Early Bird Brief

After Middle East attacks on ships, US considers naval task force in Red Sea

The White House said the U.S. is considering the plan to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Pentagon extremism training faced criticism from all sides

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the domestic extremism trainings in February 2021. Military Veterans in Journalism Fellow Nikki Wentling spoke to troops who participated.

Truce between Israel and Hamas extended

Two Israeli hostages were released after Hamas and Israel extended the cease-fire for another day.

Americans consider China greatest military threat, poll finds.

The latest Reagan National Defense Survey reveals what Americans think about top national security issues. 

Gaza receives US humanitarian aid shipment

The U.S. military flights to deliver aid come amid a humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.

Missiles fired near US warship in Gulf of Aden, DOD says

Two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen landed near a U.S. warship in the Gulf of Aden.

Short-term funding bill stymies Pentagon programs

Today, what the lack of a full defense spending bill for the first four months of the fiscal year means for Pentagon planning.

US forces fire back after missile attack on Iraq base

The number of attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East has increased.

Secretary Austin makes surprise visit to show support for Ukraine

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes an unannounced visit to Ukraine in a reminder of continued U.S. support for the country in its conflict with Russia.

Air Force officers say new parental discharge policy is broken

The policy is intended to make it easier for those who need to leave the military because of childbirth, but airmen say it is backfiring on those who need it most.