MD Loses Most Fed Jobs in US
Maryland has lost more than 15,000 federal jobs since the start of the year, the largest such decline in the country during the Trump administration’s government reduction efforts. The trend has continued. In August, Maryland lost another 2,500 federal jobs,
New Policy Restricts Press Access at Pentagon
The Pentagon has unveiled new restrictions for reporters covering the Defense Department. Members of the media cannot publish information that has not been authorized by the administration, or they risk losing access to the building.
US Expands Carribean Operations
US naval forces in the Caribbean have sunk a third alleged drug-running boat off the coast of Venezuela, and are reviving Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico as a major staging area for the Trump administration’s operations against narcotraffickers and Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
Pentagon Ramps Up Cybersecurity Efforts
The Pentagon is now rolling out acquisition training to get government and industry up to speed on implementation of the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification standards program that goes into effect in November.
VA Cemeteries Across US Commemorate 9/11
To commemorate Patriot Day, 60 Veterans Affairs cemeteries will hold volunteer events, welcoming all who want to honor the fallen from the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by helping restore and beautify the burial places of the nation’s veterans and loved ones.
DoD Rebrand: US Department of War
The US Defense Department will now be known as the Department of War. “It’s … restoring the warrior ethos, restoring victory and clarity as an end state. Restoring intentionality to the use of force,” DefSec Pete Hegseth said.
Pilot Wings First; Carrier Landing Later
Navy students training to fly F/A-18s, F-35s, and EA-18Gs are no longer required to land on a carrier before receiving their “Wings of Gold,” awarded to naval aviators after they’ve completed aviation training. Pilots will instead complete carrier qualifications during follow-on training at the fleet replacement squadron they’re assigned to.
New Navy CNO Caudle Outlines Priorities
ADM Daryl Caudle, new US Navy chief of naval operations, was sworn in early last week and then held his first all-hands call Thursday aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. He outlined his priorities for the service, among them calling for an updated fleet design and discussing the importance of delivering a combat-credible fleet, taking care of sailors, and advancing readiness.
Navy Orders New Rapid Capabilities Office, Shuts Down Others
The Navy will establish a Naval Rapid Capabilities Office to accelerate the development and fielding of new systems. NavSec John Phelan wants to consolidate development efforts under a single entity. As part of the new NRCO, the Maritime Accelerated Response Capability Cell, the Disruptive Capabilities Office, and NavalX will shut down.
Guard Troops in DC Can Now Carry Weapons
National Guard troops deployed in Washington, DC, are now authorized to carry weapons if their mission requires it. DefSec Pete Hegseth signed a memo Friday that allows the roughly 2,000 troops now mobilized in Washington to expand their operations.
