Here's a look at how the Defense Department is being impacted by and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pentagon is adjusting its COVID-19 testing policy, with a new emphasis on screening service members in its highest priority missions in addition to diagnosing troops who are already sick. As the new coronavirus outbreak spread, the Defense Department used its limited testing resources to ...
New trainees will graduate Basic Military Training in seven weeks instead of eight and a half, as the Air Force looks to mitigate the coronavirus outbreak. The temporary move is intended to “enhance social-distancing requirements” at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, according to an Air ...
An Army National Guardsman died on March 28—seven days after being hospitalized with COVID-19—becoming the first U.S. service member to die from the disease. "This is a stinging loss for our military community, and our condolences go out to his family, friends, civilian co-workers, and ...
The new coronavirus is starting to have operational impacts in the Indo-Pacific, as the Navy sidelines a carrier that was previously underway. There were 280 current U.S. military cases of COVID-19 as of March 26—73 more than the previous day—and 600 cases total, including civilians, ...
The Defense Department on March 25 raised its Health Protection Condition level at every military installation globally to the second highest level as the new coronavirus outbreak spreads and more personnel test positive for the COVID-19 virus. The level—Health Protection Condition Charlie—means the virus has ...
President Donald Trump’s March 22 approval of a Title 32 activation of Guard troops to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the states of California, New York, and Washington won’t impede the National Guard Bureau’s ability to support theater-based operations, since troops who take part in ...
U.S. European Command has about 2,600 personnel in self-isolation and has curtailed its exercises because of the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak, but the head of the military in Europe says readiness will remain high for the foreseeable future. USAF Gen. Tod Wolters, EUCOM boss and ...
The Air Force has postponed upcoming fitness tests until at least June 2020 as the new coronavirus outbreak spreads, pushing back the testing dates of those who have already been scheduled until the fall. "While testing is postponed, remember to maintain a healthy, fit lifestyle," ...
National Guard Bureau Chief Gen. Joseph Lengyel said a federal activation of the National Guard to fight the COVID-19 pandemic would be an illogical and inefficient move. “I think you can get everything you need from the National Guard more efficiently and more effectively if ...
Air Force Basic Military Training might not be on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s getting some major, immediate changes to halt the coronavirus’ spread. Starting March 18, incoming recruits will now undergo a two-week-long restriction of movement (or ROM) at the start ...
The Pentagon reported having 49 military personnel who have tested positive for the new coronavirus, as well as 19 dependents, 14 civilian employees, and seven contractors, as of 5 a.m. March 18. The total has risen from 37 confirmed cases as of March 16. Brig. ...