A Historic First: Marine Corps Reserve Integrates Multidomain Assets During Exercise

June 23, 2026 | By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Aaron Xing, Marine Forces Reserve |

For the first time in its history, the Marine Corps Reserve is actively deploying multidomain collection assets during an integration course, marking a significant technological milestone for Integrated Training Exercise 3-26 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. 

The Information and Intelligence Integration Course is a rigorous, three-day evolution that provides a progressive training opportunity for Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 intelligence and information entities to rehearse complex tactics, techniques and procedures associated with advanced equipment operation, data exchange and battlespace awareness.  

Historically, this level of multidomain integration has been challenging to replicate in reserve training environments. However, during the exercise, Marines are successfully bridging that gap, actively synchronizing signals intelligence and electronic warfare, limited expeditionary cyberspace operations and information maneuver elements into a single, cohesive intelligence picture. 

"As a commander, having a clear and immediate picture of the battlespace is everything," said Marine Corps Col. Aaron Awtry, commanding officer of the task force. "These new emerging technologies within the Marine Corps have fundamentally changed how we operate. They have greatly improved the speed and accurate flow of information from the tactical edge directly to the command operations center, allowing faster, more informed decisions to be made." 

Implementing these technologies in real-time through this new course demonstrates the rapid modernization of the reserve force as Marines keep pace with the evolving character of warfare and the demands of the future fight. 

The course goes through a combination of classroom instruction, detailed planning and dynamic lane training. Operating within a firing range, intelligence collectors and operators must actively scan the area, locate adversary signatures, and execute information-related activities in a simulated, contested environment. The task force's operations center is then tasked with managing these diverse collections, analyzing the incoming data, and producing actionable intelligence for commanders. 

"This gives reserve Marines an opportunity to use capabilities they will not have organically until future force design initiatives are implemented, while increasing our section's proficiency in signals intelligence and electromagnetic warfare integration and operations, said Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Moore, a subject matter expert and instructor for the course's multidomain assets.  

Moore added the course gives units a unique opportunity to bring multiple capabilities into the scenario to coordinate, plan, collect and disseminate intelligence and information products.

"Our 'no sensor left behind' approach helps Marines refine their craft, introduce new capabilities ahead of force structure and capability delivery, and better plan and conduct multidomain operations in increasingly contested environments," he said. 

The successful execution of the course sets conditions for information and intelligence support throughout the remainder of the exercise. As the character of warfare continues to evolve, the Marine Corps Reserve's ability to master these next-generation technologies ensures the Marine Corps remains a lethal, ready and agile force prepared to dominate in the complex, data-driven conflicts of tomorrow.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole

June 22, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Army Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole was a 101st Airborne Division paratrooper who fought in the European Theater during World War II, where his valorous actions near Carentan, France, earned him the Medal of Honor. 

Cole was born to Army Col. Clarence Leroy and Clara Hoff Cole, March 19, 1915, in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. His father served as an Army doctor and his mother was a teacher at the Mark Twain School in San Antonio. He had two siblings, Leroy and Mary. 

In 1933, Cole graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio and joined the Army, July 1, 1934. Nearly one year later, June 26, 1935, he was honorably discharged to accept an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he played on the football team. 

He married his childhood sweetheart Allie Mae Beall in 1940, and they had a son, Robert Bruce.

After graduating from West Point in 1939, he was assigned to the 15th Infantry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington. While serving there, he befriended Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who commanded the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and later became the regimental executive officer. 

After volunteering and being accepted for airborne duty in 1941, Cole was assigned to the 501st Parachute Infantry Battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia, and trained to become a paratrooper. He earned his jump wings in March of that year.  

The Army changed its command structure in the early 1940s to meet the demands of World War II, and the parachute battalions were divided into regiments. In 1942, Cole was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, and was subsequently appointed commander. 

In 1943, the division sailed to England to prepare for Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. While there, he met his friend, Eisenhower, who was now a general and the Allied supreme commander. 

A few days after D-Day, at the onset of the Battle of Carentan, June 10, 1944, Cole led his 400-man battalion in a single file line through an exposed raised road with marshes on both sides that led to the last four bridges over the Douve River floodplain and Carentan, France. The 101st Airborne Division had been ordered to seize Carentan and link up with the 29th Infantry Division.

German troops were dug in by hedgerows behind a large farmhouse. As the battalion advanced to the river, they were subjected to continuous fire from machine guns, artillery and mortars, sustaining many casualties. They came upon a mobile anti-tank obstacle, known as a Belgian gate, that only allowed one man to pass through at a time. After enduring a night of shelling and bombing, Cole's remaining 265-man battalion moved through the obstacle and prepared for an assault, June 11, 1944. The German troops at the farmhouse continued to resist, so Cole ordered a bayonet charge that he led. The battalion engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, forcing the Germans to retreat but not without suffering 130 additional casualties. The assault became known as the "Cole Charge" and led to the establishment of a bridgehead across the Douve River and the capture of Carentan. 

After the Battle of Carentan, Cole led his paratroopers into their next battle as part of Operation Market Garden, Sept. 17, 1944, when they parachuted into the Netherlands 

Their mission was to secure bridges in Sint-Oedenrode, North Brabant, Netherlands, which they did. The battalion then moved out to the town of Best to secure railroad bridges. 

On the morning of Sept. 18, 1944, his battalion faced fierce German opposition from small-arms fire and artillery in the Zonsche Forest. After radioing for air support, P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft arrived, firing at German positions — and hitting Cole's battalion as well.

