Ideas

AUSA Conference Wire: Recruiting Crisis

On Day 1 of the country's largest land-warfare show, service leaders talked about their efforts to find more young people to serve.

Threats

Judge Finds Sailor Not Guilty in Fire That Destroyed $1.2B Warship

Even though a separate Navy review found that 34 people, including five admirals, contributed to or directly led to the loss of the USS Bonhomme Richard, Ryan Mays is the only person to have faced a court-martial.

Policy

Democrats Introduce New Path To Protect Troops’ Abortion Access

An NDAA amendment that would give troops the time and money to cross state lines for an abortion has 23 Democratic co-sponsors.

Threats

The US Navy Accused Him of Arson. Its Own Investigation Showed Widespread Safety Failures.

After the USS Bonhomme Richard fire, investigators found missing fire hoses, a broken sprinkler system and other systemic failures. The Navy is still accusing a sailor of arson, against the advice of a military judge.

Policy

VA Taking ‘Prudent’ Steps to Protect Employees Who Provide Abortions

The department announced its plans to continue offering abortions shortly after Roe v Wade was overturned in June.

Exclusive Policy

US Troops Are Volunteering to Fly Abortion Seekers Across State Lines

Using personal planes, off duty, and out of uniform, the pilots say it’s their ”patriotic duty” to help Americans.

Threats

US Military: Bad Publicity Is Hurting Recruiting. Lawmakers: Fix Your Problems

As services miss end-strength and accession goals, senators at personnel hearing have some blunt suggestions.

Threats

Vax Refusal Poised to Deepen National Guard’s End-Strength Shortage

The Guard is missing its goals for the first time in several years, and worse is expected to come.

Policy

Troops Worry Most About Inflation, Air Force Secretary Says

Frank Kendall said he’s reversing planned cuts to special duty pay.

Policy

No Abortion Access for 40 Percent of Female Troops, Study Finds

RAND says it’s “not unreasonable” that the lack of abortion access will make women more likely to leave service.

Ideas

Defense Contractors, Upgrade Your Mental-Health Policies

Companies involved in national security have a particular responsibility to remove stigma and get employees the support they need.

Exclusive Policy

After Roe, ‘We Do Have Options’ to Avoid Anti-Abortion States, Army Chief Says

As ever, soldiers can indicate their station preferences—but the Army’s needs come first, Gen. McConville says.

Policy

VA to Offer Abortions in Limited Cases

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.