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.”
Navy CCA Program’s Shape Coming into Focus
Oct. 17, 2025
In announcing its Navy Collaborative Combat Aircraft contract, General Atomics has provided some clues as to where the service is heading with its version of an armed, autonomous fighter escort. It will likely be quite different from the Air Force version.
