Battles of Saratoga: Turning Point in American Revolutionary War

Feb. 13, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

This year marks the nation's 250th birthday, celebrating the Declaration of Independence.

On July 4, 1776, things were not going well for the American military forces, which were retreating from New York City and Canada following battles with the British. A little more than a year later, a turning point occurred as British forces surrendered, following the Battles of Saratoga, Oct. 7, 1777. 

The British planned to sever New England from the rest of the country by sending forces from Canada eastward down the Mohawk River, southward via Lake Champlain and northward up the Hudson River, where they planned to converge in Albany, New York. 

The plan was strategically sound, but things went horribly wrong for the British.

British Army Gen. John Burgoyne led about 8,000 troops south from Canada through the Champlain Valley. 

British Army Gen. William Howe never moved his forces north up the Hudson River, and British Army Brig. Gen. Barry St. Leger turned back his forces meant to arrive from Canada through the Mohawk Valley, leaving Burgoyne's entire force surrounded and outnumbered by the Americans in upstate New York.

Burgoyne surrendered his entire force to Continental Army Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates. 

The victory was so successful that France decided to ally itself with the United States, providing much-needed assistance with its military, supplies and equipment. 

Later in the war, Spain and the Netherlands also provided assistance to the U.S.

A number of Navy ships, including sailing vessels, cruisers and aircraft carriers, bore the name USS Saratoga in honor of that victory. 

Today, the National Park Service maintains the site of the victory, which is now called Saratoga National Historical Park. 

TSA, DOW Create Process to Ease Recruits' Journey to Basic

Feb. 12, 2026 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

When the day to leave for boot camp finally arrives, military recruits often have a lot of anxious thoughts racing through their minds.

"How long will I have to stay awake during the first couple of days? When will I get to talk to my family again? Is it true they make you mow the lawns with fingernail clippers?" 

With all those concerns and many others to mull over, having to pony up just south of $50 to be given the privilege of boarding an airplane that's about to shuttle you off to some of the most stressful and demanding seven to 13 weeks of your life — depending on which branch you join — might seem like a slap in the face. 

And yet, having to pay to get processed through airport security was the potential reality that thousands of recruits nationwide were facing as of Feb. 1, when the Transportation Security Administration rolled out its ConfirmID program. 

Under ConfirmID, airport travelers must either present a REAL ID to security or pay $45 to proceed using a standard ID. 

Fortunately, though, the War Department's Office of Personnel and Readiness got ahead of this early by partnering with TSA to ensure recruits who don't possess a REAL ID won't have to dig into their pocketbooks to pass through security. 

Even better, recruits are now receiving "white glove treatment" from TSA when processing through airport security en route to basic training.  

White glove treatment makes getting through security much quicker and more convenient than standard screening, and it's similar to that afforded to our nation's veterans through the Honor Flight program.

Good enough for our nation's current heroes, good enough for our nation's future heroes.  

And here's the really good news: the program is working.

U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command recently conducted a site visit to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, where they observed recruits shipping out from Chicago MEPS and having no trouble getting through screening.  

And this included applicants without REAL-ID-compliant identification. 

"Putting our recruits first is a priority. These young men and women have volunteered to serve our nation. When they are shipping out to basic training, we want them focused on the fight, not worried about what type of ID they have or whether they will need to pay a fee to make it there," Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony J. Tata recently said of the joint DOW-TSA partnership. 

Tata said that it is the War Department's duty to take care of the young men and women who volunteer to serve their country from the moment they sign up to protect the nation, and that the new security screening initiative is a great example of innovation and cross-government collaboration.  

"The department identified a challenge and partnered with TSA to put in place a solution, bolting over the bureaucracy to provide thousands of new recruits with the white glove treatment they deserve," Tata added. 

One senior TSA official — who served 10 years in the Marine Corps and noted that one in five TSA employees are veterans — concurred that easing young recruits' journey to boot camp should be a top priority.  

"TSA is honored to be a part of the journeys young men and women take to reach initial military training and begin their service in America's armed forces. … We are committed to ensuring recruits can stay focused on what lies at the end of their travels, serving America, instead of worrying about how they'll get there," explained Mike Turner, TSA's assistant administrator for domestic aviation operations. 

"By leveraging the pre-vetting processes [that] we already have in place, TSA will assist America's newest service members reach their training safely and smoothly," he added. 

With airport security crossed off their list of worries, the men and women who raised their right hands and swore an oath in anticipation of embarking on one of the most exciting and honorable adventures they'll ever go on are ready, with or without nail clippers.   

Military Sealift Command Delivers Needed Cargo to Antarctica

Feb. 12, 2026 | By Sarah Cannon, Military Sealift Command Pacific |

The Military Sealift Command chartered heavy lift ship Plantijngracht is conducting cargo offload operations at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, as part of MSC's ongoing support of the annual Antarctic resupply mission: Operation Deep Freeze 2026.

The Plantijngracht arrived in Winter Bay, Antarctica, Feb. 4, where its crew offloaded a 65-ton floating modular causeway system. Sections of the system were assembled on the ship's deck before being offloaded, connected and floated into place by the Army's 7th Transportation Battalion. The causeway is being used instead of the traditional ice pier this year due to the size and weight of the ship's cargo. 
 
While the focus of the mission is on cargo delivery, the causeway system came with its own unique set of challenges that planners had to anticipate and account for to ensure a smooth operation. 
 
"The [causeway system] adds to the overall timeline of the cargo offload. It takes approximately three to four days to build at the start of the operation and the same amount of time to break down at the end," said Marie Morrow, the ship's liaison to the Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica staff. "Weather starts to deteriorate quickly in the second half of February, as the summer season comes to a close, so those extra six to eight days can increase the likelihood of weather challenges." 

