On the Radar: DHS Shakeup, Middle East Escalation & Desert Storm Memorial

Here's what's on the radar in military life this week. The U.S. Coast Guard is getting a new boss following a major shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has been fired, and President Trump has named Oklahoma Senator Mark Wayne Mullen to take over the role pending Senate confirmation. Fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran is escalating across the Middle East. Iran has launched waves of drones and missiles across the region, while U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out strikes on Iranian military targets. Thousands of Americans are still trying to leave the region, and some Gulf nations are reportedly running low on air defense interceptors. We can expect strikes to continue as Senate Republicans voted down a measure that would have required congressional approval for additional U.S. military action against Iran. The War Powers Resolution failed 47 to 53, largely along party lines. Meanwhile, military families are being encouraged to review preparedness plans, including building a 72-hour emergency kit, confirming enrollment in installation alert systems, and keeping important documents accessible. You'll find a full checklist now on mybaseguide.com. Desert Storm and Desert Shield veterans will soon be honored with a new memorial in Washington, D.C. The National Desert Storm War Memorial will be dedicated October 24th near the Lincoln Memorial, recognizing those who served and those who were lost in the 1991 Gulf War. And beginning in 2027, those veterans will be able to travel to see it themselves through honor flight trips to the nation's capital. Finally, over on Veteran Life, if you need a little reprieve from watching the news, the new Netflix action film, War Machine, begins streaming Friday, March 6th. The movie stars Alan Richson, who actually grew up as a military kid with a father serving in the U.S. Air Force. We've got a full review now on the site. That's your briefing. Make sure you follow along so you never miss what's on the radar.