Analysis & Reports

The United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence launched the Robotic Autonomous Systems Leader Tactics Course (RASLT) on February 10, 2026, at Fort Benning. This three-week course aims to prepare Army leaders for future conflicts involving robotic and autonomous systems. It includes practical exercises and targets officers and enlisted personnel with specific training prerequisites. Three pilot iterations are planned for Fiscal Year 2026.

The Navy recognized Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom and Lt. Cmdr. Brian Van Metre as Surface Warfare Officers of the Year for the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets, respectively. Bystrom was honored for her leadership aboard the USS Spruance during a deployment where her crew successfully engaged threats from Houthi-backed drones. Van Metre received his award for his role as combat systems officer on the USS Mason, where he led efforts to counter drone and missile attacks during a deployment to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. military has expanded its control over the Texas-Mexico border by establishing new National Defense Areas (NDAs) to enhance security operations. This includes the militarization of approximately 200 miles of borderland, with assets such as Seasats Lightfish and various aircraft deployed for monitoring and enforcement. The move aims to strengthen interagency coordination despite a significant decrease in border crossings, prompting debate over its necessity.

The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers serve as the backbone of naval operations, engaging in multi-mission roles such as ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare. These destroyers, equipped with advanced systems like the Aegis combat system, are actively deployed in regions including the Baltic Sea and Indo-Pacific. They are expected to remain operational into the 2050s, adapting to evolving threats.

U.S. President Trump announced plans to consider deploying a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East on February 10, 2023, amid ongoing negotiations with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln is already stationed in the region, and Trump indicated that further military readiness may be necessary if talks fail. He emphasized the importance of including Iran's nuclear program and missile stockpile in any potential agreement.

The U.S. Navy is reshuffling its traditional carrier strike group model to create tailored forces for greater operational flexibility. This initiative, outlined in the new 'Fighting Instructions' guidance, aims to provide combatant commanders with customizable formation options. The Navy plans to integrate unmanned systems into its strategy, optimizing asset deployment beyond conventional cycles. Key locations involved include the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on missions such as mine clearance in strategic chokepoints.

U.S. President Trump is considering the deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East in response to unsuccessful negotiations with Iran. The Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is already positioned in the region and could launch military operations within one to two days if directed by the White House.

The U.S. Air Force, along with the Royal Air Force and Australian Defence Force, conducted a joint military exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, simulating combat against Chinese fifth-generation aircraft. Over 100 aircraft and 3000 military personnel participated in the 'Red Flag' exercise, which included the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B simulating tactics of the Chinese J-35. This exercise is part of ongoing military preparations to counter high-tech adversaries.

The 157th Air Refueling Wing conducted a nuclear operational readiness exercise at Pease from February 5–8, testing its aerial refueling capabilities in support of the U.S. nuclear deterrence mission. The exercise involved the KC-46A Pegasus and focused on validating procedures and command-and-control processes. Despite severe winter conditions, the unit reported no injuries and successfully executed operations under time constraints.

Adm. Daryl Caudle advocates for the U.S. Navy to utilize smaller, newer assets for missions instead of large aircraft carriers, focusing on the Caribbean and Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln have been redeployed to support operations against Nicolás Maduro and rising tensions with Iran, respectively. Caudle's strategy emphasizes tailored naval groups and the use of drones to enhance operational flexibility.

The U.S. Navy, alongside 25,000 personnel from 26 nations, participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2016 exercise from June 30 to August 4, 2016, in the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The exercise featured over 40 ships and submarines, and more than 200 aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet, which demonstrated its multirole capabilities essential for naval operations. This event underscored the importance of international cooperation in maintaining maritime security.

The Pentagon awarded Purple Hearts to Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and posthumously to Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom for their actions during an ambush in Washington, D.C., in November 2023. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe is recovering. The attack, described as an act of terror, involved a suspected gunman who has been charged with murder and assault.

Staff Sgt. Billy Scafidel of the 7th Engineer Support Battalion rescued a Marine driver trapped in a submerged vehicle at Camp Pendleton, California, on February 6, 2024. He used a hammer to break the windshield and pull the driver to safety. For his heroic actions, Scafidel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal during a ceremony at the base.

The 369th Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, fought valiantly in World War I under French command, participating in key battles and suffering significant casualties. Despite their bravery and contributions, they faced racial discrimination both during and after the war, receiving few American honors for their service. The regiment's legacy highlights the struggles of Black soldiers for recognition and equality in the U.S. military.

In 2024, Iran launched drone and cruise missile attacks against critical infrastructure in Israel, marking the first sustained state-on-state drone conflict in the Middle East. Israel responded with advanced UAS platforms and layered air defenses. The conflict highlighted the strategic importance of persistent ISR and precision targeting, prompting regional nations to reassess their airpower strategies and invest in systems like the MQ-9B and Gambit Series for enhanced military capabilities.

U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines conducted a simulated battle exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms, California. Media reports inaccurately claimed that U.S. Marines suffered a humiliating surrender, which was debunked by military officials emphasizing the exercise's focus on readiness and interoperability. This incident highlights the risks of misinformation affecting allied military cooperation.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted training with tactical jet skis for interdiction operations in San Diego and Coronado Beach on January 14-15, 2023. This training is part of the Coast Guard's Office of Rapid Response and Prototyping program, aimed at enhancing drug interdiction capabilities. The Coast Guard has seized over 200,000 lbs. of cocaine in the eastern Pacific since launching Operation Pacific Viper.

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl performance on February 6, 2021, due to operational tasking. Katie Spencer stated that the aircraft were reassigned to meet increased military demands. The F-22s have been involved in recent significant operations, including monitoring potential threats.

Multi-national Special Operations Forces participated in a submarine insertion exercise with the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, on July 9, 2018, during RIMPAC 2018. The exercise involved 25,000 personnel, 46 ships, and 5 submarines, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy's new USS Arizona (SSN-803) equipped with the Virginia Payload Module. This module enhances the submarine's firepower and operational flexibility.

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl flyover on February 6, 2025, due to operational requirements. The aircraft were redeployed for combat missions amid increasing military pressure on Iran. Recent actions involving the F-22s include participation in operations against Iran, while indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue.