Veterans News & Updates

On Tuesday, the Army made an official announcement that close-combat forces have started receiving the Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS), their newest combat helmet. In 2018, the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) was announced to replace the Advanced Combat Helmet and Enhanced Combat Helmet. This new helmet, which is 40% lighter, claims to provide troops "increased ballistic and fragmentation protection" without sacrificing protection. As stated by Army Times, the first shipment of NG-IHPS units was distributed to over 2,000 troops from the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division on Monday. For complete protection from small-arms fire, the previous IHPS required an extra two-pound ballistic appliqué in addition to the three pounds it already weighed, which provided further protection against pistol bullets and fragmentation. That supposedly greater protection without the added weight is what the NG-IHPS is all about. In a news statement issued on Tuesday, the NG-IHPS was characterized as "world-leading rifle threat protection" by Maj. Matthew Nulk, the assistant program manager of the Program Executive Office Soldier's Head Protection Team. The Head Protection Team's senior engineer, Alex de Groot, credited the NG-IHPS's superior protection to its fabrication using lightweight polyethylene rather than the stiff Kevlar material. Unlike Kevlar, which shatters upon impact, polyethylene distributes the force. For troops in mounted formations, the NG-IHPS offers a redesigned retention and suspension system, a cover for the helmet, and a night-vision bracket that may be attached to a mandible protector. It also includes hearing protection. According to de Groot, the NG-IHPS provides better protection since the night-vision device bracket and boltless retention system install without affecting the helmet's integrity. The night-vision bracket of the helmet may be attached to high-tech heads-up displays such as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular, both of which are set to be extensively used by the Army in the near future. Soldier Protective Equipment product manager Lt. Col. Ken Elgort praised the NG-IHPS as a game-changer in protective gear, shielding soldiers from modern dangers while paving the way for future device integration. But how well the NG-IHPS does in battle is still up in the air. There has to be "additional testing" to determine how well the NG-IHPS protects against penetration threats and how it compares to earlier helmets, according to the Pentagon's top weapons tester in the fiscal 2023 evaluation. The NG-IHPS is scheduled to be distributed to other close-combat units over the following three years after being equipped with the 82nd Airborne's 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams this quarter. Source Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/02/14/army-fielding-next-gen-combat-helmet-promises-added-protection-without-extra-weight.html

Eight members of the Air Force Special Operations Command lost their lives in a tragic accident off the coast of Japan. In response, the United States military has taken a bold step by grounding all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters. A recent assessment indicated a material failure, suggesting a possible defect in the aircraft itself, rather than human error as the cause of the disaster. As a result, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have made the unusual decision to ground hundreds of Osprey aircraft. Japan also acted swiftly, grounding 14 Ospreys in a show of seriousness that reflected the gravity of the situation and the safety concerns expressed over the hybrid aircraft. Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ordered the standdown in an effort to reduce potential dangers while the inquiry was underway. "Preliminary investigation information indicates a potential materiel failure caused the mishap, but the underlying cause of the failure is unknown at this time," according to the command. All Osprey aircraft under the control of the Marine Corps and the Navy were grounded simultaneously by Naval Air Systems Command. The length of time the grounding will last is dependent on the results of the inquiry and the suggestions made to guarantee the safe restart of the fleet's operations. The Osprey is a hybrid aircraft that was built in the United States. It can take off and land like a helicopter and reach greater flying speeds. However, its unusual design has drawn criticism and has been involved in many deadly accidents in its brief history of service. The latest disaster has redirected focus back to the Osprey's safety record, as investigators work to piece together what seems to be an ongoing technical problem with the clutch that has dogged the program for more than 10 years. Concerns have also surfaced over whether or not Osprey components are manufactured in accordance with safety standards. The Marines still hadn't found the reason of the deadly 2022 Osprey accident, but in August they said the clutch had failed. The study report said that such mishaps "are impossible to prevent" without upgrades to the software of the flight control system, the material strength of the drivetrain components, and rigorous inspection standards. The Osprey is still one of the most youthful planes in the military's inventory; it didn't enter service until 2007 after decades of testing. Osprey mishaps have been associated with more than 50 personnel fatalities, including 20 casualties in four crashes in the last 20 months alone. As a result, the safety record of the aircraft has been under growing criticism. Notably, three Marines lost their lives in an Osprey mishap in August in Australia; the inquiry into that tragedy is currently underway. The growing number of mishaps highlights how critical it is to resolve safety issues related to the Osprey and make thorough changes to avoid other catastrophes. The military has grounded all Osprey aircraft in an effort to prioritize safety and resolve any possible material defects that might jeopardize the integrity of this special and vital plane as they await the findings of the accident investigation in Japan. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/06/us-military-grounds-entire-fleet-of-osprey-aircraft-following-deadly-crash-off-coast-of-japan.html

