Renewed cries from Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) that American needs to reinstate a military draft have fallen flat as far as key Democrats are concerned. Soon-to-be House and Senate majority leaders told reporters they disagree with Rangel. They plan to implement other means to remedy what they see as an overtaxed US military force—namely a different strategy for Iraq. There also would seem to be evidence to dispute Rangel’s claim that the all-volunteer force comprises more recruits from the poorest families.
Air Force Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost—a trailblazer and one of the first 10 women to reach a four-star rank across the U.S. military—retired and passed control of U.S. Transportation Command to Air Force Gen. Randall Reed on Oct. 4, finishing an eventful tenure at TRANSCOM.