Author: Braxton Taylor
The past offered little guidance for President Donald Trump on whether to make a major policy announcement on the Fourth of July, although he has invited the B-2 Spirit pilots who flew the mission against Iran last week to the White House for the occasion, which could offer a backdrop for a Mideast policy declaration.Last year, President Joe Biden hosted an Independence Day celebration at the White House, including a barbecue for several thousand active-duty military members and their families. Later that day, Biden and his family, joined by then-Vice President Kamala Harris, watched the annual fireworks display on the…
The U.S. military B-2 Spirit bomber pilots and crew involved with the coordinated strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last month have been invited to attend a July 4 celebration at the White House, but it’s not clear what measures have been taken to protect their identities.The White House confirmed to Military.com that those involved in the mission, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, were invited to the White House’s July 4 celebration. It follows comments made Sunday by President Donald Trump on Fox News in which he said they’d be heading to the White House.”Hundreds of military families will be present at…
The recent pause in U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine, including some 30 Patriot missiles, has Russian officials openly questioning the willingness—and ability—of the United States to support a key ally. The Kremlin’s top spokesman greeted the recent decision gleefully: “The industry can’t make missiles in necessary quantities fast enough, especially as there were obviously many shipments to Israel as well, and deliveries to Ukraine are continuing”, said Dmitry Peskov. Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of Russia’s direct investment bank, said on Telegram, “Such a move raises questions about the West’s real ability to continue supporting Ukraine—and about the priorities of American defense policy…
Viktos Black Arms Co. is known for creating innovative tactical gear and is now coming out with the Counteract 15 CCW Backpack, a new solution for discreet everyday carry. Engineered with precision and designed for urban environments, the Counteract 15 combines functionality with a sleek, low-profile aesthetic. Designed by U.S. veterans and rigorously tested by CCW firearms trainers and industry partners, the Counteract 15 is built for reliability in demanding environments. Padded shoulder straps with airmesh backing provide comfort during extended wear, making it an essential companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The heart of the Counteract 15 is a…
Ukraine weapons pause grows. The Pentagon has halted sending weapons to Ukraine amid stockpile review. In a rare news briefing Wednesday, chief spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the department was in the midst of reviewing munitions stockpiles to balance priorities of ending the war on Ukraine and fulfilling the White House’s “America First” agenda.Parnell declined to specify timelines, which munitions provided to Ukraine or the quantities affected, but said “the secretary will continue to make recommendations to the president for his decision on military assistance to Ukraine going forward,” Defense One’s Meghann Myers reports. “We can’t give weapons to everybody all around…
On July 1, Ruger announced it has purchased the assets of Anderson Manufacturing, a major manufacturer of firearms and accessories based in Hebron, KY. This acquisition includes Anderson’s manufacturing facility and machinery, and will provide Ruger with a skilled and experienced workforce, strengthening its production capabilities and expanding its product offerings.“This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to advance our long-term strategy and expand Ruger’s capacity,” Todd Seyfert, president and CEO of Ruger said in a press release announcing the purchase. “We’re excited to welcome members from the talented team at Anderson Manufacturing and leverage their knowledge and infrastructure to better…
Smith & Wesson has been around for nearly two centuries, so you might assume that the new Model 1854 is the resurrection of a much older lever gun. In fact, Smith’s new offering is the very first modern lever action rifle the company has ever produced, and it’s only been out for about a year.“1854” refers not to the year the gun was initially released (as is the case with many of Winchester’s lever guns), but to the year Horace Smith and Daniel Baird Wesson released a different lever-action firearm, the Volcanic. The company says the Model 1854 is the…
I have said several times that personal defense is a lifestyle, not a hobby. Now, by that I don’t mean that we should spend our time thinking that every moment might be our last. Nor do we have to spend our every second in public with our hand on our gun and a grimace on our face like Wyatt Earp Jr. In my case, I have simply come to understand that bad things can happen at any time or any place, so I try to be alert for it and prepared for it. I certainly think that the greatest skill…
Much has been written about the National Guard’s dual-use nature—ready to respond to state and federal missions alike—but less well understood is how these missions intersect. Defense leaders and fellow citizens alike should understand that the Guard’s contributions to American resiliency also build deterrence against potential adversaries.This past year saw Hurricanes Helene and Milton surge ashore on the Gulf Coast of Florida, leaving a trail of destruction for hundreds of miles. In California, wildfires raged from late spring through December, displacing tens of thousands and destroying businesses and homes in densely populated areas. In these incidents and others, National Guard…
The long, long battle for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania may finally be coming to an end.On July 1, House Bill 1431 reached the desk of Governor Josh Shapiro after passing out of the House and Senate. The bill would lift the ban on Sunday hunting during all hunting seasons in the Keystone State.Currently, Pennsylvania only allows the hunting of foxes, coyotes, and crows on Sundays. Since 2019, they have added three other Sundays to the fall hunting season: one during archery deer season, one during rifle deer season, and one during rifle bear season.But Pennsylvania has some of the country’s…