Editor’s Note: This article was previously published on December 24, 2022. We’re bringing it back.
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American service members have often spent their holidays away from loved ones — and in harm&#8217;s way — and the men who found themselves in the besieged Belgian city of Bastogne just before Christmas of 1944 were no exception.
Bastogne, which sits just a few miles from the border of Luxembourg, had been under German control since <a href="https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/german-invasion-of-western-europe-may-1940" target="_blank" rel="noopener">May of 1940</a> and had only been liberated by Allied troops a few months earlier in September — and much of the 101st Airborne Division remained in and around the city.
Other divisions were scattered throughout the surrounding area, many composed of replacement troops who had only recently arrived in Europe: among them were elements of the 106th Infantry &#8220;The Golden Lions,&#8221; the 9th Armored &#8220;Phantom&#8221; Division, and the 28th Infantry &#8220;The Bloody Bucket.&#8221; Some were still waiting for supply drops, ammunition, and even winter uniforms.
The surprise attack began on December 16th when German Panzer divisions pushed back towards Bastogne, catching the mostly-green American troops in the frozen Ardennes Forest off guard and breaking through roadblock after roadblock. Some put up a good fight, but many were driven back into Bastogne and forced to regroup.
On December 17th, just outside of a nearby town called <a href="https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-malmedy-massacre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malmedy</a>, a Hitler Youth graduate turned Waffen SS (Schutzstaffel) General Joachim Peiper and his men captured over 100 American soldiers, all part of Battery B of the 285th Field Artillery Observation Battalion. After a brief skirmish, the Americans who were unable to escape into the woods surrendered — and after taking their personal possessions from them, Peiper&#8217;s men lined the unarmed Americans up in eight rows in a nearby field and opened fire. The few who survived by pretending to be dead recalled hearing laughter as the SS soldiers fired.
By December 20th, the city of Bastogne itself was under siege, entirely surrounded and vastly outnumbered by the enemy — and word of Peiper and the massacre at Malmedy had gotten to soldiers and civilians alike. Snowy and frigid weather conditions made supply drops all but impossible, and even on the ground, visibility was limited.
Bastogne had also been inundated by &#8220;stragglers&#8221; — soldiers who had been assigned to units that had been overrun as the Germans had moved to encircle the city — and so Team SNAFU (Situation Normal, All Fouled Up) was born. Men from tank battalions, men from artillery groups, cooks, barbers, it no longer mattered: if they could carry a weapon and stand a post, they were temporarily reassigned to SNAFU and used as much-needed replacements to aid the 101st Airborne.
<div id="attachment_848989" style="width: 859px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-848989" class="wp-image-848989 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-1140427866-849x576.jpg" alt="Airborne Infantrymen, .30-caliber Machine Gun, Ardennes-Alsace Campaign, Battle of the Bulge, 1945. (Photo by: History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)" width="849" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-1140427866-849x576.jpg 849w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-1140427866-300x204.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-1140427866-768x521.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-1140427866.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px" />History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images</div>
<a href="https://www.asomf.org/the-battle-of-the-bulge-asom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Two days into the siege</a>, on December 22nd, a German contingent approached waving a white flag — and delivered an ultimatum to Major Alvin Jones, who commanded the 2nd Battalion, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment.
&#8220;The fortune of war is changing. Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne,&#8221; the letter read. Demanding surrender — within two hours — the German commander threatened to destroy the city if the Americans did not comply. He also promised that the Americans would be blamed for any resulting civilian casualties.
&#8220;The order for firing will be given immediately after this two hour’s term,&#8221; the German commander wrote. &#8220;All the serious civilian losses caused by this Artillery fire would not correspond with the well known American humanity.&#8221;
&#8220;They want us to surrender,&#8221; Jones told Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe.
McAuliffe, who was acutely aware of the situation, laughed in the face of certain doom: &#8220;Aw nuts!&#8221;
He went to write a return memo, but told his staff, &#8220;I don’t know what to tell them.&#8221;
Lt. Colonel Kinnard commented, &#8220;Well, sir, that first remark of yours would be hard to beat.&#8221;
And so McAuliffe&#8217;s reply read simply: “To the German Commander: Nuts! The American Commander.”
Colonel Joseph H. Harper, commander of 327th Glider Infantry, delivered the note to the Germans — reportedly delighting in the chance to explain to them what it meant: &#8220;If you don’t understand what &#8216;nuts&#8217; means, in plain English, it is the same as, &#8216;Go to Hell.’”
McAuliffe followed that note with an <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2021/12/nuts-mcauliffes-1944-christmas-letter-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">equally blustery</a> Christmas Eve letter to his troops, detailing both the German commander&#8217;s demands and his response.
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75 years ago this Christmas Eve, Gen. Anthony McAuliffe wrote this letter to his troops during the Battle of the Bulge. Today we remember the service members who served during the holidays both then and now and wish you a Merry Christmas! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoVeteranEverDies?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoVeteranEverDies</a> <a href="https://t.co/VuYyhYqqVj">pic.twitter.com/VuYyhYqqVj</a>
&mdash; National Cemeteries (@VANatCemeteries) <a href="https://twitter.com/VANatCemeteries/status/1209458808587784192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&#8220;What’s Merry about all this, you ask? We’re fighting — it’s cold, we aren’t home,&#8221; McAuliffe&#8217;s letter read. &#8220;All true but what has the proud Eagle Division accomplished with its worthy comrades the 10th Armored Division, the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion and all the rest? Just this: We have stopped cold everything that has been thrown at us from the North, East, South and West.&#8221;
&#8220;We have identifications from four German Panzer Divisions, two German Infantry Divisions and one German Parachute Division,&#8221; McAuliffe continued. &#8220;These units, spearheading the last desperate German lunge, were headed straight west for key points when the Eagle Division was hurriedly ordered to stem the advance. How effectively this was done will be written in history; not alone in our Division’s glorious history but in World history. The Germans actually did surround us, their radios blared our doom.&#8221;
McAuliffe, after sharing his flippant response to the German demand for surrender, concluded with these words: &#8220;Allied Troops are counterattacking in force. We continue to hold Bastogne. By holding Bastogne we assure the success of the Allied Armies. We know that our Division Commander, General Taylor, will say: &#8216;Well Done!&#8217; We are giving our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making for ourselves a Merry Christmas.&#8221;
The Germans did deliver the <a href="https://www.asomf.org/the-battle-of-the-bulge-asom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promised barrage</a> of artillery and bombs, bringing assault after assault over four days beginning on the 22nd — but on December 26th, a late Christmas gift finally arrived: General George S. Patton and his Third Army severed the German lines completely, breaking the siege of Bastogne.
<div id="attachment_848993" style="width: 721px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-848993" class="wp-image-848993 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-119462242-711x576.jpg" alt="American military commander Lieutenant General George S. Patton (1885 - 1945) (center left) talks with Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe (1898 - 1975), Bastogne, France, December 28, 1944. McAuliff commanded the 101st Airborne Division, which was beseiged in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, until the seige was broken by troops under Patton shortly before this picture was taken. (Photo by PhotoQuest/Getty Images)" width="711" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-119462242-711x576.jpg 711w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-119462242-300x243.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-119462242-768x622.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2024/12/GettyImages-119462242.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px" />PhotoQuest/Getty Images</div>

