Analysis & Reports

U.S. Border Patrol personnel killed VA nurse Alex Pretti during a protest in Minneapolis on Saturday. The incident has provoked strong reactions from veterans and lawmakers, with calls for investigations and political audits of VA personnel. VA Secretary Doug Collins confirmed Pretti's death and faced criticism for his response, which many deemed inadequate. The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and veterans' rights.

The Marine Corps incentivized retention by offering bonuses up to $60,000 for enlisted troops switching to high-tech jobs in fiscal year 2027. Bonuses are available for various roles, including cyber operations and intelligence, with additional smaller bonuses for those remaining in traditional roles. The program aims to fill critical military occupational specialties and enhance retention of skilled personnel.

The Space Force is planning to procure RG-XX neighborhood watch satellites on a rolling basis through an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. This new satellite system is designed to be more maneuverable and capable of refueling in orbit, enhancing the Space Force's ability to monitor potential threats from Russia and China. Proposals for the RG-XX program are due by February 12, 2024, with the first task orders expected to be issued shortly thereafter.

China critiques the U.S. F-47 fighter jet, claiming it is already obsolete due to design flaws, particularly its canards which may compromise stealth. The Chinese J-36 and J-50 prototypes are reportedly already flying, with initial operational capability expected by the mid-2030s. The F-47, linked to Trump's presidency, faces significant technical and budget challenges, aiming for a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, which would surpass existing U.S. 5th-generation aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force is launching Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 in fiscal 2027 to enhance operational readiness by allowing components to train 18 months prior to deployment. This new deployment design incorporates feedback from major commands and lessons learned from previous models, aiming to improve agility and decision-making in operations. AEW 2.0 will provide a scalable and modular unit of action to project air power effectively.

The U.S. Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program received a significant funding boost, increasing from $74 million to $972 million for FY2026. This program aims to replace the aging F/A-18 Super Hornet and enhance naval air capabilities with advanced features like hypersonic weapons. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are potential contractors, and the F/A-XX is critical for countering threats from Chinese anti-ship missiles.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the 8(a) Business Development Program on January 16, 2026, labeling it a breeding ground for fraud. He announced a strict review of contracts over $20 million, raising concerns about the program's future and its impact on small businesses. Critics argue that the harsh rhetoric could harm the Pentagon's ability to respond to emergencies and support small business growth.

Trump's foreign policy operates through instinct and pattern recognition, prioritizing immediacy and dominance over formal doctrine. The situation in Venezuela illustrates this reflexive approach, where rapid action reshaped regional dynamics. As of January 2026, the U.S. government continues to navigate the complexities of a strategy that lacks a stable framework, leading to uncertainty among allies and adversaries alike.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic coordination during World War II, particularly as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. He played a pivotal role in planning and executing major operations, including D-Day, which established a foothold for the liberation of Western Europe. After the war, he served as military governor in Germany and became the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe for NATO, shaping post-war military strategy.

USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying warships arrived in the Middle East to promote regional security and stability. The deployment includes thousands of service members and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets, with President Trump indicating potential airstrikes on Iran amid ongoing protests. This marks a significant military presence in the region, following a period without U.S. aircraft carriers.

The U.S. Navy is testing a custom lighting system on an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to combat sailor fatigue. This system utilizes data from wearable patches to optimize light exposure, aiming to establish healthy circadian rhythms at sea. The initiative, which began in 2018, addresses concerns raised by previous incidents of fatigue-related collisions.

Minnesota authorities activated the National Guard to assist in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents during an immigration enforcement operation. Pretti, a legal gun owner, was shot after a confrontation with ICE agents. Protests erupted in response, highlighting tensions surrounding federal immigration actions in the state.

Elbit Systems was awarded a USD 228 million contract on 26 January 2026 to supply its Iron Fist active protection system (APS) for upgrading US Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles. This contract follows a previous USD 383.5 million contract issued to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the same purpose. The Iron Fist APS enhances the survivability of armored platforms against modern battlefield threats and has been selected by various NATO armies.

Leonardo DRS opened a new naval power and propulsion facility in Charleston, South Carolina, to support the U.S. Navy's Columbia-class submarine program, which is currently facing a 17-month delay. The facility will manufacture and test components for electric power and propulsion systems, as well as naval steam turbine systems. This investment aims to strengthen the defense industrial base and ensure reliable access to critical military capabilities.

Leonardo DRS opened a new naval power and propulsion facility in Charleston, South Carolina, to support the U.S. Navy's Columbia-class submarine program, which is currently facing a 17-month delay. The facility will manufacture and test components for electric power and propulsion systems, as well as support the design of naval steam turbine systems. This investment aims to strengthen the defense industrial base and ensure reliable access to critical military capabilities.

The U.S. Navy fired Commodore Douglas Whimpey of the First Naval Construction Regiment on September 23, 2023, due to a loss of confidence in his command ability. Capt. Angel Santiago relieved him, and Capt. Steven Sherman will take over the position. The Navy emphasized that this leadership change did not affect ongoing operations.

The U.S. Navy proposed the Trump-class guided-missile battleship, estimated to cost up to $21 billion, as a response to China's naval expansion. Critics argue that the concept is economically unfeasible and strategically flawed, as it would not address modern naval warfare challenges. The proposal emphasizes missile capabilities over traditional battleship features, reflecting a shift in naval strategy.

The U.S. Navy's Columbia-class submarine program is experiencing significant delays, with the lead boat, USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), now expected to be delivered 17 months late in 2029. Despite a lifecycle cost of $348 billion, the program faces challenges due to a shortage of skilled labor and a weakened industrial base. However, progress is being made, with the lead boat approximately 60% complete and new facilities being established to support production.

The Pentagon established the Personal Property Activity at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, to oversee military household goods moves and address longstanding issues of damage and loss. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced this initiative to ensure high-quality shipment services for over 300,000 service members annually. The PPA will report directly to him and aims to improve the logistics of military relocations, allowing service members to book moves earlier and enhancing compensation for delays.

U.S. President Trump has threatened military action regarding Greenland, while Russia continues to gain ground in Ukraine. China views Taiwan as a potential target for military action, and Iran remains vulnerable yet capable of retaliation. Tensions between India and Pakistan persist following recent military skirmishes, indicating a precarious geopolitical landscape leading into 2026.