The U.S. Army has issued an updated appearance policy meant to reinforce uniformity and professionalism across all branches. The new directive provides clearer definitions for acceptable hair styling for both men and women, as well as updated standards for cosmetics, fingernails, jewelry, uniform wear and body composition assessments. The policy is intended to foster consistency and discipline among soldiers, according to Army officials.

Pentagon chief technology officer Emil Michael has announced a plan to install AI tools on 3 million desktops within nine months, focusing on applications for efficiency, intelligence and warfighting. The initiative follows the restructuring of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, which now reports to Michael, and aims to support research in AI without reducing deployment efforts.

The White House has renamed the Directorate of Defense as the Directorate of War, following President Donald Trump's executive order to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The change, confirmed by a White House official, reflects Trump's emphasis on a "warrior ethos". Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the rebranding, which has made officials in the directorate "directors for war."

House Republicans have introduced a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown, extending federal funding until Nov. 21. The bill maintains previous funding levels but excludes the White House's request for $3.9 billion for Columbia-class submarines. The bill allows increased operations for the E-7 Wedgetail and Virginia-class submarine programs, and extends the Defense Production Act. House Speaker Mike Johnson aims for a quick passage, but the bill faces opposition from Democrats and fiscal conservatives.

The House has passed the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes $18.89 billion for military construction. Major allocations include $1.6 billion for Naval Station Norfolk, $1 billion for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and $500 million for NSA Texas. The bill also introduces procurement reforms, a 10-year pilot program for small modular reactors and a pilot program for 3D printing at Army installations. It passed the House with a 231-196 vote, reflecting partisan divisions over amendments. A companion measure is pending in the Senate.

The US House has passed a bill that would let non-Department of Veterans Affairs health care professionals serve veterans in rural areas, aiming to reduce examiner shortages and cut wait times. The bill, introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz., expands the pool of providers able to perform disability exams.

Lt. Col. Valentino Bailey's military career has been marked by significant transitions across the Air Force, Army National Guard, Army Reserves and ultimately the Navy. Driven by structural changes, force-shaping initiatives and a desire for new challenges, Bailey shifted branches multiple times -- most notably leaving the Army, surrendering his rank and joining the Navy as an aerospace operational physiologist. Each move was informed by both personal growth and a search for roles that aligned with his evolving passions, demonstrating adaptability and resilience throughout his 26-year service.

Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division recently conducted a full-scale readiness exercise simulating a major blizzard to test their emergency response capabilities. The exercise involved multiple garrison directorates and division staff, with scenarios based on past severe winter storms. The exercise included setting up an emergency shelter and activating the Emergency Family Assistance Center.