Recently, the RAND Corporation released a report on the utility and importance of airpower in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). The RAND report offers some valuable insight on the benefits of airpower against an extraordinary terrorist organization. By 2015, ISIS had devasted the Iraqi Army and was even threatening Baghdad. With more than […]
CENTCOM
US and Israeli forces kick off major missile defense exercise
On DutyThe U.S. military and the Israeli Defense Forces are building their partnership through a large-scale missile defense exercise, dubbed Juniper Falcon, that will take place throughout February. Juniper Falcon ’21 is focused on ballistic missile defense and crisis response and is taking place in various locations in both Israel and Germany. Historically, Juniper Falcon had […]
What you need to know about Israel’s inclusion in the US Central Command
Off DutyIn January, a decision from the Pentagon brought Israel under the area of responsibility of the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The decision came after a series of historic reconciliation agreements between Israel and several Arab countries (the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco) that saw the latter recognizing Israel and establishing diplomatic relations with […]
Airstrikes against ISIS continue as US troops leave
On DutyAlthough the Islamic State (ISIS) has ceased to pose an existential threat in the Middle East, the US-led coalition continues to pound ISIS targets with airstrikes. To be sure, the monthly number of airstrikes has dropped significantly from past years. The Air Force Magazine reported that in November 2018, the Coalition conducted 1,424 airstrikes; in […]
The Special Forces roots of Acting SECDEF Christopher Miller
On DutyAs of Monday, Christopher Miller is the new (acting) Secretary of Defense. He is now responsible for the entire US military behemoth. A tough proposition, despite his experience navigating bureaucracy as the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. But Miller has a […]
