Russia Is Jamming US Drones in Syria
Russian jamming of small US drones in Syria is having an impact on American military operations.
Military Aviation Crashes See Big Spike
US Navy aviation mishaps have increased 82 percent in the past five years, the biggest spikes in accidents among all four services. Mishaps involving the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet have jumped 108 percent over the same time period.
National Guard Begins Deployment at Border
National Guard troops are being deployed to the US border with Mexico. DefSec Jim Mattis has specified that the Guard will assist the Department of Homeland Security but not perform law enforcement missions and will be armed only when necessary for self-defense.
DoD to Decentralize F-35 Program
The letter to the Pentagon announcing plans to decentralize the F35 program office came from the newly reconfigured office of the undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment. Each service running its own program is a more traditional model.
F-22s Have a Failure to Communicate
What the F-22s have is a failure to communicate, with the F-35 and also the F-16 and other allied aircraft. The older fighter jet can receive communications, but cannot transmit its surveillance intelligence to the others.
Buffett Earns Navy’s Highest Civilian Award
Recording artist Jimmy Buffett was presented with the Superior Public Service Award by NavSec Richard V. Spencer for supporting the Navy and Marine Corps. It’s the highest award that can be given to a civilian not employed by the Navy. The award was presented last week during a concert at the US Naval Academy.
Will Military Front Cost for Border Wall?
President Donald Trump and DefSec Jim Mattis have discussed the possibility that the US military front the costs for a border wall between the US and Mexico.
Big Budget = Many Military Impacts
In the $1.3 trillion omnibus budget bill trumpeting a big budget for the military, there are some lesser reported details, including no BRAC provision, no changes to GITMO, and no more credit card use at strip clubs.
Suspicious Packages Arrive in DC Region
Suspicious packages have been received at military installations in the Washington region and at mail processing facilities for both the CIA and the White House. Packages may have been received at as many as six sites.
Are Shulkin’s Days at VA Numbered?
Is the Veterans Affairs secretary on his way out? There are conflicting reports. Sources say President Trump is planning to oust David Shulkin amid a rebellion at the agency and damaging government investigations into his alleged spending abuses. Others say the president has confidence in Shulkin “at this point in time.”
