphibious fleet is alarmingly low, with only 32% of ships able to deploy. This is a significant decrease from the past decade, where the average readiness rate was 46%. The low readiness is attributed to ship maintenance issues, which have resulted in the Marines being unable to respond to urgent missions in the past. The article emphasizes the importance of improving readiness in order to effectively respond to humanitarian crises or conflicts. The Navy's biggest challenge in terms of readiness is the operational availability of ships, with many being unable to leave the shipyard on time due to maintenance issues. The article also mentions the need to maintain a sufficient inventory of ships and highlights the goal of achieving 80% readiness. [Extracted from the article]

The Navy is proposing to retire eight warships, including three Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships (LSDs), in its 2024 budget. These retirements would bring the amphibious fleet below the required minimum of 31 ships set by last year's defense policy law. The Navy justifies the retirements by citing the poor material condition of the LSDs and the need to match sailors and Marines with the right platforms. However, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger opposes cutting the aging LSDs before their replacements are delivered, as it would limit national defense options. The Navy's shipbuilding plan for the next few years does not include any new amphibious ships, and there is a "strategic pause" on buying more LPDs until further studies are completed. The Navy and Marine Corps are working together to assess the acquisition strategy for LPDs and ensure the right capabilities at the right price. The 31-ship requirement for amphibs is seen as crucial for national defense and preventing war. [Extracted from the article]

The new Senate Armed Services Seapower subcommittee chairman, Sen. Tim Kaine, is questioning why the 2024 defense budget request does not include funding for the 31 amphibious ships that Congress mandated last year. The Navy's budget request for 2024 does not include any funding for amphibious ships and also proposes the early retirement of three dock landing ships due to poor condition. Kaine is seeking answers as to why the budget does not support the required number of amphibious ships and believes that the committee is committed to maintaining the fleet at 31 ships. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are reevaluating their munition stockpiles in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The rate at which Ukrainians are using munitions against Russian invaders has led the military to reassess their predicted expenditure rates and assumptions about the need for stockpiles. The Navy had expected lower expenditure rates due to technological advancements, but the situation in Ukraine has challenged this assumption. The United States has provided significant support to Ukraine, depleting their own stockpiles, and is now working to expand production with defense companies. The Navy Secretary emphasized the need to increase munitions across the board, and Senator Susan Collins praised the Navy's efforts to transition from just-in-time to just-in-case stockpiles. The article does not provide specific details on the recommended size of the stockpiles. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the debate within the Navy and Marine Corps regarding the cost of the San Antonio-class Flight II amphibious ship. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday expressed concern about the increasing cost of the ship, while Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger argued that the price is reasonable. The Navy's 2024 budget proposal does not include funding for LPD ships, and there is a possibility of divesting three LSDs due to their poor condition. Despite their differences, Gilday, Berger, and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro agree that block buys of LPDs could help reduce costs. [Extracted from the article]

In this Defense One article, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger is interviewed by Caitlin Kenney about the future of the amphibious fleet and the cost of the San Antonio-class Flight II amphibious ship. There is disagreement between Navy and Marine Corps officials regarding the ship's price. Gen. Berger discusses what he would do differently as commandant and provides insights on various related topics. The article provides a link to other interviews in the State of Defense series. [Extracted from the article]

