Tony

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 241645Z JAN 25 MID120001702876U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 015/25 SUBJ/ANNOUNCEMENT OF OFFICE OF NAVAL INTELLIGENCE CHINA CORE KNOWLEDGE ONLINE COURSE// REF/A/DOC/CNO NAVPLAN 2024/9JAN24/ REF/B/DOC/CNO "AMERICA'S WARFIGHTING NAVY" LETTER/9JAN24/ MSGID/NAVADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N2N6/JAN// NARR/REF A IS THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS NAVIGATION PLAN FOR AMERICA'S WARFIGHTING NAVY. REF B IS THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS PRIORITIES FOR AMERICA'S WARFIGHTING NAVY LETTER. RMKS/1. This message announces the availability of the Office of Naval Intelligence's (ONI) "China Core Knowledge" online course on Navy e - Learning. This voluntary and unclassified course is designed to introduce and enhance understanding of China's military and naval development for all Navy personnel and civilians. 2. The ONI China Core Knowledge Program provides an understanding of the following: a. China's naval modernization strategy. b. China's expanding naval capabilities and maritime strategy. c. China's growing regional and global military influence. d. China's approach to information-age warfare. e. China's evolving nuclear development. 3. The course takes approximately 35-40 minutes to complete. A 25-question knowledge check is included, and users who score 80% or higher will receive a transcript acknowledging successful completion and a TWMS record reflecting course completion. This course is voluntary, but Commanders are encouraged to incorporate it into command training regimens. 4. Users can access the course via Navy e-Learning: a. Navy e-Learning URL: https://learning.nel.navy.mil/. b. Course number: "ONI-CCK-1.1" ("CCK" stands for China Core Knowledge). c. Users can search for the course by name/number or locate it under the "What's New" section of the "Course Catalog" tab by selecting "ONI courses." 5. The ONI China Core Knowledge study guide is also available to Navy employees with a Common Access Card. This unclassified 53-page guide offers readers a deeper overview of China's naval strategy, geography, naval leadership, organizational structure, and information on regional flashpoints. The guide compliments the online module. Sailors and civilians interested in reviewing the guide will find it on ONI's unclassified Sharepoint site AT https://intelshare.intelink.gov/sites/oni/intelligence/shared documents/oni_china_core_knowledge.pdf . 6. Additional China Core Knowledge courses at the SECRET//REL FVEY and TS//SCI classifications are forthcoming. Upon release of respective classified platforms, a record message notification will follow. 7. This learning material strengthens America's Naval Warfighting Ecosystem outlined by the CNO in references (a) and (b) by raising our knowledge of our peer competitor. 8. For general awareness of ONI's intelligence production, classified products can be located on SIPRNET at [https://oni.highpoint.dia.smil.mil/#/content/home] and on ONI's new JWICS portal at [https://www.dia.ic.gov/source/web/?producer=oni]. 9. Please direct any questions to the ONI N2 directorate at: oni_n2_leadership @flankspeed.onmicrosoft.us. Released by VADM Karl O. Thomas, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Warfare, OPNAV N2N6.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 241549Z JAN 25 MID120001702659U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN COMMARFORCOM COMMARCORSYSCOM LCES QUANTICO VA INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS SUBJ/ CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS FY24 FOURTH QUARTER GOLD DISK AWARDEES// NAVADMIN 014/25// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC //N8//JAN// SUBJ/CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS FY24 FOURTH QUARTER GOLD DISK AWARDEES// REF/A/JFMM VOLUME VI, CHAPTER 8// AMPN/REF A IS THE JOINT FLEET MAINTENANCE MANUAL 2M ELECTRONIC REPAIR CHAPTER// Remarks/1. In 1997, the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics) implemented a CNO Gold Disk Awards Program. This program was designed to encourage fleet personnel in the maritime community to develop gold disk test routines and repair circuit card assemblies and electronic modules. The resulting benefits have resulted in improved operational readiness of a wide range of C5I and HM&E systems in addition to significantly improved OPTAR cost avoidance. The award consists of a Letter of Commendation signed by Deputy CNO for Integration of Capabilities and Resources and a cash award of up to five thousand dollars. 