Japan, Philippines Sign New Defense Pact to Facilitate Flow of Military Supplies
Japan and the Philippines signed the Acquisition and Cross‑Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in Manila, enabling tax‑free exchange of ammunition, fuel, food and other supplies during joint military exercises. The pact builds on the 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement and comes with a ¥2.53 billion (US$15.9 million) Japanese aid package for boat facilities and broadband expansion. Officials highlighted the agreement’s role in strengthening the Japan‑Philippines‑U.S. security triangle amid rising Chinese activity in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. The ACSA also paves the way for joint disaster response and future information‑security cooperation.
Senate Confirms Carden as First Four-Star Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau
The U.S. Senate confirmed Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden as the 12th vice chief of the National Guard Bureau, making him the first officer to hold the four‑star rank in that position. The FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act elevated...
Illinois National Guard, Portugal Sign New State Partnership Agreement
The Illinois National Guard and Portugal’s Ministry of National Defense signed a State Partnership Program agreement on Jan. 12, 2026 in Lisbon. The partnership, part of the U.S. Army’s National Guard Bureau program, formalizes cooperation between the Illinois Guard and Portuguese armed...
Appeals Court Rules ‘Fat Leonard’ Must Serve Full Sentence in Navy Corruption Scandal
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the 15‑year prison term for Leonard Francis, the Malaysian contractor known as “Fat Leonard,” rejecting his Fifth Amendment and sentencing‑disparity arguments. The panel found district judge Janis Sammartino’s sentencing decision reasonable,...
Former Navy SEAL Convicted of Planning to Fire Explosives at Police During San Diego ‘No Kings’ Rally
A federal jury convicted former Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg of transporting fireworks and planning to fire explosives at police during San Diego’s June 14 “No Kings” rally. Prosecutors highlighted his neo‑Nazi beliefs, anti‑Israel rhetoric, and a photo of a Taliban...
NY Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna Resident, Takes over 53rd Troop Command
New York Army National Guard Colonel Jason Lefton, a Niskayuna resident, assumed command of the 53rd Troop Command on Jan. 11, 2026 at Camp Smith. The 53rd Troop Command oversees roughly 5,100 soldiers across the state and is one of the Guard’s two general‑officer commands. Lefton...
Leadership Conference Conducted for Junior Enlisted New York Army National Guard Soldiers
The New York Army National Guard hosted a four‑day Junior Enlisted Conference for 61 junior soldiers at its Latham headquarters from Jan 8‑11, 2026. Led by Command Sgt. Major Leyland Jones and adjutant general Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, the workshop covered training, readiness, family programs,...
Pennsylvania Guard, Côte D’Ivoire to Partner Through State Partnership Program
The Pennsylvania National Guard has been selected to partner with Côte d’Ivoire through the U.S. Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. The partnership will focus on security cooperation, disaster preparedness, and professional development, while also exploring economic...
Former Navy Sailor Sentenced to 16 Years for Selling Information About Ships to Chinese Intelligence
A former U.S. Navy petty officer, Jinchao Wei, was sentenced to 200 months in prison for selling classified technical manuals and operational data about the amphibious assault ship USS Essex to a Chinese intelligence officer. Wei received more than $12,000 for...
Sen. Kelly Sues the Pentagon Over Attempts to Punish Him, Declaring It Unconstitutional
Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon seeking to block a censure issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The censure stems from Kelly’s participation in a video urging troops to refuse unlawful orders, which...