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) quickly reversed his stance on military confirmations, allowing almost 400 senior military officers to get their long-awaited promotions. Despite months of waiting and anguish, Tuberville was unable to accomplish his aim of changing the Pentagon's abortion policy with the relocation. Despite the nominations of four-star generals and admirals, Tuberville said on Tuesday afternoon that he was releasing his procedural grip on confirmations to military positions. The officers whose promotions had been rejected by Tuberville were promptly approved by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "I hope no one does this again," Schumer said while speaking on the Senate floor. "And I hope they learn the lesson Sen. Tuberville did, and that is: He held out for many, many months, hurt our national security, caused discombobulation to so many military families who have been so dedicated to our country, and didn't get anything that he wanted." At least twelve officers are still in the dark as a result of Tuberville's decision, but most of those whose promotions were held up by his hold may now proceed. Tuberville admitted defeat and said, "We've still got a bad policy. We tried to stand up for the taxpayers of this country." To put pressure on the Pentagon to change its policy of paying for military personnel’s travel and leave so they may have abortions, Tuberville put a stop to all nominations for general and flag officer positions at the end of February. Although the hold did not block confirmation by the Senate, it required separate roll-call votes for every candidate, which considerably slowed down the process of military promotions. Even though Democrats, Republicans, Pentagon officials, and military families all voiced their disapproval, Tuberville's grip continued for months, eventually expanding to include more than 450 officers. The change of heart occurred when it became clear that a sufficient number of Republican colleagues would back a Democratic initiative to sidestep Tuberville. The block on four-star nominations is still in place, but generals and admirals with one, two, or three stars may now be promoted under fast-track Senate processes, according to Tuberville. His reasoning for maintaining the four-star status quo was that they "need to be vetted just like everybody else." Although they were pleased with Tuberville's decision, the Pentagon persisted in requesting that he expedite the confirmation of candidates with four stars. There have been significant delays in the nominations of individuals to key positions within the military, including vice chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as commanders of important commands such as Northern Command, Cyber Command, Space Command, Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Combat Command. Senior leaders with experience are crucial in these roles, according to Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. The news came as a relief to military families who had been waiting anxiously for their husbands' promotions. In a statement, Secure Families Initiative executive director Sarah Streyder lauded the "everyday military family members who stood up and said, 'Enough!' when a single senator decided to bully our community." By temporarily altering Senate rules, Democrats intended to circumvent Tuberville's hold before the month ended. With this move, we hoped to approve most nominations with a simple majority vote, with the exception of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders. Given that candidates who are not confirmed by the end of the year will have to be renominated, the clock is ticking on the impasse. Republican Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan had already spoken with Tuberville over the holds, during which he highlighted the possible ramifications of postponed confirmations. Many distinguished military leaders could rethink their dedications, Sullivan warned, if the process were to begin again. To sum up, Sen. Tuberville's long-running impasse has now ended with the Senate's ratification of military promotions. Even if hundreds of officers may now advance in their careers, the continued holdup for a few important nominations highlights the difficulties military families encounter and the wider consequences for national security. Source Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/05/tuberville-blockade-crumbles-allowing-hundreds-of-military-officers-be-promoted-senate.html