2. The cash award criteria is a graduated dollar value dependent upon cost avoidance thresholds. The award program not only rewards the top repair technician, but every technician that meets the following quarterly cost avoidance thresholds: $150k to $199k of cost avoidance yields a $2k award $200k to $249k of cost avoidance yields a $3k award $250k to $299k of cost avoidance yields a $4k award $300k and over of cost avoidance yields a $5k award 3. The CNO Gold Disk Awards Program is administered by the NAVSEA Miniature Microminiature Module Test and Repair (2M MTR) Program Manager. Fleet 2M MTR policy and responsibilities are contained in reference (a). Gold Disk awardees are selected by an awards board at NUWC DETACHMENT Field Engineering Office in Norfolk. The selection is based on 2M repair metrics submitted in the module test and repair tracking system or verification of recently submitted Gold Disk test routines. 4. I am proud to announce the 4TH QUARTER FY24 awardees: (READ IN TWO COLUMNS) ET1 JESSICA DEVRIES SWRMC SAN DIEGO ET1 CHRISTOPHER FIGGINS SWRMC SAN DIEGO ET1 ATHINA SARIGIANNIS MARMC NORFOLK VA ET2 BRENDAN CAREY NAVSUBSUPFAC NEW LONDON IC2 DAMIEN CONTRERAS NNSY MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CAL CENTER ET2 MATHEW DRAKE USS LABOON (DDG 58) ET2 ALEXANDRA GONTER MARMC NORFOLK VA ET2 DANIEL GOODIN USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58) ET2 KYLE HARMON MARMC NORFOLK VA ET2 ALDO HERNANDEZ USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) ET2 MICHAEL HERNANDEZ USS SOMERSET (LPD 25) ET2 RASHWAN JOHNSON USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20) ET2 DYLAN MOUSER NAVSUBSUPFAC NEW LONDON ET2 STEVEN PEREZ USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) ET2 RIVER PINARDO U.S. AAMDS ROMANIA ET2 JESSE WILLIAMS USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) ET2 WINSTON WYLIE MARMC NORFOLK VA ET3 DANIEL JONES USS HOWARD (DDG 83) CPL DANNY NGUYEN7TH COMMUNICATIONS BATTALION 5. NUWC DET FEO NORFOLK POC is Mr. Mike Bruzan, 2M/MTR Technical Project Manager, (757) 746-0094 or via e-mail, michael.s.bruzan.civ(at)us.navy.mil. The NAVSEA 2M MTR PM, is Mr. Richard R. Stark, COMM 850 207-6985 or via E- mail richard.r.stark.civ(at)us.navy.mil 6. Released by Neil W. T. Hogg, SES, Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, N8B.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 231846Z JAN 25 MID120001699830U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 013/25 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N093// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N093// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N093// SUBJ/CORRECTED COPY CHANGES TO SPECIAL DUTY WAIVER PROCESSING// REF/A/MANUAL OF THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT (MANMED), NAVMED P-117 OF 21 APR 23// AMPN/REF A IS MANMED, NAVMED P-117 UPDATED ON 21 APR 23. RMKS/1. The Chief of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) convened a Critical Action Process Improvement Team (CAPIT) to support Naval Service Training Command in making immediate and long-term improvements to Special Duty Waiver (SDW) processes and eliminate the backlog of medical holds in the future fleet at Recruit Training Command, and at any other accession point (i.e. U.S Naval Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps, etc.). This memo addresses SDW processes for those communities that fall within undersea medicine. Aviation special duty waiver processes are being reviewed and will be provided by separate message. 2.This NAVADMIN implements changes to processes to improve timeliness and maximize resources in support of SDW process. 