Analysis & Reports

U.S. President Trump announced on March 20, 2023, that the U.S. is close to achieving its goals regarding Iran and is considering a gradual de-escalation of military actions against the country.

On March 20, 2024, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on military infrastructure in southern Syria, targeting a command post and weapons depot. This action was described by Syria as a violation of international law and an infringement on its sovereignty. In response, Syria condemned the strikes and called for international intervention against Israel's ongoing military actions in the region.

The U.S. military is deploying approximately 2500 Marines and 3 ships, including the USS Boxer, to the Middle East as of March 20, 2023. This deployment aims to enhance operational capabilities in the region, with the USS Boxer departing earlier than scheduled. The U.S. is also contemplating further troop deployments to exert pressure on Iran regarding its oil exports.

The U.S. Navy invested $900 million in Hadrian's Factory 4 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to enhance submarine production capabilities. The facility will employ up to 1,000 workers and aims to automate 80% of its processes using robotics and AI. This investment is part of a broader strategy to address workforce shortages and improve production efficiency for Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. The factory is expected to reach full production capacity in two years.

The Defense Department's civilian workforce experienced a significant drop in job satisfaction in 2025, with Navy and Marine Corps workers reporting the largest decline. Approximately 14% of the workforce left, raising concerns about morale and productivity. The survey, conducted by the Partnership for Public Service, highlights fears of further job cuts and dissatisfaction with leadership under the current administration.

The UK government authorized the United States to use British military bases to conduct strikes on Iranian missile sites targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows Iranian attacks on British allies in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially resisted the request but changed his position after escalating tensions. The U.S. will utilize RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for these operations, amid public skepticism regarding the conflict.

The British government authorized the United States to use military bases in the UK for strikes on Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows Iranian strikes on British allies in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer modified his initial rejection of the U.S. request after these developments. The U.S. will utilize RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for the operations, amid public skepticism in Britain regarding the conflict.

Harrison Kass shared insights on the U.S. Air Force pilot selection process, emphasizing the importance of high AFOQT scores and flight hours. He noted that despite a sub-3.0 GPA and a non-STEM background, candidates can succeed by mastering specific tests and demonstrating commitment through flight experience. The report highlights the competitive nature of the OTS selection, with acceptance rates historically low.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted the ongoing threat from foreign terror groups with Islamist ideology, particularly Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in Lebanon and Iraq. ISIS and Al Qaeda-linked groups remain active in Syria and Africa, posing significant regional threats. The report emphasizes the strategic implications of these groups for U.S. interests and allies.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence highlighted the ongoing threat from foreign terror groups with Islamist ideology, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian proxies in Iraq. ISIS remains active in Syria, while African groups like Al Shabaab and Boko Haram are expanding their influence. The report emphasizes the strategic implications of these threats for U.S. interests and allies.

The U.S. Air Force upgraded the records of 595 service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, allowing eligible veterans to return to service without a waiver. This review was completed ahead of the deadline set by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Additionally, the active-duty obligation for those returning has been reduced from four years to two years, and the deadline for rejoining has been extended to April 1, 2027.

The U.S. Navy launched a public-private partnership with Hadrian, opening a facility in Cherokee, Alabama, on March 20, 2026, to produce components for Virginia and Columbia-class submarines. This initiative merges over $1.5 billion in private investment with $900 million in government funding, aiming to support up to 1,000 jobs and enhance the maritime industrial base. The facility is expected to be fully operational within two years, focusing on automating production processes for efficiency.

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the production of B-21 Raiders, with plans to acquire at least 145 units, significantly more than the current fleet of 19 B-2 Spirits. Flight tests are underway at Edwards Air Force Base, including successful air-to-air refueling operations. General Stephen Davis confirmed that the B-21 will play a key role in operational plans against Chinese naval assets.

Denmark dispatched soldiers and explosives to Greenland in January as part of a contingency plan to destroy key runways in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq if the U.S. attempted an invasion. This strategy aimed to prevent U.S. military aircraft from landing troops and equipment. The mobilization occurred amid President Trump's threats to seize Greenland, which has faced opposition from Danish and Greenlandic officials and the public.

The U.S. Army is deploying its first Dark Eagle hypersonic missile battery at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in March 2026. This system, operated by Bravo Battery of the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, features four transporter erector launchers capable of launching hypersonic missiles with a range of 3,500 km, striking targets in under 20 minutes. Despite ongoing testing and incomplete lethality data, the Dark Eagle represents a significant advancement in U.S. military capabilities.

The U.S. Navy's Midway-class aircraft carriers, including the USS Midway, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, and USS Coral Sea, served from 1945 to 1992, participating in key military operations such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. These carriers were notable for their armored steel flight decks and advanced capabilities, evolving through the Cold War to accommodate modern aircraft. The USS Midway was decommissioned in 1992 after a distinguished service record.

Two suspected Iranian spies were arrested near HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland on March 19, 2026, while attempting to enter the facility. Police Scotland confirmed the arrests of a 34-year-old man, believed to be Iranian, and a 31-year-old woman, whose nationality remains unknown. This incident follows ongoing concerns regarding Iranian espionage activities in the UK, particularly in light of recent tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

USS Texas (BB-35) is undergoing a $75 million restoration in Galveston, aiming for a grand reopening as a museum in 2027. The battleship, which played a significant role in World War II, including shore bombardment during D-Day, is now leak-free for the first time in 90 years. It is a testament to early 20th-century naval engineering and will serve as a historical monument.

Effective January 1, 2026, the qualifying age for disability onset under the ABLE Act will rise from 26 to 46, allowing 6 million more Americans, including many veterans, to qualify for tax-free ABLE accounts. These accounts enable tax-free savings for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for VA pension, Medicaid, or SSI. The changes aim to alleviate financial strain on veterans with disabilities.

On October 19, 2023, Iran's air defense system struck a U.S. F-35 fighter jet, causing significant damage and forcing an emergency landing at a U.S. military base in the Middle East. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the incident, claiming it showcases Iran's enhanced deterrent capabilities. The U.S. Central Command confirmed the emergency landing and stated that the pilot was safe and stable.