 
Once the system was in place and secure, the ship was met by members of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 and cargo offloading operations began. The ship is delivering 372 pieces of cargo, consisting of containers filled with dry goods and supplies needed for survival at the remote Antarctic outpost. 
 
Logistical moves are nothing new for Military Sealift Command; in fact, around the world, they are almost a daily occurrence. However, moving cargo in the harshest environment on Earth is a mission unto itself. Antarctica is known for its bitterly cold temperatures, harsh winds, ice conditions and weather that can change in a matter of minutes. All factors that need to be considered as operations unfold. 
 
"The austere environment adds a lot of challenges to the operation. Unpredictable weather conditions, freezing cargo gear and high winds are common hurdles faced in the cargo operation. Ice conditions vary from year to year and bring different problems," Morrow said.

The presence of thick ice can slow down the ship's arrival at the station. Little to no ice or open water conditions can cause shoreside erosion at the wharf.  

"To handle all of the challenges, we control what we can within the operation," she said. "We use past lessons learned to handle challenges that come up." 
 
Following the offload, the ship will be loaded with containers of retrograde cargo for transportation off the continent. This includes trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required at the station, as well as the causeway system.

Before departing McMurdo Station, the crew will also load ice-core samples that will be stored on the ship in a subzero freezer. The samples will be delivered to the U.S. for scientific study. 
 
"The cargo delivery from California to Antarctica is one of the longest supply chains in the world. The ship plays a huge role in delivering cargo that supplies and sustains multiple stations on the continent," Morrow said. "The crews are always quite enthusiastic to be a part of such a unique and remote operation. For most, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Air Forces Southern Airman Integral to Rescue Off Coast of Mexico

 Feb. 12, 2026 | By Andrea Jenkins, Air Forces Southern |

Air Force rescue aircrews assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group, supported by Air Forces Southern, conducted a long-range water rescue of a civilian aboard a tanker in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico, Feb. 5.

The mission underscored how training, experience and cross-unit integration enable Air Force rescue forces to respond when time, distance and personnel availability converge. 

The mission began when the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received a request for assistance from the crew of the Maran Gas Olympias, a Greek-flagged liquefied natural gas tanker operating more than 340 nautical miles offshore. A civilian aboard the vessel was experiencing a serious medical emergency that required immediate advanced medical care. 

Because of limited helicopter pilot availability, 563rd Rescue Group leaders reached out to Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Budis, chief of exercises and airshows assigned to the Air Forces Southern operations directorate. An HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, Budis was asked to integrate into the operation based on his extensive rescue experience. While assigned to Air Forces Southern, Budis maintains his rescue pilot qualifications and continues flying with the rescue group to remain mission-ready. 

"This mission is a shining example of what rescue does," Budis said. "Being ready to go at the drop of a hat — that's why we train the way we do. These missions are unpredictable. They don't come around often, but when they do, you have to be ready; training is what makes that possible." 

Budis served as an aircraft commander and supporting flight lead, overseeing mission planning and execution, including fuel planning, risk management and long-range overwater coordination.

"The call wasn't about where I was assigned — it was about having the right experience available when it was needed," he said. "My role was to integrate into the team and help execute the mission safely." 

Two HH-60W helicopters assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron, supported by an HC-130J Combat King II, launched toward the vessel. The extended distance required detailed mission planning, multiple helicopter air-to-air refueling events, and close coordination among aircrews, pararescue teams and tanker crews. The 79th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II conducted refueling events, transferring more than 13,000 pounds of fuel to extend the helicopter's range and time-on-station. 

"Flying hundreds of miles over open ocean is inherently high risk," Budis said. "If anything goes wrong during air refueling, you're suddenly talking about more survivors than the one you were sent to save." 

Once on scene, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescue personnel boarded the vessel and assessed the patient, determining he required evacuation for higher-level care. While the primary medical team conducted the initial assessment, supporting aircraft managed fuel and timing constraints to ensure the mission could continue safely. 

"They packaged the patient on the bow of the ship, hoisted him off and we flew through the night to Cabo San Lucas, [Mexico]" Budis said. "From there, he was transferred to Mexican medical authorities for continued treatment."

The patient was transported ashore in stable condition. 

Air Force Capt. Nate Delaney, chief of plans and exercises and HH-60W pilot assigned to the 55th Rescue Squadron, who flew alongside Budis during the mission, said the operation highlighted the strength of standardized training and trust across the rescue enterprise. 

"Even when crews don't fly together every day, the standards are the same," Delaney said. "Everyone understood their role, trusted the plan and focused on one thing — getting the patient the care he needed and bringing the team home safely."

"We fly with different people all the time, but we all train to the same standards," he added. "That's what allows us to trust each other and execute every mission safely; it comes down to standards and training," Budis said. "We fly with different people all the time, but we all train to the same standards, so we know what to expect and how to trust each other." 

For Budis, missions like this directly inform his work overseeing exercises and training across the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

"Everything I do in exercises is informed by real missions like this," Budis said. "It's easy to draw from real experience when planning and training." 

At the end of the day, he said the mission reflects the core principle that drives the Air Force rescue community. 

"These things we do, that others may live," Budis said. 

Railhead Operations Drive Strategic Mobility for Exercise in Alaska

Feb. 11, 2026 | By Air Force Senior Airman Johnny Diaz, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson |

Large-scale arctic exercises far into the Alaska tundra require support just as sophisticated and robust as the operations themselves. It takes a coordinated network of planners, inspectors and transportation specialists working behind the scenes to move equipment safely and efficiently.

In support of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02 exercise at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, logistics professionals assigned to the 773rd Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 486th Movement Control Team, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 11th Airborne Division, transported critical equipment for several Army units across Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. 