Two Infantrymen, Bastogne, Belgium, Ardennes-Alsace Campaign, Battle of the Bulge, December 1944

No Silent Night: Christmas Eve At The Siege Of Bastogne, 1944

Europe

Nazi Germany

U.S. Army

U.S. Military

World War II

With the 126th Army-Navy Game fast approaching, the prerequisite social media trash talk has already begun to ramp up between Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Navy Secretary John Phelan.
Kick-off for the 2025 Army-Navy Game, between West Point&#8217;s Black Knights and the Naval Academy&#8217;s Midshipmen, is at 3:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 13, at M&amp;T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Army comes into the game at a disadvantage, with a 6-5 season compared to Navy&#8217;s 9-2 showing, but that did not stop Driscoll from taking the first shot with an X post calling out West Point&#8217;s longtime rivals.
&#8220;@SECNAV, hope you brought your life vest! The Black Knights are about to sink @NavyFB on Saturday. @WestPoint_USMA’s spirit rally on Friday is the appetizer and Saturday’s game is the main course&#8230; and @USNavy is on the menu,&#8221; Driscoll posted on Sunday.
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/SECNAV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SECNAV</a>, hope you brought your life vest! 🛟🌊The Black Knights are about to sink <a href="https://twitter.com/NavyFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NavyFB</a> on Saturday. <a href="https://twitter.com/WestPoint_USMA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WestPoint_USMA</a>’s spirit rally on Friday is the appetizer and Saturday’s game is the main course&#8230; and <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNavy</a> is on the menu. 🍽️🛳️ <a href="https://t.co/7xsxrnlsxE">pic.twitter.com/7xsxrnlsxE</a>
— Secretary of the Army (@SecArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecArmy/status/1998549463775023160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Phelan shot back, &#8220;I brought you tissues, a pacifier and diapers. Unfortunately you will need them Saturday, not for your kids, for yourself! GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!&#8221;
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecArmy</a>, I brought you tissues, a pacifier and diapers. Unfortunately you will need them Saturday, not for your kids, for yourself! GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY! <a href="https://t.co/c8G1GAQKYm">https://t.co/c8G1GAQKYm</a>
— Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan (@SECNAV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SECNAV/status/1998600237515202903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2025</a></blockquote>
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And then he followed up with another, adding, &#8220;Let me know if you need my corpsman’s information. Always happy to help the Army patch up after Saturday. GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!&#8221;
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/SecArmy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecArmy</a> , let me know if you need my corpsman’s information. Always happy to help the Army patch up after Saturday.
GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY!<a href="https://twitter.com/USNavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/USMC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USMC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NavalAcademy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NavalAcademy</a> <a href="https://t.co/NBFnehtQK3">pic.twitter.com/NBFnehtQK3</a>
— Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan (@SECNAV) <a href="https://twitter.com/SECNAV/status/1999091817657360852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Both teams on the field will be wearing uniforms designed to honor 250 years of service to country.
<a class="c-link c-link--focus-visible c-link--underline" href="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=christmas&amp;utm_content=christmassale25" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-stringify-link="https://get.dailywire.com/subscribe/plus/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=editorial&amp;utm_campaign=christmas&amp;utm_content=christmassale25" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Christmas Sale – Get 40% off New DailyWire+ Annual Memberships</a>
The Army described the uniforms in a thread posted one month prior to game day, saying in part, &#8220;For the past 250 years, the United States Army has stood as America’s enduring symbol of service and sacrifice. Born in the desperate conditions of the American Revolution, the Army’s legacy is one of steadfast commitment to the defense of liberty, reflected in its motto, &#8216;This We’ll Defend.'&#8221;
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For the past 250 years, the United States Army has stood as America’s enduring symbol of service and sacrifice.
Born in the desperate conditions of the American Revolution, the Army’s legacy is one of steadfast commitment to the defense of liberty, reflected in its motto, “This… <a href="https://t.co/s02t82uDtq">pic.twitter.com/s02t82uDtq</a>
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/USArmy/status/1988924807681868043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The Navy&#8217;s team followed five days later with their own uniform unveiling.
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Every detail was taken into consideration when <a href="https://twitter.com/UnderArmour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UnderArmour</a> made these uniforms <a href="https://t.co/168T92kRln">https://t.co/168T92kRln</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoNavy</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Navy250?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Navy250</a> <a href="https://t.co/UIfdjjmWgb">pic.twitter.com/UIfdjjmWgb</a>
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/NavyAthletics/status/1990823195344048371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
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And of course, the rivalry has infected Capitol Hill. Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) announced a friendly wager with Sens. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) — a former Navy SEAL &#8212; Todd Young (R-IN), and West Point graduate Jack Reed (D-RI).
&#8220;We’re 2 days away from America’s Game. I’m team Army, but @TimSheehyMT and @SenToddYoung are Navy fans. @SenJackReed and I challenge our colleagues to a friendly wager. If Navy wins, we’ll wear Navy gear. If (and when) Army wins, Senators Young and Sheehy will have to wear Army gear. Looking forward to a great game. Go Army, Beat Navy!&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We’re 2 days away from America’s Game. I’m team Army, but <a href="https://twitter.com/TimSheehyMT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TimSheehyMT</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SenToddYoung?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenToddYoung</a> are Navy fans. <a href="https://twitter.com/SenJackReed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenJackReed</a> and I challenge our colleagues to a friendly wager. If Navy wins, we’ll wear Navy gear. If (and when) Army wins, Senators Young and Sheehy will have to wear Army… <a href="https://t.co/I6NYBf0s31">pic.twitter.com/I6NYBf0s31</a>
— Senator Dave McCormick (@SenMcCormickPA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenMcCormickPA/status/1999226325182349365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Even the United States Secret Service got into the rivalry with a video of two agents — one a West Point alumnus and one who&#8217;d graduated from the Naval Academy.
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The Army–Navy rivalry brings incredible energy when <a href="https://twitter.com/GoArmyWestPoint?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoArmyWestPoint</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NavyAthletics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NavyAthletics</a> meet on the field. Alumni and veterans in the Secret Service carry that friendly rivalry into their work. This year we will secure the December 13 game in Baltimore.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyNavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmyNavyGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmyNavyGame</a> <a href="https://t.co/pPIFR3zzN5">pic.twitter.com/pPIFR3zzN5</a>
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretService/status/1998509418569150828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
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President Donald Trump said in late November that he <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/trump-moore-crime-baltimore-army-navy-football-president/">planned to attend</a> the game.

