The UH-72 Lakota is the Army’s third largest fleet. Larger than the Chinook fleet and 75 percent the size of the Apache fleet, here’s how commercial practices make a difference in sustaining the fleet and enabling Army readiness.
By Breaking DefenseIn its last Southwest border rotation of 24 helicopters over a one-year period, National Guard Lakotas flew nearly 14,000 hours – near combat deployment numbers for these airframes.
By Breaking DefenseArmy National Guard units are an essential part of the Total Force. They need the same equipment, too.
By General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.Despite a heavy-handed military presence at earlier protests, there were no troops in evidence at the Capitol when it was overrun yesterday by pro-Trump rioters. Currently, 834 Guard troops are operational across DC, 741 of them guarding the Capitol and 93 manning traffic checkpoints.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.While Combat Training Center wargames will still work out full brigades, training at home base will emphasize small-unit teambuilding over big events.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.“We came right up to the edge of bringing active troops here, and we didn’t,” Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said. Both active duty and Guard troops are being sent home.
By Paul McLearySome 992 soldiers have now tested positive, with a cluster among trainees at Fort Jackson, S.C., although many showed no symptoms.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.President Trump has authorized only 34 states to receive federal funding and benefits for their Guard troops. While all of them get paid — many out of rapidly depleting state coffers — most aren’t yet getting full health coverage.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.The Defense Working Capital Fund — which allows DoD to make investments in things like depot maintenance, transportation, and supply management in the near term and recoup the costs through future year pricing deals — gets $1.5 billion.
By Theresa HitchensWith 2,050 Guard troops mobilized by the governors in 27 states and more to come, Gen. Joseph Lengyel said, a national call-up by President Trump would only get in the way.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.A Washington state National Guard brigade will stay home to help the governor with coronavirus response, while the Army Reserve has halted monthly “battle assemblies.”
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.The Army wants $985 million for modernization, from Apache gunships and 8×8 Strykers to safety improvements at ammunition plants. We have the list.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
Low-key deployments by citizen-soldiers have strengthened ties with 89 nations – but some crucial partners are missing.
By Bradley Bowman and Thomas Pledger