While the attack was underway, Cole was in the process of placing orange panels on the ground so that pilots could identify his battalion's position. As he was in the process of doing this, a German sniper, hiding out in a barn, shot and killed Cole instantly. 

He was buried in the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial at Margraten, Netherlands, the only American cemetery in that country where more than 8,000 U.S. service members are buried. 

Cole was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Carentan, June 11, 1944. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre. 

"After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over one hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets," Cole's Medal of Honor citation reads. "With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position."  

Cole's medal was presented by Army Maj. Gen. Jonathan W. Anderson to his mother on Oct. 30, 1944, during a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston on the same parade field where Cole once played as a child. Cole's widow and 18-month-old son also attended. 

According to the Texas State Historical Association, Army Maj. Gen. Maxwell Taylor, in a handwritten letter to Cole's widow, wrote, "Bob was our ideal airborne soldier. His courage was legendary, and his hold on his rugged parachutists is an example which few other commanders ever attained."  

In his condolence note, Eisenhower wrote that Cole was "one of our ablest and certainly one of our most gallant officers," according to the association. 

During the Normandy invasion, a Stars and Stripes newspaper reporter mentioned that Cole was "a terror to German troops in the area of the Cherbourg peninsula," according to an Oct. 30, 1944, article in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper. 

Although Robert Bruce Cole was exempt from the draft as an only child and the son of a Medal of Honor recipient, he volunteered to serve in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. 

His widow died Dec. 15, 2000, and is buried in a family plot at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Also buried there is their son, who died Dec. 5, 2024. 

Robert G. Cole Middle and High School in San Antonio is named for him. A monument to Cole is at the location where he led his battalion in a bayonet charge and another monument to him is located near the spot he was killed. Also, plaques commemorating Cole's leadership are in Best and Carentan. At Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where the 101st Airborne Division is based, there is a park, a golf course and a community activity center named after him.  

Team Army Competitor Brings 'Never Give Up' Spirit to Warrior Games

June 22, 2026 | By Vernishia Vaughn, Army Recovery Care Program |

For Army Capt. Vanessa Munro, arriving at the 2026 Warrior Games already feels like a victory. Before the first event began and before scores were posted, Munro's presence with Team Army was a reminder of how far recovery can reach when determination, support and purpose come together.

Munro's victory is being part of a team again. After a tragic car accident in 2023 resulted in a severe traumatic brain injury, brain surgery and an extended coma, the road back has included months of hospitalization, intensive rehabilitation and daily work to regain strength, confidence and independence.

Now competing with Team Army, Munro is reconnecting with something she's missed: the camaraderie, joking, banter and shared support that come with being part of a team.

Munro's mother, Heidi, shared that the Warrior Games has given her daughter an opportunity to be surrounded by athletes and coaches who see her.

"She loves how everyone supports one another and how people treat her as capable, not disabled," Heidi said.

Munro was commissioned as a field artillery officer in 2018 after completing ROTC at the University of Washington. After four years in her branch, she was selected for the Army's Interservice Physician Assistant Program. Before the accident, she was also an elite athlete and Ironman competitor. Her soldiers often called her "The Iron Ma'am." After the accident, a new nickname emerged.

Heidi said as friends came in and out of Munro's inpatient room with Starbucks, sushi, cute clothes and colorful head coverings, they helped bring light into a difficult season. They bedazzled her wheelchair and walker, decorated her room and made sure her nails were painted. Before long, Munro became known as "The Bougie TBI Girl," a moniker she carries now that captures both parts of her story.

For Heidi and Kailee, Munro's childhood best friend and caregiver, that moniker is more than a phrase. It reflects how Munro has approached recovery from the beginning.

Even in a semiconscious state, Munro didn't want to be seen as disabled. Once she could walk, she refused to use the wheelchair. Then she refused the walker. About six months after the accident, she began walking a mile a day. The pace was slow, and the walks required breaks, but Munro kept asking to go.

On days when Heidi and Kailee were exhausted, Munro would look at them and say, "Outside time." From the beginning, they said, she refused to give up.

Adaptive sports became another part of her recovery. Munro's first adaptive sport was skiing, which made her feel alive and free again. Her confidence grew after that first ski trip. Swimming came next, and once she connected with an adaptive swim coach, the pool became a place where she could focus on what she could do rather than what she couldn't do.

The adaptive triathlon later reintroduced Munro to competition, wearing a uniform, supporting others and being supported by a team.

Participation in various sports activities, plus the Warrior Games, has helped Munro reconnect with the athlete she was before her injury while continuing to discover who she is now.

Kailee said what people see during competition is only part of the story.

"What I've witnessed isn't just physical recovery; it's resilience," Kailee said. "I've watched Vanessa choose to keep showing up when it would have been easier not to. I've watched her rebuild pieces of herself one day at a time. The Warrior Games are incredible, but it's just the visible part of a recovery that's been happening every single day for years."

For Heidi, watching Munro compete has been deeply emotional. Two years ago, doctors told the family Munro would never walk or talk again. Seeing her at the Warrior Games just 30 months into recovery has filled her with hope.

"The real work has taken place in countless therapy sessions, difficult mornings, bouts of depression, setbacks and small victories that most people never see," Heidi said.

One of the most powerful moments came on the track.

"I cried at the track," Heidi said. "I watch her struggle to walk every day always afraid she'll trip over her own foot. I've never seen her run, so to watch her run the 200, with obvious difficulty and exhaustion, and to finish it to a standing ovation and the entire crowd cheering for her, that was the highlight of Warrior Games for me."

