Early Bird Brief: August 14, 2024

Welcome to the Early Bird Brief's LinkedIn Edition, a tightly edited round-up of today's most important military and defense stories. To get the full EBB, with dozens of stories, subscribe here .

Today's Top 5:

8 US troops treated for TBI, smoke inhalation after Syria attack, Pentagon says

(Military.com) Eight U.S. service members were treated for traumatic brain injury and smoke inhalation after a one-way drone attack in Syria over the weekend, a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed Tuesday. Read More

Marine who died in Osprey rescue effort awarded top non-combat medal

(The Associated Press) Alexia and Bart Collart braced for a hard visit. Marines came to their home in Arlington, Virginia, last week to brief them on what caused the Osprey crash in Australia last year that resulted in the death of their son and two other Marines. But they weren’t expecting to hear these words: Your son didn’t die in the crash. Read More

Seeking ‘warfighter mindset,’ Air Force basic trainees now carrying rifles through boot camp

(Task & Purpose) Potential airmen and guardians will be issued the non-functioning rifles after a weapon familiarization course and carry them through the end of basic training. Read More

State clears potential $20B in weapon sales to Israel, including new F-15s

(Breaking Defense) The State Department Tuesday formally approved a series of weapon purchases by Israel, clearing the way for Jerusalem to receive F-15 fighter jets, munitions and vehicles that have a collective estimated price tag of over $20 billion. Read More

Poland buys 96 Apache helicopters to boost attack capabilities

(Defense News) The Polish Ministry of National Defence has signed a deal with the United States government to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters — with related gear and weapons — for the country’s armed forces. Read More

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