The No. 2-ranking civilian leaders of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force testified before a Senate committee, stating that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and training in the U.S. military are not harming combat readiness and recruiting. This comes in response to allegations by far-right political figures that "woke" policies were weakening the armed forces. Top Pentagon officials, including the Air Force Chief of Staff and the Marine Corps Commandant, have also expressed support for DEI policies. A recent Army survey found that only five percent of potential recruits believed the Army emphasized "wokeness" too much. Democrats on the committee argued that diversity and inclusion strengthen the military, while Republicans criticized the focus on DEI initiatives and argued that they may dissuade young people from enlisting. The Biden administration's anti-extremism efforts were also criticized by Republicans, who claimed that they have exaggerated the problem of extremism in the military. The undersecretaries stated that there is no evidence that DEI programs have negatively impacted recruitment or readiness. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Navy's 2024 shipbuilding plan has drawn criticism from lawmakers for not meeting legal requirements for amphibious warships. During a Senate hearing, Senator Dan Sullivan questioned Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro about the plan's failure to meet the statutory mandate. Other senators also expressed concerns about the plan, with Senator Roger Wicker stating that it could end America's command of the sea and Senator Tim Kaine criticizing the timing of the report. The plan does not include purchases of LPD 17-class amphibious transport dock ships and states that the Battle Force Ship Assessment and Requirement Report will shape next year's shipbuilding plan. The plan offers three options, none of which meet the minimum requirement of 31 amphibious ships. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger emphasized the need to fully fund LPD 33 to meet operational requirements and the law. The plan's options differ in terms of the purchase of attack submarines, destroyers, and unmanned platforms. The third option would result in the largest Navy but would require the most funding. Senator Wicker called for a shipbuilding plan that achieves the statutory 355-ship fleet and makes investments in domestic maritime infrastructure, workforce, and innovative technologies. The plan assumes that industry will eliminate excess construction backlog and produce future ships on time and within budget. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps has established a new training unit for its Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) after two rollovers highlighted the need for additional instruction on the new vehicle. The decision to create the Transition Training Unit (TTU) was made after the Marine Corps identified significant differences between the ACV and its predecessor, the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV). The ACV is a replacement for the AAV and has experienced some initial fielding challenges. The TTU, which is part of the Assault Amphibian School at Camp Pendleton, California, will provide training based on lessons learned and best practices to ensure safe and effective operation of the ACV. [Extracted from the article]

The Navy is expanding its use of unmanned drones to the southern waters of the 4th Fleet, following the success of similar experiments in the Middle East. The drones will be integrated into the command and staff structure of the fleet, rather than being organized into a separate task force. The goal is to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in order to combat human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal fishing. The exact number and types of drones to be used are still under discussion, but the fleet plans to start small and expand in the future. The drone operations will begin at the annual UNITAS exercise in July. [Extracted from the article]

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) has updated its evacuation playbook after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The MEU learned from Marines who helped with the evacuation in Kabul, as well as from previous non-combatant evacuation operations (NEOs) in Lebanon and northwest Africa. The MEU is training aboard three Navy warships and at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The training exercise simulated an American consulate in a deteriorating security environment, with role players acting as protestors. The MEU has added medical capabilities and is working to decrease response time in its updated playbook. The State Department and Department of Defense have emphasized the importance of their partnership in NEOs. The MEU has also incorporated lessons learned from Navy SEALs who participated in the training. The exercise included an entry control point manned by Marines and an evacuation control center where evacuees were processed and registered. The MEU's after-action process will help other units train for similar missions in the future. [Extracted from the article]

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) will be deploying with new artillery, missiles, and a multi-domain unit. The MEU will be carrying High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and M777 towed howitzers, which will be operated by the Marines of Sierra Battery. The MEU is also introducing the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters equipped with the Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). Additionally, the MEU has re-established a unit called the Maritime Special Purpose Force, which received specialized training for various missions. The deployment is made possible by the availability of the USS Bataan, which is in good condition and ready for deployment. [Extracted from the article]

NATO is providing more detailed plans to defend against Russia and terrorist groups, but member countries must meet their funding commitments to gather the necessary forces. The plans will be used to determine the troops, weapons, and equipment needed for defense. Only seven out of 30 NATO members met their pledge to spend 2% of their GDP on defense last year. The updated plans aim to show the value of contributing to defense efforts and will be presented at the NATO summit in Lithuania. The plans focus on large-scale operations to defend NATO territory and prioritize logistics to ensure proper resupply. The plans do not currently address China as a threat, as NATO sees China as a challenge rather than a threat. [Extracted from the article]

