Lawmakers did add a late provision to the last-minute workings on the 2006 defense authorization bill that would permit adoption of military working dogs—under “unusual or extraordinary circumstances”—before they have reached the end of their military working life. The story behind this legislation made headlines around the country. At the center was USAF TSgt. Jamie Dana, a security forces dog handler who was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. Before passing out, she asked about her dog Rex and was told he had been killed; she learned in the hospital that he had survived. According to Sen. John Warner (R-Va.), Gen. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, indicated the service would exercise the waiver, once the legislation is signed by the President, to permit Dana to adopt Rex.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.