Uncrowned Guard

Dual Marine Expeditionary Units Deploy Toward Middle East The United States is moving two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) toward the Middle East as conflict involving Iran intensifies, expanding U.S. amphibious and ground-capable options in a theater largely defined by air and naval operations. Defense officials confirm that one unit is already en route while a second has been ordered to deploy, creating a dual-MEU presence that marks a notable increase in forward-positioned combat capability. 31st MEU Advances Aboard USS Tripoli The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, forward-deployed in the Indo-Pacific, is heading toward the region embarked on the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) with its amphibious ready group. The 31st MEU is typically the Marine Corps’ most immediately available crisis-response force. A standard MEU consists of approximately 2,000–2,200 Marines organized as a self-contained, combined-arms formation. It includes an infantry battalion as its ground combat element, an aviation combat element equipped with F-35B Lightning II fighters, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and helicopters, as well as logistics and command units. Operating from the sea, a MEU can conduct amphibious assaults, air assaults, limited raids, evacuation missions, and the seizure of ports, airfields, or coastal infrastructure. Its sea-based posture allows rapid repositioning without reliance on host-nation basing. 11th MEU Ordered to Deploy Aboard USS Boxer A second force centered on the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit has been directed to deploy from the United States aboard USS Boxer (LHD-4). This group is expected to include roughly 2,200–2,500 Marines along with supporting amphibious ships, aircraft, and logistics elements. Unlike the 31st MEU, which is already forward-positioned, the 11th MEU will require additional transit time before arriving in theater. Once in place, it will expand U.S. operational flexibility and provide additional amphibious and aviation capacity. Expanded Amphibious and Ground Capabilities The establishment of two MEUs in a single theater is not typical during routine operations. The United States generally maintains one forward-deployed MEU while holding others in reserve. A dual-MEU posture enables overlapping operations, sustained presence, and broader geographic coverage. MEUs introduce capabilities distinct from carrier strike groups. While aircraft carriers provide sustained air operations, air superiority, and missile defense, MEUs offer integrated air-ground teams capable of conducting limited objective ground operations from the sea. Their aviation components can deliver close air support, insert forces inland, and move personnel rapidly between ships and shore. Scale and Strategic Context Each MEU represents a relatively small but highly capable force. Combined, two MEUs total approximately 4,500–5,000 Marines. This is substantially smaller than troop levels associated with major ground campaigns and reflects a focus on precision, short-duration missions rather than large-scale occupation. The deployment signals an expansion of available options rather than a transition to full-scale ground war. By reinforcing carrier and surface naval forces with amphibious units, the United States is establishing a layered posture that integrates air, sea, and limited ground capabilities while maintaining a predominantly sea-based footprint. View full article

Pentagon Bars Stars and Stripes From Press Conference The Pentagon declined to approve attendance for its own publication, Stars and Stripes, at a recent morning press conference held by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the ongoing war in Iran. Reporter Matthew Adams said on social media that he was informed the outlet was not authorized to attend and would instead watch remotely. Adams noted the decision was unusual, given that the Pentagon had recently issued a memo outlining operational changes for the newspaper. The exclusion follows a series of new directives affecting the publication, which is funded by the Department of Defense but operates with congressionally mandated editorial independence. New Content Guidelines and “Good Order and Discipline” A Pentagon memo introduced updated restrictions requiring Stars and Stripes to comply with standards tied to “good order and discipline,” a term traditionally associated with military conduct. The document states the outlet will retain editorial independence while adhering to new departmental policies and avoiding certain forms of critical content. Editor-in-chief Erik Slavin said he learned of the policy changes three days after they were posted online by the Defense Department, only after a staff member discovered them. Slavin questioned how the new language would be interpreted in practice, particularly whether coverage deemed inconsistent with “good order and discipline” could expose staff to legal or professional consequences. The policy shift places the publication in what observers describe as a gray area, requiring editors to evaluate reporting against criteria defined by the same institution they cover. Congressional Protections and Free Speech Concerns Stars and Stripes employees are civilian personnel of the U.S. Army, and the outlet’s editorial independence is protected by Congress to prevent political influence over reporting aimed at service members. Reporter Kevin Baron publicly criticized the Pentagon’s decision to bar the paper from the press event, emphasizing that the newsroom