Remarkably, since the COVID-19 vaccine was introduced, there has been an alarming uptick in cardiac problems among military pilots, according to Navy Medical Service Corps Lt. Ted Macie, a medical recruiter and active-duty officer. Macie revealed information retrieved from the Department of Defense in a video he posted on X, which led to major concerns over the vaccine's effect on the health of service members. Macie states that data from the Defense Department shows a startling 937 percent spike in the incidence of heart failure among pilots flying fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. Cardiomyopathy has also increased by 152%, ischemic heart disease by 69%, pulmonary heart disease by 62%, hypertensive disease by 36%, and other forms of heart disease by 63% when compared to the five-year average prior to 2022. His wife, Mara Macie, is a candidate for the 5th congressional district in Florida, and she shared Macie's concerns. She issued a statement in which she blasted the United States government for its treatment of military members during the COVID-19 outbreak, pointing to widespread distrust of military leadership and urging accountability as the "only answer." Ted Macie went into more detail on the Department of Defense's unimpressive replies in his video. Even though the symptoms didn't appear until 2021, he said that the Department of Defense had blamed the COVID virus for the increase in cardiac difficulties. Macie brought attention to the fact that the Navy Inspector General is receiving information from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database and voiced her anger with the delayed reaction and denial of the emerging crisis. USA ?? Wow, The Insanity Continues ?Navy Medical Officer reveals Covax Vaccine Related Heart Issues. These numbers are astounding. "Myocarditis up 151%, Ischemic heart disease up 69%, pulmonary heart disease up 62% and Heart Failure is up 973% ?? pic.twitter.com/KoPb82uUbr — ????????????? (@Risemelbourne) November 28, 2023 Macie mentioned “The responses to our concerns from the DoD have been memorandums, letters. As in a letter displaying how they confirmed the data but said it was due to the covid virus, even though all the issues start in 2021." He was only informed that material had been passed on to the Navy Inspector General after meeting with the Chief of Naval Operations and her assistant. Macie said that Congress's "abysmal" reaction showed that they were more concerned with insignificant issues than the grave health risks that military troops would experience as a result of the vaccination requirement. According to him, "They’re more interested in going after woke things in the DoD, which, as we all know, is low-hanging fruit that’s of relatively low consequence compared to the death and injury over the illegal shot mandate." Despite these findings, new data from the United States Army shows that a large percentage of military personnel are vaccinated against COVID-19. Specifically, 97% of active-duty soldiers, 90% of Army National Guard members, and 91% of U.S. Army Reserve members are completely vaccinated. The vaccine's possible association with the reported health difficulties among military pilots is urgently called into question by the striking contrast between the increasing number of cardiac troubles and the extensive immunization. Accountability demands and demands for a comprehensive inquiry into the purported link between the COVID-19 vaccine and cardiac problems in the armed forces are expected to get stronger as the story develops. Concerns about the vaccine's potential negative effects on service members' health have been growing, and the Department of Defense is under increasing pressure to respond to these allegations. Reference Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/video-heart-issues-skyrocketing-in-military-us-navy-medic-says/

Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, made his first public appearance since suffering a heart attack last month with a comforting Instagram video. Despite his health setback, Smith remained determined, saying he is "still in the fight." Smith spent three weeks in the hospital after collapsing outside his Washington, DC, home on October 29. He is currently preparing for surgery to treat an underlying cardiac problem that is connected to cardiac arrest; he was released last week. In the brief video, Smith thanked the Marines for their support and emphasized, "I'm still in the fight; I need you to be in the fight." While thinking back on his experiences in the past, he remembered getting shot in the leg while serving in Iraq in 2004, which demonstrated his strength and determination. He confirmed that "I'll bounce back from this." The news of Smith's impending operation to fix his heart's bicuspid aortic valve followed his recent departure from the hospital. The video shows Smith standing independently, although the commandant's spokeswoman, Maj. Joshua Larson noted that Smith is "not yet back to full-duty status." After his cardiac arrest during last month's Marine Corps Marathon, Smith made his first public appearance in a video posing as a Thanksgiving speech. Earlier, the Corps had used press releases to inform the public on his medical condition updates. With the words, "Thanksgiving is a great time to reaffirm our commitment to our fellow Marines and the core values that bind us together." Smith emphasized the significance of the fellow Marine in the video title. Smith was confident in his ability to return to duty soon, although he could not provide a specific date. During Smith's absence, the commandant responsibilities have been overseen by Gen. Christopher Mahoney, who is the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. Smith likened the Marines' unwavering support for one another at this difficult time to the camaraderie they experienced in battle. As he emphasized in the video's title, "I know you'll continue to have each other's back, but I'd also push you to search for ways to do even more”. The Marine Corps' Thanksgiving message emphasized the importance of togetherness and mutual support, echoing Smith's words. Smith's plea for more mutual aid during the holidays hit home because it emphasized how crucial it is to be there for one another. In a display of the unwavering solidarity that characterizes Marine Corps culture, the community stands behind General Eric Smith as he gets ready for surgery. There is no set date for Smith's return, which shows that his recovery is progressing; in the meanwhile, Gen. Christopher Mahoney is doing a great job as commandant. In the face of unpredictability, the commitment of General Eric Smith to recovery acts as a rallying point for Marines. It resonates with the spirit of resilience that is engrained in their fundamental principles. In addition to the fact that the Marine Corps is going through this phase of transition with a temporary leadership change, the emphasis is still on maintaining unwavering dedication to duty and providing support to one another. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/22/commandant-tells-marines-first-video-appearance-cardiac-arrest-he-will-bounce-back.html

