Analysis & Reports

A bipartisan proposal was introduced in the U.S. Congress on February 11, 2023, requiring large data centers to generate their own electricity instead of relying on public utilities. This legislation aims to address the rising electricity demand driven by AI and cloud computing, ensuring that residential customers are prioritized during supply constraints. The bill reflects growing concerns about the energy footprint of data centers and seeks to prevent households from subsidizing their expansion.

Tricare Prime beneficiaries in the United States can now access virtual urgent care appointments if their local military treatment facility is booked. This service, available for those aged 12 and older, allows patients to consult with healthcare providers for common urgent issues. Appointments can be scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time, and providers can prescribe medications directly to pharmacies.

An immigration judge dismissed the deportation case against Narciso Barranco, a landscaper and father of three U.S. Marines, on January 28, 2023, allowing him to pursue legal residency. Barranco was arrested in June 2022 in Santa Ana, California, and had been under an ankle monitor until recently. The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to appeal the decision.

CISA will furlough most of its workforce due to an impending government shutdown, with only one-third remaining active. The agency's operations will be restricted to essential functions necessary for protecting life and property. This decision follows a two-week funding extension granted to the Department of Homeland Security after recent incidents involving ICE.

Canada is reviewing its military procurement strategy as of February 2026, considering a shift from purchasing 72 additional F-35 Lightning IIs to a mixed fleet that includes Saab JAS 39 Gripen Es. This decision is influenced by cost concerns and operational readiness, particularly in Arctic conditions, amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. The U.S. has warned that abandoning the F-35 order could impact NORAD operations.

Canada has begun payments for 14 additional F-35s as of February 2026, despite ongoing contract reviews. The initial order of 16 F-35s is set to arrive between 2026 and 2029, while speculation about a dual-fleet strategy with Saab's Gripen fighters intensifies. The Royal Canadian Air Force faces challenges with 40% of its CF-18 fleet out of service, prompting discussions on modernization and procurement strategies.

The U.S. Army is restructuring officer positions, moving some into new specialties or transferring them to different services as part of a review process conducted over the last 10 months. Affected officers, numbering a couple thousand, have been notified and will have a 36-month transition period to adapt. The restructuring aims to align officer career paths with emerging operational needs, while also expanding opportunities in Space Operations and Operations Research/System Analysis.

U.S. allies are increasingly reconsidering their reliance on the American nuclear umbrella as President Trump's foreign policy shifts towards hostility, particularly with threats regarding Greenland. This instability may lead allies in Europe and Asia to pursue their own nuclear deterrents, breaking the longstanding defense-for-nonproliferation bargain. The situation reflects a significant change in international relations and military alliances.

Navy Secretary John Phelan announced plans to double the number of ships the U.S. Navy will procure for fiscal 2027 to at least 34, during a keynote address in San Diego, California. The proposed budget of $1.5 trillion aims to enhance the maritime industrial base and includes auxiliary and support ships. Phelan criticized previous underfunding of shipbuilding and highlighted the introduction of the Golden Fleet, which will feature two Trump-class battleships.

The U.S. Navy plans to double its ship procurement for fiscal 2027, increasing from 17 to at least 34 ships, as stated by Navy Secretary John Phelan in San Diego. The proposed budget of $1.5 trillion aims to enhance the maritime industrial base and includes auxiliary and support ships. Phelan criticized previous underfunding of shipbuilding and announced the introduction of the Golden Fleet, featuring two Trump-class battleships.

Top senior enlisted leaders from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force reported to lawmakers that health care access is a significant complaint among troops. They highlighted ongoing issues with Tricare and child care availability, including a waitlist of 7,800 children. Despite efforts to improve conditions, leaders noted a disconnect between policy changes and the day-to-day experiences of service members and their families.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed skepticism about the potential for a U.S.-Iran agreement during his visit to the United States on February 12, 2020. He stated that while President Trump believes a deal is possible, he has concerns about its implications for Israel's security. Netanyahu insisted that any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and limit its missile capabilities.

The Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a U.S. Marine and his wife can keep an Afghan orphan they adopted, reversing lower court decisions. The ruling ends a lengthy legal battle over the child's custody, which was contested by her Afghan relatives and the U.S. government. The child was previously injured during a U.S. military operation in Afghanistan.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported over 4,400 severe staffing shortages in mental health positions for Fiscal Year 2025, with psychologists experiencing significant burnout and leaving their roles. Despite a rising demand for mental health care, the number of employed psychologists has declined, leading to operational challenges in providing care to veterans. Many former psychologists expressed a willingness to return if conditions improve.

Top enlisted leaders from the U.S. Armed Forces expressed support for women serving in combat roles during a Senate hearing in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, asserting that there is no evidence of lowered standards or readiness. Senator Mazie Hirono criticized a review called by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, labeling it an attack on women, and announced plans to introduce legislation to protect their right to serve in combat positions. Military leaders emphasized the effectiveness and integration of women in combat roles.

U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard chiefs at the WEST Conference in San Diego advocated for increased defense funding, emphasizing the need for personnel and industrial support. They highlighted the necessity of a robust budget to meet operational goals, with the Coast Guard requiring 1,300 service members for new Arctic security cutters. The 2026 defense budget stands at $839 billion, with a proposed increase to $1.5 trillion for fiscal 2027.

The U.S. Space Force is conducting Project Hecate to develop resilient satellite navigation systems to ensure military forces have reliable positioning and timing data post-2040. This initiative includes analyzing multi-orbit networks and alternative architectures to counter adversary threats. The findings from this study are expected to influence future budget requests and military capabilities.

Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned senior enlisted leaders during a Senate hearing in Washington D.C. about the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by privatized military housing companies. She highlighted concerns regarding service members being asked to sign NDAs as a condition for necessary repairs, particularly in cases involving toxic mold. The leaders agreed that such practices should not occur, emphasizing the need for service members to report housing issues openly.

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. blocked the Pentagon from punishing Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video that urged troops to resist unlawful orders. The ruling emphasized the protection of First Amendment rights for military retirees. Kelly's case highlights ongoing tensions between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration regarding military directives and veterans' rights.

The U.S. Navy is implementing Cyber Command 2.0 initiatives to enhance training and development for cybersecurity personnel. This plan includes the establishment of an Advanced Training and Education Center and aims to improve talent management and recruitment practices. Navy officials are collaborating with CYBERCOM to refine these initiatives and await further details on the implementation structure.