Criticism swirls over defense secretary’s hushed-up hospitalization
Former President Donald Trump called Austin's lack of communication over his medical issue a fireable offense.
Jan 09, 2024•10 min•Ep. 340
Early Bird Brief
The most important military and defense stories of the day, delivered each weekday morning. Brought to you by Defense News and Military Times, the most trusted, nonpartisan sources for news about the military and defense worlds.
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
The Marine Corps trained its last elite scout snipers
The Marine Corps graduates its final group of scout snipers as it looks to restructure itself under Force Design 2030.
Jan 08, 2024•9 min•Ep. 339
US airstrike in Iraq kills Iran-backed militia leader
A U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed a high-ranking leader of an Iran-backed militia involved in recent attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.
Jan 05, 2024•9 min•Ep. 338
US, allies warn of potential military action against Houthi rebels
A coalition of 13 nations warned of increased military response as Houthi assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea continue.
Jan 04, 2024•8 min•Ep. 337
How defense and security issues will play into the 2024 presidential election
Defense and veterans policies will play a role in the debate over who should serve as commander-in-chief.
Jan 03, 2024•10 min•Ep. 336
The top national security issues from last year and how they impact 2024
We take a look back at the End of 2023 episode from a few weeks ago.
Jan 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 335
What’s driving the Red Sea drone and missile attacks?
Today, Navy Times reporter Diana Stancy joins the episode to break down the increasing number of missiles and drones shot down in the Red Sea.
Jan 02, 2024•6 min•Ep. 334
US military adjusts how it prosecutes sexual assault
Each of the services officially opened their offices of special trial counsel to prosecute major crimes, including sexual assault and domestic violence.
Dec 29, 2023•10 min•Ep. 333
US Navy shoots down more drones and missiles in Red Sea
A Navy destroyer and other U.S. assets intercepted more than a dozen drones and missiles in the Red Sea this week.
Dec 28, 2023•6 min•Ep. 332
Biden orders airstrikes after 3 US troops injured in Iraq drone attack
Officials said one of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries in the attack.
Dec 27, 2023•6 min•Ep. 331
The top national security stories of 2023
A look back on some of the major stories of the year, from U.S.-China relations to the wars in Ukraine and Israel.
Dec 26, 2023•35 min•Ep. 330
What will the 2024 election mean for US troops at the southern border?
The 2024 general election may shape the future of U.S.-Mexico military policy.
Dec 21, 2023•15 min•Ep. 329
After attacks, Red Sea will have international protection coalition
Sec. Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian earlier this week.
Dec 20, 2023•13 min•Ep. 328
Austin visits Middle East as US warship responds to Red Sea drone attacks
The USS Carney reportedly responded to a distress call from a commercial vessel that said it was attacked days after the U.S. destroyer took out a wave of drones.
Dec 19, 2023•11 min•Ep. 327
Repeal of laws excluding women led the Navy’s top officer to her job
Today, Navy Times reporter Diana Stancy joined host Jonathan Lehrfeld about how law changes nearly 30 years ago allowed for the first female officer to lead the Navy.
Dec 18, 2023•8 min•Ep. 326
Defense bill heads to Biden for final approval
Earlier this week, both the House and Senate passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Dec 15, 2023•13 min•Ep. 325
Navy ship shoots down another drone in Middle East
The Navy ship U.S.S. Mason shot down another drone in the Middle East, just days after it responded to a distress call from a Norwegian-flagged ship.
Dec 14, 2023•9 min•Ep. 324
Coast Guard Academy sexual assaults threaten national security, lawmakers say
Coast Guard whistleblowers testified before Senators about the sexual assault report that shook the service earlier this summer.
Dec 13, 2023•13 min•Ep. 323
Army receives first long-range Precision Strike Missiles
Last Friday, Jen Judson sat down with CSIS analyst Tom Karako to talk about the latest in missile defense news.
Dec 12, 2023•18 min•Ep. 322
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy issues plea for support during Washington visit
Zelenskyy’s visit is part of a push by the Biden administration to persuade lawmakers to pass a supplemental funding bill, as officials warn that the money for Ukraine is running out.
Dec 12, 2023•8 min•Ep. 321
Army-Navy game drives spirited competition, camaraderie
Today, Military Times reporter Jonathan Lehrfeld joins the episode to discuss the outcome of the biggest sporting event of the year for the armed forces.
Dec 11, 2023•9 min•Ep. 320
Abortion, other issues dropped in defense bill negotiations
House and Senate negotiators released their compromise draft of the annual defense authorization bill this week.
Dec 08, 2023•14 min•Ep. 319
As Congress debates Ukraine funding, US announces more military aid
Congress remains stalled on legislation that would provide new funding for Ukraine as well as money for Israel's war with Hamas and other security needs.
Dec 07, 2023•15 min•Ep. 318
Tuberville drops holds on more than 430 military promotions
The Senate approved hundreds of military promotions after Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville ended a monthslong blockade of nominations over a Pentagon abortion policy.
Dec 06, 2023•16 min•Ep. 317
After Middle East attacks on ships, US considers naval task force in Red Sea
The White House said the U.S. is considering the plan to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Dec 05, 2023•9 min•Ep. 316
Pentagon extremism training faced criticism from all sides
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the domestic extremism trainings in February 2021. Military Veterans in Journalism Fellow Nikki Wentling spoke to troops who participated.
Dec 04, 2023•12 min•Ep. 315
Truce between Israel and Hamas extended
Two Israeli hostages were released after Hamas and Israel extended the cease-fire for another day.
Dec 01, 2023•10 min•Ep. 314
Americans consider China greatest military threat, poll finds.
The latest Reagan National Defense Survey reveals what Americans think about top national security issues.
Nov 30, 2023•11 min•Ep. 313
Gaza receives US humanitarian aid shipment
The U.S. military flights to deliver aid come amid a humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.
Nov 29, 2023•11 min•Ep. 312
Missiles fired near US warship in Gulf of Aden, DOD says
Two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen landed near a U.S. warship in the Gulf of Aden.
Nov 28, 2023•11 min•Ep. 311
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android