When Munro was shown videos of herself walking for the first time after her injury and asked what she thought about herself from the beginning of recovery until now, she chose three words: "Surprised. Excited. Inspired."

For Kailee, the hope is that Munro sees what those closest to her have seen all along.

"Recovery hasn't been about finding her way back to the exact person she was before," she said. "It's been about discovering who she is now, the same fierce, determined, funny, stubborn and compassionate person who inspired people before the accident."

Kailee said Munro's path looks different today, but her strength has never left her.

For Munro, her journey isn't about becoming less than she was before. It's about continuing to move forward, reclaiming pieces of herself and proving, one step and one competition at a time, that "never give up" is more than a motto.

It's how she got here.

Editor's note: Because Munro is still in recovery, some responses and additional context for this story were provided through her mother, Heidi, and her childhood best friend and caregiver, Kailee.

Allies Come Together in the Indo-Pacific for Exercise Valiant Shield 26

June 22, 2026 | By Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet |

U.S. Pacific Command joint forces, along with allied and partner forces, kicked off Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 today in the Indo-Pacific region. 

The training exercise will run until July 1 and take place in the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Japan and at sea around the Mariana Islands Range Complex. 

Valiant Shield 26 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability training in a multidomain environment. This training builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land and in cyberspace. 

Exercises such as VS26 enable all U.S. forces and allies across the Indo-Pacific region to integrate and train in precise, lethal and overwhelming scenarios that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the joint and combined force.  

With the involvement of U.S. Space Command and U.S. Transportation Command, VS26 is expanding the multidomain, cross-combatant command collaboration required for any large-scale exercise or operation. The exercise prepares the joint and combined force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across the spectrum of operations — from humanitarian assistance and disaster response to armed conflict. 

"Valiant Shield demonstrates our enduring commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Navy Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Exercising advanced multidomain capabilities with our allies ensures we continue to seamlessly innovate and operate together, project combat power together and prevail over any challenge — together." 

The exercise assists U.S., allied and partner forces in developing regional and global power projection capabilities. Integrated training provides a full range of options to succeed in the defense of U.S. interests and those of like-minded nations around the world. 

This year marks the 11th iteration of Exercise Valiant Shield, which began in 2006. It is also the second time the Japan Self-Defense Forces has been heavily integrated in the planning and execution.   

Since 2024, Valiant Shield has become a multilateral joint field training exercise, further integrating allies and partners into the multidomain environment. While it started as a unilateral U.S. exercise, it has evolved to meet the demands of the security environment, incorporating new technologies and strategies.

Signers of the Declaration of Independence: New York

June 19, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Delegates to the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776. The 56 delegates who signed the formal break from Britain are all considered Founding Fathers; four represented New York.   

The New York delegates included William Floyd, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston and Lewis Morris. Their signatures are grouped on the top second column from the right of the document.  

William Floyd 

Floyd was born on Dec. 17, 1734, in the town of Brookhaven on Long Island, New York, to Nicoll and Tabitha Floyd. He was the oldest of nine children. 

When his parents died in 1755, Floyd inherited the family's wealthy estate and took responsibility for his siblings; he was a successful farmer and local politician. In 1760, he married Hannah Jones. They had three children: Nicoll, Mary and Catherine. After his wife died in 1781, he married Joanna Strong in 1784, and they had two children: Ann and Elizabeth. 

During the Revolutionary War, Floyd served as a major general in the New York militia. The British seized Floyd's land and house shortly after the declaration was signed and used it for a military staging area for the remaining seven years of the war. Floyd served as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress. After the war, Floyd served several terms in the New York State Senate and in the first Congress under the U.S. Constitution. 

Floyd died Aug. 4, 1821, at the age of 85, and is buried at the Westernville Cemetery in Oneida County, New York. 

The town of Floyd, New York, is named for him, as are several schools in New York and the William Floyd Parkway in Brookhaven. 

In 1976, the William Floyd Estate was donated to the National Park Service and is open to the public. 

Francis Lewis 

Lewis was born in Llandaff, Wales, March 21, 1713, the only child of Morgan and Anne Lewis. However, they both died in 1718, when Lewis was 5, and he was raised by his aunt. 

Lewis was educated in Scotland and London. As a young man, he chose a career as a merchant, which entailed extensive travel to other countries, including the American colonies. He sold the land that he had inherited from his father to finance his travels. 

Lewis married Elizabeth Annesley in 1745, and they had seven children. During the French and Indian War, 1754 to 1763, he was an aide to British Army Col. James Mercer, the commander of Fort Oswego, New York. In 1756, French forces besieged the fort. Lewis and many others were taken prisoner to French Canada and then to France, where he was eventually freed in a prisoner exchange after seven years in captivity. 

He resumed his merchant business after the war, settling down in what is now Queens, New York. He became involved in local politics, helping to organize the Sons of Liberty in 1765, and served as a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress. 

During the Revolutionary War, he supplied the Continental Army with clothing, weapons and provisions. In 1776, his home was destroyed by the British, and his wife, Elizabeth, was captured and held as a prisoner for several months; she was released in a prisoner swap and died in 1779. 

Lewis died Dec. 31, 1802, and is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in New York City. 

His name and legacy live on throughout New York City. In Queens, a park, a masonic lodge and a high school all bear his name, as does Francis Lewis Boulevard — a major thoroughfare that runs the entirety of the borough. 

Philip Livingston 

Livingston was born Jan. 15, 1716, in Albany, New York, to Philip and Catharine Livingston. He had a brother named William. 

