Veterans News & Updates

On Tuesday, the Army made an official announcement that close-combat forces have started receiving the Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System (NG-IHPS), their newest combat helmet. In 2018, the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) was announced to replace the Advanced Combat Helmet and Enhanced Combat Helmet. This new helmet, which is 40% lighter, claims to provide troops "increased ballistic and fragmentation protection" without sacrificing protection. As stated by Army Times, the first shipment of NG-IHPS units was distributed to over 2,000 troops from the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division on Monday. For complete protection from small-arms fire, the previous IHPS required an extra two-pound ballistic appliqué in addition to the three pounds it already weighed, which provided further protection against pistol bullets and fragmentation. That supposedly greater protection without the added weight is what the NG-IHPS is all about. In a news statement issued on Tuesday, the NG-IHPS was characterized as "world-leading rifle threat protection" by Maj. Matthew Nulk, the assistant program manager of the Program Executive Office Soldier's Head Protection Team. The Head Protection Team's senior engineer, Alex de Groot, credited the NG-IHPS's superior protection to its fabrication using lightweight polyethylene rather than the stiff Kevlar material. Unlike Kevlar, which shatters upon impact, polyethylene distributes the force. For troops in mounted formations, the NG-IHPS offers a redesigned retention and suspension system, a cover for the helmet, and a night-vision bracket that may be attached to a mandible protector. It also includes hearing protection. According to de Groot, the NG-IHPS provides better protection since the night-vision device bracket and boltless retention system install without affecting the helmet's integrity. The night-vision bracket of the helmet may be attached to high-tech heads-up displays such as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular, both of which are set to be extensively used by the Army in the near future. Soldier Protective Equipment product manager Lt. Col. Ken Elgort praised the NG-IHPS as a game-changer in protective gear, shielding soldiers from modern dangers while paving the way for future device integration. But how well the NG-IHPS does in battle is still up in the air. There has to be "additional testing" to determine how well the NG-IHPS protects against penetration threats and how it compares to earlier helmets, according to the Pentagon's top weapons tester in the fiscal 2023 evaluation. The NG-IHPS is scheduled to be distributed to other close-combat units over the following three years after being equipped with the 82nd Airborne's 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams this quarter. Source Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/02/14/army-fielding-next-gen-combat-helmet-promises-added-protection-without-extra-weight.html

In observance of Veterans Day, this year the VA will provide urns and memorial plaques to the families of veterans who have passed away. Some are worried that veterans may no longer be able to bury their spouses with them as a result of this change. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Funeral Directors Association are among those who have voiced their opposition to a clause in the proposed regulation change. According to this clause, the veteran's remains cannot be placed in a national cemetery if a family member chooses to receive an urn or plaque. Furthermore, no additional grave monument will be provided by the VA for any cemetery. Several concerns were raised in response to the VA's proposal. Receiving an urn or plaque may come as a shock to families, which might prohibit soldiers from being buried beside their spouses. Offering a memorial urn or plaque may be a "false choice," causing families to decline the gift. There are also worries that subsequent generations would treat veterans' remains improperly. Veterans' cemeteries do allow for the interment of cremated remains with those of spouses, according to the National Funeral Directors Association, which represents more than 10,000 funeral facilities. Their reasoning was that this would protect veterans' graves from having non-veteran spouses buried there, without increasing VA costs. After examining the comments, the VA plans to publish the final regulation and start awarding urns and plaques this year. The Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, co-authored by Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D., granted the power to grant urn and plaque issuance. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will pay for the urns and plaques that honor the deceased's service as a veteran. According to opponents, Veterans should not deny the substantial advantage of burial in a national cemetery, which also offers permanent care, because of the comparatively modest cost of these goods. Concerns of families failing to claim cremated remains upon realizing that accepting the urn or plaque prevented interment in a national cemetery were voiced by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Funeral Directors Association. The significance of treating veterans with respect and compassion and appreciating their service was again stressed by the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. While the idea to award urns and plaques by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is intended to commemorate soldiers who have passed away, it has given rise to worries over the possibility of limits being placed on burial alternatives. To regain the privilege of being buried in a national cemetery, some people believe that families should be given the chance to return urns and plaques at some point in the present or future. Reference Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/02/13/va-plan-issue-urns-memorial-plaques-sparks-concerns-veterans-will-be-barred-burial-spouses.html

