The Army Brief: National Guard in the Pacific; Ukraine weapon IOUs; Recruit pilot program; and more...
Welcome to The Army Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the service’s future.
Training in the Pacific. The National Guard is considering having more of its allied training programs in the Indo-Pacific region in order to increase American presence, Defense One reports. Since 2002, just under half of countries in the region have joined the program, including Malaysia, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Restocking Weapons. The Army is compiling a list of all the weapons and gear it has sent to aid Ukraine so it can ask Congress for funds to replenish them, preferably with the latest versions, Defense One reports. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville also wants the Defense Department and Congress to work out how to be better prepared if they again require a massive drawdown in supplies.
Pre-boot camp. The Army is setting up a pilot course for recruits who need to lose weight or improve their aptitude test scores, as the service struggles to find enough qualified people to join its ranks, Army Times reports. Recruits will have 90 days of training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to improve and be sent to basic training if they succeed.
Sign up to get The Army Brief every Friday morning from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. On July 28, 1866, Congress established six African-American regiments; the men who served in the units would later become known as Buffalo Soldiers.
From Defense One
Schumer 'Committed' To Vote On Finland, Sweden Joining NATO Before Recess, Aide Says // Jacqueline Feldscher
The resolution is expected to pass easily, but the timeline could be slowed by objections from a few senators.
Lack of Workers Is Hurting Supply Chains More than COVID, Defense Execs Say // Marcus Weisgerber
An economic slowdown might be the only way to fill job vacancies, says Raytheon CEO.
Biden Is Arming Ukraine To 'Play For a Tie,' Some America-First GOPers Say // Jacqueline Feldscher
The view reveals disagreement even among Trump-following Republicans about how to respond to Russia's invasion.