was structured to avoid becoming a government mouthpiece. Timothy Richardson of PEN America said the new guidelines signal increased Pentagon involvement in editorial decisions. He characterized the changes as a potential threat to First Amendment principles and to the independence historically guaranteed to the publication. Broader Media Tensions In January, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced that the administration sought to “modernize” Stars and Stripes and refocus its content away from what he described as “woke distractions that siphon morale.” While the memo affirmed continued publication, it underscored alignment with updated Defense Department policies. The dispute arises amid broader tensions between Pentagon leadership and segments of the media over coverage of the Iran conflict. Hegseth has accused news organizations of misrepresenting military progress and amplifying negative aspects of the war effort. At a recent press conference, he criticized what he described as “dishonest” reporting. President Donald Trump has also sharply criticized outlets he views as unfavorable, stating on social media that certain reporting he considers false could amount to “treason.” During Trump’s first term, the Pentagon previously moved to shut down Stars and Stripes, though the effort was halted after the president expressed public support for the publication, calling it a “wonderful source of information” for service members. The current dispute marks a renewed test of the balance between Pentagon oversight and the newsroom’s congressionally protected independence. View full article

Apache Helicopters Conduct Strikes on Iranian-Backed Militias in Iraq U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters are conducting strikes against Iranian-aligned militia groups in Iraq, according to Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Speaking at a Pentagon news conference Thursday, Caine said the operations are intended to suppress threats to U.S. forces and American interests in the country. “In Iraq, AH-64s have been striking against Iranian-aligned militia groups to make sure that we suppress any threat in Iraq against us, forces, or U.S. interests,” Caine stated. He did not provide details on the number of combat missions flown since the launch of U.S. operations against Iran on Feb. 28, nor did he identify specific militia groups targeted. Operation Epic Fury Expands Regional Conflict The strikes in Iraq are part of a broader U.S. campaign against Iran known as Operation Epic Fury. Since the operation began, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has faced repeated drone and missile attacks. In a statement Tuesday, the embassy said Iranian-backed militias have “encouraged and conducted widespread attacks on U.S. citizens and targets associated with the United States throughout Iraq,” including assaults on Baghdad’s international zone. Tensions between the United States and Iran have spanned decades and intensified following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The Defense Department estimates that Iranian-backed militias were responsible for the deaths of more than 600 U.S. troops in Iraq between 2003 and 2011. Hostilities have persisted during the U.S.-led campaign against the Islamic State, launched in 2014. American forces have engaged militia groups supported by Iran, including Kata’ib Hezbollah and Harakat-al-Nujaba, and have conducted airstrikes against facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. After Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq—a network of Iranian-backed factions—began targeting U.S. forces in the region. The group claimed responsibility for a January 2024 drone strike on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that killed three American soldiers. A-10 Aircraft Target Fast Attack Craft in Strait of Hormuz Caine also announced that the Air Force’s A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft are engaged in operations aimed at preventing Iran from disrupting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway handles roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments. “The A-10 Warthog is now in the fight across the southern flank and is hunting and killing fast attack watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz,” Caine said. U.S. officials had expressed concern that Iran might deploy sea mines to impede tanker traffic. As of Thursday, U.S. forces had destroyed 44 Iranian vessels assessed to be used for laying mines, according to Caine. A-10 Role Expands Amid Retirement Debate The A-10, traditionally used for close air support missions, has played a prominent role in ground combat operations. Earlier this year, A-10s conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria following the December killings of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and a civilian translator. Despite repeated Air Force efforts to retire the aircraft, Congress has directed the service to maintain 103 A-10s through the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, ensuring the platform remains operational amid expanding regional missions. View full article

