Analysis & Reports

Veterans filed a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs in Virginia on March 5, 2024, alleging that the VA denied GI Bill benefits to over 1 million eligible veterans by imposing new, unjustified eligibility requirements. The lawsuit claims these rules contradict a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarified veterans do not need a break in service to access both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Veterans argue that the VA's actions cause significant financial harm and impede their educational pursuits.

The U.S. Navy rotated the USS Robert Smalls, the last Ticonderoga-class cruiser homeported overseas, from Yokosuka, Japan, to San Diego, California. This change is part of a scheduled force rotation, with the USS Mustin replacing the Smalls. The USS Robert Smalls was previously assigned to Carrier Strike Group Five in support of U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei announced the continuation of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and urged neighboring countries to close U.S. military bases. Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles targeting over 50 locations in Israel. The U.S. military has warned civilians to avoid ports along the Strait, while the Pentagon reported over $11 billion spent in the first six days of military action against Iran.

The U.S. Army is establishing the Army Data Operation Center (ADOC) in Washington to enhance global data movement for joint forces. This center aims to improve data management and accessibility, addressing the Army's need for a more integrated data-sharing approach. The rollout is expected in a few weeks, with personnel from various backgrounds being recruited to support its operations.

The U.S. military has revoked 911 Medals of Honor since 1917 to enforce stricter eligibility criteria, particularly targeting non-combat actions. This included the mass revocation of medals awarded to the 27th Maine Volunteer Infantry and the notable case of Dr. Mary Walker, whose medal was reinstated in 1977. The Medal of Honor remains the highest military decoration, awarded for acts of valor in combat.

U.S. Marines Cpl. Malakai Obed and Cpl. Caden Perez conducted a rescue operation on January 15, 2026, at Camp Pendleton, California, after a vehicle rollover accident. They saved an unconscious mother and her three children trapped in the vehicle by breaking a window and pulling the children to safety. The Marines flagged down passing corpsmen for medical assistance and were later awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their heroism.

DroneShield has established a counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) manufacturing line at an undisclosed location in the European Union. This marks the company's first overseas manufacturing initiative, expanding its industrial footprint in the defense sector.

GMS Industrial Supply in Texas experienced a 76% decline in orders and a 44% workforce reduction due to the ongoing government shutdown. The company has over 115 funded but unprocessed delivery orders, highlighting the volatility in the defense supply chain. The report emphasizes the need for policy adjustments to ensure continuity and stability in the industrial base during such disruptions.

The UK confirmed a timeline for the entry of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) fleet, scheduled between 2030 and 2033. This announcement follows the contract award made nine days earlier, indicating a commitment to enhancing military capabilities.

The report highlights the increased strategic friction in Iran following the transition of power to Mojtaba Khamenei. It identifies the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij paramilitary as critical centers of gravity in the ongoing conflict. The analysis emphasizes the challenges posed by modern warfare tactics, including the use of drones and ballistic missiles, which hinder traditional military objectives of enemy overthrow.

Leonardo announced plans to increase its focus on cyber security and digitalization while developing the Michelangelo Dome air defense system in Rome. The company projects annual orders will reach €32 billion by 2030, with revenues increasing to €30 billion. Leonardo's workforce is expected to grow to 75,500 by 2030, reflecting the rising demand in global defense spending.

U.S. forces engaged in Operation Epic Fury have struck approximately 6,000 targets in Iran, resulting in seven American service members killed and around 140 wounded. The operation has cost an estimated $11.3 billion in its first six days. Iran's new supreme leader has vowed retaliation, while Congressional Democrats are introducing resolutions to limit U.S. military involvement without formal authorization.

Operation Epic Fury has cost approximately $11.3 billion in its first six days, with U.S. forces striking around 6,000 targets in Iran. Seven American service members were killed, and about 140 were wounded, with eight in serious condition. Iran has vowed to retaliate against U.S. and Israeli forces following the airstrikes.

The Pentagon's 2026 National Defense Strategy prioritizes homeland defense and deterring China, emphasizing deterrence through denial and limited support for allies. The strategy calls for increased military presence along the First Island Chain and pressures allies to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. However, it notably omits explicit mention of Taiwan, causing concern among regional partners. The U.S. and the Philippines plan over 500 joint military activities for 2026, reflecting heightened defense cooperation.

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NATO conducted large-scale Cold Response 2026 exercises in Norway starting March 9, 2026, focusing on civilian preparedness and total defense concepts. The exercise reflects growing tensions within the transatlantic security architecture, particularly regarding defense procurement and the EU's efforts to diversify partnerships. The U.S. strategic shift has further complicated NATO's role in European defense, raising questions about future cooperation and capabilities.

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In 2026, NATO and the EU are undergoing significant transformations in response to transatlantic tensions, with the EU launching the Readiness 2030 initiative to boost defense spending. The Trump administration's policies have intensified debates on European strategic autonomy, leading to Spain's prohibition of U.S. strikes on Iran. The EU is also expanding defense partnerships with countries like Ghana, indicating a shift towards operational independence from American military support.

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The U.S. is recalibrating its military posture in the Indo-Pacific to address fiscal constraints and enhance deterrence against China. This includes deploying missile systems to the Philippines and increasing defense spending commitments from Japan and South Korea. The AUKUS partnership is advancing operational integration among U.S. and Australian forces, while China continues to expand its military presence in the region. The 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes a shift towards burden-sharing with allies.

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The U.S. Department of Defense's 2026 National Defense Strategy emphasizes that Europe must take primary responsibility for NATO defense by 2027. This shift prioritizes European security and military investment, with Germany leading in defense spending. The European Union has initiated a €860 billion defense plan, while NATO demonstrated its capabilities by intercepting an Iranian missile in March 2026. This transition marks a significant change in U.S.-European defense relations, requiring Europe to enhance its military capabilities.

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The U.S. Navy will commission the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. on April 11, 2024, at Naval Station Norfolk. This Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer honors Col. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. for his bravery during the Vietnam War. Martha Hill, Barnum's wife, will sponsor the ship during the ceremony.

The U.S. Air Force is conducting airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, specifically targeting the Taleghan 2 site near Tehran, using 12 B-1B Lancers and 3 B-52 Stratofortresses. This operation, involving GBU-31 JDAMs with BLU-109 warheads, aims to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities and loitering munition networks. The strikes are part of a broader strategy to prevent Iran from reinforcing its buried nuclear assets.