In 1737, he graduated from Yale College in Connecticut and apprenticed as a merchant under his father's supervision. He eventually moved to New York City, where he worked in trade with the British West Indies.   

In 1740, he married Christina Ten Broeck, and they had nine children. 

By the middle of the 18th century, Livingston served as a New York City alderman and then held other positions in the colonial government. During the summer of 1776, the British took his two homes, using one as a barracks and the other as a Royal Navy hospital. 

In 1777, he was appointed to the New York State Senate and served as a delegate in the First and Second Continental Congress. 

Livingston died June 12, 1778, and is buried in the Prospect Hill Cemetery in York, Pennsylvania. He was buried there because that is where he died suddenly while attending a session of the Second Continental Congress. 

Livingston Avenue and Philip Livingston Magnet Academy, both in Albany, New York, are named for him. 

Lewis Morris 

Morris was born in Westchester County, New York, April 8, 1726, to Lewis and Katrintje in what is now the Bronx, New York; he had two younger brothers and an older sister. They lived on a large agricultural estate and were well off.  

After his mother died in 1731, Morris' father married Sarah Gouverneur, and the couple had three children. Morris was tutored at home until age 16. He attended Yale College in Connecticut and graduated in 1746; he returned home to help his father manage the estate.  

He married Mary Walton in 1749, and they had 10 children. 

In 1760, Morris was appointed a judge of the Court of Admiralty and, in 1769, became a member of New York's Colonial Assembly.  

In 1775, he was elected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. Shortly after signing the Declaration of Independence, the British ransacked Morris' estate and slaughtered his cattle. He resigned from Congress in 1777 and returned home to restore his property and other farmlands destroyed by the British. He was an advocate for agriculture and education during his two terms as a state senator, 1777-1781 and 1784-1788. 

Morris died Jan. 22, 1798, and is buried in a family vault below St. Ann's Episcopal Church in the Bronx. 

This is the third installment in a series of articles about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. The 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress, representing the 13 colonies, are all considered Founding Fathers.

Team Army Opens 2026 Warrior Games With Eight Powerlifting Medals

June 17, 2026 | By Vernishia Vaughn, Army Recovery Care Program |

Team Army opened the first day of competition at the 2026 Warrior Games in San Antonio with wins in powerlifting, earning eight medals while demonstrating that the greatest victories often extend far beyond the podium. 

The powerlifting medalists included: 1st Lt. Jani Merritt, gold; Staff Sgt. Chelsea Scott, gold; Staff Sgt. Nate Mateo, gold; Sgt. Tukiau Salanoa-Tuioti, gold; Capt. Channda Mitchell, gold; Capt. Jake Malven, silver; retired Sgt. 1st Class Valerie Watkins, bronze and retired Capt. Tony Smith, bronze. 

While the medals reflected exceptional performances on the platform, the stories behind them highlighted the perseverance, support and sense of community that define the Warrior Games experience as well as the Army Recovery Care Program's commitment to helping wounded, ill and injured soldiers recover and thrive. 

Mateo, a second-time Warrior Games competitor, said he shares his gold medal with family, who traveled nearly 24 hours from Saipan to cheer him on in San Antonio. He said seeing his family and friends in the stands served as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely a journey taken alone.   

"My wife, Regina, and my family have been with me from the start," Mateo said. "I wouldn't have been where I am today if it wasn't for her. She’s been keeping me in the right state of mind and reminding me of all we have accomplished together through this journey." 

Returning to the Warrior Games with another year of training and experience behind him, Mateo said the lessons from coaches and teammates have prepared him mentally and physically while inspiring him to pay that support forward. 

"Everything I learned and experienced last year followed me into this year," he said. "This year, my goal is to return that favor by encouraging, mentoring and supporting everyone on Team Army." 

For first-time competitor Scott, a gold medal was meaningful, but the relationships forged throughout recovery proved even more valuable. 

"Winning a gold medal at my first Warrior Games is something I'm incredibly proud of, but what this experience represents goes far beyond the medal itself," she said. "Recovery can sometimes feel isolating, but being part of this team continuously reminds me that I'm not alone." 

Scott credits adaptive sports and the Army Recovery Care Program with helping her regain confidence and discover new ways to challenge herself as she navigates recovery. 

"They showed me that recovery is not just about healing, and it's certainly not linear," she said. "It's about finding new ways to grow, push your limits and continue doing the things you love." 

Smith also made his Warrior Games debut June 13, earning a bronze medal after overcoming doubts and trusting the preparation that brought him to the platform. 

"I was excited, but I was also nervous," he said. "After losing a significant amount of weight over the past few months, I was the lightest competitor in my division. There were definitely moments of doubt, but I trusted my training, my coaches and the support system that helped me get there." 

Looking beyond the medal itself, Smith said the Warrior Games reinforced lessons that will remain with him long after the competition ends. 

"This journey taught me that recovery is a process, not an event," he said. "More than anything, I learned the importance of community. None of us accomplish things alone. While I'm proud of the bronze medal, I'm even more grateful for the lessons this experience has reinforced: trust the process, lean on your support system and never count yourself out." 

The Army Recovery Care Program uses adaptive sports and reconditioning activities to assist wounded, ill and injured soldiers build confidence, resilience and community throughout their recovery journeys. On the opening day of competition, Team Army's powerlifting performance reflected not only athletic achievement but also the determination to keep moving forward despite injury, illness and adversity. 

As the 2026 Warrior Games continue throughout the week, Team Army competitors will carry that same united spirit into every event, proving that while medals are earned on the field of play, recovery itself is the greatest victory.