"The entire operation is a coordinated effort between the deploying units, the division transportation office, the movement control center, the installation transportation office, and Alaska Railroad representatives," said William Lower, installation mobilization officer for the squadron. "It's a continuous flow from planning through final execution."

The logistics workflow starts long before equipment enters the rail yard. Personnel working with unit movement officers identify all gear to be shipped, then work with the movement control center and other transportation offices to book the necessary railcars. Training for the loading teams ensures personnel are prepared and proficient when operations begin. 

"By working in tandem with the [movement control center], our team ensures every piece of equipment is not only properly inspected but also loaded onto railcars precisely, according to the approved load plan," said Army Capt. Benjamin Mohn, 486th Movement Control Team commander. "This meticulous oversight is essential for maximizing the use of available space and ensuring equipment meets the Alaska Rail standards, guaranteeing that the train can transport the maximum amount of equipment possible in a single movement." 

A vital phase of the process is the transportation integrity and preparation for shipment inspection. At the designated marshaling area, each vehicle and piece of cargo undergoes a detailed examination for transportability, mechanical soundness, proper documentation and safety compliance before being cleared for movement.

"Every piece of equipment receives a thorough TIPS inspection to ensure it's mechanically sound, properly secured and documented for movement," Lower said. "That step is essential to moving equipment safely and efficiently." 

Central to that effort was the railhead operation, a core logistics process that inspects, documents and loads military vehicles and cargo onto commercial railcars for movement up to the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center. Railhead operations serve as a key node in the broader logistics network, ensuring that vital equipment arrives intact and on schedule. 

By housing both the movement control center and the installation transportation office within the 773rd LRS, the squadron ensures seamless integration of planning and execution, from initial coordination to cargo departure. This integration enabled the 257 TIPS inspections of the 65 railcars carrying vital equipment in support of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center.

"The [movement control center] and [installation transportation office] are integral parts of the 773rd LRS," Lower said. "By bringing those capabilities together, we're able to synchronize the entire process and guarantee assets are deployed safely, securely and on schedule." 

Railhead and movement control operations often go unseen by soldiers whose gear is already en route or in place. Still, these logistics professionals provide the backbone that enables units to meet training and operational objectives. 

"The strong, trusted partnership between the [movement control team], the [movement control center] and all participating units is the bedrock of our success," Mohn said. "This shared understanding allows our team to remain agile and effectively solve the inevitable challenges and friction that arise during complex operations, ensuring the mission is always accomplished."

Hegseth Calls for Military Unity Across Western Hemisphere at Inaugural Defense Chiefs Gathering

Feb. 11, 2026 | By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News |

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth today called on defense chiefs and other senior military leaders from 34 Western Hemisphere countries to unite in deterrence against bad actors who may already be operating in, or working to encroach upon, the region. 

Convened by Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and held in downtown Washington, the daylong, first-of-its-kind Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference focused on regional security cooperation against narco-terrorism and other criminal enterprises throughout the hemisphere, while also analyzing common security priorities between allies and partner nations.  

While delivering prepared remarks at the meeting's outset, Hegseth said the U.S. — like all countries represented at the conference — desires a hemisphere of peace, which is why all those countries must work together to achieve and preserve it. 

"We, like you, want — and will — achieve a permanent peace in this hemisphere. So, let's work together [with] our militaries: exercising, training, operations, [intelligence], access, basing, overflight, you name it — let's work together," Hegseth told the gathered leaders.  

"To achieve these goals, we have to stand together; there's no other way to do it," he added.  

Hegseth said the War Department, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and his administration, is prioritizing protecting the homeland and key territories throughout the hemisphere for the first time in decades. 

"The United States is asserting, reestablishing and enforcing the Trump corollary of the Monroe Doctrine," Hegseth explained. 

Issued in 1823 by President James Monroe, the Monroe Doctrine declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to any new attempts at colonization by European nations, and that any interference by those powers would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States.  

Reciprocally, the U.S. pledged not to interfere with any of Europe's internal affairs and not meddle in any of Europe's colonial affairs. 

"It's common sense: restoring American power and American strength in our hemisphere through shared priorities and common interests and threads with partners against our adversaries," Hegseth said.  

He went on to reiterate a core tenet of the Trump administration's philosophy on homeland security: that, for far too long, the U.S. had focused on securing and defending other nations around the world while neglecting security within the U.S. and throughout the Western Hemisphere. 

"The consequences of this have been dire for our nation and for your nations; fentanyl, cocaine [and] other deadly drugs poured across our border, poisoning and killing millions of Americans. The number of deaths for Americans to those weapons and those threats is far higher than American casualties in any kinetic war," Hegseth said, adding that illegal mass migration and human smuggling had risen exponentially in the years leading up to the U.S. closing its southern border last year.  

Along with the residual benefits of closing the border — which Hegseth said include the biggest drop in illegal border crossings in the past 50 years, as well as a significant reduction in the U.S. murder rate — he also pointed out the successes that the U.S. military and law enforcement are having through the anti-narco-terror mission to the south, specifically with Operation Southern Spear. 

Launched last year by U.S. Southern Command, Southern Spear is a joint U.S. military campaign aimed at disrupting drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, particularly by conducting lethal airstrikes against suspected traffickers.  

"Operation Southern Spear has restored deterrence against the narco-terrorist cartels that profit from poisoning Americans and killing our people and your people," Hegseth told the group, adding that the number of narco-terror boats in the region has diminished significantly since the U.S. strikes began in September 2025.  

"Narco-traffickers know that the true cost of flooding our country with deadly drugs is death for themselves — a real deterrent," he said. 

Hegseth also pointed to the success of Operation Absolute Resolve, in which U.S. forces last month captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. 