US Approves $16B in Emergency Air Defense Sales to Middle East Allies The United States has approved more than $16 billion in proposed “emergency” Foreign Military Sales to Middle Eastern partners, citing urgent security needs as regional allies contend with Iranian missile and drone attacks. The largest packages include $8 billion in radar systems for Kuwait and $8.4 billion in air defense equipment for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to State Department notices, the Secretary of State determined that an emergency exists requiring immediate sales in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving standard congressional review requirements. Major Radar and Missile Packages Detailed Kuwait’s proposed $8 billion package centers on the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar and associated equipment designed to enhance detection and tracking of aerial threats. The UAE package totals approximately $8.4 billion and includes a $4.5 billion long-range radar system intended to integrate with Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems. Additional components include $2.1 billion in counter-drone systems, $1.2 billion in air-to-air missiles, and $644 million in F-16 munitions and upgrades. Jordan is slated to receive a smaller $70.5 million package focused on aircraft repair services and spare parts. Iranian Attacks Drive Urgency The emergency determinations follow a surge in Iranian missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes targeting US partners in the region after large-scale US and Israeli military operations against Tehran last month. Kuwait reported the deaths of six American soldiers in a drone strike on a US command center. The UAE has also faced repeated attacks, with its Ministry of Defense stating it engaged seven missiles and 15 UAVs in a single day. Officials say the proposed sales aim to replenish expended munitions and strengthen layered air defenses against continued threats. Gulf States Seek Ukrainian Counter-Drone Expertise Beyond US systems, several Gulf nations are exploring counter-drone solutions from Ukraine, whose forces have developed extensive experience defending against Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russia. Ukrainian manufacturers report receiving numerous inquiries through government and private channels. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said Kyiv dispatched teams to Middle Eastern countries to demonstrate air defense technologies, emphasizing that both funding and technological partnerships are critical as Ukraine sustains its defense industrial base. Ukraine has built a layered air defense ecosystem that pairs relatively low-cost interceptors with inexpensive threats, avoiding reliance on high-cost systems such as Patriot missiles for every engagement. Interceptor drones—often modified first-person-view designs—have evolved to counter Shahed-type UAVs at speed and scale. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, reported 6,300 interceptor drone sorties in February alone. Zelenskyy stated Ukraine could produce up to 2,000 interceptor drones per day, with roughly half required domestically. Export Controls and Market Competition Despite strong foreign interest, Ukrainian arms exports remain subject to government authorization under wartime controls. Industry representatives indicate that while inquiries are frequent, approvals rest with Kyiv. Analysts note that global competitors, including US manufacturers, are developing similar capabilities. The United States has already delivered 10,000 Merops drones—developed under a project linked to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt—to support infrastructure defense in the Middle East. Observers caution that the current demand surge may be temporary as other producers expand output. Nonetheless, the combination of emergency US sales and emerging Ukrainian technology underscores a rapidly evolving air defense market shaped by persistent missile and drone threats across the region. View full article

U.S.-Focused Expansion Debuts at IWA 2026 At IWA OutdoorClassics 2026 in Nuremberg, Pistollo unveiled a U.S.-specific variant of its pistol platform alongside a limited production model developed in partnership with American distributor Deluxe Arms. The announcement marks a targeted effort to increase the brand’s presence in the United States through enhanced compatibility and exclusive offerings. The standard U.S. configuration incorporates several technical modifications designed to meet American consumer preferences, particularly in the areas of accessory mounting and suppressor readiness. Expanded Accessory Compatibility A key change to the U.S. variant is the addition of a rear-mounted Weaver/Picatinny rail. This interface enables users to attach accessories such as stabilizing braces, stocks (where legally permitted), or other rear-mounted components. The addition reflects growing demand in the U.S. market for modular firearm platforms capable of accommodating various configurations. At the top of the slide, Pistollo has replaced the standard collimator cover with a Picatinny rail section. This modification allows direct mounting of a broad range of red dot optics currently available on the market, eliminating the need for proprietary mounting solutions and expanding compatibility with widely used sighting systems. Threaded Compensator for Suppressor Use The compensator on the American model has also been revised. It now features a ½×28 thread pitch, a common U.S. standard for muzzle devices and suppressor attachment. This threading enables users to install compatible suppressors or quick-detach adapters without requiring additional modification. The update aligns the platform with prevailing U.S. accessory standards and provides greater flexibility for owners seeking suppressor-ready configurations. Pistollo 77 Launch Edition Limited to 150 Units In addition to the standard U.S. version, Pistollo introduced the Pistollo 77 Launch Edition, a limited production model capped at 150 units. Priced at $4,377.77, the edition emphasizes exclusivity and distinctive aesthetics. The Launch Edition features a Greenback Cerakote finish complemented by gold-colored controls and a matching muzzle device. Engraving on the frame incorporates Bald Eagle and Liberty-themed artwork, underscoring its American-market focus. Included Optic and Stabilizing Brace Each Pistollo 77 Launch Edition pistol is delivered with a Holosun AEMS Core X2 optic featuring a gold reticle. The package also includes a custom Pistollo stabilizing brace designed to integrate with the platform’s rear rail system. With the introduction of the U.S.