Army Officials Testify In Senate Hearing On Defense Authorization Request For 2026

Army-Navy Hype Heats Up As Leaders Trade Pre-Game Jabs

Football

Military

U.S.

U.S. Navy

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his team is making &#8220;tremendous progress&#8221; toward ending the years-long Russia-Ukraine war, offering updates on his peace negotiations ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Trump&#8217;s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as his Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll meets with the Ukrainians, the president shared. Though there had been some talk of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky coming to the United States this week, Trump dispelled this rumor, noting that he will only meet with Zelensky and Putin when they have reached a deal.
&#8220;Over the past week, my team has made tremendous progress with respect to ending the War between Russia and Ukraine (A War that would have NEVER started if I were President!),&#8221; Trump said. &#8220;Last month 25,000 soldiers died. The original 28-Point Peace Plan, which was drafted by the United States, has been fine-tuned, with additional input from both sides, and there are only a few remaining points of disagreement.&#8221;
&#8220;I will be briefed on all progress made, along with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles,&#8221; the president added of his team&#8217;s meetings with the warring world leaders.
<div id="attachment_1006069" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-vows-no-meetings-with-putin-zelensky-until-the-deal-to-end-this-war-is-final/u-s-washington-d-c-trump-ukraine-zelensky-meeting" rel="attachment wp-att-1006069"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1006069" class="wp-image-1006069 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2241665155-864x576.jpg" alt="" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2241665155-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2241665155-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2241665155-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2241665155.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" /></a>U.S. President Donald Trump 2nd L welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Oct 17, 2025. (Photo by Hu Yousong/Xinhua via Getty Images)</div>
&#8220;I look forward to hopefully meeting with President Zelenskyy and President Putin soon, but ONLY when the deal to end this War is FINAL or, in its final stages,&#8221; he concluded. &#8220;Thank you for your attention to this very important matter, and let’s all hope that PEACE can be accomplished AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!&#8221;
The president&#8217;s statement came after news that Ukraine has agreed to the terms of a potential peace deal, negotiated by the Trump White House, that could end the years-long war with Russia.
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“The Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal,” Driscoll <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/us-holds-secret-meetings-russians-abu-dhabi-ukraine/story?id=127840867" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> ABC News on Tuesday morning. “There are some minor details to be sorted out but they have agreed to a peace deal.”
A White House official told The Daily Wire late Tuesday morning that no meeting between Zelensky and President Trump had been scheduled “at this time,&#8221; and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also stressed Tuesday morning that “there are a few delicate, but not insurmountable, details that must be sorted out and will require further talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.”
A spokesman for Driscoll, who was part of a Monday evening meeting of U.S. officials with the Russian delegation, said in a statement that “late Monday and throughout Tuesday, Secretary Driscoll and team have been in discussions with the Russian delegation to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine.”
“The talks are going well and we remain optimistic,” said LTC Jeff Tolbert, who is Driscoll’s spokesman. “Secretary Driscoll is closely synchronized with the White House and the U.S. interagency as these talks progress.”

President Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys

Trump Vows No Meetings With Putin, Zelensky Until ‘The Deal To End This War Is FINAL’

Donald Trump

Global Politics

Russia

Steve Witkoff

Ukraine

Ukraine-Russia War

Vladimir Putin

Volodymyr Zelensky

World

On Sunday, speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll discussed the growing threat of drones. Driscoll underscored the seriousness of the issue, calling drones “the threat of humanity’s lifetime.”
Driscoll explained that under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Army is now leading the Pentagon’s counter-drone efforts, coordinating closely with federal and local law enforcement. Driscoll stressed that drones, particularly inexpensive, 3D-printed models, act as “flying IEDs,” capable of crossing borders quickly and causing rapid, unpredictable destruction. He cited recent examples in Ukraine and Russia to illustrate the scale and speed of devastation drones can produce, framing them as a unique and unprecedented security challenge.
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Army Secretary Dan Driscoll says drones, and flying IED devices, are “the threat of humanity’s lifetime.”
“The problem with the drone fight, you need all sorts of layered defense. One solution does not work, if you just try to jam them. If you look at what’s happening in… <a href="https://t.co/hK58Kj3R0W">pic.twitter.com/hK58Kj3R0W</a>
&mdash; Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/FaceTheNation/status/1990112148492853731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Driscoll emphasized that responding to this threat requires a layered, technologically integrated approach. Simple measures like radar jamming are insufficient, especially against drones that can be hardwired to resist interference. Countermeasures include net guns and other intercept tools, but success depends on human coordination and real-time information sharing. He described the need for a “digital layer” to exchange sensing data, allowing the closest personnel or devices to neutralize threats quickly. Driscoll noted that the complexity of the problem increases when protecting sensitive sites such as airports, borders, or major public events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, and Olympics.
Regarding domestic drone regulation, Driscoll conveyed cautious optimism. Brennan asked, “Should there be restrictions in this country on who is able to own and operate drones?” He replied, “I’m pretty optimistic that we will be able to figure out a solution where we will know what is in the sky at every moment across our country all at once. … We’re not there yet.”
Driscoll said the goal is to track all drones nationwide in real-time, enabling Americans and commercial companies, such as Amazon, to operate drones safely while ensuring national security. He likened this approach to a “golden mini dome” over key sites, integrating detection systems, interceptors, and trained personnel to maintain safety and order.
Driscoll’s comments align with broader U.S. drone initiatives. The Pentagon has recently moved to <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/hegseth-unleashes-u-s-military-drone-dominance?utm_source=chatgpt.com">accelerate</a> drone production and deployment, empower lower-ranking officers to test and operate drones, and streamline bureaucratic procedures. Past programs include CIA MQ-9 Reaper <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/cia-operating-reaper-drones-over-mexico-in-war-against-drug-cartels?utm_source=chatgpt.com">surveillance</a> over Mexico and AI-enabled drones for active shooter deterrence on military bases.
Across these efforts, Driscoll’s framing of drones as the “threat of humanity’s lifetime” highlights the urgency with which the U.S. government is addressing both military and domestic challenges posed by drone technology.