On Monday evening, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter based out of Alaska's Air Station Sitka crashed on Read Island, badly injuring two Coast Guard members. The tragedy happened when rescuers were trying to reach the fishing boat Lydia Marie, which had been flooded. Petersburg Fire and Rescue teams and Alaska Wildlife Troopers arrived at the accident scene at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday and immediately began rescue operations. At 1:39 a.m., a second MH-60 Jayhawk air team from Air Station Sitka arrived to assist with the wounded chopper crew. According to a news statement issued by the United States Coast Guard, "the four crew members were hoisted aboard the second Coast Guard helicopter and transported to Petersburg for medical care." From Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, they were flown to Seattle in a C-130 Hercules for more advanced medical care. The Elderberry and the Douglas Denman cutters were sent to help the Lydia Marie after it had requested search and rescue assistance from the helicopter crew. Meanwhile, a security perimeter was set up around the accident scene to protect any evidence. The National Weather Service predicted near-freezing temperatures, a mix of snow and rain, and probable gusts of up to 20 mph in the region on Monday night, which may have contributed to the incident and is presently under investigation. Coast Guard 17th District Commander Rear Adm. Megan Dean stressed, "Our priority is to provide the highest level of care possible for our injured members and their families." Dean was thankful to the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the Petersburg Fire and Rescue team for their quick action and expert knowledge of the situation. "We have opened an investigation into the cause of this event and will be forthcoming with the results as they become available," said Rear Adm. Dean. 1)Coast Guard crew members injured in the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crash Monday night on Read Island continue to receive medical care, and the search and rescue case for fishing vessel Lydia Marie has been completed. The two Coast Guard members reported to have serious injuries.. — USCGAlaska (@USCGAlaska) November 15, 2023 The U.S. Coast Guard Alaska posted an update on X (formerly Twitter) about the condition of the wounded crew members. "Coast Guard crew members injured in the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crash Monday night on Read Island continue to receive medical care," the update read. "The two Coast Guard members reported to have serious injuries were listed in serious condition, while the other two members were listed in good condition with minor injuries." The Coast Guard has expressed gratitude for the combined efforts of all interested parties during this critical situation, which resulted in the successful completion of the search and rescue operation for the Lydia Marie. Read more by clicking the following source link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/2-coast-guard-members-seriously-injured-in-helicopter-crash/ 

The VA has made history by announcing that all surviving veterans of World War II are eligible for free health care, medical services, and nursing home care. On Friday, the VA announced in a press release that all WWII veterans who served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, are now eligible, regardless of how long or how well off they are financially. The monthly premiums, enrollment fees, and copays for eligible veterans are waived. According to the most recent data from the Pew Research Center, there are now less than 120,000 World War II veterans still alive in the United States, making up less than 1% of the total veteran population. This monumental change is in response to the Cleland-Dole Act of 2022 requirement, which requires the VA to offer free healthcare to this distinguished group of veterans. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal praised the "Greatest Generation" in a news statement last Friday: "These members of the Greatest Generation answered the call to service when our nation—and the world—needed them most." It is now our responsibility to assist them in every manner possible. We're honored to provide these brave men and women access to top-notch medical treatment at no cost via the VA, and we hope they'll take advantage of it. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has committed to reaching out to every qualified veteran and is preparing a comprehensive outreach campaign. This effort will use phone calls and mail to persuade veterans who still need to register to apply for this newly discovered benefit. When enlisting in the VA, veterans who served during World War II can keep their previous insurance coverage, including Medicare, private insurance providers, and most other types. The VA stressed its commitment to veterans' welfare by encouraging all World War II veterans to sign up for VA health care, which it promoted as the "best, most-affordable health care in America for Veterans." The VA claims its facilities routinely rank higher in patient satisfaction and quality ratings than other organizations due to better health outcomes for veterans using their health care systems. This historic decision acknowledges the priceless sacrifices made by veterans of World War II and emphasizes the nation's commitment to honoring their service by providing free health care. This project is a monument to the everlasting appreciation and respect for the sacrifices made by the heroes of the Greatest Generation. As the number of surviving World War II veterans continues to diminish, this campaign is a testament to these feelings. The reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/world-war-ii-vets-now-eligible-for-free-health-care/