-specific configuration and the limited Launch Edition, Pistollo is positioning its platform to compete more directly in the American market through standardized compatibility, suppressor-ready features, and a premium collector-oriented offering. View full article

Casualty Update From Operation Epic Fury At least 200 U.S. service members have been wounded during the first three weeks of Operation Epic Fury, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The figure, confirmed Monday, marks an increase from the 140 injuries reported the previous week and reflects the continuing pace of combat operations across the Middle East. Officials said approximately 180 of the wounded troops have returned to duty. Ten service members were described as having sustained “serious” injuries as a result of Iranian retaliatory strikes following the launch of U.S. and Israeli offensives on Feb. 28. CENTCOM did not specify the countries where injuries occurred, the service branches involved, or the roles of the affected personnel. Nature of Injuries and Ongoing Combat According to Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson, the majority of injuries are related to traumatic brain injuries. Additional reporting indicates that some troops have sustained shrapnel wounds and burns. Iran has launched repeated drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. installations across the region. Explosions have been reported at or near bases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. Despite U.S. strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s missile and drone infrastructure, Iranian forces continue to conduct retaliatory attacks. U.S. operations remain active daily, involving ground forces stationed in regional countries as well as air and naval assets conducting strike missions. Fatalities and Aircraft Incident Under Investigation Thirteen American service members have died since the conflict began. Six were killed in Shuiba, Kuwait, when an Iranian drone struck an outpost. Another soldier died from injuries sustained in a March 1 attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. In a separate incident, six airmen were killed when a KC-135 aerial refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq. CENTCOM officials have ruled out hostile or friendly fire as causes and are continuing to investigate the crash. Medical Evacuations and Strategic Impact Wounded personnel requiring advanced care have been evacuated from the region to medical facilities in Europe and the United States, including Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. U.S. officials report that American aircraft have struck more than 7,000 Iranian targets since the start of the air campaign. Monitoring organizations estimate that more than 1,400 military personnel and civilians have been killed in Iran during the same period. The latest casualty figures underscore the intensity of the ongoing conflict, as U.S. and allied forces continue sustained operations amid persistent Iranian counterattacks. View full article

Army Clears M111 Offensive Grenade for Service The U.S. Army has approved the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for Full Material Release, marking the first new lethal hand grenade cleared for service since the Mk3A2 entered use in 1968. The M111 was developed by the Capabilities Program Executive Office for Ammunition and Energetics in partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal. It is intended to replace the Mk3A2 series, which has faced restrictions due to its asbestos-containing body. Unlike its predecessor, the M111 features a plastic body that is fully consumed during detonation, eliminating asbestos-related concerns and modernizing the Army’s offensive grenade capability. Designed for Close-Quarters Combat The M111 is engineered specifically for confined and enclosed environments. Rather than relying on fragmentation, it incapacitates targets through blast overpressure (BOP). This makes it particularly suited for urban combat scenarios such as rooms, bunkers, trenches, and tunnels, where fragmentation effects may be deflected by walls or structures and pose a risk to friendly forces. Army officials cited lessons from urban fighting in Iraq, noting that fragmentation grenades such as the M67 were not always appropriate for room-clearing due to the risk of fratricide through walls or confined spaces. In contrast, the M111’s blast overpressure effect is less influenced by obstacles and is intended to deliver consistent lethality within enclosed areas. In open terrain, soldiers will continue to employ the M67 fragmentation grenade to maximize fragment dispersion. The introduction of the M111 provides an additional option tailored to restricted terrain. Technical Specifications and Standardization The M111 measures 4.41 inches in length, 2.37 inches in diameter, and weighs approximately 12.6 ounces. Its octagonal shape is designed to improve grip and prevent rolling after deployment. The