Early Bird Brief

Congress unveils defense budget

Today, after months of negotiations, Congress unveiled its compromised defense budget, which includes a repeal of the COVID vaccine mandate and a pay raise for troops. 

Bonus: A soldier who served after Japanese internment

On Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Jon Simkins joins the show to talk about his interview with one man moved to a Japanese internment camp after the Pearl Harbor attack, who then went on to serve in the U.S. Army. 

China scolds Pentagon report on its nukes

Today, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Defense responded to the U.S. Defense Department's annual report that highlighted Beijing's efforts to strengthen its nuclear capabilities. 

Russia is burning through its munitions

Today, a top U.S. intelligence official said that Russia is burning through its munition stockpiles at an "extraordinary" rate. 

How do civilians view the military?

Today, Military Times' Pentagon Bureau Chief Meghann Myers discusses the Reagan Institute's annual survey on the public's view of the armed forces — and how sometimes politics goes past the water's edge. 

Senate confirms Pentagon watchdog

Today, despite a hold on a number of Defense Department nominees, the Senate confirmed the Pentagon Inspector General for the first time in nearly seven years even as defense spending increased and aid flowed to Ukraine. 

Veteran involved in Jan. 6 insurrection convicted

Today, a former Army paratrooper and founder of the Oath Keepers was found guilty on counts of seditious conspiracy, the first person in nearly three decades to be convicted by a jury on the charge. 

Pentagon releases report on China’s military power

Today, the Department of Defense released its annual findings on China's military power. 

Sec. Austin urges Congress to pass defense budget

Today, Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin called on Congress to pass a full-year defense budget before a partial government shutdown occurs when funding runs out on Dec. 16, potentially impacting military readiness. 

Tracking U.S. military aid to Ukraine

Today, Pentagon reporter Joe Gould breaks down U.S. defense packages for Ukraine to date -- and the weapons being sent to counter Russian forces.