One in eight military families with children have used food banks in the past year, according to new research from the University of Georgia, shedding light on a severe problem in the military community. A recent study published in the journal Public Health Nutrition reveals racial inequalities in the military, finding that Asian, Black, and mixed families are roughly 50% more likely to depend on food assistance compared to their white counterparts. The study was conducted in 2021, with 8,326 military families participating nationwide during the COVID-19 epidemic. The analysis shows a shocking association, with the number of children in a household increasing the risk of using a food pantry by 35%. Assistant professor at the University of Georgia and lead author Catherine O'Neal made the following social observation: "If we look at the American population as a whole, roughly half of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. So, it's not shocking that what we see with the military matches the larger public." The research highlights the need to tackle food poverty among military families, not just as a moral issue but also because of its strategic implications for keeping service members. According to previous studies, approximately one-fourth of military families are food insecure, which suggests that more families may benefit from aid than are now receiving it. The authors of the research hypothesize that social stigma prevents certain families from using food pantries, which contributes to the poor use of available resources. According to O'Neal, "it may be that those who need the resources are not using them." This exemplifies the need to raise people's levels of knowledge. Additional research shows differences within the armed services, with Army families being more likely to use food pantries than their Air Force counterparts. To further emphasize the difficulty of making ends meet on a single income, studies have shown that two-income families are less likely to apply for food stamps. The report suggests that community service organizations work together to increase people's knowledge of the resources they have at their disposal to combat this problem. Some recommendations include informing parents of these resources and placing lists of food distribution venues in daycares. The authors also suggest promoting the services of food banks and other community organizations. The research highlights the importance of assisting military spouses in finding jobs as a means to improve the financial stability of military families and lessen food insecurity. The authors advocate for resource awareness initiatives that specifically target low-income families and other vulnerable demographics. To solve the problem of food insecurity among military families, the University of Georgia research recommends a multifaceted strategy. Fighting prejudice, spreading information, and working together may positively affect the health of those who protect our country. To read more, click on the following source link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/study-finds-some-military-families-with-children-need-help-with-food/

Three teenagers in Chalkyitsik, Alaska, needed immediate medical attention after being injured in a snowmachine accident on October 31. Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1-52 General Support Aviation Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade successfully completed a daring mission to rescue them. The Arctic Dustoff aeromedical evacuation team was sent for the rescue mission after a call was made to the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center. Army medical evacuation team commanded by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Johnathan Horvath took off from Fort Wainwright's Ladd Army Airfield at 11:22 p.m. despite poor weather and visibility. After crossing the White Mountains, the crew encountered limited visibility and a mixture of precipitation. Still, they persisted and landed at the Chalkyitsik airstrip at 1:00 a.m. so the wounded adolescents could be evacuated. Horvath recognized the problems, noting, "Here in Alaska, more often than not, there is some type of complication during MEDEVAC calls; this mission was no different." The crew and multiple air traffic control facilities coordinated flawlessly to get the patients where they needed to be on time and without incident. When they arrived at Chalkyitsik airstrip, the flight paramedic, Staff Sgt. Joseph Uribe evaluated the teens' health before putting them aboard the helicopter to take them to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The importance of communication was emphasized by Uribe, who said, "Each mission we launch on comes with its own set of challenges, but thanks to the coordination between Sgt. Perez, our pilots, and myself, we were able to optimize patient treatment and ensure the patients were cared for until they could be transferred to a higher role of care." At 2:51 p.m., the helicopter crew landed safely, and the youngsters were transferred to waiting ambulances. Major Jeff Crook, head of the Charlie Company, was impressed with the Army's rescue team's professionalism and resolve. He said, “We at Arctic Dustoff continuously work on improving our medical and flight capabilities for this very purpose. I am proud of our ability to assist the citizens of the state of Alaska on their worst days and proud of our flight crews for their dedication to the same.” The Army's dedication to giving vital aid under trying circumstances was on display throughout the successful rescue effort. The wounded youngsters were able to get the care they needed quickly due to the swift reaction and strong coordination among the team members. Ultimately, the lives of people in need will benefit from the soldiers' unwavering commitment to their task, which reflects the continuous efforts to improve skills and preparation for such emergency circumstances. Reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/us-soldiers-rescue-3-injured-teens-in-alaska/

