Fires are raging across Oklahoma and Texas and National Guard Bureau officials say they have Air Guard and Army Guard helicopter crews on alert in both states to provide assistance. States officials have said the fires are the worst in the region in five years. As of Dec. 28, blazes had broken out in 12 counties in Oklahoma and 39 in Texas. NGB leaders also pressed Louisiana Guard members into action, sending some helos and crews to Texas.
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.