3.Procedures for all Undersea Medical Officers (UMO), Undersea Medical Examiners (UME) performing accession physicals for special duty. a. UMO, UME examine the applicant in accordance with MANMED Chapter 15 and make a determination of "Physically Qualified (PQ)" or "Not Physically Qualified (NPQ)". (1) In the case of conditions approved for a General Duty Waiver (GDW) by an appropriate waiver authority which do not meet NPQ criteria for Special Duty, no SDW is required. The reviewing UMO/UME should document on the DD2808 the date and serial of the GDW letter, statement of evidence, and notation of "Physically Qualified" or "PQ". Appropriate records keeping supporting continuous process improvement and quality assurance efforts should be maintained to update practice standards. (2) Through appropriate and full medical review of GDW package, UMO/UME may find accession candidates physically qualified if they meet the following criteria SDW submission and/or evaluation by a mental health provider is not required in these situations: (a) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosed prior to age 14 in absence of ongoing treatment/support for at least the last 12 months and no co-morbid mental health diagnoses. Must have confirmation from most recent academic institution attended that no accommodations were provided. (b) Unipolar depression or anxiety disorder for less than 12 months with no symptoms or treatment in the previous 36 months and absent a history of suicidal ideation or psychiatric hospitalization. (c) Learning disorder diagnosis in absence of academic or behavioral concerns in the prior two years. Must have confirmation from most recent academic institution attended that no accommodations were provided for at least the last 12 months. (3) The following diagnoses, listed by each special duty category, are not appropriate for waivers. If, after careful record review, the UMO/UME substantiates any of these diagnoses among accession candidates, no further workup of other preexisting conditions is required and the candidate should be deemed NPQ for the associated Special Duty. UME/UMO will generate abbreviated DQ package with SF600 which references this message and sends directly to the appropriate BUPERS code for final determination (do not send through BUMED). These criteria were developed by BUMED N10F2 in coordination with the appropriate TYCOMS and communities. (a) Dive Duty: 1 Chronic eustachian tube dysfunction or inability to equalize middle ear pressure 2 Active or unresolved asthma 3 Cystic or cavitary disease of the lungs 4 Inability to correct vision to at least 20/25 in one eye 5 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 6 Hereditary disorders of coagulation 7 Chronic immune suppression 8 Current seizure disorder or 2 or more atraumatic seizures after the age of 6 9 Chronic or recurrent alcoholism 10 Illicit drug abuse (non-cannabinoid) 11 History of psychosis to include schizophrenia 12 Recurrent syncope including secondary to vagal disorder 13 Prior suicide attempt with lethal means (i.e. involving a noose or firearms or cutting wrists or ingesting poison or overdosing with an extremely large quantity of medication [e.g. >30 pills of acetaminophen] (b) Special Operations Duty: 1 Abnormalities preventing use of required equipment (i.e. facial deformities and use of mask, regulator, etc.) 2 Depth perception out of standards 3 Current asthma 4 History of spontaneous pneumothorax 5 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 6 Hereditary disorders of coagulation 7 Chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac sprue 8 History of bariatric surgery 9 History of diverticulitis 10 Chronic or active hepatitis 11 Any history of diabetes mellitus 12 Chronic use of corticosteroids 13 History of suicide attempt (any) 14 Current seizure disorder or 2 or more atraumatic seizures after the age of 6 15 Cerebrovascular disease 16 Chronic virus (except skin, e.g., herpes simplex) 17 Chronic immune insufficiency of any cause, chronic anemia, abnormal hemoglobin with anemia (excludes sickle cell trait, alpha thalassemia trait or beta thalassemia trait), and defects of platelet function or coagulability are disqualifying 18 Chronic or recurrent alcoholism 19 Drug abuse 20 History of psychosis including schizophrenia 21 Recurrent syncope including secondary to vagal disorder 22 Food allergy with anaphylaxis (c) Submarine Duty: 1 Food allergy resulting in anaphylaxis 2 Cholelithiasis confirmed with radiologic study 3 Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus 4 Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus requiring more than 2 meds for control 5 Symptomatic diverticular disease, uncorrected 