Global Dispatch – Feb. 16, 2024

Here are some key military news highlights from the past 24 hours:

1. Misconduct within the Missile Defense Agency: A Defense Department inspector general report revealed that the executive director of the Missile Defense Agency engaged in inappropriate relationships with two subordinates over the past two decades. The report highlighted misuse of government communications and advocacy for a promotion for one of the subordinates involved​.
2. Revamping Military Housing and Facilities: The Department of Defense is undertaking a comprehensive strategy to improve the conditions of housing and facilities across military installations. The initiative aims to address long-standing issues such as outdated infrastructure and provide troops and their families with quality living and working conditions​.
3. US-Japan Military Cooperation Strengthening: The U.S. Pacific Fleet Admiral emphasized the strengthening military and industrial base relationship with Japan as a response to challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly from China. This includes integration of defense operations, exercises, and modernizing the U.S.-Japan alliance​. Underlying this could mean having U.S. warships built at Japanese facilities.
4. Pentagon’s Press Briefing on Russian Anti-Satellite Weapon: During a press briefing, it was confirmed that Russia is developing an anti-satellite weapon. However, the Pentagon stated that this capability has not been deployed and does not pose an immediate threat or active capability​.
5. Broadband Upgrades for Military Sealift Fleet: Viasat has completed the first satellite broadband upgrade on a Military Sealift Command ship, with plans to update 105 vessels. This upgrade aims to improve global communications for the U.S. Navy’s sealift operations, supporting the transportation of military equipment and personnel​.

These updates reflect ongoing efforts to address internal misconduct, improve infrastructure for service members, strengthen international military alliances, and enhance global communication capabilities within the U.S. military.