On Thursday, the Marine Corps announced that all five Marines on board a missing helicopter in Southern California earlier this week had tragically died. We are withholding the servicemen's names until their families are notified. On that fateful mission, the Marines were flying from Nevada to an air base close to San Diego in a CH-53E Super Stallion. The unfortunate chopper crashed in bad weather over a hilly area to the east of the city. Victims belonged to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, which is a component of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. "It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I share the loss of five outstanding Marines from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing and the 'Flying Tigers' while conducting a training flight [Tuesday]." Third Marine Aircraft Wing commanding officer Maj. Gen. Michael Borgschulte expressed deep sorrow. The pilots and crew members felt an overwhelming sense of pride as they fulfilled a mission that went beyond themselves. “We will forever be grateful for their call to duty and selfless service,” he concluded. Our sincere sympathies go out to the families of our fallen Marines. We promise to be there for you during this very difficult time. While an investigation into the event is continuing, the Marine Corps has revealed that continued attempts are being made to collect the Marines and the chopper wreckage. This terrible event took place close to Pine Valley, California, which is east of San Diego. In response to the helicopter's "overdue" status as reported to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a multi-agency search effort was launched early on Wednesday morning. According to a spokeswoman for the San Diego Sheriff's Office, the agency received the aid request at around 1 a.m. local time. The search was launched two hours later in spite of the difficult weather conditions, which were distinguished by snow and rain. Authorities and flight monitoring data indicate that the last known position of the chopper was at 11:30 p.m. local time. A reliable military aircraft since the 1980s, the CH-53E Super Stallion has tragically been involved in many high-profile mishaps, resulting in fatalities. Specifically, at El Centro, California, six years ago, a Super Stallion crashed, killing four Marines from the 3rd MAW. Furthermore, twelve crew members perished in a 2016 accident between two Super Stallions off the Hawaiian coast. Their deaths have sent shockwaves through the military and the world at large, and they have served as a sobering reminder of the dangers that serve in the military may bring. The Marine Corps will continue to assist the relatives of the victims and do comprehensive investigations to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again as the country grieves. Source Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/02/08/all-5-marines-aboard-downed-helicopter-california-were-killed-crash-service-says.html

As a radical shift away from the conventional command structure, sexual assault charges are now being handled by independent military prosecutors. In response to a legislative order to remove commanders from prosecution decision-making for thirteen major offenses, each military service's newly formed special trial counsel office formally started operations on Thursday. The change is an attempt to reassure victims of sexual assault that their allegations would be treated correctly and by civilian prosecution norms, which should give them more faith in the system. An anonymous senior defense source stressed the need for civilian oversight of military operations. Two years ago, in response to over a decade of lobbying, Congress made establishing special trial counsel offices mandatory. Aligning the military justice system more closely with civilian courts was the objective in combating sexual assault, which included minimizing commanders' influence on prosecutions. Justice was impeded, according to advocates and MPs, since commanders were not impartial and were reluctant to pursue cases involving close colleagues. Congressional action was made possible because, after early opposition, the Pentagon came around to having separate prosecutors handle specific offenses. The prosecution of various crimes, such as sexual assault, manslaughter, kidnapping, domestic violence, stalking, retaliation, child pornography, sexual misconduct, death or injury to an unborn child, and use of the mail to send obscene material, is now the responsibility of the special trial counsel offices. In the year 2025, sexual harassment will be included in this list as well. Nevertheless, there has been some debate about the revision. The Army removed the prosecutor it had initially selected to head its particular trial counsel office earlier this month after the disclosure of an email he had sent in 2013 that seemed to denigrate survivors of sexual assault. After this episode, reformers began worrying that the military's inherent prejudice hampered their efforts. However, military officials played down these worries and highlighted the special trial counsel offices' effective start. A senior Army officer reassured reporters that the organization had shown resilience in the face of unforeseen developments. The source stressed that the capacity to exercise autonomous authority was unaffected. The screening procedure for prosecutors has remained unchanged since the Army dismissal, according to officials from both services, despite the uproar. Senate confirmations and regular promotion boards are still used in the appointment procedure. Notable individuals from each branch have been designated as lead special trial counsel; for example, the Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin Woodard, the Navy's Rear Adm. Jonathan Stephens, the Air Force's Brig. Gen. Christopher Brown, and the Army's interim post-firing office chief, Col. Robert Rodrigues. Special trial counsel offices have been set up at several locations across the nation and the world. The Air Force has forty-five prosecutors, the Marines have thirty-three, the Navy has forty-seven, and the Army has sixty-five. To be certified as an exceptional trial counsel, one must undergo extensive training on the new process's handling of the listed offenses. The Navy's current team of 24 senior litigators consists of qualified prosecutors; the other prosecutors will lend a hand with cases as needed, and more certifications are anticipated shortly. Although the official opening is scheduled for Thursday, prosecutors have already begun providing case advice during the office setup. They have no intention of taking over prosecution if a case is well-progressed, but they will keep advising on continuing cases. The special trial counsel offices may "reach back" and bring charges for offenses that happened before Thursday to deal with crimes that have lagged in reporting or persisted for years. If the instances are still in the early stages and were reported before Thursday, they may also evaluate them. The focus is on top commanders making choices independently, based on data and without external influences. A high-ranking Army officer emphasized the need to put professional concerns aside to achieve justice. The establishment of special trial counsel offices is an essential step toward a more fair and efficient method of dealing with sexual assault in the military. Source link is given below: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/28/independent-military-prosecutors-now-charge-of-sexual-assault-cases.html