Senate Holds Nomination Hearings For Daniel Driscoll To Be Army Secretary

‘Flying IEDs’: Army Sec Calls Drones ‘The Threat Of Humanity’s Lifetime’

'The Threat Of Humanity's Lifetime': Army Sec Warns Of Drones Being 'Flying IEDs'

Drones

On Independence Day, we celebrate.
On Memorial Day, we remember.
On Veterans Day, we honor. We honor all who, at one point in time, signed a blank check to the United States of America and said, “I’m in.”
But in for what? And for how long?
What I signed up for was to be part of the solution, to be a defender for my country. To be part of something bigger than myself and to sacrifice my “right now” for the future of my nation.
That oath wasn’t about a uniform. It was about a calling. Service doesn’t end when the deployment does; it simply takes new form.
When I first took my oath, I thought it was a promise limited by time, a contract that ended when my active duty did. But years later, I’ve realized that my oath was never meant to expire. It was a declaration of lifelong responsibility, a commitment to something far greater than myself: to stand ready, in whatever way the moment demands.
<div id="attachment_998785" style="width: 812px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-998785" class="size-full wp-image-998785" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Jimmy-graham.jpg" alt="" width="802" height="564" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Jimmy-graham.jpg 802w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Jimmy-graham-300x211.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/Jimmy-graham-768x540.jpg 768w" sizes=" (max-width: 802px) 100vw, 802px" />Credit: Jimmy Graham</div>
I may no longer be on active duty status, defending freedom on distant shores, but I’ve never been more active. Everything I do is a continuation of service — to this nation that I dearly love and to the people in it. The war today is against apathy, division, and moral decay. It’s the fight for our children’s minds in classrooms that have forgotten the truth. It’s the struggle for integrity in leadership, for unity in our communities, and for courage in a culture that rewards comfort. It’s a war for meaning in a generation that’s been told purpose is optional.
My battleground has shifted from standing on the frontlines of combat to standing in the frontlines of my home and community.
True service evolves. It becomes mentorship, leadership, and example-setting. It means preparing others to stand firm when life demands strength. It means showing young men and women that service isn’t just about defending borders; it’s about defending principles.
Many veterans understand this instinctively. We can’t turn it off, nor should we. The discipline, humility, and vigilance we learned in uniform are needed now more than ever right in our own city. Our duty didn’t end when we hung up our gear; it was simply reassigned.
But, we can’t expect our military or our first responders to shoulder all of the responsibility for keeping our nation safe and strong. If the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that danger doesn’t always knock first, it shows up unexpectedly in our schools, our churches, and our neighborhoods. We can’t outsource courage, so we must all be ready to fight and defend.
That relentless commitment to excellence and readiness is what our nation needs. It’s what we can all learn from the men and women who’ve worn the uniform and adopted a service mindset that transcends battlefields.
<div id="attachment_998787" style="width: 730px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-998787" class="size-large wp-image-998787" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/J-Graham-720x576.jpg" alt="Credit: Jimmy Graham" width="720" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/J-Graham-720x576.jpg 720w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/J-Graham-300x240.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/J-Graham-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/J-Graham.jpg 1200w" sizes=" (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" />Credit: Jimmy Graham</div>
So how do we honor veterans this Veterans Day? By doing more than saying, &#8220;thank you.&#8221; By showing our unyielding appreciation for those who fought for this country, but also by recognizing those wearing a new uniform and continuing the fight here at home. The ones leading in their churches, mentoring the next generation, and protecting their communities.
To those who’ve never served, I hope you turn your gratitude into movement. Put on that metaphorical uniform and join the new mission alongside the Vets now serving at home.
To my fellow veterans, thank you for your courageous service. I invite you back into “active duty.” This nation needs your leadership, professionalism, and courage now more than ever. Find a way to better serve your family, your community, and your country once again.
More than a once-a-year &#8220;thank you,&#8221; we need active appreciation. We need proof that the generations to come will carry on our fight for freedom. That the men and women of this great nation will continually defend our land and sacred institutions through service that comes in all shapes and sizes. That is how we can truly honor our veterans.
* * *
Jimmy Graham, CEO of<a href="https://ableshepherd.com/"> Able Shepherd</a>, is a veteran Navy SEAL and former CIA Global Response Staff Protective Officer with over two decades of experience in high-risk environments worldwide. He and his team train civilians, law enforcement, and first responders across the U.S. in armed and unarmed response to active threats to improve community safety and preparedness.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Military Family Reuniting at Miramar in San Diego

Honoring A Veteran Means Doing More Than Saying ‘Thank You’

Honoring A Veteran Means Doing More Than Saying 'Thank You'

