March 28, 2024

Norquist to Be Acting DefSec After Inauguration

Norquist

David Norquist will serve as acting secretary of defense for the start of the Biden administration. Deputy DefSec since July 2019, Mr. Norquist will be in charge until the Senate confirms retired Army GEN Lloyd Austin for the position.

DoD Forbids Use of CBD Products by Service Members

CDB Products

As each military service has been rolling out its own policy regarding hemp-derived products like cannabidiol, or CBD, DoD issued this warning: “It’s completely forbidden for use by any service member in any of the services at this point of time.”

Esper Is Trump’s New Pick for DefSec

Esper

President Donald Trump says he intends to nominate Mark Esper as the new defense secretary, David Norquist as the deputy defense secretary, and Ryan McCarthy as the Army secretary.

Tensions Escalating in Persian Gulf

Hazardous Duty

Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Over the weekend, the FAA warned that current tensions in the Persian Gulf area could pose a threat to air travel in that region.

Navy Plans Two Carriers, One Contract

Aircraft carriers

The Navy plans to commit $24 billion to buy two new Ford-class aircraft carriers under the same contract, a commitment that should save 5 to 10 percent over buying each carrier separately.

AH-1Z Undergoing Testing at Pax

AH-1Z

The US Navy has successfully completed its first joint air-to-ground missile flight test on the AH-1Z helicopter at NAS Patuxent River.

Arms Sales Rise for First Time Since 2010

arms sales F-35s

Global arms sales by the world’s top 100 defense contractors rose last year for the first time since 2010,

First DoD-Wide Audit Announced

Pentagon Jobs

The Pentagon’s office of the inspector general announced the start of the first agencywide financial audit. Beginning in 2018, audits will occur annually.