Service officials said one of their biggest obstacles is explaining the basics of military service to teenagers who rarely interact with veterans. A pair of Republican senators are still blocking the senior leaders from stepping in to their new roles. More than 400 senior officers received promotions after waiting months for Senate action. The move is a signifcant breakthrough in the 10-month standoff between the GOP lawmaker and Pentagon leaders over abortion. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Dec. 4, 2023. VA officials announced plans to provide gender conforming surgeries more than two years ago, but have not moved ahead on the promise. The plan still needs support from Republican senators before the military leadership posts can be filled. Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Nov. 13, 2023. Who is the no. 3 officer in the military services? It's not a simple answer. The Air Force spent more than a month without a confirmed four-star general at the helm. Load More