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Gen. Christopher Mahoney Nominated as Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman
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Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney emerged as President Trump's nominee for the Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman role

President Donald Trump has nominated Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

According to a congressional notice, the Senate on Tuesday received and referred Mahoney’s nomination to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady currently serves as the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

The JCS vice chairman is the country’s second-highest-ranking military officer who oversees joint military requirements and represents the U.S. military in National Security Council deputies meetings.

Who Is the Nominee for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Role?

Mahoney is the 37th assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, a position he has held since November 2023.

He previously served as deputy commander of the U.S. Marine Forces Pacific; director of strategy and plans at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, or HQMC; deputy commander of U.S. Forces, Japan; commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and deputy commandant for programs and resources at HQMC.

The Top Gun graduate has logged over 5,000 flight hours in the A-6, F-5, F-18 and F-35 fighter aircraft.

Mahoney is a qualified forward air controller and parachutist and has held command at the wing, group and squadron levels.

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Kristen Alexander Named Director of Assessments at Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for R&E
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Kristen Alexander has been appointed director of assessments at OUSD(R&E)

Kristen Alexander shared on LinkedIn Thursday that she has been appointed director of assessments at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

The executive brings 20 years of proven expertise in Department of Defense acquisition, test and evaluation, experimentation, and prototyping. She is well-versed in assessing advanced technology programs and providing technical insights on technical maturity and programmatic risks.

Alexander’s Career Highlights

Alexander joined OUSD(R&E) in March 2024 as deputy director, leading a team composed of government civilians, systems engineering and technical assistance contractors, and personnel from university-affiliated research centers and federally funded research and development centers. She oversaw the experimentation and military utility assessments of emerging technologies.

The director previously served at the Office of the Secretary of Defense for over eight years. She was the chief learning and artificial intelligence officer and director of operational test and evaluation. In her dual role, Alexander spearheaded comprehensive testing efforts for AI-powered systems across academia, industry, and the test and evaluation enterprise. She also pioneered a continuous learning program for enhancing test and evaluation workforce readiness.

Alexander was also the technical adviser to the deputy director of operational test and evaluation, land and expeditionary warfare from 2015 to 2023.

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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Mandates 5-Day Review for Contracts, Grants Over $100,000
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Kristi Noem, DHS secretary, has ordered all contracts and grants over $100,000 be reviewed and approved

Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has issued a directive requiring the DHS to review and approve all contracts and grants exceeding $100,000, the Federal News Network reported Wednesday.

Details of Kristi Noem’s Memo

According to the memo released by Noem, winner of the 2025 Wash100 Award, proposals submitted for her consideration should have all the significant details, such as “mission impact, dollar values, description of the supplies or services, any timeliness issues and a description of the proposed action.” She also asked that submissions for obligations over $100,000 be submitted in memo form through the Executive Secretary process. Noem emphasized that there is a minimum five-day period for reviewing all contracts and grant awards. The memo also mentioned that the new directive replaces the earlier one requiring her to approve expenditures over $25 million.

DHS Directive’s Anticipated Workload

The DHS secretary’s office should expect to handle over 5,100 contract actions during the federal quarter. This figure is based on data from the last three fiscal years.

“Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS is rooting out waste, fraud, abuse and is reprioritizing appropriated dollars,” said a spokesperson for the DHS.

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Space Force, DIU Accelerating Adoption of Commercial Tech
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The U.S. Space Force and DIU are trying to accelerate processes to procure commercial technologies.

The U.S. Space Force and the Defense Innovation Unit are accelerating efforts to bring commercial technologies into military operations in line with the Commercial Space Strategy, released in April 2024, Federal News Network reported Thursday.

Space Force, DIU Accelerating Adoption of Commercial Tech

Air and space defense is a critical component of national security and is increasingly essential in the looming Great Power Competition era. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Defense Summit will provide attendees with insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry to determine how they can contribute to the advancement of air and space defense. Register here.

During a recent AFCEA DC luncheon, Col. Richard Kniseley, the senior materiel leader of the Commercial Space Office in the Space Systems Command for the Space Force, shared that the agency’s use of the strategy reduced the time needed from query to competition to delivery of product to less than 72 hours, in support of a tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking mission area, which involved missions related to Russia and China and counter-drug proliferation.

“So [we are] taking advantage of the phenomenal technologies that are being procured by our intel friends at the National Reconnaissance Office, and utilizing commercial analytics to get things out to the command commands very fast,” Kniseley said.

According to the official, the Space Force introduced a new “front door” aimed at reducing barriers for commercial companies, particularly early-stage businesses, when attempting to work with the service branch.

