Early Bird Brief: September 12, 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:

How a sailor shortage is crippling ship maintenance at sea

(Navy Times) The Navy’s manning shortages are curbing the service’s ability to repair its ships while at sea, according to a watchdog report released Monday. Read More

Congress moves to fix VA budget gap, but time is running out

(Military Times) Congressional leaders have a deal in place to patch a nearly $3 billion shortfall on Department of Veterans Affairs funding that risks endangering benefits payments as soon as next month, but veterans advocates said they are reluctant to celebrate until the final details are worked out. Read More

The A-10 era is over for this legendary Air Force attack squadron

(Task & Purpose) For over 30 years, the 354th Fighter Squadron has put "the 18-year-old with a rifle" at the center of their A-10 mission. The Air Force is shuttering the unit this week. Read More

US and UK pledge almost $1.5B in aid for Ukraine during diplomats’ visit to Kyiv

(The Associated Press) The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia. Read More

Marines use simulators for mortar and rocket training that could protect against brain injuries

(Military.com) Marines will be using a new simulated mortar and recoilless rocket trainer that could help to protect them from exposure to heavy blasts as concerns over brain injuries from even routine military training have grown. Read More

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