United States Marine Corps Major Gen. Chris A. McPhillips revealed on Tuesday that U.S. Central Command has canceled the 248th Marine Corps Ball because of "unforeseen operational commitments." "Due to unforeseen operational commitments and the nature of our current mission, it is with great regret that we must cancel this year's event," McPhillips regretfully stated in communicating the decision. The Marine Corps' principal duty to protect American security and defense is the reason for Central Command's decision. McPhillips continued, "It is this commitment to duty that has necessitated the cancelation of what would undoubtedly have been an exceptional evening of camaraderie and tradition." Over 4 million square miles make up the U.S. Central Command's domain of responsibility, which presents many opportunities for conflict and rivalry. According to the CENTCOM website, the area is characterized by hostile ties between neighboring governments, conflicts between ethnic and religious groups, hostile influence, destabilizing actions, cyberthreats, and expanding stockpiles of highly advanced weaponry. The announcement of the cancelation coincides with rising Middle East tensions, including the recent confrontation between Israel and Hamas, which was brought on by a vicious attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists. In addition, the Pentagon decided to send 300 extra American troops to the Middle East on the same day of the cancelation after the Department of Defense revealed that there had been 27 attacks against American personnel in the region since October 17. McPhillips thanked everyone involved in organizing the 248th Marine Corps Ball and emphasized that the cancelation acts as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American military members—especially the Marines—on behalf of the country. He emphasized that maintaining the highest levels of preparedness and carrying out operational duties weighed heavily in the decision-making process. The cancelation of the Marine Corps Ball highlights the difficulties and operational requirements that the U.S. military is now facing. The ball is a symbol of tradition and brotherhood. Maintaining preparedness and fulfilling obligations are still the major priorities when it comes to defending national interests in a dynamic and complicated international context. Reference Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/marine-corps-ball-canceled-due-to-unforeseen-operational-commitments/

Court records indicate that former Marine Corps lance corporal Liam Collins pled guilty to a gun charge after being removed from the military and arrested in connection with a neo-Nazi plan targeting energy facilities in the northwest U.S. Collins was one of five people charged in connection with activity on the defunct neo-Nazi message board "Iron March." The others were Army National Guardsman Joseph Maurino and former Marines Justin Hermanson and Jordan Duncan. Collins allegedly plotted to manufacture guns, stole military equipment, and tried to recruit veterans for a "modern day SS," according to court documents. Initially, he denied responsibility for the bombing of a power plant and other weapons offenses. However, FOX8 WGHP claimed that the guilty plea was for interstate trafficking of an unlicensed handgun. When contacted by Military.com, Collins' counsel remained silent. Collins is accused of taking military equipment from Camp Lejeune and sending it to co-defendants when he was a member of an extremist organization operating between 2017 and 2020. Former Marine and current military contractor Duncan amassed data on lethal weapons. One suspect was discovered with a handwritten list of prospective locations, and the gang had planned to buy 50 pounds of explosives by 2020. Northwest U.S. power grid components such as transformers and substations were included in the list. According to the indictment, the conspirators intended to use thermite, a homemade explosive composed of metal powder and metal oxide that can reach temperatures of over 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit, to blow up electrical transformers. George Washington University Program on Extremism scholar Jon Lewis voiced alarm about the case, saying, "This was a cell of violent neo-Nazis who attempted to create 'a modern-day SS' and who plotted to conduct attacks targeting the power grid." Collins, who spent three years in the Corps, used the handles "Disciple" and "Niezgoda" when he posted on the Iron March forum. In 2016, he laid out intentions for members of the organization to have military experience in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Poland. A spokeswoman for the United States Marine Corps said in the year 2020 that Collins' early release was the result of a failure to meet the expectations and standards of the Marine Corps. Other neo-Nazi veterans like Brandon Russell, a former member of the Army National Guard, have also been arrested for planning assaults on public facilities, so this is not a unique incident. Russell, a member of the Atomwaffen Division, was given a five-year term for explosives possession in 2018. Collins, who pleaded guilty in August 2023 as part of a plea bargain with prosecutors, will be sentenced in January 2024. Hermanson and Maurino, two co-defendants, entered into plea bargains in 2022 and 2023; their sentences are still pending. Lawyers for Duncan are still fighting to get the lawsuit dismissed on constitutional grounds. This case highlights worries regarding the infiltration of white supremacists into the military as well as the potential for violent extremism to flourish in its ranks. The source link is given below: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/25/marine-kicked-out-of-corps-and-indicted-alleged-neo-nazi-infrastructure-attack-plot-pleads-guilty.html  