Focusing on Prototypes to Accelerate Product Development, Procurement 

In line with the Commercial Space Strategy, SpaceWERX, the innovation arm of the Space Force, now focuses on investing in prototypes with the potential to become programs of record.

DIU, meanwhile, is implementing brief proposal processes to speed up contract awards for non-traditional commercial technology and prototypes.

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OUSD R&E Awards Up to $42M Funding for Warfighter Tech Development Under APFIT Program
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Emil Michael, under secretary of defense for research and engineering, discusses recent APFIT funding awards

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, or OUSD R&E, has increased its investment in the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies, also known as APFIT, program, which provides financial support to small businesses that develop technologies for warfighters. 

OUSD R&E announced that five companies will receive funding of up to $42 million, which is the largest single award since the program launched in 2022. 

APFIT was established to accelerate the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies that support warfighters. Since 2022, the program has invested over $925 million across various projects. 

Previous contracts awarded under APFIT ranged between $10 million and $20 million. 

New APFIT Funding Winners

According to OUSD R&E, a company developing electronic warfare capability for the U.S. Army secured the largest single AFIP funding of $42 million. Another contract awardee for a Ku and Ka band communications suite for the U.S. Air Force received $33.3 million.

Four projects each received $30 million under AFIP. The projects are:

  • Expeditionary Manufacturing Cells for the Air Force
  • Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack Systems for the Marine Corps
  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Defense for the Air Force
  • Vanilla Long Endurance UAS for multiple Department of Defense components

“APFIT empowers small and non-traditional companies to play a pivotal role in countering emerging threats,” explained Emil Michael, under secretary of defense for research and engineering. “The investments allow them to scale, hire talent, and deliver solutions that directly enhance warfighter capabilities.”

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PPPL, SOSV & NJEDA Partner to Advance Plasma Technology
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PPPL has partnered with SOSV and NJEDA to advance plasma technology

The Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, or PPPL, has formed a partnership with venture capital firm SOSV and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, or NJEDA, to advance plasma technology.

PPPL said Wednesday the collaborative effort aims to establish a strategic innovation center to facilitate advanced plasma research and accelerate the commercialization of plasma technologies. The center also aims to foster an ecosystem for startups focused on plasma technology.

NJ HAX Plasma Forge

The Strategic Innovation Center, NJ HAX Plasma Forge, will leverage PPPL’s research capabilities with SOSV’s investment expertise to launch and expand new businesses and accelerate the deployment of new plasma technologies. Its focus on low-temperature plasma research will also be instrumental in strengthening the semiconductor supply chain.

The new center will have around 10,000 square feet of space for laboratories and co-working areas. It will be built near the PPPL in New Jersey. The location was selected mainly because of its proximity to Princeton University and Columbia University, which have fusion research programs. New Jersey is also home to companies focused on fusion technology.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is partnering with inventive entrepreneurs, world-class academic institutions and private sector experts to strengthen the state’s position as a leader in innovation,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA. “With the support of the NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative, entrepreneurs will be able to harness transformative advances in plasma research to create businesses that drive this exciting industry forward and further the state’s ambitious clean energy and energy resiliency goals.”

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GAO: Army Should Adopt New Design Tools to Speed Up Air, Missile Defense Modernization
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GAO issued a new report on the Army's air and missile defense system modernization effort

The Government Accountability Office wants the U.S. Army to adopt modern design technologies, such as digital twins and digital threads, to accelerate the modernization of its air and missile defense systems. 

In a report published Wednesday, the congressional watchdog said that fully utilizing such tools would enhance efficiencies, reduce costs and enable decision makers to anticipate design flaws.

GAO Findings in Report on Army Air & Missile Defense Modernization

The Army has been in the process of modernizing its air and missile defense infrastructure for years. The military branch ramped up the initiative in 2018 to ensure that soldiers are well protected against threats from near-peer competitors, such as China and Russia. 

However, GAO pointed out that the Army mostly uses 3D modeling and simulation technology to predict how a product would function in a specific situation. The organization will benefit from using digital twins, which are dynamic virtual representations of products, and digital threats, or tools that deliver real-time data to stakeholders throughout a product lifecycle. 

The report pointed out that the Army has increased its budget requests for seven air and missile defense modernizations since 2021. The service also implemented acquisition pathways that speed up the development and delivery of new capabilities. 

GAO recommended that the Army assess the benefits of modern design tools. The Department of Defense concurred.

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Rodney Scott Confirmed as New CBP Commissioner
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Rodney Scott confirmed as Customs and Border Protection commissioner by U.S. Senate.

The Senate confirmed Rodney Scott to serve as the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection. 

