POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Steve Arnett 1, Nov 5 mins
5 mins
The Ritz Herald
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder facilitates a panel on fiscal year 2025 recruiting objectives at the Pentagon, Oct. 30, 2024. © Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jackie Sanders, DOD
The Defense Department's armed services branches recruited 12.5% more people in fiscal year 2024 than in the year prior despite a challenging and disinterested recruiting market

The Defense Department’s armed services branches recruited 12.5% more people in fiscal year 2024 than in the year prior despite a challenging and disinterested recruiting market.

While speaking at a multiservice panel on 2025 recruiting issues at the Pentagon earlier this week, Director of Military Accession Policy Katie Helland said that the services increased the number of recruits from 200,000 in FY 2023 to 225,000 in FY 2024, which ended September 30.

Additionally, she said, the services had a 35% increase in written contracts, and the active components’ delayed entry program started FY 2025 with a 10% larger pool.

” and the services will continue to build off the momentum that we’ve gained in 2024,” Helland said.

“Nevertheless,” she continued, “we need to remain cautiously optimistic about the future recruiting operations as we continue to recruit in a market that has low youth propensity to serve, limited familiarity with military opportunities, a competitive labor market and a declining eligibility among young adults.”

Helland elaborated on those challenges by explaining that, for the first time since the metric has been tracked, most young people have never considered the option of serving in the military.

The reasons behind that are multifold, Helland said. Young Americans have fewer ties to friends or family members who have served in the military. There is a declining presence of veterans in our society. Approximately 77% of people between the ages of 17 and 24 require some type of waiver to serve due to any number of disqualifications.

To counter such challenges, Helland said the military has implemented a medical pilot program that allows recruits to join the military without a waiver…

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U.S. and Montenegro Strengthen Economic Ties Through In-Person Dialogue and MOU Signing
The Ritz Herald

Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez met with Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Nik Gjeloshaj in Washington, D.C., on October 21 for the first in-person U.S.-Montenegro Senior Economic Dialogue together with Minister of Energy Sasa Mujovic, Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj, Minister of…

U.S. Navy Successfully Tests Revolutionary At-Sea Reloading System, Boosting Combat Readiness
The Ritz Herald

The U.S. Navy achieved a breakthrough in combat readiness as it successfully demonstrated the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM) on an underway warship in open ocean for the first time.

Sailors aboard the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) used the hydraulically-powered TRAM device to load an empty missile canister…

Defense Security Cooperation Agency Director Discusses Focus on Workforce
The Ritz Herald

The recent establishment of the Defense Security Cooperation Service marked a fundamental shift in how the Defense Department will organize, train and equip the security cooperation workforce, the director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said on Wednesday.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Association of the United States…

U.S. Department of Energy Announces California’s Launch of First Phase of Federal Home Energy Rebate Programs to Help Lower Families’ Utility Bills
The Ritz Herald

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on October 8 that California is launching its first federal Home Energy Rebates program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. California is launching the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) portion of the…

Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Travels to Argentina and Uruguay to Strengthen Joint Efforts Against Illicit Drugs
The Ritz Herald

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Todd D. Robinson will travel to Argentina and Uruguay from October 14-18 to strengthen our joint efforts in the fight against illicit synthetic drugs and to reaffirm our commitments to bolster regional security.

In Buenos Aires, Assistant…

4 mins
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, attended a deployment departure ceremony Oct. 19, 2024, at the Easley Readiness Center, Easley, South Carolina. © Maj. Ed Duvall
The Ritz Herald
Family and friends attended a departure ceremony for South Carolina National Guard soldiers deploying to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility

A departure ceremony was held Oct. 19 for South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

The Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, will provide air defense in theater in a deployment that is the first of its kind for this unit. Operation Inherent Resolve’s Mission is to defeat ISIS in the Combined Joint Operations Area to enable whole-of-coalition governmental actions to increase regional stability.

