U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade conduct a jump during Saber Junction 22 in Hohenfels, Germany, Sept. 7, 2022. U.S. Army / Spc. Adrian Greenwood
The Army Brief: Assignment preferences; Educating cyber soldiers; Billions in Ukraine aid; and more...
Welcome to The Army Brief, a weekly look at the news and ideas shaping the service’s future.
Assignments post-Roe. Soldiers who do not want to be assigned their next job in states that ban or restrict abortions can voice their preferences and the Army will consider those requests along with the service’s own needs, Gen. James McConville, the Army’s chief of staff, said during Defense One’s State of Defense virtual event. “We try to make sure that we’re taking care of soldiers, and at the same time if we can meet their preferences while taking care of them, of where they might want to serve, and we have a job that meets their skill set, then that’s certainly a consideration,” he said.
Cyber training. The Army is improving the training of its cyber soldiers after finding that some were not ready when they showed up to their units, Defense One reports. Changes underway including updates to the curriculum and lessons from current events like the war in Ukraine.
More weapons for Ukraine. President Joe Biden has approved another $675 million in weapons and $1 billion in financial support for Ukraine, as well as $1 billion in aid for the region, Defense One reports from Germany. The new weapons package includes more 105mm howitzers, grenade launchers, and humvees.
Sign up to get The Army Brief every Friday morning from Caitlin M. Kenney, Defense One’s military services reporter. This Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States. At the Pentagon, 184 people were killed, including 22 soldiers.
From Defense One
US Should Place Multiyear Munitions Orders to Protect Supply, Pentagon Arms Chief Says // Marcus Weisgerber
Meanwhile, service officials are working with Pentagon leaders on 18-month plans to supply Ukraine.
Sharing Secrets Has Been 'Effective' Against Russia, But the Tactic Has Limits, CIA Chief Says // Lauren C. Williams
It's just one of the new areas for a spy agency grappling with tech-driven changes.
VA to Offer Abortions in Limited Cases // Eric Katz
In a policy reversal, the department will allowing its doctors to terminate pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or that threaten the mother's life.