U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment alongside Italian Alpini Soldiers climb up a vertical obstacle during air assault training at Exercise Alpine Star 22 in Prato Piazza, Italy, October 12, 2021. U.S. Army / Spc. Giovanny Lopez
The Army Brief: Year-long CR?; Russian demand no-go; Large Army bonus; and more...
Welcome to The Army Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the service’s future.
Year-long CR warnings. Military chiefs are raising concerns about calls to keep military spending the same as last year’s, which could halt modernization plans and affect personnel, Defense One reports. If a continuing resolution remains in place, it could cost the Army $12.9 billion, cut flight training hours, and affect other education opportunities.
NATO and Ukraine. Even as U.S. officials seek ways to foster more talks with Russia about its buildup near Ukraine, they have again rebuffed Moscow’s demand that Kyivnever be allowed to join NATO, Defense One reports. Ukraine said years ago it eventually wanted to join the alliance and NATO officials have said Kiev could become a member if it chooses to.
Recruitment bonus. Highly skilled people looking to join the Army will be happy to hear the service is offering a bonus up to $50,000 to serve for six years, the Associated Press reported. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced recruiter visits to schools, while the competitive job market has made it difficult to fill certain billets.
Sign up to get The Army Brief every Friday morning from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. Must-watch: a “60 Minutes” segment on the work of the Ritchie Boys, a secret intelligence unit of World War II. The outfit accounted for “sixty-plus percent of the actionable intelligence gathered on the battlefield,” one expert said in the segment.
From Defense One
DOD Grants First Religious Waivers for COVID Vaccine // Elizabeth Howe: Two Marines are the first successful applicants among the 18,500 U.S. troops who have sought exemption from the vaccination mandate by citing religious beliefs.
Private Group Keeps Afghanistan Evacuations Flying Despite Ground Halt // Tara Copp: Group leader: “There are Americans saying, ‘Help me, help me, help me.’ And the State Department is saying, ‘Fill out your form in triplicate.’”
Russia Neither Accepts Nor Rejects NATO’s Offer To Restart Talks // Jacqueline Feldscher: Representatives from Moscow and NATO members will talk with their respective governments about whether to continue discussions, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said.