The Navy has fixed the combining gear in almost half of its Freedom-class littoral combat ships, including one that is scheduled to be decommissioned in two years. The issue is a design flaw in the gear that should not have been present. The Navy and shipbuilder Lockheed Martin are sharing the cost of the repairs, and the Navy was able to hold the shipbuilder accountable for the mistake through a contractual mechanism. Seven ships have already been repaired or had the improved gear added, while seven more are still awaiting repairs. The Navy plans to decommission four Freedom-class ships in 2025, but this decision is subject to approval from Congress. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. military is increasing patrols in and around the Strait of Hormuz in response to recent ship seizures by Iranian forces. The goal is to send a message to Iran that aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. The U.S. 5th Fleet is already working to better monitor and respond to incidents in the area, and plans to establish a fleet of 100 unmanned surface vessels by the end of the summer. The U.S. military will be increasing the rotation of assets in the region, including manned and unmanned aerial platforms and surface naval vessels. The U.S. is also asking allies for help with the increased rotations. Iran has a history of harassing and interfering with international merchant vessels, and has even attempted to steal U.S. Navy vessels in the past. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Army is considering cutting 10 to 20 percent of their special operation forces, according to Capitol Hill officials and a former top commander of the service¿s elite forces. The potential cuts are expected to primarily affect special operations forces enablers like logistics and intelligence, as well as force structure changes for Special Forces, civil affairs, and psychological operations. Army officials have been discussing these cuts with lawmakers and staffers, but the exact depth of the cuts is unknown. The potential reductions in intelligence enablers are seen as devastating, as the force heavily relies on intelligence capabilities. The Army has not officially informed Congress about their end-strength proposals, and any loss of capability or capacity for special operations forces is likely to be met with skepticism by members of Congress. The time it would take to rebuild these forces after cuts is uncertain but would likely be measured in years. Demand for operators in specific specialties is high, and there is a higher demand for certain forces compared to the current force structure. [Extracted from the article]

Gen. Eric Smith, the Marine Corps' second-highest ranking officer, has been nominated to be the next commandant and continue the Force Design 2030 modernization effort. Gen. David Berger, the current commandant, will retire this summer. Smith's confirmation by the Senate may be delayed due to a procedural hold by Sen. Tommy Tuberville over the Pentagon's abortion travel and leave policy. Smith has been a vocal advocate for Force Design 2030 and is expected to continue the modernization efforts. However, there has been criticism of the initiative, including concerns about getting rid of tanks. Sen. Dan Sullivan has called for a hearing to discuss these criticisms and concerns. [Extracted from the article]

The Marine Corps is restructuring its infantry battalions as part of its Force Design modernization effort. The battalions will be reduced in size from around 900 to just over 800 Marines and will have increased medical and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as loitering munitions. This restructuring came out of the Infantry Battalion Experiment, which aimed to create smaller battalions with Marines trained in various weapons. The changes will be implemented by September 1, and the Marines will continue to experiment and refine their approach. [Extracted from the article]

The chief of naval operations, Adm. Mike Gilday, stated that the U.S. Navy must maintain a forward presence to deter nations that challenge international rules, but this presence should be non-provocative. This comes after a recent incident in which a Chinese ship crossed dangerously close to American and Canadian navy ships in the Taiwan Strait. Gilday emphasized the importance of operating in accordance with international law and maintaining stability and predictability. He also expressed hope that China's navy can behave similarly to their efforts in combating piracy in the Middle East. The Navy is focusing on Project Overmatch capabilities in the Pacific and is collaborating with allies such as Australia, France, and Britain. [Extracted from the article]

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps are conducting a study to improve the fit and availability of equipment used by naval aircrews. The study, called the U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Aircrew Anthropometric Survey, aims to collect body measurements from a representative sample size of 4,400 people, including women, minorities, and individuals over the age of 25. The last study of this kind was conducted in 1964 and did not include data from women or minorities. The Navy hopes that the data collected from this study will help design more inclusive equipment and expand the pool of aviation recruits. [Extracted from the article]

