US Ships Seize Explosive Mix in Gulf of Oman
The US Navy and Coast Guard have intercepted a fishing boat headed to Yemen carrying 180 tons of Iranian explosive material – urea fertilizer and ammonium perchlorate. The USCGC John Scheuerman and Navy guided missile cruiser USS The Sullivans came across the dhow in international waters of the Gulf of Oman on Nov. 8.
Space Troopers Name Reflects Calvary
Perhaps the name sounds like something out of a space opera, but ‘space troopers’ were actually named to reflect similar jobs as those carried out by trooper in the cavalry: ‘offensive security operations, deep reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition, and executing screening actions in support of friendly forces’.
No Votes Lost, Lots of Vets Elected
The government’s cyber-security agency found no evidence of any voting irregularities across the nation during the 2022 midterm elections held last week. With some race not yet called that could add more veterans to the 118 Congress in January 2023, there are already more vets elected to Congress than in more than a decade.
Dire Recruitment: Navy Hikes Enlistment Age
Dire recruiting realities prompted the Navy to raises its maximum enlistment age from 39 to 41. Under the change, 41-year-olds must report to recruit training by their 42nd birthday and cannot have previously served in the military.
Space War College Goes to Hopkins
The Space Force becomes the first branch of the US armed forces to leverage a private university rather than create a new war college. Starting next July, Johns Hopkins will offer a 10-month, accredited professional military education program that draws on its world-renowned courses in international studies and engineering.
13% Decrease in FY’22 Defense Contracting
Federal contract spending declined by 7% in fiscal 2022, driven largely by a 13% decrease in defense spending, which offset the 5% increase in contract spending among civilian agencies.
SpaceX’s 1st Classified Payload Launched
SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy rocket with its first national security payload – two classified satellites that are part of the Space Force’s USSF-44 mission. It is the Falcon Heavy’s first launch since 2019.
US Defends Affirmative Action Citing Military
Arguing before the Supreme Court to uphold affirmative action, the government included service academies and civilian institutions alike, noting among other defenses of the inclusive policy: that a diverse officer corps is necessary for national security.
Still Time for Overseas Absentee Ballots for Nov. 8
Service members, their family members, and overseas US citizens voting by absentee ballot still have time to get their votes counted in the Nov. 8, 2022 midterm elections. If you’ve requested the absentee ballot and have yet to receive it, download the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB, which works as a backup ballot.