Tag: military operations
199 articles
Air Force Achieves Pilot Goal, But Backlog Persists
The Air Force has finally hit its stride in producing 1,500 pilots per year, but it's only the first step in solving a stubborn shortage of over 2,000 aviators that's not easily solved overnight. Replacing the missing pilots won't be a quick fix, as many of those needed to fill the gap are currently in mid-career staff positions.
Cybersecurity Forum Opens Discussion on Uncovered Topics
Join the conversation at Bunker Talk, where the toughest cybersecurity topics get the attention they deserve. Let's dive into the uncharted areas of cybersecurity and explore new perspectives.
Pentagon Pushes for Right to Repair Military Hardware
The Pentagon is taking a stand for a crucial right: the ability to repair and maintain its own military hardware, a move that could significantly boost its operational independence. This push, championed by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, is now headed to Capitol Hill for consideration.
US Army Accelerates Drone Training Amid Electromagnetic Spectrum Challenges
The US Army is ramping up its drone training program to keep pace with its rapidly expanding fleet, but a shortage of trained operators is emerging as a major challenge. With hardware no longer a bottleneck, the Army is now focused on getting more pilots qualified to operate the drones.
USMC Deploys Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in Combat for First Time
The US Marine Corps has marked a major milestone, deploying Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations in combat for the very first time, validating a concept that's been years in the making. This breakthrough deployment was successfully executed by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit during its recent six-month mission.
AFA 2026 Highlights Cislunar Ops Push, Future Airlift Developments
Get the inside scoop on the hottest topics from AFA 2026, including Chairman Caine's key remarks on cislunar operations and the future of airlift developments. Top takeaways from the conference's final day are shedding light on the latest advancements in these critical areas.
Space Force Waged Electronic Warfare Against Iran in Operation Epic Fury
The US Space Force isn't just a supporting player - it's a game-changer on the battlefield, delivering crucial space power to the fight. In a recent example, Space Force waged electronic warfare against Iran in Operation Epic Fury, providing direct support to the mission.
US Airmen Describe Battling Iranian Barrages on US Bases
Airmen at US bases bravely withstood Iranian missile barrages, and one heroic security forces noncommissioned officer even saved trapped personnel by prying open a damaged bunker door.
US Absence Disrupts Global Talks on Civilian Protections in Combat
As the US sits out crucial talks on protecting civilians in combat, a pressing question lingers: are we ready to tackle this problem and make a real difference? The absence of the US from a NATO meeting in Brussels has left many wondering when those who care about mitigating civilian harm can come together to find a solution.
Pentagon Leverages Polygraphs to Hunt Leakers, Despite Dubious Science
The Pentagon is ramping up its leak investigation tactics, using polygraph tests on dozens of military officers and civilian employees in a massive probe into press leaks about the Iran war and depleted US munitions. Roughly 50 personnel on the Joint Staff were subjected to the tests in August in an unprecedented move.
Pentagon Expands AI-Powered Maven System Across Operations
The Pentagon is supercharging its decision-making with the AI-powered Maven Smart System, which is being expanded across operations to help officials make faster, data-driven decisions. What started as a tool to connect intelligence and operations is now being used to analyze logistics, supply chain, and budgeting data, and more.
Houthi Strikes Target Saudi Energy Lifeline
The Houthi rebels launched a massive attack on Saudi Arabia's energy infrastructure, unleashing dozens of ballistic missiles and drones that caused major damage to key facilities, according to Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree. The strikes were reportedly in retaliation for Saudi aggression that targeted Houthi-controlled areas with 121 air strikes over just three days.
Marines Refine Combat Skills in Expeditionary Environment Exercise
In a gritty field exercise at Camp Pendleton, two Marines got down to business in an underground bunker, racing against time to repair a drone's flight controller and stay one step ahead in the game. Lance Cpl. Vincenzo Morrison and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Daniel Opper II put their skills to the test in a high-pressure, hands-on maintenance challenge.
Navy Submarine Maintenance Backlog Inflates Costs
The Navy's submarine maintenance backlog is spiraling out of control, with a staggering 41 ship-years of idle time accumulated over the past decade and a projected $3.1 billion in unnecessary operating costs on the horizon. This costly delay is set to worsen, with 15 attack submarines expected to spend over 14,000 days in inactive idle status between 2026 and 2030.
Marines Test AI-Powered Logistics Engine in Pacific Theater
The Marines are revolutionizing their logistics game with an AI-powered engine, recently tested in the Pacific Theater, which can analyze over 16 million parts and 4 million vendors to streamline sustainment planning. This cutting-edge tech, developed by defense company Tagup, is already being used by select Marine units to optimize logistics and drive efficiency.
Australia Eyes Drone Developments in Northern Neighbors
Australia's neighbors are taking a bold leap forward with drone technology, with a recent test featuring over 100 autonomous systems flying for an impressive 560 hours - and it's time for Australia to take note. The country's Northern Territory is poised to play a key role in this space, with plans to establish Darwin as a sustainment hub for uncrewed systems and a proving ground for next-gen equipment.
USAF C-17 Lands in Moscow Amid Heightened Tensions
In a bold move, a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III landed at Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport on August 25, 2026, amid rising tensions between the US and Russia. The aircraft, operating under callsign RCH4555, departed Riga just hours earlier, sparking widespread interest and attention.
Pentagon Axes Civilian Protection Program, Faces Backlash
The Pentagon has axed its Civilian Protection Program, sparking widespread backlash, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed its rules of engagement too restrictive. The move comes despite a 2025 poll of top commanders, who largely favored preserving the program in some form.
US Army Cyber Command Forges Integrated Cyber Warfare Capability
The US Army Cyber Command's Joint Integrated Fire Cell proved to be a game-changer, seamlessly integrating Joint Force Headquarters with Army Cyber to tackle complex cyber challenges with unprecedented speed and agility. By synchronizing cyber effects in real-time, the team achieved a major milestone in coordinated cyber warfare.
US Space Command Preps for Ground Segment Attacks, Cislunar Ops
US Space Command is gearing up for potential threats to its ground infrastructure and cislunar operations, acknowledging the vulnerability of critical terrestrial systems that support space operations. A new foundation paper, Space Warfighting Environment 2040, outlines the command's vision for the future of space warfare.
AI Deception Threatens Military Ops, Raises Large Conflict Risk
The increasing use of artificial intelligence in military operations is a double-edged sword, bringing game-changing advantages in intelligence gathering and analysis, but also introducing a stealthy new threat: AI-powered deception that can erode trust and spark large-scale conflict.
NORAD Bolsters Homeland Security Posture
Deep within the granite walls of Cheyenne Mountain Complex, a Cold War-era fortress built 7,000 feet beneath the Colorado mountain, two military personnel go about their duties, a testament to NORAD's enduring role in safeguarding homeland security. This secretive hub has been a cornerstone of defense since 1958, working tirelessly to protect and serve.
Israel Repositions Apaches to Bolster Northern Front Defenses
Get ready for a flurry of activity in Israel's skies as the Israeli Air Force's 190 "Magic Touch" Squadron makes a strategic move from Ramon Air Base to Ramat David Air Base, bolstering the country's northern defenses with a permanent presence of Apache helicopters. This planned relocation is part of the IAF's 2026 programs, and residents can expect to see increased air activity - but don't worry, it's all routine!