Drone Dominance Program Receives First Order, Gauntlet II Gets Underway

June 17, 2026 | By Defense Innovation Unit Public Affairs |

Drone Dominance Program Gauntlet Phase II qualifiers conclude this week at Camp Grayling, Michigan. This high-stakes test pits 49 companies and 79 unique unmanned aerial systems against rigorous mission scenarios, including long-range strikes and close-quarters tactical assaults. Each company brought 20 drones to take on the challenge. 

The qualifier event is a critical test for a battlefield that is evolving at an unprecedented pace and showcased how the War Department is answering the call with radical innovation. 

The Drone Dominance Program is a $1.1 billion, two-year effort to execute President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order 14307, which articulated the urgent need for the department to procure, integrate and train with low-cost, high-performing drones manufactured in the U.S.  

The goal of the program is to rapidly arm combat units with a massive, scalable fleet of low-cost, expendable one-way attack drones. The effort is also expected to increase the flow of private capital into the U.S. industrial base, while simultaneously driving down costs. 

Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of War and jointly administered by the Defense Innovation Unit and Test Resource Management Center, the Drone Dominance Program is at the forefront of the department's pivot to a challenge-based acquisition approach. It also means shifting from slow, multiyear cycles to agile, six-month sprints.   

The program is putting technology to the test in a series of four gauntlet phases — demanding, realistic challenges designed to identify the most resilient and effective drone platforms.  

At the conclusion of each phase, selected drone technologies are fast-tracked for large-scale production, ensuring warfighters are equipped with a decisive advantage on the modern battlefield. 

"This is an urgent matter," said Owen West, DIU director. "Our adversaries are scaling their UAS technology, tactics and industries at an alarming rate. Following Secretary of War [Pete] Hegseth's orders, we are acting decisively to develop new defensive and offensive capabilities to match these threats." 

West noted that the department is already seeing results.  

The first batch of drones was accepted, with nearly 2,000 additional units shipped to the services and thousands more ramping up for fulfillment.  

Following a highly successful Phase I, which saw the purchase of 30,000 drones, the department is gearing up for the next major milestone. 

"As directed by President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, we have begun to equip our warfighters with the best drones in the world," said Travis Metz, DIU deputy director. "We have ordered 30,000, which are being delivered now and will be ordering 60,000 more in September, all based on competitive events and moving supply chains to the United States as we progress." 

By fostering fierce commercial competition via a public leaderboard, the department aims to scale production from 30,000 to 150,000 units per phase, ultimately dropping the target unit cost from $5,000 to approximately $3,000. By 2027, the Drone Dominance Program intends to field more than 200,000 lethal, artificial intelligence-enabled drones, ensuring the U.S. military executes a technological leapfrog to secure an enduring edge over our adversaries. 

Gauntlet II will kick off later this summer, during which entrants must bring 120 drones as the competition expands into night operations and more complex urban and confined environments.

Crush the Mountain, Ace the Test

June 18, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Adam Enbal, 501st Combat Support Wing |

The sound of running shoes crunching against gravel echoed through the forest as airmen made their way up the hillside.

Some focused on maintaining their pace. Others kept their eyes on the runner ahead. The climb was steep, but nobody stopped.

Below them, the city slowly came into view.

Airmen assigned to the 426th Air Base Squadron, 501st Combat Support Wing, in Stavanger, Norway, regularly take to the trails surrounding the nearby NATO Joint Warfare Centre as part of a mountain run that has become a staple of squadron life.

The run has been a tradition for several years, but leaders recently began timing participants as the Air Force transitioned to its new 2-mile fitness assessment. Overlooking the city, the squadron found a natural training ground just outside its workplace.

"We believed that consistent physical fitness drives performance, morale and unit cohesion," said Air Force Lt. Col. Daniel A. Hayes, outgoing commander of the squadron. "Particularly valuable during Norway's long, dark winters."

The route has also sparked friendly competition throughout the squadron.

"The competitiveness brings out the best in all of us because we want to win," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Bryan K. Genobles, superintendent of the Financial Analysis Flight, 501st Combat Support Wing.

According to Hayes, airmen have consistently improved their 2-mile runs since the squadron began timing them.

"Our mountain runs are intentionally harder than what the standard track will give you," he said. "We developed the motto: 'If you can crush the mountain, you'll ace the test.'"

The run also gives new squadron airmen a goal to reach for as they attempt to run down people in front of them, effectively making themselves and the unit better, Genobles said.

According to Hayes, the shared challenge has helped new members integrate into the squadron more quickly, while strengthening relationships throughout the unit.

The tradition continues after the run ends with airmen gathering for lunch, giving them an opportunity to relax, compare times and spend a moment together outside the workplace.

"The Norwegians have a saying: 'There's no bad weather, only bad clothes,'" Hayes said. "By embracing the environment's natural challenges, we prepare airmen not only to thrive on the Air Force fitness assessment but, more importantly, to build sustainable health and resilience."

For Hayes, who recently completed his final mountain run before relinquishing command, the people he served alongside stand out above all else.

"I will most remember the great camaraderie we had together, both in the office and on the mountain," he said. "That is a special team of people that I feel lucky to have been part of."

As the final runners crossed the finish line during the morning June run and conversations shifted from race times to lunch plans, the trail grew quiet once again. The mountain remained, waiting for the next group of airmen ready to take on the climb.

U.S. 2nd Fleet, International Partners Commence Fleet Exercise 250

June 16, 2026 | By Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet |

Ships from 17 allied and partner nations arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, to prepare for Fleet Exercise 250, June 14-15.

