To ensure it has easily accessible and more readily deployable reserve forces, the Pentagon wants them “operationalized,” per the Quadrennial Defense Review. That term and a QDR-noted increase in mobilization authority from 270 days to 365 days have raised eyebrows among some lawmakers. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), ranking minority member on the Senate Armed Services personnel subcommittee, asked Pentagon officials what assurance Congress would have that such an extension would not be used to “circumvent the 24-month cumulative month limit?” Pentagon Reserve Affairs chief Thomas Hall said that the expansion would not affect the 24-month time and called upon National Guard Bureau chief, Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, to explain why reserve leaders believe the expansion would provide “more flexibility.” Blum said he supports the increase to 365 days to “provide a slightly wider window” to reduce the risk commanders face because they’re “racing against a calendar.” However, Blum cautioned against abusing what he sees as a “magnificent tool.”
Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rockets
March 11, 2026
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Over the past century, new and ever more capable liquid-fueled rockets have literally propelled humanity into space. Why liquid-fueled rockets?