The House Armed Services Committee Chair, Rep. Mike Rogers, has released the first draft of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, known as the "chairman's mark." The 417-page draft includes provisions to eliminate the Pentagon's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office and limits the funding for the U.S. Space Command until a permanent location for its headquarters is chosen. The draft also calls for a review of the Pentagon's diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and military aid sent to Ukraine. Additionally, the mark includes funding for the purchase of nine Navy warships and aims to retain certain Navy ships and cruisers. [Extracted from the article]

Gen. Eric Smith, the nominee for the position of Marine Corps commandant, has stated that he will continue the Marine Corps' force design overhaul and search for battlefield-manufacturing technologies if confirmed. He emphasized the need for steady funding, experimentation, and quick feedback from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab. Smith also expressed his intention to advocate for the Navy to operate at least 31 amphibious warships, a position supported by senators during his confirmation hearing. Additionally, Smith highlighted the importance of developing technologies such as 3D printers and unmanned crafts to address supply challenges in potential far-flung wars. [Extracted from the article]

The Pentagon has discovered that it overestimated the amount of money it was spending to send weapons to Ukraine, resulting in a surplus of $6.2 billion that can be used for future weapons drawdowns. The State Department has also announced $1.3 billion in new aid to Ukraine, including funds for energy grid overhaul and infrastructure modernization. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Washington, signaling the country's growing importance as a regional player. Additionally, there has been a surge in right-wing terrorism globally, particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of the Asia-Pacific, according to Interpol. The U.S. Navy is assisting in the rescue efforts of a lost submersible, and the oldest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, the USS Nimitz, is still in service and performing well. [Extracted from the article]

Several Republican House lawmakers are pushing for amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would allow troops who were separated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine to rejoin the service, receive back pay, and avoid other consequences. The Defense Department had previously rescinded its vaccine mandate, but these amendments aim to protect troops who refused the vaccine due to religious or moral reasons. However, some Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about setting a dangerous precedent and the potential for unintentional discrimination in promotion boards. The amendments have been approved by a voice vote, but individual votes have been postponed. [Extracted from the article]

The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved a version of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act that calls for an analysis of incidents involving unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) near or on U.S. military installations. The bill's language is not in response to a specific incident but aims to ensure the protection of U.S. assets. The U.S. Navy is also developing its own underwater drones for various missions, including mining and surveillance. The report does not specify when the analysis will be conducted or who will be responsible for it. [Extracted from the article]

Gen. David Berger, the Marine Corps commandant, defends his force design decisions as he prepares for retirement. He expresses no regrets about his transformative modernization effort and wishes that critics had trusted the Marine Corps to make the right choices for the future of the service. Berger emphasizes the importance of trust and questions why some doubted the decisions made by the Marines. He plans to spend time with family, think, and write during his retirement, and he may consider writing a book to capture the unique challenges faced during his tenure. [Extracted from the article]

The United States is open to expanding the AUKUS agreement to include more countries, as long as they can contribute in meaningful ways. The agreement, established in 2021, focuses on providing Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines and key technologies such as hypersonics, underwater drones, and artificial intelligence. New Zealand, South Korea, and France have expressed interest in participating in the agreement's second pillar. The US is looking for practical and operational contributions from potential partners and aims to leverage private industry research and development to accelerate the delivery of new technology. [Extracted from the article]

The outgoing Marine Corps commandant, Gen. David Berger, stated that while the Marine Corps is making progress in its modernization efforts, the joint force as a whole lacks a common goal and timeline for modernization. He emphasized the need for a joint force design that outlines where the joint force should be in the future and expressed concern about the different speeds at which the services are moving. The Marine Corps has been defending its program dollars to the Pentagon's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office due to its greater transformation compared to other services. Gen. Berger highlighted the importance of staying ahead of competitors and identified areas that still need improvement, such as littoral mobility, artificial intelligence for battlefield decision making, and resilient sustainment webs in a contested environment. He urged Marines to continue pushing forward and not become complacent. [Extracted from the article]