Marines

Navy SEAL

Soldiers

U.S. Air Force

Veterans Day

The recent attempted shooting of Border Patrol agents in Chicago and the public warning to ICE by New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani are not isolated events. They signal something far more dangerous: the erosion of operational legitimacy for federal immigration enforcement inside the very cities where the rule of law should be most secure.
As an Army veteran and former Border Patrol agent, I have seen the indicators of insurgency and state destabilization around the world. I never expected to see them unfold here, in our own communities, under our own flag.
What’s happening now is not a series of policy disagreements. It is a systemic breakdown of enforcement authority, political clarity, and institutional courage. And at its core lies the question every Republic must eventually answer: are we still a sovereign people — capable not only of defending our borders, but of defending the meaning of citizenship itself?
<h3>The Question Every Veteran Is Asking</h3>
This Veterans Day, many of us are reflecting on what we fought for, and increasingly, we are asking the question: What was it all for?
Across the West, veterans from Normandy to Fallujah are feeling the same pain. One British WWII veteran, Alec Penstone, <a href="https://x.com/GMB/status/1986715254869332096?s=20">broke down on camera</a> when asked what Remembrance Sunday meant to him.
<blockquote>I can see in my mind’s eye rows and rows of white stones — hundreds of my friends and everybody else who gave their lives. For what? A country of today? No, I’m sorry. Their sacrifice wasn’t worth the result of what it is now. What we fought for was our freedom, and it’s a darn-sight worse now than when I fought for it.</blockquote>
That grief is not confined to Britain. It’s the recognition of a veteran’s intuition that something deeper is unraveling, not just the loss of order, but a whole-of-society assault aimed at eroding the very freedoms we fought for: life, liberty, and property. 
Because at the heart of every service member is one thing above all: home. Even when deployed abroad, our thoughts drift back to the people and principles we left behind. When we hang up the uniform, we hope the fight was worth it. We hope the home we return to still resembles the one we fought for.
<div id="attachment_998559" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-998559" class="size-large wp-image-998559" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2243382338-864x576.jpg" alt="CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 28: Masked federal agents walk alongside the Dirksen Federal Building on October 28, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. The agents circled the courthouse ahead of U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino's departure following a court appearance, where he faces accusations that he and other federal agents have defied court limits on tear gas and other crowd control tactics during President Donald Trump's Operation Midway Blitz enforcement surge across the Chicago area. (Photo by Jamie Kelter Davis/Getty Images)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2243382338-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2243382338-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2243382338-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2243382338.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Jamie Kelter Davis/Getty Images</div>
<h3>The War Has Come Home</h3>
Today, we see familiar signs of foreign wars on our own streets: the normalization of political violence, the collapse of enforcement authority, the ideological capture of civil institutions, and the strategic demoralization of those still willing to stand post. These are no longer foreign indicators, but domestic realities. 
What we are seeing in the streets of Chicago and New York is not random violence; it is the very thing we swore an oath to protect against. It is insurgent in nature, symbolic in purpose, and deeply strategic in effect. 
When Border Patrol agents are ambushed in an American city, it is not merely a crime; it is an assault on the institution charged with upholding the boundary of American citizenship.
Citizenship is more than paperwork. It is the covenant that binds a people; the shared rights, duties, and the consent to govern ourselves together. Without it, sovereignty is an empty word. 
And yet, in Chicago, ICE and Border Patrol, the frontline forces tasked with enforcing the lawful boundaries of citizenship, came under literal fire. When those who defend the meaning of citizenship are attacked, political independence itself lies wounded. Sovereignty survives only if citizenship is defined and defended. That is the first duty of a free government.
Every threat the Republic faces today — cartel proxies like the Latin Kings, lawfare against enforcement, the erosion of border integrity, and the politicization of compassion — tests whether we still understand what it means to be a self-governing people. When the institutions meant to uphold the rule of law are politically dismantled or physically overwhelmed, the promise of citizenship becomes a dead letter, and the Republic begins to die from within.
<h3>Federal Immigration Enforcement Now Operates in Contested Space</h3>
Border Patrol agents were once primarily deployed to defined border zones with clear mission parameters. But over the last few months, enforcement responsibilities have expanded into the urban interior.
In these environments, agents no longer operate under presumed legitimacy or unified command. Instead, they enter contested space where local political actors, extreme left advocacy networks, and even elements of civil governance view their presence as unlawful or illegitimate. The Chicago shooting confirmed what many of us already knew: federal agents are being sent into environments that are not only tactically exposed but politically opposed to their mission.
This is no longer conventional law enforcement. It increasingly mirrors the asymmetry we once confronted abroad: constrained by policy, vulnerable to political interference, and dependent on interagency cooperation that may no longer exist.
<div id="attachment_998565" style="width: 875px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-998565" class="size-large wp-image-998565" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2245411718-865x576.jpg" alt="CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 06: Federal agents stand guard as they are confronted by residents after making a stop while driving in a caravan through the Brighton Park neighborhood on November 06, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Federal agents participating in Operation Midway Blitz, engage in daily patrols through Chicago neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs searching for undocumented immigrants. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)" width="865" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2245411718-865x576.jpg 865w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2245411718-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2245411718-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/11/GettyImages-2245411718.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 865px) 100vw, 865px" />Scott Olson/Getty Images</div>
<h3>Narrative Inversion Is Undermining Enforcement Legitimacy</h3>
We’ve reached a point where the narrative surrounding immigration enforcement has been fully inverted. Those upholding the law are portrayed as tyrants, aggressors, and racists, while those obstructing it are framed as defenders of freedom and justice.
This inversion did not happen by accident. It is the product of deliberate political messaging, selective prosecution, legal interference, and media framing that blurred the line between lawful enforcement and oppression.
The operational consequence is uncertainty and paralysis. In cities like New York and Chicago, agents now operate under the assumption that any use of force, no matter how lawful or proportionate, may trigger political condemnation or legal retaliation. That has a chilling effect on enforcement and a corrosive effect on morale.
Meanwhile, the message to the Mexican cartels, transnational criminal organizations, and domestic terrorists is clear: the political environment is ripe for disruption. They don’t need to defeat enforcement with bullets; they can do it with narrative manipulation and lawfare. The front line has shifted from the Rio Grande to the American metropolis.
Chicago is a warning. If our leaders allow political clarity to erode or fail to defend the institutional legitimacy of immigration enforcement, then these same dynamics will spread, just as cartel and trafficking patterns have migrated elsewhere in response to enforcement pressure.
We must restore political clarity, invest in interoperable command and legal infrastructure, and defend the moral legitimacy of enforcement itself. Immigration enforcement is not cruel, and it is not optional. It is a sovereign function of a free state.
If the federal government cannot enforce its own laws or protect those who do, then the border is no longer the boundary. The boundary becomes wherever authority collapses.
<h3>Veterans Know What This Is — And We Know What Must Be Done</h3>
This Veterans Day, we must say the quiet part out loud: the war we fought abroad has come home. The difference is that we no longer call it war. We call it politics. We call it protest. We call it compassion. But we know the truth.
We were trained to recognize insurgency, subversion, and the collapse of legitimate authority. We were trained to defend boundaries, not just lines on a map, but the moral and legal foundations of a free nation. That fight is now ours again.
The most important function of government is to secure the rights, responsibilities, and freedoms of its citizens. Because if we cannot define who a citizen is, then we are no longer a Republic. We are something else: fragile, and far more dangerous.
This Veterans Day, we do not mourn what we lost. We rally to defend what remains.
* * *
Ammon Blair is a Senior Fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He is a 22-year U.S. Army veteran and former U.S. Border Patrol Agent.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