"Operation Absolute Resolve demonstrated, once again, the bravery and skill and capability of America's best: our warfighters," he said. 

As his remarks drew to a close, Hegseth underscored that Trump and his administration believe that sovereignty and territorial integrity depend upon military power, and not just traditional law enforcement. 

"Yes, policing is important [and] enforcing is important, but military power is [also] important," Hegseth said, adding that the countries represented during the day's conference must work together to combat and dismantle narco-terrorism and drug trafficking cartels in the Western Hemisphere.   

"We need to build those bonds of partnership to defeat the challenges to our security and our sovereignty," he added. "So, as you might say, we can make the Americas great again."  

Senior Enlisted Advisor to Chairman Testifies on Quality of Life

Feb. 12, 2026 | By David Vergun, Pentagon News |

Warfighters are the foundation of War Department lethality, said Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman David L. Isom, who testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee on service member and family quality of life, yesterday.

The love and support from their families make their service possible, he added.

As the joint force works tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the nation, DOW and the nation must also work tirelessly to ensure service members have full support and that they have what they need to fight and win when called upon, the SEAC said.

"Humans are more important than hardware, because the true strength of our military isn't just in our ships and our tanks or our aircraft. It's the unwavering spirit and the trusted hands of our people, our total joint force," Isom said.

Isom told the subcommittee that he and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have three priorities:

• First, the joint force must be properly armed — the right capabilities and capacity when needed to fight and win.
• Second, the joint force must be globally integrated across all domains — with interagency, industry and with allies and partners.
• Third, DOW must build a ready joint force. Being ready is about repetitions, tough training and building muscle memory. This also includes being clear-eyed about the future and being candid with the force and its families.

"Underpinning these priorities is our most important asset, and that's our people," Isom said. "We recruit America's best, and we must retain this talent by taking care of them and taking care of their families."

Senior enlisted leaders from all the service branches also testified.

Airman Heads Back to Olympics to Compete in Skeleton

Feb. 10, 2026 |31st Fighter Wing |

Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis, a knowledge operations technician assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing Communications Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, is preparing to represent Team USA on the world's biggest stage for the second time at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

 
Qualifying for the Olympics is brutally competitive. Only 232 American athletes earned spots to represent the U.S. in Italy. The news station NBC Olympics reported that thousands of athletes competed through years of races, rankings and trials to qualify for the Games. For Curtis, this moment is the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice and resilience, both as an athlete and as an airman. 
 
"When I first asked the Air Force [World Class Athlete Program] if I could be assigned to Aviano [Air Base], the goal was always these Olympic Games," Curtis said. "Four years ago, I qualified for my first Games in Beijing, but Milano Cortina was always the plan." 
 
Raised in a highly competitive household, Curtis grew up immersed in athletics. As the youngest of four siblings, she credits her upbringing and her father's experience as a former NFL player for shaping her drive. 

"I was always trying to keep up," Curtis said. "I competed in everything: wrestling, track and field, softball, baseball and basketball. I never specialized in a specific sport early, and I believe that helped me more than anything." 

Her diverse athletic foundation eventually evolved from traditional collegiate sports to the bobsled, and ultimately the skeleton, an event that demands power, precision and fearlessness. 

Balancing Olympic-level training with military readiness wasn't always easy. As a mother, noncommissioned officer and world-class athlete, Curtis describes her daily routine as a careful balancing act, made possible by strong leaders and teamwork within the 31st Communications Squadron. 

"Staff Sgt. Curtis' ability to balance the demands of military service with world-class competition shows our airmen that anything is possible, so long as you're passionate, dedicated and driven to reach a goal," said Lt. Col Ryan Williams, 31st Communications Squadron commander.

While leaders point to her example, Curtis points back to her team, emphasizing that their confidence in her allows her to carry the same focus and discipline from the workplace to the world stage.  

"My leadership has been incredible," she said. "From my commander down to my supervisor, they've been extremely accommodating while still ensuring I'm fulfilling all my responsibilities as an airman. Their trust frees me to focus when it's time to perform."

As the current points lead for skeleton on the U.S. team, Curtis prepares to carry more than her personal goals onto the frozen track. She also carries the weight of family legacy and of representing the Air Force. Despite the pressure, Curtis remains grounded in the values that brought her to this point: discipline and resilience. 

"After the Games, I'll be right back at Aviano Air Force Base doing my job," she said. "But for now, I have the privilege of representing the U.S. Air Force on the world stage, and I don't take that lightly. At the end of the day, all I can do is prepare the best I can and put it together when it matters." 

Curtis hopes her journey inspires other airmen to pursue their own athletic ambitions. 

"Reach out. Research Air Force sports and look into the Air Force World Class Athlete Program," she said. "There's more support out there than people realize, from intramural sports all the way to the Olympics."

DOW Restructures Foreign Military Sales, Prioritizes Speed, Efficiency

Feb. 10, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

In a video posted on social media today, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that the War Department moved two agencies critical to getting American-made combat gear into the hands of allied and partner nations under the War Department's Office of Acquisition and Sustainment. 

"On Nov. 7, we laid out the Department of War's vision for strengthening the defense sales enterprise," Hegseth said. "Today, we're turning that vision into decisive action." 

Both the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the Defense Technology Security Administration are part of how the United States helps partners and allies get access to American-made weapons and equipment. They will now fall under the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, led by Michael P. Duffey, according to the memorandum. 

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, for instance, is largely responsible for facilitating the sale of U.S. weapons to partners and allies. However, the agency is also responsible for developing and planning the long-term partnerships and training opportunities that accompany those sales. The Defense Technology Security Administration is responsible for identifying and mitigating any risks associated with transferring technology to partners and allies. 

