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On The Radar EP05: Armed National Guard, New Navy Chief, Service Academy Football
Teal Yost
March 11, 2026 at 3:48 PM EDT
Weekly military news roundup covering National Guard troops now armed in DC, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's approval, revival of the Mexican Border Defense Medal, Admiral Daryl Caudill becoming 34th Chief of Naval Operations, President Trump's hint at renaming DOD to Department of War, and Service Academy football season kickoff with Commander-in-Chief's trophy predictions.
Tracking this week in military life, here's what's on the radar. Some National Guard troops patrolling the nation's capital are now armed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the move with input from local and federal law enforcement. The Guard says weapons are for protection only, stressing strict rules and de-escalation first. The Pentagon rolled out a new service medal, but it's actually a historic revival. First created in 1918, the Mexican Border Defense Medal is back, recognizing service members deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border. Big change at the top of the Navy. Admiral Daryl Caudill, a career submariner, is now the 34th Chief of Naval Operations, ending a 184-day vacancy since Admiral Lisa Franchetti was removed in February. President Trump hinted this week at restoring the Department of Defense's old name, the Department of War, a switch that would likely need approval from Congress. And football season is here. Army, Navy, and Air Force all kick off this weekend. Who will win the Commander-in-Chief's trophy this year? We take a look at Service Academy football traditions at mybaseguide.com. That's your briefing. Be sure to follow My Base Guide and Veteran Life so you never miss what's on the radar.