Weekly News Roundup: U.S. Bolsters Middle East Presence, Army Ramps Up Troop Levels, and More
This week's top defense stories: U.S. forces counter Iranian mine-laying in Hormuz, the A-10 Warthog gets a stay of execution, the Pentagon pushes for 44,500 more troops, and a new SOF concealed carry bill hits Congress.
In This Dispatch
The past week brought significant developments from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and theater command. Here's what matters to the tactical gear and defense community.
U.S. Military Prevents Iranian Mine Laying in Strait of Hormuz
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed this week that U.S. forces are actively working to prevent Iranian IRGC vessels from laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world's most critical oil shipping corridors. The effort, which follows a presidential order to destroy Iranian ships engaged in mining operations, is using a combination of manned and unmanned capabilities.
According to a U.S. official, more than 95% of Iran's pre-conflict naval mines have already been destroyed during Operation Epic Fury. The lone confirmed mine sweeper currently in CENTCOM is the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Canberra, which has been patrolling the Arabian Sea. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps still operates a large fleet of small Boston Whaler-size boats capable of deploying mines.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth called the mining activity "a violation of the cease fire." He declined to speculate on a timeline to clear any mines already laid, though reports suggest it could take up to six months. Oil output from Persian Gulf nations is currently running 57% below pre-war levels, according to Goldman Sachs estimates.
The incident highlights the continued importance of naval interdiction capabilities and the persistent threat posed by IRGC small boats in the Gulf region.
Air Force Extends A-10 Warthog Service to 2030
The Air Force's beloved A-10C Thunderbolt II, the stub-nosed "flying tank" famous for its 30mm GAU-8/A Gatling gun, just got another stay of execution. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced Monday that the "Warthog" will remain in service through 2030 — despite being originally slated for retirement at the end of 2026.
The reversal came after the jets saw renewed action during the recent Iranian conflict. A-10s were deployed in March to attack Iranian speedboats around the Strait of Hormuz and were central to a daring April 3 rescue mission to recover the pilot of a downed F-15E. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine said A-10s were "violently suppressing and engaging the enemy in a close-in gunfight" during that mission.
The A-10 entered service in the late 1970s, designed as a low-flying tank-killing attack plane built to take on Cold War-era Russian tank formations. Its 30mm gun fires at 3,900 rounds per minute. The aircraft has seen action in the Gulf War, the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The service has already graduated its last class of A-10 pilots at Davis-Monthan AFB, but the extension ensures the fleet remains operational.
Pentagon Wants to Add 44,500 Troops in FY2027
The Pentagon's proposed $1.5 trillion budget for fiscal year 2027 includes funding to grow the total force by 44,500 active duty troops and reservists. The request calls for 40,100 active duty additions and 4,400 reservists across all branches.
The Army would see the largest increase — 15,000 active soldiers and 3,300 National Guardsmen, building toward a force of 469,000 soldiers. The Air Force plans to add 11,700 airmen and guardians. The Navy is seeking 12,000 active duty sailors and 1,400 Marines, with modest reservist additions as well.
The push comes after the services hit recruiting highs not seen in over 15 years in FY2025, building on reforms including prep courses and private-sector strategies adopted after the post-COVID recruiting slump of 2021-2023. The budget also includes a request for a 5-7% pay increase across the force.
Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces SOF Concealed Carry Act
Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act this week — legislation that would extend federal concealed carry authority to both serving and honorably discharged special operations forces. The bill amends 18 U.S.C. Section 926C, the statute that currently grants concealed carry rights to qualified retired law enforcement officers.
Eligible operators would include veterans and serving members of Army Special Forces, the 75th Ranger Regiment, Delta Force, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Scout Snipers, Reconnaissance Marines, MARSOC, and Air Force Combat Control, Pararescue, Special Reconnaissance, TACP, and Special Operations Weather personnel.
"Federal law already trusts retired police officers to carry concealed nationwide. That makes sense. But it makes no sense that an active or retired SEAL or Green Beret, someone who spent a career mastering firearms under the most demanding conditions in the world, has no equivalent recognition under federal law," Harrigan said. The bill would create permanent nationwide concealed carry authority with no annual requalification requirement for qualifying special operators.
Army Tests New "BRAKER" Bunker-Busting Drone Warhead
U.S. Army engineers successfully tested a new air-delivered bunker-busting warhead designed to be deployed from small unmanned aerial systems. The Bunker Rupture and Kinetic Explosive Round (BRAKER) was live-fire tested at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama on March 26 — just two weeks after initial design, demonstrating the Army's accelerated approach to battlefield innovation.
The project, led by the Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center and Project Manager Close Combat Systems, aimed to create a lightweight, lethal warhead deployable from a low-cost, expendable one-way attack drone. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) enabled the rapid development timeline.
"BRAKER proves our ability to rapidly develop and safely deliver devastating effects from small unmanned aircraft systems," said Col. Vincent Morris, PM CCS. The system uses the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK), a safe method for integrating lethal payloads with UAS platforms. The successful detonation demonstrates a new and potent capability for the modern warfighter.
Source Attribution
- U.S. Efforts to Prevent Iranian Mine Laying — The War Zone
- Air Force A-10 Warthog 2030 Extension — Task & Purpose
- Pentagon Troop Increase FY2027 — Task & Purpose
- SOF Concealed Carry Act — Soldier Systems Daily
- BRAKER Drone Warhead — Soldier Systems Daily
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil shipping corridors, handling roughly 20-25% of global oil exports daily. Any disruption has immediate global energy market implications.
Why does the A-10 Warthog keep getting extended?
Despite being considered too slow for Pacific operations against a near-peer adversary, the A-10 proved highly effective in the recent Iran conflict for close air support and maritime interdiction — demonstrating a persistent need for the platform's unique capabilities.
What does the SOF Concealed Carry Act mean for veterans?
If passed, eligible special operations veterans would receive permanent, nationwide concealed carry authority under federal law — matching the rights already afforded to qualified retired law enforcement officers — without requiring annual firearms requalification.
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