By moving both agencies under the department's Office of Acquisition and Sustainment, Hegseth aims to make weapons sales to allies and partners faster and more efficient, as well as help revitalize America's defense industrial base. 

"This executive order is our mandate: leverage America's record-breaking defense sales to revitalize our industrial base and support our partners," Hegseth said. "On nearly every overseas trip that I take, the demand is clear, every single time; our allies want to buy the world's most lethal weapons: American weapons." 

The realignment, Duffey said, has created a single coherent defense sales enterprise within the department, one that moves at the speed of war, but with the purpose of deterring aggression. 

"Coupled with this new executive order, we're now positioned to leverage the total aggregated global demand for U.S. weapons to grow our nation's industrial might, while maintaining the American warfighters' technological edge," he added. 

Duffey noted that the changes will unlock foreign investment, power production lines, fuel investments in new American manufacturing plants and create thousands of new jobs in the U.S. 

"When we promise to provide American military capabilities, we must deliver," Hegseth said. "Thanks to President [Donald J.] Trump's leadership, these efforts are game changers for the way we do business with our allies and partners around the globe: more and better weapons delivered faster for our warfighters and our allies."

Department of War Finalizes Realignment of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the Defense Technology Security Administration

 Feb. 10, 2026 |

The Department of War (DoW) today announced the realignment of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and the Defense Technology Security Administration (DTSA) to the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (USW(A&S)). This significant transformation, directed by the Secretary of War, unifies critical acquisition, sustainment, industrial base policy, security cooperation, defense sales, and arms transfer functions under a single organization to improve efficiency, enhance the U.S. industrial base, and enable greater burden-sharing with our allies and partners.

"The President has laid out a clear vision for aggressive promotion of U.S. defense sales through his groundbreaking America First Arms Transfer Strategy," said USW(A&S) Michael Duffey. "This realignment will increase and accelerate the delivery of lethal weapons and advanced capabilities to our allies and partners, empowering them to shoulder a greater share of their self-defense. By unifying our arms transfer enterprise with our acquisition system, we will move with the purpose and speed required to strengthen our alliances and ensure the United States remains the partner of choice in global arms sales."

The realignment establishes a clear and unambiguous line of authority, creating a single enterprise to oversee the execution of defense sales from initial acquisition to final production and delivery. The structural reform is also a key component of the Department's broader effort to improve the speed and accountability of the arms transfer enterprise.

By aligning DSCA and DTSA with the Department's acquisition, industrial base, and technology security functions under USW(A&S), the DoW will integrate technology security considerations earlier in the acquisition life cycle, enhance forecasting of global demand to better meet the defense needs of the United States and our partners, and facilitate the delivery of warfighting capability at the speed of relevance while protecting the U.S. technological edge.

The realignment directly supports the National Defense Strategy and the President's commitment to revitalizing the defense industrial base, including through Executive Action to improve arms transfers. The move will unlock strategic opportunities to leverage allied and partner investments, contributing to the creation of American jobs and ensuring the readiness and security of our Warfighters, allies, and partners. 

Soldier-Olympian to Compete for First U.S. Biathlon Medal

Feb. 9, 2026 | By Joe Lacdan, Defense Media Activity-Army Productions |

Tears pooled in Army Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin's eyes as she stood at the starting line of the National Biathlon Centre in the Zhangjiakou cluster, a mountainous stretch of land three hours northwest of Beijing. 

As the soldier breathed in the piercing cold, she reflected on the journey that brought her to her first Olympic Games in 2022. 

"I definitely was like, once I start this race, I'm an Olympian," said Irwin, a member of the Army World Class Athlete Program. "And I think that kind of emotion kind of just like came over me like, I get to say that." 

She quickly wiped the tears away before they froze on her face. The soldier clutched her ski poles tighter to keep the blood circulating in her fingers and narrowed her focus. 

Irwin took an unorthodox path to become an Olympian, from training as a cross-country skier in Idaho to attending her first biathlon camp in upstate New York and finally to an enlistment in the Army. 

As a child watching the 2008 Summer Olympics, she dreamed of one day reaching the pinnacle of track and field. Days before her first Olympic race, she attended the opening ceremonies at Beijing National Stadium, in the same city that captivated her on television. 

"It felt definitely full circle for me to kind of have those first memories growing up," Irwin said. "The Olympic dream kind of was always there." 

At the time, Irwin didn't rank among the top 50 female biathletes in the world. But that day she would ski faster and fire more accurately than ever before. 

The temperature grew so cold that Irwin couldn't feel her fingers during shooting sessions, yet she still hit 19 of 20 targets. The cold didn't faze Irwin, as she finished in seventh place, the highest 15-kilometer finish ever by a U.S. biathlete. Irwin fell a single shot shy of winning the first U.S. Olympic medal in the sport. 

After crossing the finish line, Irwin let out a nervous, excited laugh. 

"I had a crazy day," she said. 

Still running on adrenaline, Irwin said she didn't sleep for days following the race. 

Now at her second Olympic Games at 33, Irwin and her U.S. teammates vie to become the first Americans to medal in the biathlon at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics that began yesterday. 

"I think we have really, really strong athletes on both the men's and women's side," Irwin said. "And I think I showed at the last Olympics that anything is possible."

Irwin, who ranks 26th in the world and No. 1 in the U.S., has a contingent of friends and family who traveled to northern Italy to support her, after COVID-19 restrictions prevented spectators from attending the Games in 2022. 

Irwin notched her second top-10 World Cup finish of the season recently at the Nove Mesto World Cup in Prague. She hit 19 of 20 targets and finished 10th in the 12.5-kilometer mass start race. 

"My story is a unique way to show persistence and just believe in yourself," Irwin said. "And really just kind of continuing on, even when you're met with changes." 

