Will Women Register for the Draft in FY22?
In addition to wanting more equipment for all services, the Senate Armed Services Committee would like women to begin registering, as to men, for the possibility of a future draft. Currently the US has an all-voluntary military, but almost all male US citizens and immigrants between 18 and 25 must register with the US Selective Service System.
Guard to Remain at Capitol to May 23
Plans are in place to keep 2,300 National Guard troops at the US Capitol through May 23, while DoD officials work with the Capitol Police to continue reducing the Guard’s footprint as conditions allow, says the Pentagon.
China Considers Attack on US Vessels in South China Sea
Trade wars and intensification of China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea toughen China’s stance toward US, including consideration of attacks on US vessels.
VA to Review Benefit Denials to Sexual Assault Victims
An IG report found VA officials improperly denied benefits to thousands of military sexual assault victims. The department will review all denied military sexual trauma claims from October 2016 forward.
The F-35 Goes to War
The Israeli F-35 became the first to enter combat, according to the head of Israel’s Air Force. The F-35s were used in two recent strikes in Syria, he said.
DoD Plans Multi-Year F-35 Buys in FY21
DoD reveals plans multi-year F-35 buys for cost-savings and is looking to contract to buy nearly 2,000 F-35s starting in fiscal 2021, according to a Selected Acquisition Report released in late March.
Warships’ Nuclear Waste Heading to Idaho
A $1.65 billion nuclear waste storage facility in eastern Idaho will be built to handle fuel waste from the nation’s fleet of nuclear-powered warships.
