Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army announced the conversion of its Futures and Concepts Command to the Futures and Autonomy Command (FASCOM) in Washington, D.C. on October 1. FASCOM will focus on integrating autonomous systems into military operations and will be part of the Defense Department's planned Autonomous Warfare Command. The commander of FASCOM will also oversee the Army's procurement efforts for these systems, ensuring human judgment remains in decision-making processes.

Nearly all U.S. soldiers completed the Neurocognitive Assessment Tool to monitor brain health, starting in 2024. This assessment is mandatory for active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve soldiers in high-risk roles, while others must test every three years. The Army aims to establish a baseline for cognitive health and improve treatment options for potential brain injuries. A new app for assessments is also being piloted to enhance tracking capabilities.

The U.S. Army redesigned its Futures and Concepts Command to Futures and Autonomous Systems Command during AUSA 2026, emphasizing its focus on drones and autonomous systems. The Army reaffirmed its foundational role in the joint force, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, highlighting capabilities like long-range precision fires. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is anticipated to speak on the third day of the event.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed 6 missiles and 3 drones targeting Saudi Arabia on October 13, 2023. Explosions occurred in Riyadh and Dhahran due to missile debris, resulting in 4 injuries and damage to 15 residential buildings. Additionally, the coalition conducted a military operation against Houthi resources in Yemen, aiming to weaken their capabilities to threaten Saudi Arabia and maritime routes in the Red Sea.

The Iranian Navy reported monitoring a 'violating' oil tanker that was damaged and caught fire while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on October 13, 2023. They warned all vessels to keep electronic devices on and coordinate with Iranian armed forces to ensure safe passage. The Navy emphasized its capability to monitor all activities in the region by deploying operational forces in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

The Russian Navy employs the Kilo-class submarine, dubbed the 'Black Hole', for stealth operations and missile strikes in the Black Sea and Syria. This submarine is equipped with Kalibr missiles and is recognized for its exceptional underwater stealth capabilities, making it a critical asset in Russia's naval operations.

Iran is fortifying its nuclear sites and borders while signaling readiness to retaliate against potential U.S. strikes. The Iranian military is enhancing its defenses and encouraging civilian weapons training. Targets for retaliation may include Saudi energy facilities and transportation hubs, as demonstrated by recent Houthi attacks on Riyadh's airport. Iran's military capabilities, particularly in drones and missiles, have reportedly been strengthened.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted routine training exercises in the Western Pacific on October 14. This operation involved the Liaoning aircraft carrier and aimed to enhance the combat readiness of the naval forces. The exercises were planned as part of the annual training schedule and adhered to international law.

The USS Akron crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on April 4, 1933, during a storm, resulting in the deaths of 73 crew members. The USS Macon also crashed on February 12, 1935, due to structural failure, leading to 2 fatalities. Both airships were designed as flying aircraft carriers by the U.S. Navy but were lost within four years due to operational failures and adverse weather conditions.

U.S. Central Command maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz as of October 13, assisting regional partners in transporting over 19 million barrels of oil. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has threatened to sink any U.S. naval vessels approaching the area.

Three road safety personnel were killed in Hama province, Syria, by unidentified assailants on motorcycles. Syrian security forces have entered a state of heightened alert to investigate the incident and pursue those responsible. Another attack occurred at a checkpoint in the same area, resulting in one death and one injury, with no group claiming responsibility for either incident.

The U.S. Army Recruiting Command has suspended the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program due to its low effectiveness in engaging new soldiers with local recruiters. Lt. Gen. Johnny Davis confirmed this decision at a recent forum, noting that the program, which has been in place since the 1980s, is under reevaluation for potential alternatives to support soldiers' hometown leave. The Army is assessing the return on investment from this program.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Project Meridian, a 120-day initiative to explore future military capabilities. Palmer Luckey highlighted the need for unified command and control and proposed manufacturing missiles in car factories. He also discussed the potential for subterranean warfare as a future battlefield. The working group is expected to submit its findings by January 28, 2027.

On October 14, Russian forces attacked residential buildings in Kyiv, resulting in 1 death and 14 injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the casualty count may increase. There has been no response from Russian authorities regarding the incident.

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy stated that Iran is waiting for U.S. warships to approach the Strait of Hormuz to sink them. He emphasized that the U.S. military must withdraw from the region, claiming that Iran's military capabilities have improved significantly. The statement reflects Iran's readiness to engage in naval operations against U.S. forces.

On October 13, 2023, U.S. President Trump announced that the U.S. is providing aid and sharing intelligence with Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict and discussed easing sanctions on Russian diesel to alleviate domestic supply issues. Trump also warned Ukraine's President Zelensky against attacking Russian oil facilities, highlighting the global implications of the diesel trade.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the possibility of restarting military action against Iran with U.S. President Trump in October 2023. This conversation occurred ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections and Israeli parliamentary elections. Both the Israeli Defense Forces and U.S. Central Command are reportedly on high alert, preparing for any potential changes in Trump's stance regarding Iran.

Anduril Industries was awarded a contract on September 30, 2023, worth up to $1.8 billion to expand the U.S. Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) system. This contract includes $162.8 million for developing a common data baseline to enhance integration across the Army's I Corps in the Indo-Pacific. The NGC2 system aims to improve decision-making speed on the battlefield by connecting various technologies and applications.

The FBI disrupted North Korean laptop farms in Texas, seizing 187 laptops and devices used to fund weapons programs. This operation targeted North Korean operatives who obtained remote jobs at U.S. companies under false identities. The investigation, supported by CrowdStrike, revealed that these schemes generated revenue for the North Korean regime's sanctioned weapons programs. The FBI's actions are part of ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent IT employment linked to North Korea.

Avio will produce solid rocket motors for Lockheed Martin’s Extended Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile, establishing itself as a full-time supplier. The production facility in Hurt, Virginia, is expected to start operations in 2029. This agreement provides Lockheed with an additional source of motors, enhancing their production capabilities against emerging threats.