“Being the first of anything is a really fascinating experience. This unit has been the first for the National Capital Region mission,” said U.S. Army Capt. Christopher Campion, commander, Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd ADA. “To be able to go over to CENTCOM for this unit for the first time, it means a great deal to us.”

Friends and family members attended the ceremony to show their support as the Soldiers prepared to embark on their mission.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina, said the Soldiers were ready.

“Your Guard has been busy, and they have been deployed for an ongoing basis since 9/11 to do the things that we ask of…

2 mins
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun conduct a joint press briefing at the Pentagon, Oct. 30, 2024. © Air Force Senior Airman Madelyn Keech, DOD
The Ritz Herald
The Defense Department is closely tracking the unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said

The Defense Department is closely tracking the unprecedented level of direct military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III.

Austin met with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun today for the 56th annual security consultative meeting. They also held a joint news briefing in the Pentagon.

Evidence suggests that North Korea has sent approximately 10,000 troops to Russia. Some of these soldiers have already moved closer to Ukraine and they’re being outfitted with Russian uniforms and equipment, Austin said.

“I am increasingly concerned that Kremlin plans to use these North Korean soldiers to support Russia’s combat operations in Russia’s Kursk Region, near the border with Ukraine,” Austin said.

” and Iran. Turning to a pariah state like North Korea for troops just underscores how much trouble he is in,” Austin said.

“Putin will not prevail in Ukraine, even with more help from North Korea,” the secretary said.

Discussions today were about modernizing and deepening the South Korea-U.S. alliance that will help protect the security of the Korean peninsula and shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region, Austin said.

“I assured Mr. Kim today that the United…

U.S. Department of Defense, FEMA Working in Unison on Hurricane Relief Efforts
The Ritz Herald

The Defense Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are fully engaged in a whole-of-government effort to provide relief to victims of both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, the Pentagon announced on Thursday.

The efforts include thousands of DOD personnel, vehicles and equipment providing relief on the ground in the…

Former Ecuadorian President and Vice President Designated as Ineligible for Entry into the United States Due to Corruption Involvement
The Ritz Herald

The Department of State is designating Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado (“Correa”) and Jorge David Glas Espinel (“Glas”) as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to their involvement in significant corruption during their time in public office.

Correa and Glas abused their positions as former president of Ecuador…

Austin Says DOD Fully Engaged at Home and Abroad
The Ritz Herald

Following a U.S. Transportation Command change of command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, on Friday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a news briefing to provide updates about the Middle East, Hurricane Helene response, Ukraine and the trilateral security partnership that the United States participates in…

Brown Highlights Critical Role of Logistics at Transcom Change of Command
The Ritz Herald

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., underscored the foundational role logistics plays in maintaining the U.S. military’s edge as the world’s foremost fighting force as he welcomed Air Force Gen. Randall Reed as the 15th commander of the U.S. Transportation Command on…

U.S. Trade and Development Agency Convenes Civil Nuclear Energy Leaders From U.S., Europe and Eurasia
The Ritz Herald

From October 8-10, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency will host a delegation of leaders from the United States and nearly 20 European and Eurasian countries in Knoxville, TN, for an event focused on the safe and efficient deployment of the latest nuclear energy technologies. Organized in cooperation with…

4 mins
The Ritz Herald
An aerial view of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 15, 2023. © Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza, DOD
This month Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. — all members of the AUKUS trilateral partnership — participated in Maritime Big Play, a series of integrated experiments and exercises held in the Indo-Pacific region
By / Deputy Editor

This month Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. — all members of the AUKUS trilateral partnership — participated in “Maritime Big Play,” a series of integrated experiments and exercises held in the Indo-Pacific region, meant to enhance capability development and improve interoperability between the partners.

As part of the experiments and exercises, the AUKUS partners tested and refined their ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems, share and process naval data, and provide real-time maritime domain awareness in support of decision-making, said Madeline Mortelmans, who is performing the duties of the assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities.