TOPSHOT-US-BORDER PATROL-IMMIGRATION

A Veterans Day Warning: The War We Fought Abroad Has Come Home

Border Patrol

Chicago

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Opinion

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has traveled to visit soldiers twice as often as his predecessor had at this point in her tenure, a signal of the Trump administration’s different approach to the military.
In the seven months since he was confirmed, Driscoll has visited 44 different locations, spending around 64 days out of the office. By comparison, Biden’s Army Secretary, Christine Wormuth, visited just 21 locations over 31 days [out of the office] at this point in her tenure.
“One of my top priorities as secretary is getting outside the building and meeting with soldiers,” Driscoll told The Daily Wire. “Transformation doesn’t happen from behind desks at the Pentagon; it’s happening out in the field.”
“Since becoming secretary, I’ve met with soldiers stationed across this nation and deployed around the globe,” Driscoll said. “I’ve asked these men and women to give me their unfiltered views on what the Army needs to do to improve quality of life, their thoughts on our newest weapon systems, and their ideas to make our Army more lethal.”
“Every soldier I’ve met is inquisitive, innovative, and resourceful – these men and women are the very best of our nation, and I want them to know that I have their backs,” he added.
An Army official told The Daily Wire that Driscoll has made taking care of soldiers his top priority, and that the secretary believes the most effective way to do so is to meet them in person. For this reason, he plans to spend a considerable amount of time on the road for the foreseeable future.
At his current rate, Driscoll is on track to outpace Wormuth, who traveled to 115 locations in total throughout her entire four-year tenure.
“Secretary Driscoll has shot our current and future weapon systems. He’s flown in Blackhawks, Chinooks, Apaches, fired tanks and Bradleys, rappelled from aircraft, done Physical Training (PT) with nearly every unit he’s visited, flown drones, driven in the ISV, visited soldiers on the southern border twice, and traveled to the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific,” an Army official told The Daily Wire.
“He has prioritized learning directly from those who will fight and win our nation’s wars and carrying their message to America’s capital.”
Driscoll’s commitment to interacting with soldiers aligns with the Trump administration’s hands-on approach to the armed services. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth regularly joins soldiers for workouts while traveling around the world, notably <a href="https://www.war.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4210511/hegseth-commemorates-81st-anniversary-of-d-day-in-france/">jogging with troops</a> on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, during a visit commemorating the 81st anniversary of D-Day.
Under Driscoll and Hegseth, the Army met its 2025 recruiting goals four months ahead of schedule, The Daily Wire <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/less-woke-more-lethal-military-hits-major-milestones-under-trump-and-hegseth">reported</a> in June.

U.S. President Donald Trump Holds Press Conference August 11, 2025

Trump’s Army Secretary Is Spending Twice As Much Time With Troops As His Predecessor

Trump's Army Secretary Is Spending Twice As Much Time With Troops As His Predecessor

Department of War

Pete Hegseth

Politics

A 25-year-old former member of the National Guard is accused of attempting to provide 3D-printed weapons to someone he believed was a member of al-Qaeda, according to a criminal complaint unsealed on Wednesday. 
While serving in the National Guard, Andrew Hastings of Tulsa, Oklahoma, <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-arrested-and-charged-attempting-provide-al-qaida-weapons">allegedly</a> shipped more than one hundred parts for weapons to an undercover agent with the intent of assisting the radical Islamic terrorist group. He is charged with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and illegal possession or transfer of a machine gun.
Hastings first came under FBI scrutiny in June 2024 after he was found to be “discussing committing acts of violence against U.S. civilians in furtherance of global jihad” on a social media app, according to the Justice Department. At the time, he worked as an aircraft powertrain repairer and held a national security clearance.
On social media, Hastings allegedly encouraged others in a group chat discussing acts of terrorism to develop cyberspace skills and start physical training. He allegedly offered to provide Army manuals related to tactics and the manufacture of weapons and expressed interest in creating a nuclear weapon. 
According to the complaint, Hastings then began conversing with an undercover agent who claimed to have ties to al-Qaeda. Surveillance footage cited in court documents reportedly shows Hastings dropping off boxes at a post office to ship 3D printed machine gun conversion switches, two 3D printed lower receivers for a handgun, a handgun slide, and other handgun parts for “al-Qaida for use in terrorist attacks.”
Investigators also stated that he took an overseas trip without reporting it to his superiors as required. Hastings voluntarily left the National Guard on June 6, 2025, as the investigation was ongoing. 
The FBI, the Army, the ATF, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. 
“The successful arrest of this Soldier is a testament to the strong partnership between Army Counterintelligence Command and the FBI,” said Brig. Gen. Sean Stinchon, the commanding general of Army Counterintelligence Command, adding that the Army remained committed to ensuring that “individuals who support terrorist organizations are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Trump Increases Federal Law Enforcement Presence, Deploys National Guard In Nation’s Capital

