Department of War Establishes Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems to Ensure American Drone Dominance

July 1, 2026 |

The Department of War today announced the comprehensive consolidation of all Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UxS) under a newly established, direct-report position to the Deputy Secretary of War. This strategic priority aims to rapidly accelerate the development, procurement, and fielding at scale of autonomous capabilities, which are essential to maintaining the United States' decisive military advantage.

"This structural reorganization directly implements a series of decisive actions taken by the administration. Drones and autonomous systems represent the most consequential battlefield innovation of this generation," said Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. "Adversaries collectively produce millions of unmanned systems each year across all domains. While global military production has skyrocketed over the last three years, the United States must move at the speed this moment demands to field these capabilities at scale and secure our tactical and strategic edge."

Last year, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Orders directing the reform of the Department's acquisition processes to ensure the United States Military possesses the most lethal warfighting capabilities in the world, "Unleashing American Drone Dominance," which directed the DoW to procure, integrate, and train using low-cost, high-performing drones manufactured in the United States, and "Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty," establishing critical authorities to counter growing adversary unmanned threats. Following these directives, Secretary Hegseth issued an implementing memorandum on July 10, 2025, committing the Department to bolstering the domestic drone manufacturing base, arming combat units with low-cost unmanned systems, and training the joint force to fight and win with these capabilities.

To establish an immediate operational baseline and consolidate specialized expertise, the DRPM- UxS will provide direct oversight and direction for all unmanned activities, functions, and associated programmatic funding lines currently assigned to the Department of War to include Services Components, Joint Interagency Task Force 401, the Defense Innovation Unit, and the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group.

The Secretary of War's memorandum can be found here.

DOW Announces Winners of the 2026 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence

June 4, 2026 |

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced the 2026 recipients of the Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence.

The Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. The six recipients of this highly competitive presidential award were selected for their exemplary support of Department of War missions.

Recipients of the 2026 Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation Excellence are:

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Bliss, Texas
Installation Commander: Major General Curtis D. Taylor, U.S. Army
Garrison Commander: Colonel Brendan R. Gallagher, U.S. Army

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona
Commanding Officer: Colonel Jared K. Stone, U.S. Marine Corps

Naval Station Mayport, Florida
Commanding Officer: Rear Admiral John Hewitt, U.S. Navy

Joint Base Andrews, Maryland
Commanding Officer: Colonel Jun S. Oh, U.S. Air Force

Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado
Commanding Officer: Colonel Kenneth F. L. Klock, U.S. Space Force

Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio
Commanding Officer: Rear Admiral Julie M. Treanor, U.S. Navy

Installations compete on how well they achieve the Department's objectives in several areas of installation management, including mission support, quality of life and unit morale, real property management, safety, health and security, communications, and public relations.

Excellent installations enable better mission performance and enhance the working and living conditions for military men and women, DoW civilians, and their families. Each of the winning installations succeeded at being the best in performing installation management within their military service and the Defense Logistics Agency. Each winning installation will receive a commemorative trophy, Installation Excellence flag, and a congratulatory letter from the President.