A look at some of what this year’s SOF Week conference in Tampa had to offer.
By Michael MarrowAll equipment included in the pledge is to be ordered from industry, not drawn from US stocks — meaning it could take years for the weapons to arrive in Ukraine.
By Tim Martin“We now have a significant number of ATACMS coming off their production line and entering US stocks,” Jake Sullivan said today. “And as a result, we can move forward with providing the ATACMS while also sustaining the readiness of the US armed forces.”
By Aaron Mehta“These are the kinds of discussions that we need to have to try to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation,” a senior defense official told reporters of the call between Joint Chiefs Chairman CQ Brown and his counterpart in the People’s Liberation Army.
By Lee Ferran“How in the hell do you lose an F-35?”
By Michael MarrowKristyn Jones, who is performing the duties of the under secretary of the Air Force, warned that modernization initiatives aimed at countering China would also be at risk if a budget impasse in Congress stretches on.
By Michael MarrowAt the Reagan National Defense Forum, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also emphasized that Jerusalem must minimize civilian deaths in Gaza in order to keep any tactical victory from turning into a strategic defeat.
By Ashley Roque and Michael MarrowIn a letter to the Senate appropriations chair, Gen. CQ Brown warns, “We cannot outpace our pacing challenge [China] while under a CR.”
By Aaron Mehta“We don’t take an oath to a religion. We don’t take an oath to a king, or queen, or tyrant, or dictator. And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator,” Gen. Mark Milley said today.
By Ashley RoqueGen. Randy George and Gen. Eric Smith will now formally take over leadership of the Army and Marine Corps, respectively.
By Michael Marrow and Ashley RoqueA breakthrough in a blockade on military confirmations came after the Senate’s top Democrat moved to hold individual votes for Brown, as well as Army and Marine Corps leaders.
By Michael Marrow and Ashley Roque“We have 25 fighter squadrons in the Guard right now. And when I look at the global demand, my personal view is I think we need to keep all 25 of those. I think our nation needs that capability,” said National Guard chief Gen. Daniel Hokanson.
By Michael MarrowAllvin, currently the Air Force’s No. 2 officer, has been nominated to succeed Gen. CQ Brown as service chief. But his path forward remains murky as a blanket hold placed on military confirmation by Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville drags on.
By Michael MarrowAir Force Gen. CQ Brown received praise for his career while fielding some culture war questions from Republicans, and separately indicated he would not work for a defense contractor after serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
By Michael Marrow