IG Releases Review of Austin Hospitalization

January 16, 2025
Congress | On Base

The DOD inspector general’s office has made 20 recommendations to ensure efficient flow of information and transfer of authority when a secretary of Defense is temporarily unable to perform.

The office conducted the review after incidents in 2023 and 2024 when Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin delayed revealing hospitalizations.

“Although we found no adverse consequences to DOD operations arising from how the hospitalizations we reviewed were handled, the risks to our national defense, including the command and control of the DOD’s critical national security operations, were increased unnecessarily,” Inspector General Robert Storch said in a press release.

The release said Austin concurred with all of the report’s recommended procedure updates.

DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza

January 16, 2025
Congress | On Base

Recent News

Army Introduces Data Ops Center to Streamline AI

Army Introduces Data Ops Center to Streamline AI

Apr 15, 2026

The Army launched the Data Operations Center this month, starting a new initiative to bring together data sets from across the force into one centralized location. Using the system, information to be used in AI and other data analysis projects will be unified under...

Air Force Restricts SkillBridge Program

Air Force Restricts SkillBridge Program

Apr 15, 2026

The Air and Space Force will limit the time officers can utilize the Defense Department’s SkillBridge program based on rank, according to a Stars and Stripes story.  The SkillBridge program allows active-duty service members to gain civilian work experience in their...

In Our Communities

In Our Communities

Apr 15, 2026

Drone Defense Training Hosted Near Capital  As part of Task Force 401’s mission to prepare the defense community for drone threats, Fort Belvoir, Virginia recently hosted a counter-drone training exercise. According to an Army report, the exercise prepared staff to...

Congress Returns, Faces Full Legislative Slate

Congress Returns, Faces Full Legislative Slate

Apr 14, 2026

Congress is back from its two-week recess, facing several important issues that were left pending.  Both chambers are expected to vote again on an Iran war powers resolution this week, which would require Congressional approval for continued military activity in...

Army Museum Closure Halted

Army Museum Closure Halted

Apr 14, 2026

The Army has stopped a plan to close more than 20 museums on bases in response to congressional action, Stars and Stripes reported. Last year’s National Defense Authorization Act required the Army to create a new museum system and notify Congress of any closures.  The...

PAST STORIES