The top National Guard Bureau officers have left or will soon retire, and to date no nominations for their replacements have been confirmed by the Senate.
Halinichev was killed at the front in March 2023, one of more than 400 athletes killed since the outbreak of the war. His body has yet to be recovered.
Twenty senators signed a letter to Secretary McDonough, urging him to adjust a policy initiative they said is making it hard for veterans to access care.
Air Force Ospreys assigned to the Japan-based 353rd Special Operations Wing began flying again Tuesday, seven months a deadly crash killed eight airmen.
Outgoing Air Force Special Operations Command boss Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind reflects on the international response in the wake of November's Osprey crash.