Beginning today, the multinational maritime exercise will commence for the first time in the Norfolk area and in the Atlantic Ocean. A special reception aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima will serve as an opening event. The large-scale exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and test the integrated forces in a dynamic, multidomain training environment.

The exercise will bring together 31 warships, multinational aircraft and their crews to conduct a series of structured training events at sea. The training will focus on a full spectrum of naval warfare, including antiair, antisubmarine and amphibious operations, culminating in a scenario-driven event against a dynamic adversary.

The primary goal is to build cohesiveness, validate tactical procedures and strengthen the collective capabilities of the participating forces in a simulated combat environment.

"Fleet Exercise [250] is a tremendous opportunity to bring together a powerful, multinational force," said Navy Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet. "Training and operating as an integrated team sharpens our competitive edge and demonstrates our shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Atlantic."

The exercise is divided into two main phases: harbor phase, today through June 21, and the at-sea phase, June 22-29.

During harbor phase, participating forces will assemble at Naval Station Norfolk for final planning, briefings and integration. The at-sea execution will see ships get underway to conduct a series of training events, a fleet formation photo exercise and a final battle problem.

The exercise runs concurrently with several public events in Norfolk, including the 50th Annual Norfolk Harbor Fest, Virginia SAIL 250 and Norfolk Fleet Week. These events will feature public tours of visiting warships and international tall ships, alongside a grand Parade of Sail, offering the public a unique opportunity to engage with sailors and mariners from around the world.

Participating nations in the exercise include Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Senegal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Following the exercise, many participating units — joined by the historic tall ships — will sail to New York City to take part in the International Naval Review 250 from July 3-8.

"While [Fleet Exercise] 250 provides critical at-sea training that enhances our combined capabilities, it also sets the stage for a historic celebration at the International Naval Review in New York City," Perry said. "The interoperability we forge here in [Virginia] ensures that when this magnificent multinational fleet arrives to commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, it will stand as a powerful symbol of enduring global partnerships and our shared commitment to the seas."

USV Swarm Demonstrates Maritime Security Capabilities During Exercise Salaknib 26

June 17, 2026 | By Army Staff Sgt. Erik Warren, 28th Public Affairs Detachment |

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division partnered with Philippine Army forces and industry representatives during Exercise Salaknib 2026 to demonstrate how autonomous maritime systems can enhance security and protect critical transportation operations in contested environments.

The maritime screen operation, conducted in the waters of the Casiguran Sound in the northeastern part of Luzon, Philippines, showcased the ability of U.S. and Philippine forces to integrate emerging technology into combined operations while strengthening interoperability between the longtime allies.

At the center of the mission were unmanned surface vessels, or USVs, operated by soldiers assigned to the 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. They deployed a swarm of autonomous boats to establish a security screen across the waterway as a U.S. Army logistics support vessel approached the port.

The mission supported the more than 260-mile movement of Philippine Army vehicles and personnel, including armored personnel carriers, using the logistics support vessel. As the vessel transited the sound, the autonomous boats spread across a wide perimeter, continuously monitoring the maritime environment and relaying information to onshore personnel.

The operation demonstrated how autonomous systems can extend situational awareness beyond what traditional means can provide, enabling commanders to gain a clearer understanding of activity across the area of operations.

"I think it's great to integrate this emerging technology in these exercises; it builds trust in the U.S. and partner soldiers," said Ben Outlaw, an industry partner representative supporting the operation. "It also allows us to showcase and validate our systems interoperability between next-gen command and control nodes across all partner nations."

These boats provide situational awareness to commanders with their ability to find, fix, target, kill and confirm. With the information the USV provides, the commander's decision-making process is compressed from hours to seconds.

The maritime screen mission highlighted the growing role autonomous technologies can play in future military operations. Rather than relying solely on manned platforms, commanders can use multiple autonomous vessels operating simultaneously to maintain persistent awareness across large maritime areas.

During the operation, the USVs autonomously navigated while using onboard sensors to detect and report potential threats or anomalies within the operating area. Information collected by the vessels was transmitted in near real time, a capability that will allow commanders to maintain continuous awareness of the maritime domain and make informed decisions.

For soldiers operating the systems, the exercise provided valuable experience integrating advanced technology into a multinational environment.

"I've really enjoyed working with the USVs during Salaknib 2026," said Army Pvt. Caleb Hannah, exercise participant assigned to the 125th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion.

The team deployed the autonomous intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance boats to provide security for landing craft. The systems escorted the logistics support vessel to port from about 6 miles out, allowing Philippine vehicles to roll onto the dock.

Exercise Salaknib 2026 provides U.S. and Philippine forces with opportunities to train in partnership across multiple domains, enhancing readiness and strengthening the alliance between the two nations. The maritime screen mission served as an example of how emerging technologies can be integrated into combined operations to improve security, increase operational flexibility and expand commanders' options during future contingencies.

Marine Corps Opens 2026 Warrior Games With Strong Showing

June 16, 2026 | By Yvonne Reed-Carlock, Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment |

Team Marine Corps opened the competition at the 2026 Warrior Games June 13, with a strong showing in powerlifting and an exhibition pickleball competition, earning 10 medals and setting the tone for the week ahead. 

The opening day featured a powerlifting competition at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, where Team Marine Corps athletes captured two gold, four silver and four bronze medals.

Master Sgt. Stevan Ball earned a gold in the men's 97-kilogram division, while Staff Sgt. Brett Meil captured gold in the men's 107-kilogram division. For Meil, a Texas native, the victory came in front of a host of family members, including his wife and 20-month-old son.  