Ex-Army linguist Julie Akey believes that her exposure to the solvent trichloroethylene (TCE) at Fort Ord caused her blood cancer, multiple myeloma, which she was diagnosed with at the young age of 46. Even while the PACT Act covers environmental exposures for millions of veterans abroad, it does not address possible health hazards from pollution on US soil, such as Fort Ord and Fort McClellan. In 2022, lawmakers passed the PACT Act to help veterans who had been exposed to burn pits or pollution overseas get the medical treatment they needed more quickly and get other benefits. Akey and other veterans who attribute their diseases to exposure at American military bases have the formidable challenge of establishing that their ailments are "service connected." Some of the veterans at Fort McClellan have been diagnosed with uncommon malignancies and other serious health problems after being exposed to possible pollution from a nearby Monsanto factory. A former Army commander named Bill Bonk draws attention to the inequality by saying, "there are thousands and thousands of Fort McClellan veterans suffering." Jim Seaman, a naval captain and wife of Betty, died of lung cancer in Japan at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, where a commercial incinerator was located. There was cause for worry over possible hazardous exposure when three members of Seaman's family acquired cancer. It is still difficult to draw a direct line from environmental exposure to health problems, and studies on the subject are often contentious. Despite assurances from government authorities on the safety of Fort Ord's water, Akey continues to encounter rejections for her VA claim, even though she is well-prepared with studies on TCE exposure. Efforts to address domestic exposures are continuously being highlighted by the PACT Act. Workers at nuclear missile stations are the subject of an Air Force investigation into a possible cluster of cancers. We anticipate the results of the VA's epidemiological research on Fort McClellan in 2024. Among the 359 locations that need remediation, the Department of Defense is conducting tests to determine the extent of PFAS contamination at military facilities. A former Marine and current spokesperson for the Disabled American Veterans, Shane Liermann, says, "Too many veterans are not going to have access to what they need to survive." He stresses the need for immediate action. Even without a presumed link, veterans are encouraged to claim by VA Secretary Denis McDonough, but the procedure is still quite challenging. Although it has the power to do so, the VA has not expanded the list of presumed diagnoses or made connecting to services any easier. Challenges arise for Akey's VA claim despite her spreadsheet, including over 1,300 ill Fort Ord residents. Her frustrations stem from the VA's unwillingness to recognize her disease and the delays in her treatment. Betty Seaman's description of the PACT Act's claims procedure as "very restrictive" indicates this view. Even though the PACT Act has raised awareness and stimulated research, impacted veterans demand faster results. Investigating cancer clusters and PFAS levels is commendable, but research must speed up if veterans' health requirements are to be addressed. Akey is still in a challenging position, fighting for both her rights and the rights of the many others who are facing rejections while the VA thinks about expanding the PACT Act's list of presumed diseases to include blood cancers. As they fight for equality and inclusion, veterans and their allies keep pushing for full benefits, pleading with the government to acknowledge the harmful effects of environmental exposures on American military bases on veterans' health. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/19/millions-of-vets-got-health-care-and-benefits-under-pact-act-thousands-left-out-want-same-chance.html

Upon approaching MacDill Air Force Base in Florida on November 3, a guy from Tampa was accompanied by an AR-15 rifle and many magazines in his trunk, according to federal authorities. The man demanded access. The 33-year-old Tampa native, who went under the name "Captain America," evaded identification checks at the gate by stating he had an urgent meeting with a general from the United States Special Operations Command to discuss "top secret information." He vowed to return every day to attempt to get admission as he was arguing with the security guards. He was placed in handcuffs outside his car as a result of his suspicious conduct and apparent mental state, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida. The AR-15 rifle and five magazines containing 125 rounds of ammo were discovered by security while examining the trunk. An announcement was made by the attorney's office on December 19 about the man's indictment on one count of attempted possession of a handgun in a federal facility. It is the policy of the Office of the Federal Defender for the Middle District of Florida that Douglas Jordan Stamm, the man's designated federal public defender, does not comment on the case. Upon his release from custody, the guy disclosed to responding officers from the behavior health unit and the Tampa Police Department that he suffers from anxiety and depression in addition to his ADHD medication. Police saw him as a potential danger to US Air Force security forces due to his severe paranoia and insanity, according to the affidavit. The confiscation of the firearm and its ammo is a primary goal of the government's indictment. According to the prosecution, the individual faces a maximum sentence of one year in federal prison if found guilty. An important military post, MacDill Air Force Base is home to the United States Central Command and the United States Special Operations Command. The occurrence has prompted a thorough review of procedures and preventative measures, since it raises worries about the security of such facilities. Additionally, the program highlights how mental health knowledge is crucial for national security. The man's violent and threatening actions, in addition to his mental health problems, highlight the need for better systems to detect and deal with such dangers before they become serious. It is expected that federal authorities will investigate what led up to the event and take steps to protect military sites and people as the legal processes progress. The reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/12/man-demands-entry-into-us-air-force-base-with-ar-15-rifle-loaded-magazines-feds-say/

