Air National Guard

The Air Force last week unveiled changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program that will soon apply to all Airmen across the total Air Force.

Amid a historic surge in military recruiting, the National Guard exceeded its fiscal year 2025 goals. Since November 2024, the U.S. military has achieved its strongest recruiting performance in 30 years.

Three associations that combine to represent all of the nation’s nearly 800,000 National Guardsmen and Reservists are urging congressional leaders to pass fiscal 2026 appropriations for defense, military construction and veterans affairs.

In his most high-profile speech since becoming Air Force secretary in May, Troy Meink emphasized familiar themes — the necessity to modernize, the need to perfect readiness, and remaining focused on “taking care of our people.”

The scope of the Pentagon’s modernization plans for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft will be reduced amid ongoing cost overruns and schedule delays, according to a recent report from a congressional watchdog.

The Space Force will take over all space missions currently performed by nine Air National Guard units Oct. 1, according to a July 30 memo signed by Air Force Secretary Troy E. Meink.

The Senate Appropriations Committee last week approved a defense appropriations measure providing $851.9 billion in discretionary spending, which is 2.5% above the president’s fiscal 2026 request.

Rescue operations by the Texas Army and Air National Guard resulted in the successful recovery of at least 525 people from floodwaters in Central Texas as of Sunday.

Members of the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing were in the sky operating alongside Air Force Global Strike Command during Operation Midnight Hammer.

A National Guard association small in numbers but large in responsibility and stature has a new leader.

More than 1,283 National Guard members supported civil authorities and took part in events on June 14 when the U.S. Army celebrated its 250th birthday.