Former National Guardsman Accused Of 3D-Printing Weapons For Al-Qaeda

Al Qaeda

Crime

Department of Justice

National Guard

Oklahoma

Radical Islamic Terror

Terrorism

In 2001, I was a young, brand-new private who had joined the Army to provide a better life for his family. I also had hopes of using the military to pay for my education. But when I woke up on the morning of September 11 at Fort Benning, Georgia, I did not immediately realize how my life was about to change.
After breakfast chow, we loaded our belongings onto a truck and then marched over to our basic training unit. We arrived around 0900. My uncles had warned me about the initial “shark attack” by the drill instructors once we arrived. The first week would be the hardest. I was already so nervous I could hardly connect to what was happening. Yes, we did get yelled at when we arrived, but it was not nearly as bad as I had been led to believe.
After we received our bags and platoon assignments, we were escorted to our bays and assigned bunks. Before they left, the drill sergeants asked if anyone had family in Washington, D.C. or New York City. Since none of us really knew each other, the bay was quiet. Then, a few soldiers did leave. One drill sergeant who stayed with us did not smoke us or push us to exhaustion, instead, he just kept saying over and over: “We are going to war.”
At first, I thought it was just infantry motivation, the kind of thing I had heard about from older family members who served. I hadn’t yet connected the dots.
It was not until lunch that the rumors really started to circulate. The soldiers who had been pulled aside earlier were allowed back in, and the “private network” immediately began spreading word: the Pentagon had been attacked, and the World Trade Center had fallen.
My first thought was that they were just trying to mess with us and get us ready for the next 22 weeks of OSUT (One Station Unit Training). But since the drills were not yelling at us like we expected, that thought began to subside.
After lunch we were marched back to the bays. Then, all four drill sergeants left, putting a brand-new soldier PG (Platoon Guide) in charge to keep us busy. A short while later, they rolled in one of those old box TVs and turned on the news. We sat there and watched everything unfold.
That night, they let us call our families. I remember my grandmother being terrified that I might go overseas in a week. We were instructed to reassure our families that we would not be going to war anytime soon. But like me, my family did not yet fully understand military life.
We were a motivated group of over 300 infantry soldiers. Only one soldier failed to graduate due to injury and not a single one went AWOL. At graduation, our drill sergeants told us that was something to be proud of.
Looking back, so much about that first week stuck with me. We were supposed to be bussed to our unit, but the contractor could not bring the buses onto post, so we marched. There were no “shark attacks,” instead the drill sergeants were glued to the news in the day room that morning. The very next day, they had us standing at a gate with “black rubber ducks” (rubber M-16 rifles), staged way behind the real soldiers, Humvees, and Bradleys, as part of a show of force.
The week of September 11, 2001, was the beginning of a journey I could never have imagined. Over the next 22 years of active duty service, I came to believe deeply that Americans are strong and that we live in one of the greatest countries in the world. I have visited the World Trade Center many times, both at the temporary memorial and the new one. I have stood at the Pentagon memorial and a few years ago I saw the 9/11 Boots of the Fallen memorial at the Pentagon before they were removed. Each visit reminded me of how much was lost and how much unity we found in the days that followed.
One of the most troubling truths is that it took something so horrific to bring America together. In the days following the attacks we leaned on each other and stood united. We remembered what it meant to be one people. Today, it often feels like we are further apart than we were before that tragic event. Maybe it is because of technology, or the way people can now speak without consequence, spreading lies and division.
Still, I choose to hold onto hope. Hope that we can find our way back to that same spirit of unity, where truth matters, where respect is given freely, and where we see the best in one another once again. The challenges ahead may be different, but so is our strength when we remember that we are stronger together.
* * *
Eric Arellano enlisted in the U.S. Army as an 11C Indirect Fire Infantryman, but reclassified as a 68P radiography tech after an injury sidelined him. He retired as a Sergeant First Class (E7) in 2023 after serving 22 years. Both of his sons and his son-in-law have also served in the military. Eric lives in Texas with his wife, Victoria.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

Ft. Benning (GA) Recruits May Be Training For Iraq

The Morning America Was Attacked, I Became A Soldier

9/11

Pentagon

The terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, were a wake-up call for America, and I sincerely hope it is not one we as a nation have forgotten. There are still folks out there who hate our freedoms and our way of life.
We are no longer protected by oceans and geographical distance from potential enemies. We must always remember we are a nation at risk and be prepared for the next attack. I do believe in peace through strength.
I was the Assistant Division Commander for the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division on the 11th of September in 2001. I was in the middle of packing to head to the airport when my wife Sarah asked me to turn on the television. Those TV images are still etched in my mind today, even though the event occurred 24 years ago.
<div id="attachment_971107" style="width: 783px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-971107" class="size-large wp-image-971107" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-1374462-773x576.jpg" alt="NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: (JAPAN OUT) (VIDEO CAPTURE) (Series 1/4) Hijacked United Airlines flight 175 flies towards the south tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 in New York City. The plane is one of four hijacked that morning and is the second plane to be flown into the World Trade Center buildings. (Photo by CNN via Getty Images)" width="773" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-1374462-773x576.jpg 773w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-1374462-300x224.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-1374462-768x572.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/GettyImages-1374462.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 773px) 100vw, 773px" />CNN via Getty Images</div>
In the past, I deployed to Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Kosovo. Since the attacks on 9/11 I deployed to Iraq three times in varying capacities. And clearly, I am not alone. All uniformed military have had shared similar experiences. As I reflect back on that time, we went from a nation enjoying peace and prosperity to a nation at war.
In order to maintain our freedoms we need a strong military. We cannot afford to let the Department of Defense become a bill payer for programs not directly tied to our national security. We need to ensure all branches of our military are a ready fighting force — well equipped, well trained, and prepared to rapidly respond to any threat at a moment’s notice.
We also must actively support our nation’s veterans and their families because they sacrificed much to ensure we have the freedoms we enjoy today. Less than 1% of our country’s population serve in uniform at any one time, but we all enjoy the freedoms provided by that select few. Unfortunately, 76% of our population acknowledges that they have no idea what our veterans are going through because they just don’t know any veterans. That is wrong and must be addressed.
I remain concerned about the future of our great nation and want to ensure our kids and grandkids enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today. As Ronald Reagan reminded us, freedom is only one generation removed from extinction. Let’s use today to reflect on those freedoms and commit to do everything we can to maintain them for generations to come.
* * *
Rick Lynch was privileged to serve 35 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant General. During his time in the Army he commanded at all levels, from a platoon of 30 soldiers to a corps of 65,000. His last job in the Army was commanding all U.S. Army installations, with a workforce of 120,000. He now is the President of R. Lynch Enterprises, focused on building concerned, caring, adaptive leaders across our nation. He is the author of &#8220;Adapt or Die,&#8221; &#8220;Work Hard, Pray Hard,&#8221; and &#8220;We&#8217;re Not Robots.&#8221;
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
Correction: A previous version stated that the author had deployed to Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Kosovo after 9/11. Those conflicts took place before 9/11. The correction has been made.