The U.S. Army reported the death of Staff Sergeant Zachary L. Melton, 30, on Saturday, marking the second tragic event to occur at Fort Jackson in less than a week. After missing his shift, Melton was found in his car. He was attached to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment. These developments follow the December 8 pronouncement of the body of Staff Sgt. Allen M. Burtram, who had failed to report for duty with the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment. The site where Melton's lifeless corpse was discovered was promptly attended to by emergency response professionals, including the Directorate of Emergency Services and Emergency Medical Services. According to the official press release from the Army, he was declared dead not long after they arrived. Staff Sergeant Melton's death has left us all very heartbroken, according to Brigadier General Jason E. Kelly, the commanding officer of Fort Jackson. During this difficult moment, our hearts go out to his loved ones and the Always Forward brigade. Those in need of emotional or mental health care might reach out to military chaplains or mental health professionals. The United States Army's Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is now looking into what happened to Melton, much as they did with Burtram. Although the specific circumstances behind Burtram's death remain unknown, it is worth mentioning that the Army had previously declared that "no apparent evidence of foul play" existed in his instance. So yet, there is no evidence of foul play, and the Army has been tight-lipped about what killed Melton. Due to the terrible and unique circumstances surrounding the deaths of two drill sergeants at Fort Jackson in a short period of time, the military community is concerned about the lack of clarity around the matter. There is an even more solemn air at Fort Jackson, which is near Columbia, South Carolina, since other soldiers have died there this year. Tragically, Army Sgt. Jaime Contreras passed away in June while participating in a training exercise on the facility. Fort Jackson is the biggest military basic training site in the country, housing approximately 50,000 recruits yearly. The scope of the effect is considerable. The military community at Fort Jackson is in a state of shock and grief after the unexpected deaths of two seasoned drill sergeants and the continuing inquiry. The reasons behind the latest fatalities are clouded in mystery as the Army stubbornly refuses to discuss any possible connections. Soldiers and their families are dealing with the tragic loss of two brave heroes, and the lack of information is adding fuel to the fire of conjecture and fears. As the inquiry progresses, the Army must face the difficult task of reassuring a populace that is yearning for answers and explanation. After the tragic murders of Staff Sgt. Melton and Staff Sgt. Burtram, the security of Fort Jackson's military personnel became an immediate priority. The source link is given below: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/12/another-drill-sergeant-found-dead-at-fort-jackson-us-army-says/

Tragically, during a training exercise at Camp Pendleton, California, one Marine was killed, and fourteen others were wounded on Monday. An amphibious combat vehicle (ACV) flipped over while moving on land, according to the Marine Corps. The 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit was associated with the impacted troops. As is customary in these situations, the identity of the fallen Marine will not be released until their relatives have been contacted. Service personnel were sent to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton and other nearby hospitals for treatment without the identities or ailments being disclosed by the Marine Corps. Although the specific reason for the mishap is still unknown, military officials are worried about vehicle rollovers during training since they are a significant source of casualties for active-duty soldiers. Government investigators in 2021 found that non-combat tactical vehicle incidents had killed more than 120 troops and Marines since 2011. According to the GAO study, these incidents occurred because military leadership did not adequately oversee safety and there was insufficient training. Authorities have pointed to several possible causes in recent years, one of which is that soldiers aren't given enough time to rest during training, which means that people who aren't getting enough sleep are behind the wheel. Some have also voiced worries about the hasty certification process, the lack of preparation for combat vehicle driving, and the decreasing interest in getting a driving license among young Americans. After being quickly put into service in 2020 to replace the aging amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), which had been in use since the 1970s, the problematic history of the ACV becomes clear, tragically, eight Marines and a Navy corpsman lost their life in 2020 when an AAV went down off the coast of southern California, prompting the retirement of the aircraft. In January of this year, after yet another ACV rollover in the surf seas off Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps removed the head of the Assault Amphibian School. Thankfully, none of the three Marines on board were hurt in that event. A similar tragedy occurred in October involving the Army's 11th Airborne Division, and this most recent training mishap is reminiscent of it. In Alaska, a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) capsized, killing two and injuring twelve troops. Concerns over military control systems, training processes, and safety standards have surfaced as inquiries into the Camp Pendleton event continue. The repeated occurrence of such incidents highlights the need to thoroughly examine training methods and the upkeep of military vehicles to forestall more casualties and injuries sustained during regular drills. Concerns about the security of training exercises, especially those employing specialized vehicles like the ACV, are expected to put the Marine Corps and military leadership under further scrutiny. Tragically, the incident at Camp Pendleton has brought attention back to the need to protect service personnel from harm as they carry out their essential and taxing jobs in the military. The reference is taken from: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/13/1-marine-dead-14-injured-after-amphibious-combat-vehicle-rollover-during-training-camp-pendleton.html