“These experiments address the need to expand the reach, capability and capacity of our forces in the maritime environment through the use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems,” Mortelmans said during a virtual discussion on Wednesday. “Over the past several weeks, we’ve been testing and refining the ability to jointly operate uncrewed maritime systems to share and process maritime data from all three nations and to provide real-time maritime domain awareness to support decision making.”

As part of Maritime Big Play, various private sector companies brought forth technologies and equipment that could be evaluated by all three nations as part of scenarios created for the event. Included were autonomous air, surface and sub-surface vessels, balloons and networking systems.

“All the testing , for example, and to…

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Soldiers Injured in Raid on ISIS Locations Earlier This Week Headed to Walter Reed
On Tuesday morning, Iraqi Security Forces, working with service members
U.S. and Republic of Korea Officials Meet in Atlanta for 9th Senior Economic Dialogue
The Ritz Herald

Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez met with Republic of Korea (ROK) Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang Insun in Atlanta, Georgia on October 2 for the 9th U.S.-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue (SED).

Both sides underscored the more than $140 billion in new…

U.S. Assets in Mediterranean Again Helped Defend Israel Against Iranian Missiles
The Ritz Herald

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“We condemn these reckless attacks by Iran, and we call…

U.S., Allies Call for 21-Day Cease-Fire on Israel-Lebanon Border
The Ritz Herald

The United States on Wednesday called for a 21-day cease-fire on the Israel-Lebanon border to prevent an escalation of war and give diplomacy a chance there and in Gaza.

Voicing their support for this plan are Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, British Defense Secretary John Healey, and Australian…

2 mins
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon, Oct. 24, 2024. © Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jackie Sanders
The Ritz Herald
U.S. and Iraqi Forces conduct joint operations against ISIS in Central Iraq; Service members injured

On Tuesday morning, Iraqi Security Forces, working with service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, conducted strikes and follow-on raids on multiple ISIS locations in central Iraq.

Two service members were injured during the raid and are now headed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, while a third service member is being evaluated for traumatic brain injury, said the deputy Pentagon press secretary during a briefing on Friday.

“During the operation, two U.S. military personnel were wounded by an explosion while assisting Iraqi forces with site exploitation,” said Sabrina Singh. “While both service members sustained serious injuries, they are in stable condition and are currently en route to Walter Reed Medical Center for follow-on care. Additionally, we recently learned a third service member is being assessed for potential ”

During the raid, Singh said ISF targeted several senior ISIS leaders and killed at least seven ISIS operatives.

Singh said Iraqi and U.S. forces partnered again as part of the Defeat-ISIS mission.

“Earlier today, U.S. forces participated in an Iraqi-led operation against ISIS fighters in the Anbar province in Iraq,” Singh said. “Our assessment of the operation is still ongoing, and to my knowledge, there were no U.S….

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U.S., Japan, and Philippines Hold Trilateral Talks in Manila to Tackle Economic Coercion and Foster Resilience

Roscha / RH
Today, senior government officials from the United States, Japan, and the Philippines convened an informal trilateral discussion in Manila on countering economic coercion and promoting economic resilience. The discussion was
Multilateral Meeting on Security and Resilience of Undersea Cables During UN General Assembly High Level Week
The Ritz Herald

Ambassador at large for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, Nathaniel C. Fick hosted a meeting on the Security and Resilience of Undersea Cables on the margins of the UN General Assembly High Level Week on Wednesday.

The meeting announced the release of the New York Principles on Undersea…

U.S. Remains Committed to Israel’s Security Following Weekend Attacks
The Ritz Herald

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III over the weekend reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself following a series of rocket attacks by Lebanese Hezbollah, the Pentagon announced today.

Austin expressed DOD’s support during separate phone calls with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Saturday…

United States to Transition Anti-ISIS Mission in Iraq to Bilateral Defense Partnership
The Ritz Herald

The United States is on track to announce next week the transition of the military’s anti-ISIS mission in Iraq to a bilateral defense partnership between the two countries, a pair of officials close to the matter told the media on Friday.

The announcement would come 10 years after the U.S.’…