Department of War Accelerates Counter-UAS Employment to Defend American Airspace Sovereignty

Oct. 2, 2026 |

The Department of War today issued a memorandum to accelerate the lawful, safe, and effective employment of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (c-UAS) across the Department.

The memorandum, Accelerating Employment of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Protect American Airspace Sovereignty, directs the Department of War to eliminate unnecessary barriers that delay c-UAS capabilities for forces, installations, and assets.

The policy requires approval authorities to treat delays as an operational risk; use relevant prior approvals, test data and risk mitigations to accelerate comparable decisions; and use interim, conditional, or time-bound approvals when testing supports low or manageable risk.

Any denial of requested c-UAS employment must be documented with a rationale and submitted to Joint Interagency Task Force-401 (JIATF-401). Every approval barrier must have a designated owner, timeline, and escalation path. If an approval authority does not act within 30 days, the requestor will notify the office of the Secretary of War.

The memorandum targets four barriers that have delayed fielding of c-UAS capabilities:

• Authorities to operate: Within 30 days, the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, working with the DoW Chief Information Officer (CIO) and other Department organizations, will establish a single Department-wide c-UAS process to reduce approval timelines for tested and validated systems from months to days or weeks.
• Spectrum certification and frequency: The CIO will review the c-UAS spectrum-request process and recommend ways to accelerate approvals. The Department will support the Defense Innovation Unit’s Project Spectrum Strike, an automated, AI‑driven software to coordinate, authorize, and deconflict U.S. government radio spectrum use to incorporate c-UAS spectrum-management requirements.
• Weapons safety: Services will not repeat a weapons safety review for the same system, configuration and use case unless a material change creates a new risk. JIATF-401 will synchronize c-UAS weapons safety reviews with the Unmanned Systems Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager.
• Legal reviews: Required reviews for c-UAS weapons and weapon systems will be expedited, generally within 10 days after receipt of necessary information. Components will share completed reviews to support timely, consistent decisions.

The memorandum does not change existing policies or procedures governing operational c-UAS use, including activities under 10 U.S.C. § 130i, and does not authorize violations of law or compromises to public or Service member safety.

To read the full memorandum, click here.

Statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell on the Conclusion of the U.S. Military Mission in Iraq

Sept. 30, 2026 |

Today, the United States and our Coalition partners formally concluded Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, consistent with the September 2024 U.S.-Iraq joint statement and U.S. national interests.

The orderly departure of Coalition forces and equipment from Erbil Air Base marks the successful conclusion of the military mission that defeated ISIS in Iraq.

This milestone reflects the success of a 12-year campaign that defeated ISIS as an organized military threat in Iraq and across the region. It also marks a transition from a wartime coalition mission to an Iraqi-led security effort supported by a more normal bilateral security relationship. 

We expect the Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga and other security forces in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, to lead the continuing effort to secure Iraq and keep ISIS remnants suppressed. The Department of War will continue to provide targeted training and intelligence support to our Iraqi partners.

The primary responsibility for addressing Iraq's remaining security challenges, including ISIS remnants and Iran-aligned militias that undermine Iraqi sovereignty and regional stability, now rests with the Government of Iraq. The United States remains committed to counterterrorism and will continue to work with Iraq and our partners to ensure ISIS can never reconstitute from Iraqi territory.

The United States supports a strong sovereign Iraq that secures its borders, protects its people, and serves as the foundation for deeper commercial, diplomatic, and security cooperation between our two countries.

Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Khalid Shaikh Mohammad et al. Pre-Trial Hearing

Sept. 25, 2026 |

The Department of War invites media to cover pre-trial proceedings in the case of United States v. Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarek Bin 'Attash, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi, scheduled for December 7 - 18, 2026. The defendants are charged in connection with their alleged roles in the September 11, 2001 attacks against the United States.

The proceedings will be conducted at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba and will be transmitted to a closed-circuit television site at Ft. Meade, Md.

Media choosing to travel to NSGB will pay round-trip airfare ($800); coverage window is determined by flight schedule. Specific ground rules for coverage at NSGB will follow registration.

The primary purpose of this invitation is to cover the military commissions. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo Bay topics unrelated to the military commissions — such as the naval base facilities or personnel — must be coordinated in advance.

Coverage windows, including travel days:

• December 5 – 12
• December 12 -19

Registration: Click here for registration. Please select the "Khalid Shaikh Mohammad et al" case from the drop-down selection on the registration form. Enter the specific dates requested as outlined above.