San Antonio-Camp Bullis Joint Base, Texas — On Saturday afternoon, an unidentified motorist slammed through the main access point gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis, prompting Air Force security guards to fire in self-defense. According to Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston spokesman Robert Strain, the burglar was "speeding in the wrong direction of traffic" as he approached the guards. The motorist bypassed the checkpoint, drove about the facility for a few minutes, and then sped out the back door. Authorities said the suspect did not enter any restricted parts of the facility, and thankfully, no Air Force personnel or property were hurt. As of Tuesday, authorities still had no leads on identifying the driver. More information is expected to be released by the San Antonio Police Department, which arrested the man about nine miles from Camp Bullis in connection with the incident. The majority of the nearly 27,000 acres that make up Camp Bullis in Bexar County are used for the training of ground combat troops from the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Important field medical training takes place here for troops based out of the adjacent Brooke Army Medical Center. Joint Base San Antonio is always on guard to protect its three affiliated facilities: Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph, and Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland (the center for the Air Force's basic training program). On Tuesday morning, the facility temporarily closed another gate and locked down multiple buildings after gunshots were heard coming from the surrounding woods. The off-base event prompted a quick response from the local police. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no government property was destroyed. However, the gates and buildings were unlocked again a few hours later. Several security breaches at military bases around the country preceded the incident. Earlier this year, an unauthorized driver slammed his car into a wall at California's Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Later, in a separate incident at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a resident opened fire on a trespassing intruder, necessitating yet another probe. The military and law enforcement are constantly beefing up security to protect these vital facilities and their people. Events like this highlight the persistent difficulty military outposts have in ensuring the safety of their perimeters in the face of ever-changing threats. While details emerge from ongoing investigations, the Air Force community at Joint Base San Antonio remains on high alert, placing a premium on the protection of its troops and property. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/24/air-force-guards-fired-shots-intruder-who-drove-car-through-gate-texas-base.html

Tuesday saw the devastating loss of 471 lives when an explosion struck a hospital in Gaza. It's shocking that multiple media sources got the story wrong and blamed Israel for the terrible attack. U.S. intelligence findings and government pronouncements have since contradicted this theory, however. Speaking to the White House National Security Council, Adrienne Watson said, "Our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery, intercepts, and open source information, is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza." Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) used Instagram to call out the media for their inaccurate coverage, posting headlines that incorrectly blamed Israel for the tragedy. In a stern tone, Crenshaw said, "Israel did not do that. Hamas rockets misfired. Even Palestinian and Arab news outlets reported it.” The false narrative was spread worldwide by headlines like "Hundreds Feared Dead or Injured in Israeli Air Strike on Hospital in Gaza, Palestinian Officials Say" from BBC News and "Breaking News: An Israeli airstrike hit a Gaza hospital on Tuesday, killing at least 200 Palestinians," according to The New York Times. The Associated Press and Reuters were also among the media that hurried to conclusions, with the former saying that an explosion "caused by an Israeli airstrike" killed at least 500 people and the latter alleging that an Israeli airstrike "killed hundreds of Palestinians." Israel's military took to social media to correct the record and call attention to the media's haste in publishing misleading stories without verifying their veracity. Israeli Defense Forces Spokesman Col. Jonathan Conricus said, "We now know that an Islamic Jihad rocket aimed at Israel misfired and hit the hospital in Gaza." Speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Obama's vice president, Joe Biden, offered his condolences and acknowledged the chaotic nature of the situation. "I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion of the hospital in Gaza yesterday, and based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden told reporters. Israeli Defense Force spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari issued a video message reiterating Israel's innocence. "I can confirm that an analysis of the IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al-Ahli al-Arabi Hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit," he said. According to our little information, Islamic Jihad was responsible for the unsuccessful rocket attack that damaged a hospital in Gaza. I'll say it again: "This is the fault of Islamic Jihad, who bombed a hospital in Gaza, killing innocent people. The world is still trying to accept the horrific hospital explosion. Still, attention has switched from assigning blame to finding those responsible, in this case, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This should serve as a wake-up call to the media that, especially in times of crisis, they must put fact-checking ahead of sensationalism. Source Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/10/pics-media-wrongly-blames-israel-for-hospital-explosion-caused-by-palestinian-terrorists/

