The Pentagon most likely will have to start updating defense plans soon, taking into account projected climate change. Government Executive reports that the Senate-approved version of the 2008 defense authorization bill includes a provision, just as the House version of the policy bill does, to direct DOD to consider climate change effects. Retired Air Force Gen. Charles Wald, member of a study group of retired flag officers, noted earlier this year that climate change-induced food and water shortages have sparked conflicts, particularly in hard-hit Africa, from which we import much of our oil.
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.