Deadline: All requests must be received no later than Friday, October 2. Additional details of travel logistics will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process, and the Office of Military Commissions (OMC) will contact the media to assist in travel preparation.

CCTV Site: Media desiring to view this hearing from the media-designated viewing site at Fort Meade, Md., must send requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil with e-mail subject line matching the court case and the following information: name, position, news organization and contact information.

Contact Mr. Ron Flesvig, OMC Public Affairs, for additional questions at ronald.flesvig2.civ@mail.mil or (571) 372-3713.

Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil

Three Navy Warships Carry 9/11 Legacy Sharing One Enduring Mission

Sept. 14, 2026 | By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Luke Wilson, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic |

Across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, three U.S. Navy warships carry an enduring physical and symbolic connection to Sept. 11, 2001.

The amphibious transport dock ships USS New York, USS Arlington and USS Somerset were commissioned to honor the victims, first responders and service members of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Today, all three operate as frontline assets, turning national remembrance into operational readiness and global deterrence. 

Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, the USS New York maintains a direct physical link to Ground Zero. Its bow incorporates 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center and melted at the Amite Foundry in Louisiana during construction. Throughout the ship, artifacts and memorial tributes remind the crew of the vessel's namesake purpose during daily evolutions. 

"USS New York wasn't built to just memorialize the events of 9/11," said Navy Capt. John Meise, commanding officer of the USS New York. "It was built to fight and win ... to take the fight to the enemy and keep our family and friends safe at home." 

Stationed pier-side in Norfolk alongside the New York, sister ship the USS Arlington honors the 184 victims killed when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. Unlike its sister ships, the Arlington's steel was not cast into the ship's forward structure. Instead, the ship preserves and displays recovered structural steel and artifacts from the Pentagon in its museum and tribute spaces, alongside artifacts gifted by Arlington County first responders. 

"You're standing on board a $1 billion warship dedicated to the memory of the 184 people lost in that incident," said Navy Command Master Chief Steve Williams, assigned to the USS Arlington. "When you go to our tribute room and see the murals around the ship, it puts it in perspective that this is real. We carry on the memory, and we fight the fight so that we can stay safe." 

On the West Coast, the USS Somerset is homeported in San Diego. The ship honors the 40 passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who fought back against hijackers over Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The Somerset's bow was cast with approximately 22 tons of steel recovered from the dragline bucket that stood near the crash site. Inscribed inside the ship's memorial room are the names of all 40 victims. 

"The names of the heroes of Flight 93 live on this ship," said Navy Capt. Will Carr, commanding officer of the USS Somerset. "As long as this ship sails forth, it will be a testament to the heroism, to the memory, and to the example America received that day of just how strong our country and its people are." 

Twenty-five years after the attacks on New York City, the Pentagon and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the memory of the 2,977 lives lost remains an active, daily reminder aboard these warships. Deployed wherever the nation calls across the globe, the crews of the New York, the Arlington and the Somerset carry the sacrifice, courage and resolve of that morning into every mission — ensuring that the nation's promise never to forget is upheld through unwavering service and fleet readiness.

Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Encep Nurjaman Pre-Trial Hearing

Sept. 14, 2026 |

The Department of War invites media to cover pre-trial proceedings November 16-20, 2026 for Encep Nurjaman, who has been charged in connection with his alleged role in the 2002 and 2003 bombings in Indonesia.

The proceedings will occur at the Expeditionary Legal Complex located in Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB) Cuba and will be transmitted to a closed-circuit television (CCTV) site at Fort Meade, Md.

Media choosing to travel to NSGB will pay round-trip airfare ($800); coverage window is determined by flight schedule. Specific ground rules for coverage at NSGB will follow registration.

The primary purpose of this invitation is to cover the military commissions. Tours of the detention facilities are not available. Requests for reporting on Guantanamo topics unrelated to the military commissions — such as the naval base facilities or personnel — must be coordinated in advance through the respective public officers with authority over those topics. OMC public affairs can provide point of contact information as needed.

Coverage window, including travel: 

•  November 14-21

Registration: Click here for registration and select the appropriate case and dates as outlined above.

Deadline: All requests must be received no later than noon Monday, September 21, 2026. Additional details of travel preparations will be provided separately. By submitting the online request form, interested media will begin the travel process and respective OMC PAO will assist in travel preparations. 

