President Joe Biden in his first State of the Union address said Russian President Vladimir Putin “badly miscalculated” when he launched a “premeditated and totally unprovoked” attack on Ukraine nearly one week ago. Putin’s actions only strengthened and unified the NATO alliance, said Biden, who vowed to protect “every inch” of NATO territory. Biden also called U.S. veterans the "backbone and spine of this country," saying the U.S. has a "sacred obligation" to properly training and equip troops and to take care of their families. He blasted the use of burn pits during recent wars and promised to expand eligibility to veterans suffering from nine respiratory cancers.
The Pentagon will update its recent Global Posture Review to consider placing more forces in Eastern Europe on a permanent or rotational basis, DOD officials said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. The situation may also drive a delay in the National Defense Strategy and Nuclear Posture Review.
China’s efforts to develop and field hypersonic weapons has been “tenfold” that of the U.S.’s own push, but the Pentagon will likely increase funding for testing, development, and threat warning in that area in the forthcoming 2023 budget, the commander of U.S. Northern Command told Congress on March 1. That assessment from Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, who also serves as commander of NORAD, comes after months of increased reports about Chinese progress in hypersonics and American efforts to develop its own capabilities.
It’s been more than five months since Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. “Jay” Raymond unveiled the Space Force’s first prototype service dress uniforms to the world at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference. Since then, members of the Air Force Uniform Office have been busy entering what director Tracy Roan called a “true development cycle,” making subtle tweaks, correcting fits, and incorporating Guardians’ feedback.
The Department of the Air Force’s annual Spark Tank competition takes place March 4, when six teams will take to the stage at the AFA Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla. Each team will pitch the most senior leaders in the Air and Space Forces on how their innovations can save money, improve the lives of Airmen and Guardians, and transform the department. Air Force Magazine is highlighting one team each day from now through March 3. Today, we look at “Project Arcwater,” led by Senior Master Sgt. Brent Kenney and Tech Sgt. Matthew Connelly of the 52nd Fighter Wing stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