Earlier this week, Meil said participating in the Warrior Games is important because of the sense of belonging he finds among fellow competitors, making his gold-medal performance especially meaningful, being close to home. 

Ball, a communications chief recovering from multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and dual hip surgeries, credits adaptive sports with helping to restore his purpose while also providing an avenue to display resilience throughout his recovery. 

Silver medals were earned by Staff Sgt. Marshal Ivy, Staff Sgt. Morgan Rempel, veteran Giavanna Vicario and Lance Cpl. Calbert Martinez. Bronze medals went to Capt. Gabriela Ortiz, Maj. Kim Yen Soto, Master Sgt. Modesto Garcia and Pfc. Baltazar Torresjara. 

In the women's 55-kilogram division, Vicario and Ortiz shared the podium for Team Marine Corps. Every Team Marine Corps woman who competed in powerlifting earned a medal during the opening day of competition. 

For Ortiz, the bronze-medal performance came during her first Warrior Games competition and in front of a hometown crowd. The San Antonio native was supported by her parents and members of her unit as she helped Team Marine Corps open the games with a strong showing. 

"It was amazing," Ortiz said. "All the females got a medal. That was the strongest thing I've seen." 

Vicario, competing in her second Warrior Games after earning 11 medals during the 2025 competition, said medaling in the first competition of the week meant a great deal and helped set the tone for the remainder of the event. 

Soto, Team Marine Corps' captain, also opened the week on the podium with a bronze-medal performance, while Garcia earned bronze in the men's 88-kilogram division. 

In addition to powerlifting, Team Marine Corps athletes participated in the inaugural Warrior Games pickleball exhibition. The team featured retired Gunnery Sgt. Gabriela Carbajal, Lance Cpl. Yates Cooper Jr., veteran Arion Klein and Staff Sgt. Jacob Wolfe, a Marine Corps reservist. The exhibition marked the introduction of pickleball to the Warrior Games, highlighting the continued evolution of adaptive sports opportunities available to wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans. 

The day was not without adversity. Lance Cpl. Brandon Ndashi suffered an injury prior to the competition and was unable to participate. His teammates rallied around him while continuing to represent the Marine Corps with determination and competitive spirit throughout the day. 

The Warrior Games bring together wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans from across the War Department to compete in adaptive sports while promoting recovery, rehabilitation and camaraderie. Team Marine Corps athletes demonstrated those values throughout the opening day, experiencing recovery in real time while competing alongside fellow wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.

Army Marksmanship Unit Marks 70 Years of Precision, Innovation, Service

June 15, 2026 | By Army Lt. Col. Michelle Lunato, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit |

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit was officially established Feb. 16, 1956 — an event that would shape the trajectory of American marksmanship for generations. 

Seventy years later, the unit stands as the Army's premier authority on marksmanship training, small-arms expertise and competitive excellence. Its legacy is defined not only by medals and records, but also by its enduring impact on Army readiness, research, doctrine and lethality. 

The unit's founding purpose was clear from the beginning. In a Nov. 17, 1955, letter to Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor, Army Gen. John E. Dahlquist, commander of the Continental Army Command, set the foundation for the unit's creation. 

"In proportion to its resources, Army leadership in the field of competitive marksmanship on national and international scales should be absolute and unquestioned," Dahlquist wrote, adding that, at the time, there was a perception the Russian army could shoot as well as their Olympic team and could outshoot all other armies. 

Dahlquist wrote that impression needed to be eliminated by the U.S. Army winning international rifle and pistol competitions.  

As the unit developed, its mission expanded. In a Sept. 23, 1991, letter, Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Edwin H. Burba Jr. emphasized the importance of marksmanship. 

"The proficient use of individual service weapons is the most important skill of the soldier," Burba wrote. "The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit is the [U.S. Army Forces Command] standard bearer for effective marksmanship training."  

That vision has guided the unit for seven decades, shaping it into the only organization of its kind within the Army. That founding vision quickly evolved into a broader mission that continues to define the unit today. 

The unit's competitive, training and research missions make it a singular asset. Its competitive teams serve as a real-world test bed, validating training techniques and materiel solutions that shape Army doctrine, small-arms development and lethality initiatives. Since the 1950s, the unit has supported major small-arms programs across the War Department, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security, often providing technical expertise, hand-loaded ammunition and rapid development capability. 

Supporting Research Across the Army  

For more than 30 years, the unit has partnered with key Army research centers to produce several notable advancements, including: 

• 6.8 mm reduced-range ammunition — cutting surface danger zones by 40–50%. 
• Sniper propellant testing — identifying reliable American-made alternatives during supply chain disruptions. 
• Shock-absorbing concrete testing — supporting shoot-house material evaluation. 

These efforts, along with the unit's contributions to the next-generation squad weapon, reinforce the unit's role as a technical enabler for Army modernization. Beginning in 2012, unit engineers helped shape future small-arms requirements and delivered developmental cartridge concepts that informed the Army's ballistic direction.  

Between 2019-2021, unit soldiers and civilians supported multiple phases of the next-generation squad weapon evaluation, including sampling, training support, mobility assessments, user feedback and fire-control system input. Today, the unit continues to support fielding and user training across the force. 

Driving Innovation Through Competition  

Competition has always been central to the unit's identity. Beyond medals, these events serve as a proving ground for new ideas. Innovations first tested by unit soldiers have later appeared in the special operations community, including: 

•  .277 USA and .264 USA cartridges — influencing the Army's adoption of the 6.8 mm combat caliber. 
• Lightweight intermediate caliber cartridge rifle development — early versions produced by the unit. 
• .375 EnABELR sniper system — increasing first-round hit probability at extreme distances. 