CCTV Site: Media choosing to view the hearing, from the media-designated viewing site at Fort Meade, Md., must send requests via email to osd.mc-alex.OMC.mbx.omc-pa@mail.mil with e-mail subject line matching the court case and the following information: name, position, news organization and contact information.

Contact Mr. Ronald Flesvig, OMC Public Affairs, for additional questions at ronald.flesvig2.civ@mail.mil or (571) 372-3713. 

Case information can be viewed at the Office of Military Commissions website: https://www.mc.mil

Fort Leonard Wood Soldier Reflects on Enlisting After 9/11 Attacks

Sept. 10, 2026 | By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office |

Inspired to act in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, a Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, soldier turned national heartbreak into a career of dedicated service.

Before commanding the 58th Transportation Battalion, Army Lt. Col. Julie Kendrick's transportation career was already underway; on 9/11, she was a 23-year-old college student working for American Eagle Airlines.

She went to school during the day while working nights at Killeen Regional Airport in Killeen, Texas.

"I was getting ready to leave our house for class and I was watching the news when the anchors announced what they thought was an accident in New York. A plane had hit one of the World Trade Center towers," Kendrick said.

While driving to school, her radio broke the news: a second plane had struck the South Tower.

"I remember thinking that doesn't sound right. It was complete gridlock in Killeen, and I couldn't make it through the traffic, so I turned around and went back home," Kendrick said.

Once home, she turned on the television and watched the devastation unfold.

Describing her colleagues as a tight-knit unit, Kendrick said she felt an immediate pull to report to work early and stand by them, long before her scheduled shift began.

"I really didn't know what to do, so I put on my uniform and went to work," she recalled.

Her duties included assisting with passenger boarding, managing baggage logistics and ensuring aircraft and tarmac security.

When she arrived at the airport, there was nowhere to park, passengers packed the terminal entrance and aircraft were grounded along the flight line.

"Everybody there was in a state of shock," Kendrick said. "American Eagle started working through American Airlines' protocols."

American Eagle is the regional brand name owned by American Airlines to operate regional feeder flights connecting midsized cities to American Airlines' primary hubs — two of the four planes hijacked on 9/11 were American Airlines flights.

"We had two airplanes on the ground," she said, and airline staff had to seal plane entrances with tamper evident tape and enforce around-the-clock physical security on the ramp.

"I felt like I was doing what little I could to help at that time," Kendrick said.

After the attacks, watching from the tarmac was no longer enough for her. She traded in her airline uniform for U.S. Army camouflage — stepping forward to enlist as a unit supply specialist and fuel the fight from the front lines.

"It was a calling I felt. I had to do my part," Kendrick said.

By 2003, she was in Kuwait supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Being there made me feel like I was doing my part," she said. "I put 100% into doing whatever small part I could to contribute."

Kendrick said she has felt the calling to serve others for as long as she can remember, rooted in her upbringing on her family's farm.

"I had a lot of work ethic instilled in me. My parents taught me that success through hard work often takes a team and I had to do my part," Kendrick said.

A quarter-century after the attacks, Kendrick stands firmly behind the path she chose.

"I am proud of the decision I made to join."

Steel and Stone: Army Corps of Engineers Reflects on 9/11 25 Years Later

Sept. 10, 2026 |Pentagon News |

The Army and the Army Corps of Engineers mobilized with speed and purpose to support recovery efforts at the Pentagon and at the World Trade Center in New York City following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. 

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, opened "Steel and Stone: Engineering the Response to 9/11." The new exhibit, also available online, includes oral histories and artifacts that historians collected after the attacks. It chronicles what the Army and the Corps of Engineers did in the minutes, days and months following the tragedy to help the nation rebuild. eering solutions for the nation's toughest challenges,'" said John Lonnquest, chief historian for the Army Corps of Engineers.  

"The government can do hard things. The Corps of Engineers and the Army can do hard things. And together, the Army and the nation and its populace got through that really tough day, and we're stronger and certainly wiser for it," he said.

National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Temporary Closure

Sept. 10, 2026 |

The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial will be temporarily closed to the public from 3 a.m. through 12 p.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 11, with the exception of any victim's families, survivors, or survivor's families, in support of the 25th Anniversary 9/11 Observance Ceremony. 

Surviving family members of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks at the Pentagon who would like to visit the memorial during this time are encouraged to contact the Pentagon Special Events Office.

For questions, please contact Pentagon Press Operations at OSD.PA.DutyOfficer@mail.mil.