To prepare for the Olympics, Irwin and the U.S. Biathlon team traveled to what she called an "elevation camp" in northern Italy to grow accustomed to competing at a high altitude. The Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena, one of the highest biathlon competition venues in the world, sits more than 5,200 feet above sea level. The athletes log 12-20 hours of endurance training each week and work on interval sets to maintain peak physical fitness. 

Irwin will be joined by Army Spc. Sean Doherty on the U.S. Olympic team, and as she learned in the Army, the United States will compete as a team. Doherty, an eight-time World Championship team member, will be competing in his fourth Olympics having placed seventh in the mixed relay at Beijing and 42nd in the men's individual race.

A Biathlete in the Making

Irwin didn't know it then, but she laid the groundwork for her future athletic career while growing up in the rural Midwest. Unlike many of her teammates, Irwin discovered the sport later in life. 

Irwin competed in basketball, track and cross-country in Pulaski, a small Wisconsin town 20 miles west of Green Bay. At age 16, she began Nordic skiing during the Badger State's frigid winters to stay in shape for the track and cross-country seasons. 

Irwin attended Michigan Technological University in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There at the remote rural campus, she competed in cross-country and track. Irwin joined MTU's Nordic ski team, which trains at Mont Ripley, a ski area in the wilderness of Hancock, Michigan. Following graduation in 2016, she fell in love with Nordic skiing. 

Irwin moved to Sun Valley, Idaho, in the Pacific Northwest, to pursue a spot on the U.S. Olympic Ski team. There she joined the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation's Cross Country Gold Team. 

Irwin had to humble herself and live within her financial means. 

She said she became homeless for a short time, driving her car from house to house sleeping on friends' sofas while working as a dog caretaker. She struggled to earn income while training and remained on her parents' health care plan. 

Irwin posted some of the best times in the nation, but she knew she needed to compete at a higher level to make the Winter Olympics. 

When it became clear that she would not qualify for the Olympic team following the 2017-2018 World Cup season, she decided to move away from cross-country skiing. 

Then, her best friend, Joanne Reid, asked her to give the biathlon a try, inviting Irwin to attend the U.S. biathlete camp in Lake Placid, New York. 

The mental shift from racing down a slope to firing at a target became a motivating addiction. She learned the nuances of sight adjustment and trigger pressure. 

"When you know you're doing well," Irwin said. "And then you get on the range, and you see all those shots go down; it's the coolest feeling in the world." 

Irwin still struggled financially. She could barely afford gas, and fortunately, a friend donated her first rifle. 

Irwin signed a contract with the Vermont National Guard Biathlon Program in 2019 and eventually joined WCAP. 

"I don't think I would have gotten this far in biathlon without the support of the U.S. Army," Irwin said.  

Gradually, she grew faster on the slopes. She started hitting targets more accurately and refined her shooting discipline. At the 2019 Biathlon National Championships, Irwin placed seventh in the sprint, fourth in pursuit and eighth in super sprint. Soon after she began improving on the World Cup circuit, finishing in second in the women's relay at the 2022 World Cup in Antholz, Italy. 

After qualifying for the 2022 Olympics, Irwin reached a new pinnacle. 

"I was never a state champion in running," Irwin said. "I was never an NCAA champion in Nordic skiing or anything like that. But I just knew that I had more in me and I wanted to keep pushing myself and I wanted to keep seeing how far I could get [in the biathlon]." 

Irwin attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 2019, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where she studied to become a human resources specialist. 

The discipline and learning to work with other soldiers changed Irwin. 

"[Basic training] was one of the most mentally difficult things I've ever done," she said. "But ... I learned a lot about resilience and working as a team." 

At boot camp, Irwin learned to fire an M16 rifle, a much heavier weapon than the lightweight, .22-caliber long rifle used by biathletes.

Guard, Army Comes to Her Aid

Irwin had repeatedly shielded Reid from the advances of a ski wax technician who abused Reid for years, according to an Associated Press report. 

Irwin recalled learning about the Army's Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program, a concentrated effort by the service to eradicate sexually related crimes within its ranks. 

Irwin reported her teammate's case to her chain of command at the Vermont National Guard. Her leaders took immediate action, eventually prompting an 18-month investigation by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, which safeguards Olympic athletes from abuse. 

"Being able to tell my chain of command in the Vermont National Guard and having such overwhelming ... resources, they really made sure that I was taken care of, and that I was talking to the professionals," Irwin said. 

During the PowHERful podcast, Irwin added that she risked her athletic career to bring change to the misogyny and abuse against women within the U.S. Biathlon program. 

"We have to start the conversation for the 12-year-old athlete who wants to be in our position," Irwin said. "How do we make it better for them?" 

During the investigations, Irwin still stayed on top of her fitness and used biathlon training as therapy. Irwin got lost in her training; running, skiing and shooting harder. 

She said she never considered walking away from the sport. 

"Continuing to train was therapeutic," she said. "It was my way of continuing to be in control of my life. A lot of that anxiety and stress or whatever is causing that in my life, it melts away." 

Irwin said she not only represents the U.S. but also the Army and National Guard in this year's Winter Olympics. WCAP places athletes on active-duty orders during their pursuit of Olympic glory while supporting athletes with health care and training resources. 

Irwin works remotely with nutritionists who analyze athletes' bloodwork and provide vitamin supplements. Irwin communicates directly with Army nutritionist Maj. Kelly Kaim through texts and emails. 

"It's been a really amazing program to be a part of and the resources," Irwin said. "Everybody within their program has been a really, really huge help in this last push for the 2026 Olympics." 

Irwin competed as part the U.S. Biathlon team in the mixed relay 4x6 kilometer event yesterday, finishing 14th.