Another part of the unit's mission is marketing, which involves conducting marksmanship clinics, supervising interservice shooting competitions, maintaining excellence in competition records, representing the Army in national and international events and supporting public engagements. 

Training the Force  

The unit's most enduring contribution is training soldiers. Each year, the unit conducts about 80 training missions, providing hands-on instruction to more than 4,000 soldiers and influencing tens of thousands more. The training has led to 40% increases in lethal hit rates and 50% improvements in marksmanship fluency, delivered at a cost of about $200 per soldier. 

In 2024, Marine Corps Col. James Rose, Marine Raider Regiment commanding officer, praised the unit's support, noting its unmatched instruction and direct impact on sniper lethality. 

Over the past three years, the team has worked with the Department of Tactics, Training and Doctrine to refine small-arms doctrine. The unit also authored the "Small Arms Gold Book," a companion reference supporting the Integrated Weapons Training Strategy. 

Advancing Soldier Lethality Through Science  

Unit soldiers frequently serve as test subjects in biomechanical and physiological studies comparing novice and expert shooters. Recent findings showed expert shooters were 18% more accurate, 50% more stable and 35% slower in rotational movement. 

These insights help shape training techniques across the Army. 

From its founding in 1956 to its 70th anniversary, the unit has remained the Army's premier authority on marksmanship. Its influence spans competitive shooting, soldier training, small-arms development, doctrinal refinement and cutting-edge research.  

As the unit enters its eighth decade, its mission remains unchanged and more vital than ever: advancing marksmanship, empowering the warfighter and ensuring the Army maintains its competitive edge.

Warrior Games Week Marks New Chapter for Army Veteran

June 15, 2026 | By Vernishia Vaughn, Army Recovery Care Program |

When retired Army Staff Sgt. Gene Calantoc lost his leg in 2020, he was introduced to adaptive sports and competed in the 2024 Warrior Games. Now, two years later, he's back as a stronger competitor. 

During his first games, Calantoc said he was still learning how to move through adaptive sports with speed, skill and confidence. This year, competing with Team Army at the 2026 Warrior Games, he returned with experience, a stronger voice on the basketball court and a deeper understanding of what recovery can become when family, teammates and purpose move with him.  

Calantoc served 10 years in the Army, and in 2020, his life changed following a motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his left leg. His recovery began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, making an already difficult journey more challenging for him and his family.  

In 2024, Calantoc was assigned to a Soldier Recovery Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, which is where he was introduced to adaptive sports. 

"I was quick and fast with my wheelchair, but I didn't know the game," he said. 

Since then, Calantoc has continued to play wheelchair basketball with the San Antonio Spurs and has attended adaptive sports camps to sharpen his skills. The added experience helped him become more vocal, confident and intentional during competition.  

"Now, I know what to do on the court," he said. "It's a lot of communication and knowing your role."  

His wife, Miho Calantoc, said the difference between 2024 and 2026 is visible. 

"He's less nervous than he was when he first competed," she said. "He's more verbal and communicates more with the team. He takes initiative in making sure the team is together."  

For Calantoc, adaptive sports have become more than competition. They help him stay active, connected and focused. His motto — "Stay true. When life knocks you down, rise stronger and keep moving forward" — reflects the mindset he continues to carry through recovery.  

"That motto is big for me," he said. "There's a day where I'll get depressed, but that's only one day. Every day is a new day."  

Following the 2026 Warrior Games, Calantoc plans to compete in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Detroit next month. He said adaptive sports help him remain connected to others.  

"I've got adaptive sports, and it keeps me busy," he said. "It keeps me smiling and enjoying life."  

Miho Calantoc said she has watched the way adaptive sports have changed her husband and their family.  

"It's amazing," she said. "We've been in a dark space, and adaptive sports brings him so much light. It's such a blessing to see the difference when he is competing and how brightly he shines."  

The week leading up to the Warrior Games also brought another milestone for the Calantoc family. They received an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible home, a moment both Calantoc and his wife described as life-changing.  

"Thinking about it still makes me cry," Calantoc said. "I really wasn't expecting it."  

For the family, the home represents more than a new address. It represents safety, independence and relief after years of navigating a house that was not built for Calantoc's needs.  

"A lot of times, I'll take a shower [and] I'll slip and fall," Calantoc said. "This house our family received is really going to change my life; it's going to make it easier for me."  

Miho Calantoc said the home is an answered prayer from her side of the recovery journey as his spouse.  

"As a caregiver, there was a lot of worry from my end, especially in the restroom or bathtub," she said. "I know he's a very independent person. Just him being able to get back that independence is so heartwarming for him and for myself."  

For Calantoc, having his wife and children with him during the Warrior Games adds meaning to every event.  

"When my family is here, that's big support," he said. "I want to say 'thank you' to my wife and my kids [for] being here, supporting me. It's huge."  

Miho Calantoc said watching their father compete has become a lesson in resilience for their children.   

"They know Dad's got it, so we got it, too," she said. "He shows them that you can do anything when you put your mind to it."  

Calantoc said he tries to pass that same lesson on to others in the adaptive sports community.

He tells them, "Try all these adaptive sports. You don't know what you can do until you try it."

Warrior Games week represents more than competition for the Calantoc family. It's another step forward in a recovery journey that has touched their lives, a competitor returning with confidence and a family beginning a new chapter in a home built to support the independence he continues to reclaim.