The U.S. Department of War concluded 2025 and ushered in 2026 with significant updates regarding military readiness and operations, culminating in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a coordinated military operation in Caracas, announced by President Donald Trump on January 3, 2026. This operation, described as “extraordinary,” involved a comprehensive strategy integrating air, ground, and maritime forces across the Western Hemisphere.
In addition to this high-profile mission, the department detailed various training initiatives and domestic security efforts. At Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, military and civilian firefighters recently completed a rigorous ten-day training course. This program focused on rapid intervention and advanced search techniques in environments characterized by low visibility and high risk, essential for the unique operational demands of the base.
The training included simulating zero-visibility conditions using blackout masks, which allowed firefighters to practice searching large structures quickly and efficiently. The course emphasized crucial skills such as communication and decision-making under pressure, preparing participants for the challenging environments they may encounter. Tinker Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services is responsible for the safety of over 27,000 personnel and earned the International Organization for Standardization’s Class 1 distinction, marking a first for the Air Force.
In Washington, D.C., National Guard members have been conducting visible patrols in high-traffic areas as part of a multistate initiative aimed at bolstering public safety. This operation, under the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, has been ongoing since August 2025. Notably, Army Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Metz and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, both from the Mississippi National Guard, underscored the importance of maintaining a visible presence to deter crime. Metz pointed out the mission’s dual role as a training ground for younger service members, enhancing their professionalism through real-world experience.
The risks associated with these domestic operations were starkly highlighted by a tragic incident on November 26, 2025, when two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in a targeted attack near Farragut Square. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom tragically lost her life, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe survived and is currently recovering. This incident serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in these deployments, as emphasized by Kramer.
The Department of War also honored the contributions of individuals who serve beyond the battlefield. One such figure is Dorner Carmichael, a Vietnam-era Red Cross volunteer known as a “Donut Dolly.” Now working in Powidz, Poland, she continues to support service members by delivering emergency messages and fostering connections. Carmichael’s reflections on her time in Vietnam highlight the importance of human connection in military service, illustrating how volunteers can make a profound impact.
On December 31, 2025, the Marine Corps unveiled a new training program designed to rapidly increase the number of operators for small unmanned aircraft systems, including the Neros Archer attack drones. This initiative includes six pilot courses and eight certifications, aiming to standardize training across the service. Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, commanding general of Training and Education Command, noted that these pilot programs would expedite operator training while ensuring safety and quality.
Simultaneously, Airmen from the 449th Air Expeditionary Group participated in Exercise Pale Serpent at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti from December 26 to December 29, 2025. This joint exercise involved Army, Marine Corps, and Navy personnel responding to mass-casualty scenarios and practicing aeromedical evacuation procedures. Tech. Sgt. Gracie Livengood detailed the challenges of triaging simulated casualties under real-world conditions, emphasizing the importance of this training in preparing for actual emergencies.
As the updates from the Department of War illustrate, U.S. military forces are actively engaged in a wide range of operations, from international missions to domestic security tasks. The high-stakes capture of Maduro reflects a strategic pivot towards addressing major challenges in the Western Hemisphere. Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will oversee Venezuela until a new leadership transition is established signals a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in regional affairs, underscoring the complexities of modern military operations.