World Trade Center Attacked

I Was An Army Commander On 9/11. I’m Still Concerned About America’s Readiness.

I Was An Army Commander On 9/11. I'm Still Concerned About America’s Readiness.

New York City

The U.S. Army has canceled its Command Assessment Program, which evaluated candidates for promotion and was implemented “with the stated goal of reducing conscious and unconscious biases,” as Military Times <a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/09/02/army-cancels-biden-era-promotion-program-aimed-at-eliminating-bias/">reported</a>.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Good riddance. 
Promotions across <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a> will ONLY be based on merit &amp; performance. <a href="https://t.co/ttGRGsIByA">pic.twitter.com/ttGRGsIByA</a>
&mdash; Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/1963196274036900249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
A 2022 <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359139539_Interrupting_Bias_in_Army_Talent_Management">paper</a> published in the U.S. Army War College Quarterly noted of the program:
<blockquote>
The Army’s Command Assessment Program executes a comprehensive battery of evaluations to assess talent for command positions while taking measures to minimize bias. &#8230; A panel conducts double-blind interviews of the candidates behind a screen to limit unconscious bias related to race and ethnicity. Panel members participate in antibias training just before the initial interview process and receive a shorter refresher each day they serve on the panel. 
 Individuals who have previously worked with candidates are asked to complete the Army Commander Evaluation Tool, which is intended to reflect fitness for command and identify counterproductive behaviors. These processes (double-blind interview, bias training, and anonymous peer and subordinate feedback) are notable examples of processes put in place to combat bias and should be considered best practices. 
</blockquote>
“The Army has embraced talent management transformation amid the backdrop of a global pandemic that has altered the way Americans work, and the Army has done so amid civil unrest that has resulted in part from systemic racism,” the paper claimed. “Diversity can refer to both demographics and thought. Diversity of thought, termed ‘cognitive diversity,’ may arise from variations in background, experience and perspective. One framework for diversity consists of primary dimensions, such as age, sexual orientation, physical abilities, race, gender, spiritual beliefs, and class &#8230;”
The Command Assessment Program replaced the Army’s Centralized Selection Board/List, which was not based on peer evaluations and behavioral analysis. “Former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth made CAP an official program of record just days before President Donald Trump took office,” Military Times pointed out.
“More than half of the Army’s senior officers are turning down opportunities to command &#8230; Historically, 85% of those participants have been deemed fit for command. Yet this year, 54% of eligible officers voluntarily chose not to participate &#8212; a significant uptick from the 40% average opt-out rate seen since 2019,” Military.com <a href="https://www.military.com/daily-news/2024/12/13/more-half-of-senior-army-officers-are-turning-down-command-consideration.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com">reported</a> last December.

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‘Good Riddance’: Army Axes Woke Bias Evaluation Program

'Good Riddance': Army Axes Woke Bias Evaluation Program

Bias

Unconscious bias

The U.S. Army awarded medals to six soldiers who subdued an active shooter and quickly aided their wounded colleagues after a sergeant opened fire at Fort Stewart in Georgia on Wednesday.
At a <a href="https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1YqKDZNmgaoJV">press conference</a> on Thursday morning, the Army honored First Sgt. Joshua Arnold, Master Sgt. Justin Thomas, Staff Sgt. Melissa Taylor, Staff Sgt. Robert Pacheco, Staff Sergeant Aaron Turner, and Sergeant Eve Rodarte for their heroism. The suspect is accused of using his personal handgun in the shooting. Fort Stewart prohibits personnel from carrying their own firearms at the base.
&#8220;One of the things I can say unequivocally is that the fast action of these soldiers under stress and under trauma and under fire absolutely saved lives from being lost,&#8221; said U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll.
&#8220;One of the soldiers tackled the person, so just think about this, they were unarmed and ran at and tackled an armed person who they knew was actively shooting their buddies, their colleagues, their fellow soldiers,&#8221; Driscoll added. &#8220;Another soldier jumped on top of the person to subdue them until federal law enforcement arrived. The other soldiers, using their training that they developed over years and years, started to take care of mass casualties.&#8221;
The Army <a href="https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/fort-stewart-shooting-georgia-08-07-25#cme1grzoq000h356nvib6ue5s">said</a> that Staff Sgt. Turner was the first person to subdue the shooter before Master Sgt. Thomas jumped in to help pin him down. Turner is an automated logistical specialist from Farmington, New Mexico, who has been at Fort Stewart for less than a year.
The five victims are all expected to survive, and three of them have already been released from the hospital. One of the victims who remains in the hospital is expected to recover quickly, while the other victim has a longer recovery ahead, Savannah, Georgia, CBS affiliate WTOC <a href="https://www.wtoc.com/2025/08/07/soldiers-who-subdued-fort-stewart-shooter-awarded-medals-3-injured-soldiers-released-hospital/">reported</a>.
The Daily Wire is not publishing the gunman’s name due to a company policy against contributing to the unintentional glorification of mass shooters.
The suspect was identified as a 28-year-old active-duty sergeant who enlisted in 2018. He had not seen combat and had no behavioral incidents that were known to the Army before the shooting. Brig. Gen. John Lubas said on Wednesday that the suspect was arrested for driving under the influence in May, an arrest that the Army&#8217;s top brass did not know about until after the shooting, when they entered the suspect&#8217;s name into a crime database. He was scheduled to be arraigned in the DUI case on August 20, <a href="https://www.ksbw.com/article/fort-stewart-army-sergeant-shooting-coworkers/65624655">according</a> to KSBW Action News 8.
An investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and the Army said it does not want to speculate about the shooter&#8217;s motives.

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