6 Eosinophilic esophagitis with abnormal biopsy results after treatment 7 History of retinal detachment 8 Color blindness unless designated for YN, CS, HM, or LN rates (as per MANMED Chapter 15 Section 106) 9 Complicated peptic ulcer disease 10 Recurrent urolithiasis with retained stones 11 Prior suicide attempt with lethal means (i.e. involving a noose or firearms or cutting wrists or ingesting poison or overdosing with an extremely large quantity of medication [e.g. >30 pills of acetaminophen] 12 Recurrent or refractory suicidality 13 Major depressive disorder currently on medications started in past 12 months 14 History of major depressive disorder associated with an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in the past 3 years 15 Confirmed bipolar disorder (any) 16 Confirmed personality disorders 17 Asthma: other than mild intermittent 18 History of spontaneous pneumothorax 19 Chronic or recurrent alcoholism 20 Any illicit drug abuse (non-cannabinoid) 21 History of psychosis including schizophrenia or major depressive disorder with psychotic features (d) Nuclear Field Duty: 1 Color blindness (as per MANMED Chapter 15 Section 103) 2 Prior suicide attempt with lethal means (i.e. involving a noose or firearms or cutting wrists or ingesting poison or overdosing with an extremely large quantity of medication [e.g. >30 pills of acetaminophen] 3 Recurrent or refractory suicidality 4 Major depressive disorder currently on medications started in past 12 months 5 History of major depressive disorder associated with an inpatient psychiatric hospitalization in the past 3 years 6 Confirmed bipolar disorder (any) 7 Confirmed personality disorders 8 Chronic or recurrent alcoholism 9 Any illicit drug abuse (non-cannabinoid) 10 History of psychosis including schizophrenia or major depressive disorder with psychotic features 4. BUMED primary point of contact is CAPT Richard Schreckengaust at (703) 681-9286 or via email at Richard.h.schreckengaust.mil@health.mil. 5. Released by Rear Admiral Darin K. Via, N093, Surgeon General of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 221709Z JAN 25 MID120001696899U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 012/25 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JAN// SUBJ/NAVFIT MODERNIZATION (CORRECTED COPY)// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/201951ZNOV23// AMPN/REF A IS NAVADMIN 279/23, NAVFIT98A AVAILABILITY AS ALTERNATIVE TO ENAVFIT. RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces the discontinuation of eNavFit and the modernization of NAVFIT98A for all Navy performance evaluations and fitness reports. The NAVFIT modernization will meet the performance evaluation needs of Sailors at sea and ashore. The modernization updates include NAVFIT98A functionality in Microsoft Office 365 (O365) and auto-validation tools to reduce submission errors and rejection rates. It is scheduled to incorporate the upcoming revised Chief Petty Officer Evaluation in the spring of 2025. 2. Effective 1 May 2025, eNavFit will no longer be available for Fleet use. Thanks to the valuable feedback from Sailors and a culture of learning throughout eNavFit development, the Navy is able to consolidate performance evaluation needs and services into a single platform: a modernized and more capable NAVFIT98A. 3. Commands should not start any evaluations or fitness reports in eNavFit after 15 March 2025 and must ensure all eNavFit performance appraisals are completed and submitted to Performance Evaluations Division Director (PERS- 32) before 15 April 2025. 4. NAVFIT98A version 32 is being released Fleet-wide in January 2025 and will be compatible with both O365 and all workstations used by Sailors Service-wide. 5. Beginning 1 April 2025, all evaluations and fitness reports are to be completed in NAVFIT98A version 32. This new version combines the useful functionality of eNavFit, making it more user-friendly. It also contains updated business rules that will significantly reduce the number of rejected reports received by Navy Personnel Command. 6. For questions concerning NAVFIT98A, contact the MyNavy Career Center at (833) 833-6622 or via e-mail at askmncc@navy.mil. 7. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or cancelled, whichever occurs first. 8. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