U.S., Italian Soldiers Earn German Military Qualification

Feb. 9, 2026 | By Army Sgt. 1st Class Shane Klestinski, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa |

U.S. and Italian soldiers accepted the challenge of earning the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge during a military qualification assessment at various locations throughout Caserma Del Din, Italy, Feb. 2-6.

The proficiency badge is a German armed forces decoration that is one of the few foreign awards approved for wear on formal U.S. service uniforms. 

Over 110 candidates reported for the challenge. U.S. participants included 99 soldiers representing: 173rd Airborne Brigade, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, 517th Geospatial Planning Cell, 79th Theater Sustainment Command (FWD), 21st Theater Sustainment Command and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa. They joined Italian paratroopers in their quest for the badge. 

German soldiers assigned to the Support Battalion 8, 10th Panzer Division, oversaw the assessment that determined whether candidates met the standard to wear one of the badge's three qualification levels: gold, silver or bronze. 

The goals of the challenge included strengthening bonds between U.S. service members, building partner-nation military relations, and promoting esprit de corps while showcasing military and physical preparedness.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mitchell Hansen, executive officer for the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa's intelligence and sustainment company, said earning the badge would be an important accomplishment at his command, considering the extensive work his team does with allies and partners in Europe. Hansen took on the challenge while serving as an officer in charge during the assessment, primarily acting as a liaison. 

"It builds trust and camaraderie working with our German partners … so we can complete our mission both in Europe and in Africa," Hansen said. "This training has really opened my eyes, working with our Italian and German partners, because they each have different processes for completing the mission." 

Over four days, participants completed the German armed forces' basic fitness test, swimming and pistol marksmanship assessments, as well as a road march ranging from 3-7 miles with a 35-pound pack. Academic testing required participants to demonstrate competency and proficiency in chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear first-aid training. 

Hansen considered the 100-meter swim to be the most challenging single event, which required candidates to swim the distance in full military uniform, then take off their blouses and trousers and throw them out of the pool.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michelle Alvarado, an all-source intelligence analyst assigned to the 17th Military Intelligence Company, 173rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, agreed with Hansen on the difficulty of the badge's swim requirement. Having previously earned her U.S. Army Expert Soldier Badge, Alvarado said the swim presented "a different type of challenge," highlighting it as an example of the skill sets candidates needed to improve for the testing. 

"I would usually never be [swimming] for my occupation," Alvarado said. "Training with allied forces teaches us how differently they operate in different environments, what they're proficient in and what we can learn from them." 

German Army Capt. Stefanie Mayer, executive officer for 2nd Company, Support Battalion 8, led the team that administered the testing and noted that both American and Italian candidates were "very fit and very trained." She also pointed out other benefits of allies forming personal bonds while rising to meet the same challenges together. 

"Especially notable was the camaraderie between the candidates," Mayer said. "They were cheering each other on and having fun with these disciplines. We are looking forward to repeating this event again, maybe forming a lasting partnership [with the U.S.], and hopefully having the opportunity to come back or have a team do something with an American proficiency badge for German soldiers." 

The weeklong assessment ended with an awards ceremony Feb. 6, where candidates received recognition for their efforts. After organizers calculated the final scores, U.S. recipients earned 11 gold, 30 silver and 19 bronze badges. The Italian cohort received six gold and six silver badges.

Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Lt. Carlton Hutchins

Feb. 9, 2026 | By Katie Lange, Pentagon News |

Navy Lt. Carlton Barmore Hutchins was a skilled aviator who did his best to save his crew during one of the worst naval air disasters before World War II. He kept his damaged plane in the air long enough for a few crewmates to parachute out. Hutchins went down with his aircraft, but his bravery and selflessness earned him the Medal of Honor.  

Hutchins was born Sept. 12, 1904, to Walter and Clara Hutchins. He had two younger brothers and grew up in Albany, New York, before graduating high school in 1922 and attending the U.S. Naval Academy.

After commissioning into the Navy in 1926, Hutchins served on the USS Pennsylvania until 1928, when he went to flight training school in Pensacola, Florida. That same year, he married his girlfriend, Elizabeth Poehler. The couple later had a son, Walter.

By February 1929, Hutchins had earned his wings as a naval aviator. He spent the next few years flying fighter aircraft and scouting planes before studying aeronautical engineering at the California Institute of Technology. In 1937, he served with a seaplane squadron in the Caribbean before being transferred to Patrol Squadron 11 aboard the USS Langley based at Naval Air Station San Diego (now Naval Air Station North Island).

On Feb. 2, 1938, Hutchins was piloting one of several PBY-2 Catalina seaplanes that were taking part in one of the largest fleet exercises of the time about 70 miles off the California coast. According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, nine aircraft were flying in formation at night during a bombing training run when a sudden rain squall began and they flew into a cloud bank without warning. Because of the sudden lack of visibility, Hutchins' aircraft collided with another seaplane.

While the second aircraft crashed immediately, killing all seven on board, Hutchins managed to keep his failing aircraft in the air long enough to give his crewmates the chance to parachute to safety. He was only able to keep the aircraft afloat for a few minutes, but that was enough for four of the six men to jump out. The remaining two were in the plane's forward compartment with Hutchins and died with him as the plane went down.

One of the men who parachuted out died the following day, but three survived thanks to Hutchins' ability to keep calm and steady the aircraft for as long as possible.

The crash killed a total of 11 men. At the time, it was considered one of the worst aircraft disasters in Navy history.

On Aug. 3, 1938, Secretary of the Navy Claude Swanson announced that Hutchins would receive the Medal of Honor for his bravery. The nation's highest honor for valor was presented to his widow in a ceremony 10 days later.

