Navy Offers Early Shipping Bonuses to Recruits
The US Navy is offering early shipping bonuses to new recruits — at least $25,000 to enlist active duty and ship out before the end of June. Some bonuses could be even higher.
Air Force Wish List Includes More F-35s
Add more F-35 fighter jets to the US Air Force’s wish list. The service’s list for fiscal 2023 include billions of dollars for seven more, brand-new F-35As as well as EC-37 Compass Calls aircraft, hypersonic technology tests, and 26 construction projects for bases recovering from natural disasters.
Deployments in Europe Likely to Remain Into Summer
The Pentagon said that thousands of troops mobilized over the past few months to Eastern Europe will most likely remain into the summer. DoD also announced that the US will send additional aid to Ukraine: $300 million more in military supplies, including drones, laser-guided missiles, armored vehicles, and machine guns.
Navy Pilots Continue Russian Deterrence Missions
US Navy pilots are flying dozens of daily missions from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Mediterranean region. The Truman has been in the region since December, making it the longest stretch in decades for US ships to stay in that region.
Funding Bill Passes, Avoids Shutdown, Includes More Aid to Ukraine
The US Senate passed a $1.5 trillion package late last week that funds the federal government through September and delivers $14 billion to help Ukraine. For 2022, the bill provides $728.5 billion in discretionary defense spending, an increase of $32.5 billion above 2021.
Officials Split Over New Cyber Legislation
Fears of cyberattacks by Russia prompted a Senate bill to create new cybersecurity requirements and standards for agencies and contractors. The CISA director praised the reporting mandate in the legislation as a critical tool for enhancing US cyber defenses. Some in the Biden administration say the bill is flawed and will make the country less safe.
Ukraine Makes Plea for Weapons
The list of countries around the globe promising military weapons to Ukraine is growing.
Russia’s Assault on Ukraine Continues
Ukraine President Zelenskyy called on volunteers from around the world to join the fight for his country as the assault from Russia continues. Russia’s invasion into Ukraine is raising questions about what would trigger a military response from the US and NATO forces.
More Troops Being Deployed to Europe
Three thousand members of the 82nd Airborne Division are scheduled to join 3,000 troops already mobilized to Poland, Germany, and Romania, as tensions mount along the Ukraine-Russia border. The White House is warning US civilians in Ukraine: Get out now, because the military won’t help rescue you if Russia invades.
DoD Outlines New Tech Strategies
The Defense Department outlined its vision for the US military to strengthen its tech superiority amid a global race for technological advantage. The plan includes a list of “critical technology areas” including biotechnology, quantum science, FutureG, trusted AI and autonomy, directed energy weapons and systems, hypersonics, and integrated sensing and cyber.