Following the disclosure of secret material earlier this year by 21-year-old Airman 1st Class Jack Teixeira, the United States Air Force has acted against 15 officers and personnel of the Air National Guard. The Air Force revealed in a report given to Congress on Monday that Teixeira apparently acted alone when he posted hundreds of secret papers on social media. The 15 members of the Air National Guard who were disciplined were, however, said to have been negligent due to a "lack of supervision." Inadequate inspection of command areas, inconsistent guidance on reporting security incidents, different definitions of the 'Need to Know' concept, confusion between classified system access and the 'Need to Know' principle, ineffective disciplinary action procedures, lack of supervision during night shift operations, and failure to provide security clearance field investigation results were some of the indirect factors highlighted by the Air Force's investigation as contributing to the leak. At the beginning of this year, Teixeira, who was stationed at the Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, was taken into custody for publishing secret material on a gaming website. The material included facts about the United States and its allies as well as information pertaining to the war between Russia and Ukraine. In June, he pleaded "not guilty" to six charges of illegal disclosure of national security secrets. He is now awaiting trial. In a statement sent to Military.com on Monday, Air Force Spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said that fifteen people, with ranks ranging from E-5 to O-6, were subject to disciplinary and administrative procedures that began on September 7. Dismissal from duty and other nonjudicial punishments were part of the penalties outlined in Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said, emphasizing the significance of protecting such information, stating, "Every airman and Guardian is entrusted with the solemn duty to safeguard our nation’s classified defense information. When there is a breach of that sacred trust, for any reason, we will act in accordance with our laws and policies to hold responsible individuals accountable." The inquiry shed light on the need to address systemic flaws and improve supervision within the Air National Guard, since it found no indication that senior commanders were aware of Teixeira's conduct. The need for improved security measures in military operations and the difficulties presented by changing communication technologies are both highlighted by this occurrence. Following the Teixeira breach, the Air Force took measures against the 15 service members implicated, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to responsibility and the protection of sensitive material. The Air Force hopes to gather insight from this episode and improve its procedures to avoid future disclosures of sensitive information as the legal actions against Teixeira continues. The 15 people' experiences highlight the military's commitment to maintaining strict discipline and security requirements. Source Link is given below: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/12/air-force-punishes-15-troops/

Eight members of the Air Force Special Operations Command lost their lives in a tragic accident off the coast of Japan. In response, the United States military has taken a bold step by grounding all of its Osprey V-22 helicopters. A recent assessment indicated a material failure, suggesting a possible defect in the aircraft itself, rather than human error as the cause of the disaster. As a result, the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have made the unusual decision to ground hundreds of Osprey aircraft. Japan also acted swiftly, grounding 14 Ospreys in a show of seriousness that reflected the gravity of the situation and the safety concerns expressed over the hybrid aircraft. Air Force Special Operations Command Commander Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind ordered the standdown in an effort to reduce potential dangers while the inquiry was underway. "Preliminary investigation information indicates a potential materiel failure caused the mishap, but the underlying cause of the failure is unknown at this time," according to the command. All Osprey aircraft under the control of the Marine Corps and the Navy were grounded simultaneously by Naval Air Systems Command. The length of time the grounding will last is dependent on the results of the inquiry and the suggestions made to guarantee the safe restart of the fleet's operations. The Osprey is a hybrid aircraft that was built in the United States. It can take off and land like a helicopter and reach greater flying speeds. However, its unusual design has drawn criticism and has been involved in many deadly accidents in its brief history of service. The latest disaster has redirected focus back to the Osprey's safety record, as investigators work to piece together what seems to be an ongoing technical problem with the clutch that has dogged the program for more than 10 years. Concerns have also surfaced over whether or not Osprey components are manufactured in accordance with safety standards. The Marines still hadn't found the reason of the deadly 2022 Osprey accident, but in August they said the clutch had failed. The study report said that such mishaps "are impossible to prevent" without upgrades to the software of the flight control system, the material strength of the drivetrain components, and rigorous inspection standards. The Osprey is still one of the most youthful planes in the military's inventory; it didn't enter service until 2007 after decades of testing. Osprey mishaps have been associated with more than 50 personnel fatalities, including 20 casualties in four crashes in the last 20 months alone. As a result, the safety record of the aircraft has been under growing criticism. Notably, three Marines lost their lives in an Osprey mishap in August in Australia; the inquiry into that tragedy is currently underway. The growing number of mishaps highlights how critical it is to resolve safety issues related to the Osprey and make thorough changes to avoid other catastrophes. The military has grounded all Osprey aircraft in an effort to prioritize safety and resolve any possible material defects that might jeopardize the integrity of this special and vital plane as they await the findings of the accident investigation in Japan. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/06/us-military-grounds-entire-fleet-of-osprey-aircraft-following-deadly-crash-off-coast-of-japan.html