grenade uses a 4- to 5.5-second delay fuze and is paired with the M213 fuze assembly. Standardization was a key design objective. The M111 and its training variant, the M112, use the same five-step arming process as the M67 and its training counterpart, the M69. Both also share common fuze components. This alignment allows soldiers to train with procedures identical to operational use while enabling the Army to leverage existing fuze production lines, reducing procurement costs. The Army retains government-owned intellectual property rights for the system, allowing competitive contracting across the industrial base. Production and Fielding Initial qualification quantities of the M111 were produced by Battelle. Full-rate production will be carried out by Day & Zimmermann, Inc. The Army expects the new grenade to improve operational readiness by providing a safer and more adaptable capability for close-quarters engagements. With the M111’s approval, the Army adds a modernized offensive grenade to its inventory, expanding tactical flexibility while maintaining compatibility with existing training and logistics systems. View full article

Service Life Extension Confirmed The U.S. Navy has officially extended the service life of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), delaying its planned decommissioning from May 2026 to March 2027. A service official confirmed the decision late Friday, citing operational requirements amid sustained deployment demands across multiple theaters. The extension allows the Navy to maintain its 11-carrier force structure while it awaits delivery of the next Ford-class carrier, USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), currently scheduled for commissioning in March 2027. Preserving the Nimitz through that transition helps prevent a temporary reduction in the carrier fleet during a period of heightened global tasking. Fleet Structure and Strategic Context The Navy has faced continued strain from extended deployments in the U.S. Central Command and Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility. Keeping USS Nimitz operational supports force availability as carrier strike groups rotate through high-demand regions. Maintaining 11 operational carriers remains a statutory requirement, and the timing of Kennedy’s delivery has made the Nimitz extension a practical measure to avoid a capability gap. The decision reflects ongoing challenges in balancing fleet modernization with operational readiness, particularly as aging Nimitz-class carriers approach retirement. Transition to Norfolk and Inactivation Plan USS Nimitz departed Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, on March 7 for Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, as part of a scheduled homeport shift for the remainder of its service life. Following its final operational period, the carrier will undergo inactivation and defueling of its nuclear reactors at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding facility. The relocation positions the vessel for the complex and multi-year deactivation process required for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. Defueling and inactivation mark the formal beginning of retirement procedures for the Navy’s oldest active carrier. Recent Operational Record The Nimitz returned to Bremerton in December after completing a nine-month deployment spanning U.S. Central Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. During that deployment, the carrier strike group also supported U.S. Africa Command operations, including strikes targeting Islamic State (ISIS) elements in Somalia. Over the course of the deployment, the crew conducted approximately 8,500 sorties totaling 17,000 flight hours. The mission profile reflected the carrier’s continued integration into multi-theater operations, underscoring its operational relevance more than four decades after commissioning. Historical Significance Commissioned in 1975, USS Nimitz has played a role in numerous major operations. Among its earliest missions was support for Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the attempted rescue of American hostages in Iran. Though the mission ultimately failed, it marked one of the ship’s first operational deployments and established its presence in Middle Eastern contingencies. The carrier’s extended service through 2027 will conclude more than 50 years of active duty, bridging the transition from the Nimitz-class to the Ford-class era of U.S. naval aviation. View full article

KC-135 Stratotanker Crashes During Operation Epic Fury UPDATE: All six crew members have been confirmed deceased. A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker crashed in western Iraq on March 12 at approximately 2 p.m. ET while operating in support of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign against Iran. