DoD Wants the Force More Capable, Not Bigger
The Defense Department is looking to reduce 25,000 military positions. DoD Comptroller Michael McCord said the goal is not to make the force bigger, but to make it more capable. The new budget request would reduce the number of active-duty sailors by 1,184 and the Reserve by 951.
Weather, Climate Disasters Taking Toll on Guard
Climate change and weather-related disasters are running the National Guard ragged, some experts believe. An increase in man hours spent fighting wildfires is just one example of how these record-breaking incidents are impacting the Guard, which often responds to wildfires and hurricanes all over the country.
Defense Revenues Up 5% Over Last Year
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the defense industry saw a gain in revenues in 2020. Defense revenues recorded in this year’s Defense News Top 100 list totaled $551 billion, up about 5% from $524 billion for fiscal 2019.
What the Future Holds for Remote Work
One year into the COVID-19 pandemic and experts are weighing in on the future of remote work and the policies that guide it. One professor believes that many firms will adopt remote work on a permanent basis. A business exec envisions companies adding chief remote work officers. One CEO predicts rural towns will flourish if they innovate quickly.
GOP Lawmakers Urge Hike in Defense Budget
Eight GOP lawmakers, led by House Armed Services Committee member Mike Rogers, are urging President Joe Biden to increase the defense budget by 3% to 5%. They say the hike would be a prudent investment to stay ahead of China and other threats.
Cyber Experts: What Biden Should Prioritize
Experts making up the Cybersecurity 202 Network have cited some ideas for what President Joe Biden should prioritize in his first 100 days in office, including finishing appointments to his cybersecurity team and directing more resources to Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Can Robot Targets Pivot to Virus Warriors?
A maker of realistically moving robot targets used in military training exercises is retrofitting some of his robots go on the offensive to kill coronavirus, scouring enclosures with ultraviolet light.
1st Guard Unit Receives Delivery of F-35s
The Vermont Air National Guard took delivery of the first two of what will become 20 F-35 jets. It is the first Guard unit to receive the aircraft.
Congress Hears Testimony on Military Base Water Contamination
Congress hears testimony today from DoD’s deputy assistant secretary of defense for environment about water contamination on military bases. Also testifying is a former Army reservist with at least 16 relatives near Colorado Springs’ Air Force and Army installations diagnosed with cancer.
National Guard to Remain at US-Mexico Border Another Year
Up to 4,000 National Guard personnel are authorized to remain on the US-Mexico border for another year, although funding for the extended mission remains unclear.