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) quickly reversed his stance on military confirmations, allowing almost 400 senior military officers to get their long-awaited promotions. Despite months of waiting and anguish, Tuberville was unable to accomplish his aim of changing the Pentagon's abortion policy with the relocation. Despite the nominations of four-star generals and admirals, Tuberville said on Tuesday afternoon that he was releasing his procedural grip on confirmations to military positions. The officers whose promotions had been rejected by Tuberville were promptly approved by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). "I hope no one does this again," Schumer said while speaking on the Senate floor. "And I hope they learn the lesson Sen. Tuberville did, and that is: He held out for many, many months, hurt our national security, caused discombobulation to so many military families who have been so dedicated to our country, and didn't get anything that he wanted." At least twelve officers are still in the dark as a result of Tuberville's decision, but most of those whose promotions were held up by his hold may now proceed. Tuberville admitted defeat and said, "We've still got a bad policy. We tried to stand up for the taxpayers of this country." To put pressure on the Pentagon to change its policy of paying for military personnel’s travel and leave so they may have abortions, Tuberville put a stop to all nominations for general and flag officer positions at the end of February. Although the hold did not block confirmation by the Senate, it required separate roll-call votes for every candidate, which considerably slowed down the process of military promotions. Even though Democrats, Republicans, Pentagon officials, and military families all voiced their disapproval, Tuberville's grip continued for months, eventually expanding to include more than 450 officers. The change of heart occurred when it became clear that a sufficient number of Republican colleagues would back a Democratic initiative to sidestep Tuberville. The block on four-star nominations is still in place, but generals and admirals with one, two, or three stars may now be promoted under fast-track Senate processes, according to Tuberville. His reasoning for maintaining the four-star status quo was that they "need to be vetted just like everybody else." Although they were pleased with Tuberville's decision, the Pentagon persisted in requesting that he expedite the confirmation of candidates with four stars. There have been significant delays in the nominations of individuals to key positions within the military, including vice chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as commanders of important commands such as Northern Command, Cyber Command, Space Command, Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Combat Command. Senior leaders with experience are crucial in these roles, according to Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. The news came as a relief to military families who had been waiting anxiously for their husbands' promotions. In a statement, Secure Families Initiative executive director Sarah Streyder lauded the "everyday military family members who stood up and said, 'Enough!' when a single senator decided to bully our community." By temporarily altering Senate rules, Democrats intended to circumvent Tuberville's hold before the month ended. With this move, we hoped to approve most nominations with a simple majority vote, with the exception of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and combatant commanders. Given that candidates who are not confirmed by the end of the year will have to be renominated, the clock is ticking on the impasse. Republican Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan had already spoken with Tuberville over the holds, during which he highlighted the possible ramifications of postponed confirmations. Many distinguished military leaders could rethink their dedications, Sullivan warned, if the process were to begin again. To sum up, Sen. Tuberville's long-running impasse has now ended with the Senate's ratification of military promotions. Even if hundreds of officers may now advance in their careers, the continued holdup for a few important nominations highlights the difficulties military families encounter and the wider consequences for national security. Source Link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/12/05/tuberville-blockade-crumbles-allowing-hundreds-of-military-officers-be-promoted-senate.html