A military official confirmed to NBC 7 on Thursday that hundreds of locally based service members would be heading to the U.S.-Mexico border to participate in security operations. "As directed by U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, I Marine Expeditionary Force will deploy approximately 500 Marines and sailors as an immediate augmentation of military active-duty forces to the southern border to carry out directed missions called for by the president to secure the border and protect and defend the territorial integrity of the United States," 1st Lt. Troy J. Garza said in the statement sent out shortly after 10 a.m.

The commander of the Air Force's 613th Air Operations Center in Hawaii, who advocated for more women in such roles, was removed from her position this week. Col. Julie Sposito-Salceies was relieved from the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam unit by Gen. Kevin Schneider, commander of Pacific Air Forces, "due to loss of confidence in her ability to command the organization," according to a Wednesday news release.

VetResources  Newsletter - Applications Open for Outdoor Adventures

TRICARE Online Patient Portal Decommissioning

Two months ago, a UK submarine that was secretly tracking a Russian spy ship hanging around undersea cables in British waters surfaced close to the vessel, forcing it to leave the area, the UK Ministry of Defense said Wednesday. The Russian vessel was spotted in British waters again this week, and UK Defense Secretary John Healey has accused the ship of mapping out undersea infrastructure and gathering critical intelligence.

I was informed of this and found it to be entertaining. Both the Navy Officer and the State Trooper were persistent but the law was on the side of the Navy Officer.

Military OneSource Newsletter | Jan, 2025

The goal of this brief is to provide Navy senior leaders, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practitioners and trainers with knowledge and understanding of DEI concepts, to prepare them to implement a lasting DEI culture across their commands.

UNITED NATIONS, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Panama has alerted the United Nations - in a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday - to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks during his inauguration speech, when he vowed that the United States would take back the Panama Canal. Panama's U.N. Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba noted that under the founding U.N. Charter, countries "shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state".

TRICARE - Payment Deadline Extended for West Region Beneficiaries

Exceptional Family Newsletter - Dec, 2025

Sailor to Sailor - Dec, 2025

United States President-elect Donald Trump’s threats against Greenland, Canada and Panama create destabilizing uncertainty about the short-term intent of the U.S. and the long-term nature of its approach to international relationships. NATO’s leadership will have to work adroitly to avoid a crisis.

Panama's president has rejected a plan by Donald Trump to "take back" the Panama Canal, telling his US counterpart the key trade route "is and will remain" in the country's hands. In his inaugural speech, President Trump claimed that Panama had "broken" a promise to remain neutral, alleging that "China is operating the Panama Canal". President Jose Raul Mulino said he rejected Trump's words in their "entirety", adding there is "no presence of any nation in the world that interferes with our administration".

A Navy MH-60 Romeo Seahawk helicopter deployed to the Red Sea has shot down a Houthi drone, the vice chief of Naval Operations revealed Tuesday

As one of the first Post-9/11 veterans, I faced a stark choice from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when I transitioned from military service to civilian life. While attending college, I could opt for the older, less generous Chapter 32 of the post-Vietnam era veterans’ Montgomery G.I. Bill, or I could take advantage of the newer, more robust Chapter 33 post-9/11 veterans’ G.I. Bill. With college prices much higher than the Vietnam Era, like many others, I chose the latter. But there was a catch: By selecting Chapter 33, I was forced to forfeit the first year of my Chapter 32 benefits. This condition, imposed on millions of veterans, effectively denied us thousands of dollars in educational support. This partly voided the military’s guarantee of free education for military service. Even with this setback, the Chapter 33 benefits were superior — so it was a tradeoff I, and many others, reluctantly accepted...

Driven by "curiosity," a U.S. Navy corpsman attempted to access President Biden's medical records last year following a group discussion with his colleagues about military security protocols for using government computers, according to the federal criminal investigation obtained by CBS News.