Scott’s confirmation comes amid challenges in securing U.S. borders, CBP said Wednesday, noting that the new commissioner will play a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission of protecting the American people, safeguarding borders and enhancing economic prosperity.

Who Is Rodney Scott?

Scott, a career law enforcement professional, has over three decades of service at CBP, beginning in 1992 when he joined as a U.S. Border Patrol agent. In 2020, he assumed command of the U.S. Border Patrol, a position he held until 2021. His promotion to commissioner makes him the first individual to rise from a GS-5 Border Patrol agent trainee to the CBP’s top leader.

“I’m honored that the United States Senate has confirmed me, and I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their trust and unwavering leadership,” Scott said in a statement following his confirmation. “I started my career on the front lines, and now I am ready to lead my CBP family with integrity and a clear mission to defend our sovereignty, enforce the law, and put America first.”

Amid the Trump administration’s campaign to arrest suspected undocumented immigrants, Scott will face complex issues related to border enforcement and immigration policies.

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Trump Officially Nominates Space Force’s Michael Guetlein to Lead Golden Dome Initiative
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President Donald Trump nominated Gen. Michael Guetlein to lead the Golden Dome program

President Donald Trump has officially nominated Gen. Michael Guetlein, the current vice chief of space operations at the U.S. Space Force and a 2025 Wash100 Award winner, as direct reporting program manager for the Golden Dome project.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, also a Wash100 recipient, announced Guetlein’s nomination along with other nominees for leadership positions at the U.S. Air Force on Wednesday.

Who Is Michael Guetlein?

Reports about Trump’s selection of Guetlein as the direct reporting program manager for Golden Dome for America first emerged in May. At a White House press conference, the president praised the four-star general’s “unmatched background in missile warning technology and defense procurement,” adding that Guetlein is known “to move fast.”

Trump Officially Nominates Space Force's Michael Guetlein to Lead Golden Dome Initiative

Gen. Guetlein is one of the keynote speakers at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 Air and Space Summit on July 31. Register for the in-person event here.

As the Space Force’s second-ranking officer, Guetlein assists the chief of space operations in training and equipping space forces around the world, implementing space policies, developing guidelines and coordinating space-related activities.

Before his current role, he served as commander of the Space Systems Command.

Outside of the Space Force, Guetlein held positions at the National Reconnaissance Office, Missile Defense Agency and the Air Force.

Trump’s Air Force Leadership Nominees

Hegseth’s Wednesday announcement also names Lt. Gen. Adrian Spain, Gen. Case Cunningham and Gen. John DeGoes.

Spain, deputy chief of staff for operations at USAF, was nominated as commander of the Air Combat Command. He will succeed Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, who is retiring.

Meanwhile, Trump chose Cunningham, current head of the U.S. Alaska Command, to replace Spain as the deputy chief of staff, or the Air Force A-3.

DeGoes will hold the dual roles of surgeon general of the Air Force, his current position, and commander of the Air Force Medical Command.

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Daniel Driscoll on Army Transformation Initiative
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Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll discussed the Army Transformation Initiative during a Senate subcommittee hearing

Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said the Army Transformation Initiative will reassess all requirements, prioritize programs that contribute to lethality, cancel unnecessary initiatives and encourage leaders to take risks, DOD News reported Wednesday.

“The Army Transformation Initiative will make us into an Army that is lean, agile and relentlessly focused on empowering its soldiers. We need to get rid of what we don’t need, acquire what we do and chisel our organization down to a lean, lethal fighting machine,” Driscoll said Wednesday during the Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee hearing.

Analysis of Proposed Changes Under Army Transformation Initiative

During the hearing, Driscoll told lawmakers that the service will submit to Congress in 10 days an analysis detailing its proposed changes under the Army Transformation Initiative, including its plan to restructure formations, consolidate Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command into one entity and cancel programs like the Robotic Combat Vehicle and the M10 Booker light tank, according to a report by Defense News.

“We’d be happy to come by any time, but I think very specifically, you will have that detail within 10 days,” Driscoll said.

According to the Army secretary, the amount of spending planned over the next five years for programs the military branch will cancel or redirect is worth approximately $48 billion.

Expanding ‘Transformation in Contact’ Initiative to Army Guard

The Army Times reported that Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George said the service has begun identifying Army Guard units for the Transformation in Contact, or TIC, initiative, which started with three infantry brigades.

“We want to do that as fast as we can in the Guard as well,” George said during the Senate subpanel hearing. “They are identifying those units who can do that in the Guard.”

TIC seeks to deliver drones, infantry squad vehicles, counter-drone equipment, electromagnetic warfare capabilities and other new equipment to operational units as they prepare for major training activities and deployments.

The general noted that the Army Guard will have access to those same systems.

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