Remarkably, since the COVID-19 vaccine was introduced, there has been an alarming uptick in cardiac problems among military pilots, according to Navy Medical Service Corps Lt. Ted Macie, a medical recruiter and active-duty officer. Macie revealed information retrieved from the Department of Defense in a video he posted on X, which led to major concerns over the vaccine's effect on the health of service members. Macie states that data from the Defense Department shows a startling 937 percent spike in the incidence of heart failure among pilots flying fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. Cardiomyopathy has also increased by 152%, ischemic heart disease by 69%, pulmonary heart disease by 62%, hypertensive disease by 36%, and other forms of heart disease by 63% when compared to the five-year average prior to 2022. His wife, Mara Macie, is a candidate for the 5th congressional district in Florida, and she shared Macie's concerns. She issued a statement in which she blasted the United States government for its treatment of military members during the COVID-19 outbreak, pointing to widespread distrust of military leadership and urging accountability as the "only answer." Ted Macie went into more detail on the Department of Defense's unimpressive replies in his video. Even though the symptoms didn't appear until 2021, he said that the Department of Defense had blamed the COVID virus for the increase in cardiac difficulties. Macie brought attention to the fact that the Navy Inspector General is receiving information from the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database and voiced her anger with the delayed reaction and denial of the emerging crisis. USA ?? Wow, The Insanity Continues ?Navy Medical Officer reveals Covax Vaccine Related Heart Issues. These numbers are astounding. "Myocarditis up 151%, Ischemic heart disease up 69%, pulmonary heart disease up 62% and Heart Failure is up 973% ?? pic.twitter.com/KoPb82uUbr — ????????????? (@Risemelbourne) November 28, 2023 Macie mentioned “The responses to our concerns from the DoD have been memorandums, letters. As in a letter displaying how they confirmed the data but said it was due to the covid virus, even though all the issues start in 2021." He was only informed that material had been passed on to the Navy Inspector General after meeting with the Chief of Naval Operations and her assistant. Macie said that Congress's "abysmal" reaction showed that they were more concerned with insignificant issues than the grave health risks that military troops would experience as a result of the vaccination requirement. According to him, "They’re more interested in going after woke things in the DoD, which, as we all know, is low-hanging fruit that’s of relatively low consequence compared to the death and injury over the illegal shot mandate." Despite these findings, new data from the United States Army shows that a large percentage of military personnel are vaccinated against COVID-19. Specifically, 97% of active-duty soldiers, 90% of Army National Guard members, and 91% of U.S. Army Reserve members are completely vaccinated. The vaccine's possible association with the reported health difficulties among military pilots is urgently called into question by the striking contrast between the increasing number of cardiac troubles and the extensive immunization. Accountability demands and demands for a comprehensive inquiry into the purported link between the COVID-19 vaccine and cardiac problems in the armed forces are expected to get stronger as the story develops. Concerns about the vaccine's potential negative effects on service members' health have been growing, and the Department of Defense is under increasing pressure to respond to these allegations. Reference Link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/video-heart-issues-skyrocketing-in-military-us-navy-medic-says/

Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, made his first public appearance since suffering a heart attack last month with a comforting Instagram video. Despite his health setback, Smith remained determined, saying he is "still in the fight." Smith spent three weeks in the hospital after collapsing outside his Washington, DC, home on October 29. He is currently preparing for surgery to treat an underlying cardiac problem that is connected to cardiac arrest; he was released last week. In the brief video, Smith thanked the Marines for their support and emphasized, "I'm still in the fight; I need you to be in the fight." While thinking back on his experiences in the past, he remembered getting shot in the leg while serving in Iraq in 2004, which demonstrated his strength and determination. He confirmed that "I'll bounce back from this." The news of Smith's impending operation to fix his heart's bicuspid aortic valve followed his recent departure from the hospital. The video shows Smith standing independently, although the commandant's spokeswoman, Maj. Joshua Larson noted that Smith is "not yet back to full-duty status." After his cardiac arrest during last month's Marine Corps Marathon, Smith made his first public appearance in a video posing as a Thanksgiving speech. Earlier, the Corps had used press releases to inform the public on his medical condition updates. With the words, "Thanksgiving is a great time to reaffirm our commitment to our fellow Marines and the core values that bind us together." Smith emphasized the significance of the fellow Marine in the video title. Smith was confident in his ability to return to duty soon, although he could not provide a specific date. During Smith's absence, the commandant responsibilities have been overseen by Gen. Christopher Mahoney, who is the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. Smith likened the Marines' unwavering support for one another at this difficult time to the camaraderie they experienced in battle. As he emphasized in the video's title, "I know you'll continue to have each other's back, but I'd also push you to search for ways to do even more”. The Marine Corps' Thanksgiving message emphasized the importance of togetherness and mutual support, echoing Smith's words. Smith's plea for more mutual aid during the holidays hit home because it emphasized how crucial it is to be there for one another. In a display of the unwavering solidarity that characterizes Marine Corps culture, the community stands behind General Eric Smith as he gets ready for surgery. There is no set date for Smith's return, which shows that his recovery is progressing; in the meanwhile, Gen. Christopher Mahoney is doing a great job as commandant. In the face of unpredictability, the commitment of General Eric Smith to recovery acts as a rallying point for Marines. It resonates with the spirit of resilience that is engrained in their fundamental principles. In addition to the fact that the Marine Corps is going through this phase of transition with a temporary leadership change, the emphasis is still on maintaining unwavering dedication to duty and providing support to one another. Reference is taken from the following link: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/11/22/commandant-tells-marines-first-video-appearance-cardiac-arrest-he-will-bounce-back.html