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the aircraft went down in what it described as an “incident” occurring in friendly airspace. CENTCOM stated the crash was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. Casualties and Rescue Efforts According to a March 13 CENTCOM release, four of the six crew members aboard the aircraft have been confirmed deceased. Rescue efforts were ongoing at the time of the announcement. The identities of the fallen service members are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Unlike fighter aircraft, the KC-135 does not have ejection seats, limiting emergency escape options for crew members in the event of a catastrophic failure. Additional Aircraft Involved CENTCOM indicated that a second aircraft was involved in the sequence of events leading up to the crash, though details have not been disclosed. The other aircraft landed safely. It remains unclear whether the KC-135 was conducting an aerial refueling operation at the time of the incident. The crash follows a recent friendly fire incident over Kuwait in which three U.S. F-15 fighters were shot down. All pilots in that incident ejected safely. Officials have not indicated any connection between the two events. Role of the KC-135 in Regional Operations The KC-135 Stratotanker forms the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s aerial refueling fleet. Mobility aircraft, including the KC-135, have surged to the Middle East in recent months to sustain combat and support missions tied to operations against Iranian targets. Tankers enable long-range strike missions by refueling aircraft transiting from the United States and extending the time fighters and bombers can remain on station. With a wingspan of approximately 130 feet, the KC-135 is a large, non-stealth platform that typically operates outside heavily contested airspace due to its relative vulnerability compared to modern combat aircraft. Aging Fleet and Modernization Efforts The Stratotanker entered service during the Eisenhower administration and has remained a central component of U.S. air mobility operations for decades. Despite its age, Air Force officials project the aircraft will remain in service until at least 2050. The Air Force is in the process of replacing portions of the KC-135 fleet with the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, a next-generation aerial refueling platform. However, the KC-135 continues to carry the majority of operational refueling missions worldwide. The March 12 crash marks the first reported loss of a KC-135 since 2013, when three crew members were killed in a mishap shortly after takeoff. The current investigation will seek to determine the cause of the latest incident as operations in the region continue. View full article

Conscription Resumes After 16-Year Hiatus Hundreds of teenage Croatians have reported for compulsory military service, marking the country’s return to conscription for the first time since it was abolished in 2008. Approximately 800 recruits make up the first intake under the reinstated system, signaling the formal launch of a program the government says is designed to strengthen national defense capacity. Training is being conducted at military barracks in three locations across Croatia. Recruits are assigned to facilities nearest their homes, where they receive uniforms, equipment, and dormitory placements before beginning a two-month period of structured military instruction and discipline. Officials have confirmed that three additional intakes are scheduled before the end of the year. The long-term objective is to train roughly 4,000 recruits annually under the renewed framework. Composition of the First Intake More than half of the initial 800 recruits volunteered rather than waiting for formal call-up notices, according to Croatian authorities. While military service is mandatory for eligible men, women are not obligated to serve; nevertheless, women account for approximately 10 percent of the first group. The Ministry of Defense has emphasized that only 10 individuals have registered as conscientious objectors. Those opting out of armed service are required to complete four months of civilian service instead. Civilian participants receive less than half of the €1,100 monthly allowance granted to military recruits. Regarding daily life during training, officials clarified that there are no special restrictions on mobile phones beyond a prohibition on their use during active training sessions. Regional Security Context Croatia’s decision to reinstate conscription comes amid heightened security concerns in Europe, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Croatia lies geographically close to the conflict zone, separated from Ukraine only by Hungary. Government representatives have cited the broader regional security environment as a key factor behind the policy shift. Croatia joins a group of 10 NATO member states that have reintroduced mandatory military service in recent years, including Greece, Turkey, several Scandinavian countries, and the Baltic states. Potential Regional Ripple Effects Croatia’s move may influence neighboring countries. In Slovenia, the largest opposition party has advocated for a return to conscription ahead of parliamentary elections. In Serbia, President Aleksandar Vučić has announced plans to reintroduce military service within the next 12 months, alongside a significant increase in defense spending. These developments have raised concerns in Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia, in turn, has expressed apprehension over Croatia’s recent military cooperation agreements with Kosovo and Albania. While regional debates continue, Croatia’s conscription program is already operational. With multiple intakes planned and annual training targets established, the country has formally reentered the ranks of European states relying on mandatory military service as part of their defense structure. View full article

