Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is eliminating civilian staff roles at the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) in Washington but will continue its operations using military personnel. This restructuring is part of an ongoing civilian overhaul within the Air Force. CASI remains a key entity for research on China's military capabilities, with its latest publication focusing on Beijing's space technologies and their potential military applications.

The U.S. Air Force is eliminating civilian staff roles at the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) in Washington, but the organization will continue its mission with military personnel. This decision is part of a broader civilian restructure within the Air Force. The move has prompted questions regarding the status of similar military study projects in the Army and Navy.

The Space Force is seeking several hundred officer and enlisted personnel to transfer from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps between September 15 and October 2, 2023. The initiative aims to bolster the ranks of the Space Force, particularly focusing on mid-grade officers and enlisted members with relevant experience. This marks the first transfer program in three years, as the Space Force aims to meet its growing personnel needs.

Admiral William Halsey commanded the USS Enterprise during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral in June 1940 and played a significant role in naval operations against the Japanese Empire during World War II. Halsey faced challenges, including a typhoon and health issues, which impacted his command. He is recognized for his aggressive tactics and leadership throughout his military career.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported that an engineering vehicle was attacked by an explosive device near the Yellow Line on the evening of the 21st. In response, they conducted strikes against Hamas military infrastructure, which they accused of planning attacks against Israeli personnel. The IDF emphasized their ongoing deployment in accordance with the ceasefire agreement while condemning the attack as a violation of the truce.

Captain Tamara Lawrence has been appointed as the new chief of information for the U.S. Navy in Washington. She will oversee public affairs programs and is expected to shape Navy communications. This marks a shift in the selection process, allowing captains and Marine Corps colonels to be considered for the role, which has traditionally been held by rear admirals.

Alexander the Great engaged in military campaigns to suppress rebellions in Thessaly and Illyria, employing tactical deception and surprise attacks. After defeating King Cleitus of Illyria, he swiftly marched to Thebes to quell a revolt, burning the city as a warning. These actions were crucial in securing his rule over Greece.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of the Homeland Defense Board on September 11, 2023, to provide military guidance for homeland security missions. The board will consist of up to 20 members, including the Secretary of Defense and military representatives, and aims to address gaps in military advice for domestic security. This initiative is a response to increasing threats from peer and rogue-state adversaries.

U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters were deployed from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska to Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, as part of Operation ARCTIC VANGUARD, running from September 13 to 26, 2023. The operation aims to test the movement of combat aircraft to Arctic locations under austere conditions, with support from the Royal Canadian Air Force. F-35A fighters from the Wisconsin Air National Guard also conducted missions in Greenland during this operation.

The U.S. Air Force inactivated four A-10 units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on September 18, 2023, marking the end of the A-10 legacy at the base. The ceremony was attended by military personnel, families, and community members, with Col. Jose Cabrera presiding. Historical memorabilia from the units will be sent to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. military redirected MQ-9 Reaper drones from Africa to Latin America to expand operations against drug cartels. This shift includes joint operations with local forces in Ecuador and increased military financing to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama. The U.S. aims to combat narcoterrorism as part of the Shield of the Americas initiative.

Dan Driscoll resigned as secretary of the Army in August 2026, leaving the Army without a confirmed leader during the ongoing war with Iran. Pete Hegseth has blocked numerous promotions, particularly targeting women and Black officers, which has raised concerns about the politicization of the military and the integrity of its promotion system. This has resulted in a military leadership that does not reflect the diversity of its enlisted force.

General George Patton took command of the American II Corps in March 1943 and led them to victory at the Battle of El Guettar after previous defeats. His mission involved engaging German forces to support British advances, showcasing his leadership and strategic planning during World War II in North Africa.

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut commanded the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, leading an attack against Confederate fortifications. His famous command, 'Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,' became legendary despite disputes over its exact wording. The battle involved intricate naval maneuvers and resulted in a Union victory, solidifying Farragut's legacy in U.S. naval history.

Doug DeMaio won an appeal against his firing as commander of the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, which occurred in August 2022. A federal panel ruled that Alabama officials failed to provide a valid reason for his removal, ordering his reinstatement with back pay. The 187th Fighter Wing is currently transitioning from F-16s to F-35s, a process DeMaio was involved in prior to his dismissal.

The U.S. Air Force is launching an initiative to enhance the accuracy of spouse contact information to improve communication during emergencies. This effort was prompted by incidents where families could not be reached due to outdated or incorrect information. Senior leaders, including Gen. Douglas Scheiss and Cindy Wilsbach, stressed the importance of maintaining updated contact details to ensure military families receive necessary support, especially during deployments.

The National Security Agency (NSA) is launching its largest reorganization in nearly a decade, establishing five new departments focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and monitoring China. This initiative, led by General Joshua Rad, aims to enhance the agency's response to current and future security threats. The elite hacking unit TAO will be reformed and integrated into the new global intelligence department, with the reorganization expected to be fully operational by January 2027.

In 2015, the French Navy's Rubis-class submarine Saphir conducted simulated torpedo attacks against the USS Theodore Roosevelt off the coast of Florida. The exercise revealed vulnerabilities in the carrier's defenses, as the submarine successfully penetrated the protective envelope and targeted the carrier and its escorts. This incident raised concerns about the effectiveness of large naval vessels against smaller, older submarines.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the first submarine training in the United States for FY2026, focusing on anti-submarine warfare collaboration with the U.S. Navy. The training will involve Soryu-class submarines and aims to enhance data exchange between detecting and hiding parties. Differences in acoustic data formats and communication protocols could impact operational efficiency.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

U.S. Cyber Command appointed Rear Adm. Ronzelle Green as its new Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, succeeding Brig. Gen. Reid Novotny. Green brings over 30 years of IT experience, including a role at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The command focuses on enhancing AI capabilities for military operations under the leadership of Gen. Joshua Rudd.