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro issued ALNAV 001/25 on Jan. 10, 2025, updating the policy governing the investigation of formal sexual harassment complaints. As of Jan. 26, 2022, sexual harassment has been a separate offense under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In the fiscal year 2023 NDAA, Congress added formal, substantiated complaints of Article 134 sexual harassment to the existing list of covered offenses which must be referred to the Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC) for review. Through the ALNAV, new reporting and investigation processes have been implemented. “The Navy takes care of its Warfighters, and that includes protecting their legal rights,” said Rear Adm. Jonathan Stephens, Lead Special Trial Counsel. “This latest change continues to enhance trust in the military justice system and supports fairness for all.” In recent years, the Navy has answered the call for meaningful change within its military justice practice and processes, and it has deliberately and comprehensively implemented the most significant reforms to the system in more than 70 years. These reforms included the establishment of the Navy’s OSTC in 2023, a worldwide prosecution organization which reports directly to the Secretary of the Navy. As mandated in the fiscal year 2022 NDAA, all covered offenses, which include homicide and interpersonal violence offenses, must be screened by a Special Trial Counsel, who are independent, specialized, and expert. This contrasts with non-covered offenses over which military commanders still exercise decision-making authority with advice from military prosecutors. The addition of sexual harassment as a covered offense is essential to maintaining good order and discipline and warfighter readiness. “The Department of the Navy remains committed to the principle of keeping faith with all who serve,” Secretary Del Toro wrote in the ALNAV. “Sexual harassment and other harmful behaviors constitute a betrayal of our responsibility to our teammates and our Nation.”

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 162001Z JAN 25 MID180001552659U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 012/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/JAN// SUBJ/UPDATED POLICY GOVERNING THE INITIAL REVIEW OF PRETRIAL CONFINEMENT// REF/A/DOC/MCM/15SEP23// REF/B/DOC/JAGINST 5800.7G CH-2/01DEC23// NARR/REF A IS THE MANUAL FOR COURTS-MARTIAL. REF B IS JAGINST 5800.7G CH-2 MANUAL OF THE JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL// RMKS/1. This message updates the personnel authorized to act as initial review officers for the purposes of Rule for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 305(j)(2) of reference (a). 2. Effective immediately, the following policy applies: a. Unless impracticable, the Chief Judge of the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary, or their designee, will designate a military judge or magistrate to act as the initial review officer for purposes of R.C.M. 305(j)(2). The military judge or magistrate determines the location of the R.C.M. 305(j) review. Such assignment may be conducted via remote means at the discretion of the designated military judge or magistrate. The military judge or magistrate will consider input on operational impact, if any, from the confinee's commanding officer prior to determining the status of the hearing. b. If designation of a military judge or magistrate is impracticable, a General Court-Martial Convening Authority (GCMCA) will designate a judge advocate, normally of the grade of O-4 or higher, qualified and certified under Article 27b, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), to act as the initial review officer for purposes of R.C.M. 305(j)(2). For hearings conducted on installations with a military confinement facility, the GCMCA exercising jurisdiction over the confinement facility will assign the initial review officers to specific cases. For hearings conducted on installations without a military confinement facility, the GCMCA of the confinee's parent command or regional commander (if applicable) will assign the initial review officer. c. The initial review officer must follow the procedures outlined in R.C.M. 305(j)(2)(A), to include permitting the victim to be reasonably heard. The initial review officer will forward a copy of the documents considered and memorandum prepared under R.C.M. 305(j)(2)(D) in each case to the confinee's brig file and to the commander that ordered the Service Member into confinement. d. The officers designated as initial review officers must be neutral and detached judge advocates qualified and certified under Article 27b, UCMJ, and selected for their maturity and experience. Service as a staff judge advocate is not disqualifying as long as that officer is neutral and detached from the chain of command of the officer ordering pretrial confinement. Nothing in this rule prohibits the use of an initial review officer designated by one GCMCA from reviewing the confinement of a Service Member of another command or service. 4. I direct the Judge Advocate General of the Navy to update reference (b) to reflect this policy change. Until then, this ALNAV controls. 5. The Department of the Navy remains committed to the principle of keeping faith with all who serve. 6. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee this week for a high-stakes and at many times contentious confirmation hearing. Many Democrats focused on Hegseth’s personal controversies and past allegations of misconduct, which he vigorously denied, or his past comments opposing women serving in combat, which he backtracked on.

Jan 17 (Reuters) - A Florida jury on Friday found U.S. broadcaster CNN liable for defaming a U.S. Navy veteran who helped evacuate people from Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrew from the country in 2021. The jury said CNN had to pay damages totaling $5 million. There will be a second phase of the trial to determine any punitive damages.