The Obama Administration’s defense agenda (see above) also includes support for the planned increase of the Army by 65,000 troops and Marine Corps by 27,000 personnel; building up special operations forces, civil affairs, and information operations; and seeking a worldwide ban on weapons that interfere with military and commercial satellites. It will review each major defense program and rebalance US capabilities between conventional and irregular warfare and stabilization. It will also create transparency for military contractors and end practices like no-bid contracting. The National Guard will be equipped to meet foreign and domestic emergencies and given time to restore and refit before deploying. The head of the National Guard Bureau will become a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. More will be done to integrate military and civilian efforts, including the creation of a civilian assistance corps, and to engage and assist allies. The new Administration says it will also support missile defense, but ensure that its development “does not divert resources” from other national security priorities.
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.