The Army Brief: Helicopter engines; Weapons monitoring; Vaccine deadline; and more...

Welcome to The Army Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the service’s future. 

Engine test. The Army finished early testing of a new engine that will be used in future helicopters as well as on the Black Hawk and Apache platforms to improve their performance, Defense One reports. The milestone means companies competing to build the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft can receive the engine for their prototypes.

Ukraine weapons inspectors. The U.S. has sent billions worth of weapons and equipment, including howitzers and Javelin missiles, to Ukraine to support their efforts to repel Russia’s invading military, and Defense Security Cooperation Agency Deputy Director Jed Royal would like the Pentagon to send inspectors to Ukraine to monitor the deliveries, Defense One reports. Typically, inspectors would be on the ground visiting locations to ensure weapons are being used and stored properly, but right now they are only able to review receipts in other European countries and put their trust in Ukrainian officials. 

COVID-19 vaccine deadline. Starting this month, soldiers in the National Guard and Reserve who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccine will not be allowed to attend training and drills, and will not be paid or given retirement credit, according to an Army statement. As of June 30, 87 percent of the National Guard and 88 percent of the Reserve are fully vaccinated.

Sign up to get The Army Brief every Friday morning from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On July 6, 1944, then-2nd Lt. Jackie Robinson was on an Army bus returning to Camp Hood, Texas after a night out when the bus driver told him to move to the back after assuming the woman he was sitting next to was white. Robinson refused and faced a court martial for charges including insubordination and conduct unbecoming an officer. He was later acquitted of all charges.

From Defense One

After Criticism, Army Reinstates High School Diploma Requirement as Recruitment Plummets // Caitlin M. Kenney

Service leaders offered to welcome more applicants without degrees, amid the "most challenging" recruiting environment since the Vietnam War.

Pentagon to Buy Two Advanced Air Defense Systems for Ukraine // Tara Copp

The U.S.-Norway missiles may not be ready for weeks or months, official says.

The Risks of US Military Assistance to Ukraine // Rachel Stohl and Elias Yousif

With arms pouring into a wartorn country, we must take steps to ensure they are not stolen or misused.