On Monday evening, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter based out of Alaska's Air Station Sitka crashed on Read Island, badly injuring two Coast Guard members. The tragedy happened when rescuers were trying to reach the fishing boat Lydia Marie, which had been flooded. Petersburg Fire and Rescue teams and Alaska Wildlife Troopers arrived at the accident scene at 12:50 a.m. Tuesday and immediately began rescue operations. At 1:39 a.m., a second MH-60 Jayhawk air team from Air Station Sitka arrived to assist with the wounded chopper crew. According to a news statement issued by the United States Coast Guard, "the four crew members were hoisted aboard the second Coast Guard helicopter and transported to Petersburg for medical care." From Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, they were flown to Seattle in a C-130 Hercules for more advanced medical care. The Elderberry and the Douglas Denman cutters were sent to help the Lydia Marie after it had requested search and rescue assistance from the helicopter crew. Meanwhile, a security perimeter was set up around the accident scene to protect any evidence. The National Weather Service predicted near-freezing temperatures, a mix of snow and rain, and probable gusts of up to 20 mph in the region on Monday night, which may have contributed to the incident and is presently under investigation. Coast Guard 17th District Commander Rear Adm. Megan Dean stressed, "Our priority is to provide the highest level of care possible for our injured members and their families." Dean was thankful to the Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the Petersburg Fire and Rescue team for their quick action and expert knowledge of the situation. "We have opened an investigation into the cause of this event and will be forthcoming with the results as they become available," said Rear Adm. Dean. 1)Coast Guard crew members injured in the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crash Monday night on Read Island continue to receive medical care, and the search and rescue case for fishing vessel Lydia Marie has been completed. The two Coast Guard members reported to have serious injuries.. — USCGAlaska (@USCGAlaska) November 15, 2023 The U.S. Coast Guard Alaska posted an update on X (formerly Twitter) about the condition of the wounded crew members. "Coast Guard crew members injured in the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crash Monday night on Read Island continue to receive medical care," the update read. "The two Coast Guard members reported to have serious injuries were listed in serious condition, while the other two members were listed in good condition with minor injuries." The Coast Guard has expressed gratitude for the combined efforts of all interested parties during this critical situation, which resulted in the successful completion of the search and rescue operation for the Lydia Marie. Read more by clicking the following source link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/2-coast-guard-members-seriously-injured-in-helicopter-crash/ 

The VA has made history by announcing that all surviving veterans of World War II are eligible for free health care, medical services, and nursing home care. On Friday, the VA announced in a press release that all WWII veterans who served between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946, are now eligible, regardless of how long or how well off they are financially. The monthly premiums, enrollment fees, and copays for eligible veterans are waived. According to the most recent data from the Pew Research Center, there are now less than 120,000 World War II veterans still alive in the United States, making up less than 1% of the total veteran population. This monumental change is in response to the Cleland-Dole Act of 2022 requirement, which requires the VA to offer free healthcare to this distinguished group of veterans. VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal praised the "Greatest Generation" in a news statement last Friday: "These members of the Greatest Generation answered the call to service when our nation—and the world—needed them most." It is now our responsibility to assist them in every manner possible. We're honored to provide these brave men and women access to top-notch medical treatment at no cost via the VA, and we hope they'll take advantage of it. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has committed to reaching out to every qualified veteran and is preparing a comprehensive outreach campaign. This effort will use phone calls and mail to persuade veterans who still need to register to apply for this newly discovered benefit. When enlisting in the VA, veterans who served during World War II can keep their previous insurance coverage, including Medicare, private insurance providers, and most other types. The VA stressed its commitment to veterans' welfare by encouraging all World War II veterans to sign up for VA health care, which it promoted as the "best, most-affordable health care in America for Veterans." The VA claims its facilities routinely rank higher in patient satisfaction and quality ratings than other organizations due to better health outcomes for veterans using their health care systems. This historic decision acknowledges the priceless sacrifices made by veterans of World War II and emphasizes the nation's commitment to honoring their service by providing free health care. This project is a monument to the everlasting appreciation and respect for the sacrifices made by the heroes of the Greatest Generation. As the number of surviving World War II veterans continues to diminish, this campaign is a testament to these feelings. The reference is taken from the following link: https://americanmilitarynews.com/2023/11/world-war-ii-vets-now-eligible-for-free-health-care/