Sadly, Hutchins' remains were never recovered.

In his memory, the destroyer USS Hutchins was commissioned in November 1942 and used throughout World War II.

At the Naval Academy's Bancroft Hall, one of the world's largest collegiate dormitories, Hutchins has a room dedicated to him, as do all other Medal of Honor recipients who attended the prestigious school.

Hegseth Reenlists More Than 100 National Guardsmen in Nation's Capital

Feb. 6, 2026 | By C. Todd Lopez, Pentagon News |

More than 100 National Guard personnel from nine different states gathered in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington today to recite the oath of enlistment and extend their service contracts.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth administered the oath. 

Those guard members — from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia — are among the more than 2,600 guardsmen currently serving in Washington, at the behest of President Donald J. Trump, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force mission. 

The task force stood up in August 2025, after the president declared a crime emergency in the nation's capital.

Washington is safe again — thanks to the work of the thousands of guard personnel who have volunteered for the mission over the past six months, Hegseth said. 

"What you've accomplished on your mission in this city is historic, life-changing, actually," he said. "Anybody who arrived in this city in 2024, early 2025, knows exactly what we walked into — a city full of crime, graffiti, lawlessness. The folks that lived here kind of got used to it, but visitors showed up and asked what happened to the capital." 

Crime is down in the district, Hegseth said, both visitors and residents feel safe again, and it's because National Guard members are working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and federal partners to secure the city and make it safe and beautiful.

"This is a brand-new city; a fundamentally different city," he said. "President Trump promised to deliver that. I talk about it. The Army talks about it. Your leadership talks about it. You guys do it every day ... that gives assurances to the people that live here, the people that are visiting here, and you provide a capital that Americans deserve, that the world should see. You should be extremely proud." 

For a year now, Hegseth said, the U.S. military has seen phenomenal recruiting numbers — numbers that indicate young Americans want to sign up to serve their country. But just as important as recruiting numbers, he said, are retention numbers. When service members reenlist, it means the War Department and military services are doing things the right way, in terms of mission and providing the right kind of support to service members. 

"It's a great sign," the secretary said. "It's a great sign of your leadership. It's a great sign of belief in the mission. You've got good leaders ... taking care of you. And that's the view that we've had from the department from the beginning. ... We're going to ask you to do tough things, but we're also going to ensure that we have your back the entire time in every way that we can." 

While addressing the guardsmen, Hegseth pointed out the significance of where their reenlistment was happening — right at the center of a handful of landmarks that represent the very ideals U.S. military personnel are sworn to protect.

"When I heard there was some reenlistments, I said, let's pile them all up — as many as we can — and do it as a group to show to the American people how dedicated [and] together we are to this beautiful mission, this beautiful city [and] this beautiful country," Hegseth said. 

This year, the United States commemorates 250 years as a nation, and Hegseth pointed out monuments that represent the nation's history — each visible to those in attendance.  

As he spoke, he pointed to the Washington Monument, representing the father of the nation, George Washington; the Lincoln Memorial, representing the American president who kept the nation together despite having endured a brutal civil war; the U.S. Capitol, where the laws that define a nation are written; and finally the White House, where the words that are written in the Capitol become the nation's laws. 

"Our job is to be willing to raise our right hand and defend it all," Hegseth said. "There's laws that are made, declarations that are made, and then there are men and women who defend [them]. That's exactly what you do."

Army Sgt. Christian N. Brown, a public affairs specialist assigned to the Mississippi National Guard, was one of those reenlisting in the frigid cold on Friday morning. He's been in the Army for seven years, he said, and he's been on mission in Washington since September 2025, as part of Joint Task Force Magnolia, which comprises units from the Louisiana and Mississippi National Guards supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. 

"I pretty much document everything that Joint Task Force Magnolia does throughout the area of operations, both inside the [area of operation] and back at command," Brown said. 

Being able to reenlist with the secretary of war administering the oath, he said, means a lot, as does his military service.  

"I'm very proud to be both in the Mississippi National Guard and to be in the Army," Brown said. "I joined when I was 19; I didn't expect much when joining, but I've actually found a family here with the military, and I love my job. I've always loved being in the military and being in the Army, and it is such a great honor."

Army Spc. Cristal Sanchez, a field artillery specialist assigned to the Alabama National Guard, has been in Washington since September 2025, as part of Task Force Yellow Hammer. 

"We're patrolling the streets; we're helping law enforcement maintain the city," Sanchez said, adding that she feels good about what she's doing. "I am proud; I think we're doing a good job maintaining D.C., safe and beautiful." 

This is Sanchez's third year in the Army, and she said it's an honor to be reenlisted by the secretary of war. 

"I feel privileged," she said. "It's not an opportunity you get every day."

Army Master Sgt. Michael E. Eschenfelder is assigned to the Florida National Guard and has been in the Army for 36 years, both active duty and with the guard. 

"We're making D.C. beautiful and safe again for the people to walk around," Eschenfelder said. "I think every American should have the right to walk their streets without fear, and if we're out here helping them do that — it's an honor to do that." 

Eschenfelder said the work he and his team of soldiers typically do involves disaster response, such as hurricanes, so this work is new to them.

"We always get Florida back up and running real quick," he said. "But here we're on a different mission. We're not doing logistics. We're doing security. My people work in Foggy Bottom ... there's a lot of people coming up to us ... and they're talking about how great it is to see us here. They can feel that everything is relaxing." 

Eschenfelder is mostly proud of what he is involved in, and proud to be reenlisted by the secretary of war. 

"It's an honor to be here," he said. "I've never been more proud to be a soldier. I'm telling you right now, this is a good time to be a soldier. I'm just so happy and pumped up to be here for this event. It's amazing."