From World War II Armadas to Modern Carrier Strike Groups As aircraft carriers converge around the war with Iran, many observers are asking the same question: how large is this naval buildup compared with past wars? Aircraft carriers have been the centerpiece of global naval warfare since World War II, allowing countries to project airpower across oceans without relying on land bases. But the number of carriers deployed in a conflict—and the combat power they represent—has changed dramatically over time. Understanding how today’s carrier deployments compare with past wars helps put the current naval buildup into perspective. World War II: The Largest Carrier Armadas in History Aircraft carriers emerged as the dominant naval weapon during World War II, replacing battleships as the primary means of projecting naval power. Some of the largest carrier concentrations in history occurred during major Pacific battles. At the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the United States deployed 15 fleet and light aircraft carriers as part of the massive Fast Carrier Task Force. Japan fielded nine carriers, bringing the total number of carriers in the battle to more than twenty. Carrier aircraft from these fleets conducted thousands of sorties, destroying much of Japan’s naval aviation in what became known as the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.” The scale of these carrier armadas has never been matched in modern warfare. Cold War: Carriers as Global Deterrence After World War II, aircraft carriers shifted from mass fleet battles to a role focused on global deterrence and rapid military response. During the Cold War, the United States Navy maintained multiple carrier battle groups around the world to counter the Soviet Union. Although the U.S. often operated 10 or more carriers globally, they were rarely concentrated in a single combat theater. Instead, carriers were distributed across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean to maintain strategic balance. Even so, carriers were frequently used in regional conflicts and crises, including: the Vietnam War, where several carriers operated simultaneously in the Gulf of Tonkin the Cuban Missile Crisis, when U.S. carrier groups helped enforce the naval quarantine of Cuba Carriers became the backbone of American expeditionary warfare during this period. The Gulf War: The Largest Modern Carrier Deployment The largest carrier concentration in the Middle East occurred during the Gulf War. During Operation Desert Storm, the United States deployed six aircraft carriers to the region. They operated in two main groups: Battle Force Zulu in the Persian Gulf Battle Force Yankee in the Red Sea Aircraft from these carriers flew thousands of strike sorties against Iraqi forces, attacking air defenses, military infrastructure, and ground forces throughout the war. The deployment remains the largest carrier concentration in the Middle East since World War II. Post-9/11 Wars: Smaller but Highly Effective Carrier Fleets In the wars that followed the September 11 attacks, carriers remained central to U.S. military operations, though the number deployed simultaneously was smaller. During the early stages of the War in Afghanistan, carrier-based aircraft provided the majority of strike missions because nearby airbases were limited. Similarly, the Iraq War saw several U.S. carriers supporting the initial air campaign. Although fewer carriers were used compared with the Gulf War, their aircraft were significantly more capable thanks to precision-guided weapons and advanced targeting systems. The Iran War: A Modern Carrier Buildup Today’s conflict involving Iran is again drawing carrier forces into the region. Two U.S. aircraft carriers—the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN‑78) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN‑72)—are already operating near the theater of war. Additional deployments could raise the total to five carriers if the USS George H. W. Bush (CVN‑77), the French carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91), and the British HMS Prince of Wales (R09) all join operations. If this occurs, it would represent one of the largest carrier deployments in the region in decades, approaching—but still slightly below—the six-carrier fleet assembled during the Gulf War. Why Modern Carriers Are More Powerful Even though today’s fleets may include fewer carriers than in past wars, each ship carries far greater combat capability. Modern carrier air wings include advanced aircraft such as: F-35 stealth fighters Rafale M multirole fighters electronic warfare aircraft airborne early-warning radar platforms These aircraft use precision weapons and networked targeting systems that allow them to strike targets with far greater accuracy than the aircraft used in earlier wars. As a result, a smaller number of carriers today can deliver combat power that rivals or exceeds much larger fleets from previous decades. Comparing Carrier Deployments Across Modern Wars Conflict Carriers Deployed Notes WWII Pacific battles 20+ carriers Largest carrier battles in history Vietnam War 3–5 carriers Sustained naval air campaign Gulf War (1991) 6 carriers Largest Middle East deployment Iraq War (2003) 3–4 carriers Initial invasion air campaign Iran War (potential) up to 5 carriers Current regional buildup A Symbol of Modern Naval Power Aircraft carriers remain one of the most visible and powerful symbols of military strength. Deploying multiple carriers to a region sends a clear message: the ability to launch sustained air operations, defend shipping lanes, and rapidly escalate if necessary. While the current buildup around Iran does not yet match the largest carrier armadas of the twentieth century, it still represents one of the most significant naval deployments in the Middle East in decades. As the war continues to evolve, the role of these carriers—and the scale of the fleet supporting them—may become one of the defining military factors in the conflict. View full article