According to a statement released by the Pentagon on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has placed some 2,000 U.S. forces on high alert for future deployment in response to the current fighting between Israel and Hamas. This is the latest in a string of deployments and stance changes meant to increase support for Israel's fight against Hamas, the Palestinian organization in charge of the Gaza Strip. The Pentagon's Sabrina Singh said that Austin "placed approximately 2,000 personnel and a range of units in a heightened state of readiness through a prepare-to-deploy order." The order's recipients were not identified. Before this new deployment, two carrier strike groups and a Marine expeditionary battalion had already been sent to the area. These steps have been taken to bolster Israeli support and discourage other regional players, including Hezbollah and Iran, from becoming involved. The statement included an extension of the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford and its accompanying strike group, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier. Two Navy ships and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are also headed toward the seas around Israel. Off the coast of Israel, the Ford will be joined by the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, a cruiser, and two destroyers. The Middle East has also deployed more F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. U.S. officials, however, have stressed that no offensive activities are being carried out by military assets in the area against Hamas or the Gaza Strip. A tiny group of special operations personnel stationed at the American embassy in Israel is the sole military element from the United States active in the fight. These soldiers are advising and assisting with hostage rescue operations. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh deferred to President Joe Biden when asked about the legal authorization to interact with Hamas, saying instead that the military's mission is "to strictly be in a position to deter." The names of Hezbollah and Iran have been mentioned as potential threats. Hamas's October 7 coordinated strike inside of Israel resulted in dead and captives, including American citizens, and marked a dangerous war escalation. Israel launched retaliatory attacks the next day, suggesting a possible ground invasion in Gaza, and officially declared war on Hamas. This past week, several high-ranking American military officials, including Defense Secretary Austin, travelled to Israel. General Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, has arrived in Tel Aviv for high-level discussions to discuss the military needs of Israel, explain U.S. assistance activities, and reiterate the U.S. military's unshakable commitment to Israel. Kurilla underlined the need to keep the dispute from spreading. On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden stated that he would be traveling to the nation to demonstrate the seriousness of the situation and the U.S. commitment to regional stability in the wake of the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/17/pentagon-orders-2000-troops-prepare-deploy-israel-war-prompts-growing-us-military-presence.html

Congress is debating whether or not to increase U.S. military involvement in the confrontation between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas after a devastating assault by Hamas killed at least 1,200 people, including 22 Americans. On Wednesday, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the Office of the Director for National Intelligence briefed House Armed Services Committee members on the horrible events of the weekend and the rising violence that has occurred. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force brigadier general and current member of Congress, said, "Whatever Israel wants, they should be there to help us, and we should be there to help." This was about helping with the rescue of hostages. When asked about the possible participation of the U.S. military in raids, Representative Bacon said, "We should do whatever is needed to rescue Americans and kill those bad guys." Legislators from all parties agreed that liberating the hostages was the highest priority. The carrier strike group USS Gerald Ford was sent to the eastern Mediterranean as part of the United States' reaction. According to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, the United States has sent captive recovery specialists to Israel to help coordinate rescue attempts and exchange information. Officials from the Department of Defense have stressed that they have no immediate plans to deploy American troops to combat. Still, the presence of the USS Gerald Ford is meant to send a message to Iran, Hezbollah, and anyone else hoping to take advantage of the chaos. According to the State Department, at least 22 Americans were killed in the latest incident, and 17 more are still missing. President Trump has requested help from the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team and U.S. special operations personnel after House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul said "dozens" of Americans are being held hostage. McCaul drew parallels between the difficulties of rescuing hostages in Fallujah in 2005 and the problems of doing so now, especially when captives are employed as human shields. He warned of the risks but underscored the need to rescue the American and Israeli detainees. During a closed-door briefing, members discussed the likelihood of more U.S. military engagement in the rescue and evacuation of people, as reported by Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. However, the briefers still need to give concrete information. The subject of withdrawing American citizens from Israel has emerged as the situation has progressed. Congressional briefings have covered the difficulties of removing Americans since Ben Gurion Airport is still operational despite suspending many significant airlines' services. Marine Corps veteran and representative Jake Auchincloss discussed using private planes for evacuations. Auchincloss recognized the possible importance of the USS Gerald Ford in sending a strong signal to Hezbollah and Iran against establishing new fronts in the conflict, despite the United States' history of coordinating charter flights to evacuate Americans during international crises. As lawmakers attempt to make sense of the situation, the priority remains on protecting and rescuing Americans trapped in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. An expanded U.S. military participation is being considered in light of the growing threats on the ground. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/10/11/lawmakers-mull-deeper-military-role-israel-dozens-of-americans-are-held-hostage-hamas.html