AI and Firewalls, Prolonged Chinese Conflict, Nukes, National Guard Immigration Enforcements, Space Command, Marine Vet VA Fraud, Childcare, and more.
Ever forget to pack your spoon for lunch? That's what happened to me today... I'm not happy at all about it; matter of fact - I am furious... Have I not learned anything from my Active-Duty days? You never forget the spoon! You ALWAYS carry a "TACTICAL SPOON" on you wherever you go!
Alright, enough of the BS - Let's smoke straight to the butt of these headlines.
Topics:
- At Arab League Summit, Guterres reiterates call for Gaza ceasefire
- U.S. Braces for Prolonged Conflict with China, Eyes Taiwan and Homeland Defense
- Pentagon Leaders Push Congress for Stronger Cyberdefenses Against Global Threats
- Iran Stands Firm on Nuclear Talks Despite Trump’s Threats
- DHS Requests 20,000 National Guard Troops for Immigration Enforcement Support
- F-15 Eagles Sent to Diego Garcia to Bolster Defense of Indian Ocean Base
- F-16 Pilot Ejects Safely Before Jet Crashes During Intense Night Air Battle
- Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Causing Damage and Casualties
- Huntsville, AL to Benefit from Space Command
- Voyager Technologies Set to Launch into Public Markets: Unveiling Financials and Ambitious Projects
- Marine Veteran Receives Prison Sentence for Falsifying Service Record to Gain Benefits
- Texas House Approves Bill Expanding Medical Marijuana Access for Veterans
- Air Force Families Face Day Care Disenrollment Amid Staffing Crisis at New Mexico Base
💼 POLITICS
At Arab League Summit, Guterres reiterates call for Gaza ceasefire
The UN Secretary-General reiterated the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the importance of a two-State solution for Israelis and Palestinians during his speech at the League of Arab States Summit in Baghdad on Saturday.
U.S. Braces for Prolonged Conflict with China, Eyes Taiwan and Homeland Defense
A May 16, 2025, Reuters article by Peter Apps outlines U.S. military preparations for a potential prolonged conflict with China over Taiwan, which could target U.S. bases and homeland infrastructure. Brigadier General Doug Wickert warned of disruptions, including cyberattacks on power supplies, and emphasized the role of advanced aircraft like the B-21 stealth bomber as a deterrent. China is reportedly preparing for a possible Taiwan invasion by 2027, while the U.S. maintains “strategic ambiguity” but is obligated to counter Chinese aggression. Wargames suggest a multi-front conflict involving North Korea, with risks of limited nuclear strikes. A congressional report highlighted U.S. unpreparedness for disruptions, and Vice Admiral Fred Kacher noted munitions shortages, urging alternative suppliers. Both nations’ military posturing aims to deter conflict, but visible U.S. readiness could influence China’s decisions.
💻 CYBER
Pentagon Leaders Push Congress for Stronger Cyberdefenses Against Global Threats
On May 16, 2025, Department of Defense leaders, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, urged Congress to bolster U.S. cyberdefenses during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. They warned of adversaries like China and Russia exploiting cyberspace to target military and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing the need for a $26.9 billion cyber and AI budget for 2026. Key proposals included hardening critical systems, expanding the cyber workforce, and enhancing deterrence through resilience and credible responses, as outlined by cyber policy nominee Katie Sutton. The push reflects concerns about vulnerabilities in a potential conflict, particularly over Taiwan, but raises questions about spending efficiency and escalation risks.
🪖 LAND
Iran Stands Firm on Nuclear Talks Despite Trump’s Threats
Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to continue nuclear negotiations with the United States, despite recent threats from former President Donald Trump. President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran seeks peace, not war, but will not yield to intimidation. The ongoing talks have progressed to a technical level, focusing primarily on uranium enrichment, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticized Trump’s rhetoric, calling it hypocritical and blaming the U.S. and Israel for escalating regional instability, particularly in Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about upcoming negotiations in Europe, although Iran’s foreign ministry claims no formal proposals have been received. Both nations remain firm on their positions but have signaled a willingness to continue dialogue.
DHS Requests 20,000 National Guard Troops for Immigration Enforcement Support
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has requested 20,000 National Guard troops to help carry out President Trump's directive to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The Pentagon is currently reviewing the request, which, if approved, would see the troops in a support role rather than conducting arrests. The move has raised legal and civil rights concerns, particularly regarding the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement. This marks a significant escalation in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
✈️ AIR
F-15 Eagles Sent to Diego Garcia to Bolster Defense of Indian Ocean Base
The U.S. Air Force has deployed four F-15 fighters to Diego Garcia for force protection amid rising threats in the Indian Ocean, where B-52H bombers are also stationed. This move reflects concerns over regional security, particularly regarding Iran's military capabilities and potential attacks on U.S. assets.
F-16 Pilot Ejects Safely Before Jet Crashes During Intense Night Air Battle
A Ukrainian F-16 pilot successfully ejected before his aircraft crashed while engaging multiple Russian air targets. The emergency occurred during a night combat mission, resulting in the loss of the jet. Fortunately, the pilot was found safely, and a commission has been initiated to investigate the incident.
🛥️ SEA
Mexican Navy Training Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Causing Damage and Casualties
On May 17, 2025, the Mexican Navy's training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City’s East River, damaging the ship and resulting in two crew deaths and 19 injuries, four serious. The 297-foot ship, carrying 277 crew and cadets, lost power and drifted, causing its 147-foot masts to snap upon hitting the bridge. The incident occurred during a promotional tour, halting the vessel’s global cruise. The Brooklyn Bridge sustained no structural damage and reopened by midnight. The Mexican Navy and U.S. NTSB are investigating, with Mexico’s ambassador aiding affected cadets.
🚀 SPACE
Huntsville, AL to Benefit from Space Command
Space Command Could Bring 4,700 Jobs to North Alabama, Congressman Says U.S. Rep. Dale Strong is optimistic that the U.S. Space Command will be established in Huntsville soon, following the confirmation of President Trump's nominee for Air Force secretary by the U.S. Senate.
Voyager Technologies Set to Launch into Public Markets: Unveiling Financials and Ambitious Projects
Voyager Technologies, a space and defense company, has filed for an initial public offering, disclosing financial details and outlining plans for its largest project. The announcement highlights the company's intentions to enter the public market.
➕ MORE
Marine Veteran Receives Prison Sentence for Falsifying Service Record to Gain Benefits
On May 8, 2025, Robert Gulledge, a 60-year-old Marine Corps veteran from Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced to three months in prison and fined $2,500 for making false statements to a federal agency. Gulledge used a falsified military discharge form, claiming unearned roles and awards like a Bronze Star, to secure a government intelligence job in 2009 and VA disability benefits over 15 years. After pleading guilty in December 2024, he received support from family and friends who acknowledged his remorse. The case underscores efforts to address fraud in veteran benefits programs.
Texas House Approves Bill Expanding Medical Marijuana Access for Veterans
Military veterans in Texas will receive special access, allowing their doctors to prescribe low-dose THC for medical conditions beyond the state's approved list.
Air Force Families Face Day Care Disenrollment Amid Staffing Crisis at New Mexico Base
Families at a New Mexico Air Force base have received sudden notifications that their children will be disenrolled from the base's daycare due to widespread staffing issues affecting military facilities.
VA Mortgage Updates
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