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Gizmodo
09-07-2025
- General
- Gizmodo
The Army Is Giving Up on War Horses
The U.S. military is finally done horsing around. According to a report from Task and Purpose, the Department of Defense is significantly cutting back on funding for its Military Working Equid program, and it plans to put an end to almost all horse-related operations. Apparently, steeds are no longer fit for modern warfare in the eyes of some folks at the Pentagon. Per the report, the Army will be redirecting $2 million that currently gets funneled into the Military Working Equid program to programs that focus on unspecified 'readiness and warfighting priorities.' Soldiers who have worked with horses in the program will apparently be rerouted to other positions, as well. The funding drawdown will result in equine programs at several Army bases shuttering operations, including programs at Fort Irwin in California, Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Fort Riley in Kansas, Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and Fort Hood in Texas. When all is said and done, the Army will be left with two horse teams, both of which will be used for ceremonial purposes only. One of those remaining teams will be the 3rd Infantry Regiment, otherwise known as the 'the Old Guard,' at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which temporarily shut down in 2022 following the death of two horses—likely the result of poor living conditions for the animals. The other stable that is staying is at Joint Base in San Antonio, Texas. The Department of Defense currently owns 236 horses, mules, and donkeys, according to Task and Purpose. Caring for those creatures is a significant task, and one the Military does not seem equipped to handle at this point. Business Insider reported that 141 of those animals will be donated or sold to private owners on the grounds of 'care and compassion.' The same report cited an Army veterinarian who said the military doesn't have the veterinary resources needed to take care of the horses properly. If the idea is to spend more money on warfighting programs, it probably makes sense to defund (and, crucially, re-home) the horses. The Army hasn't used a cavalry charge since World War II, when the 26th Cavalry Regiment fought back against Japanese forces in the Philippines. The Army Special Forces did use horses during the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, but those were local horses rather than ones that the military trained on. No word on whether Trojan horses will be exempted from the drawdown on horse-related warfare tactics.
Associated Press
06-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
RTX's Raytheon demonstrates critical software system to improve decision making in airspace deconfliction and mission planning
AI-enabled software provides real-time common operational views and a strategic advantage over adversaries FORT IRWIN, Calif., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully demonstrated the Air Space Total Awareness for Rapid Tactical Execution, or ASTARTE, system's ability to integrate with multiple military command and control systems during Project Convergence Capstone 5. Developed by a team of technologists led by Raytheon Advanced Technology, ASTARTE enhances airspace operations and deconfliction in highly congested battlespaces. The software automates the ability to provide a real-time common operational picture by integrating with existing command and control systems, predicting airspace usage, and improving speed by reducing time for planning and generating courses of action for joint fires. 'ASTARTE's advanced capabilities in airspace deconfliction and mission planning provide a technological edge that can enhance overall effectiveness in multi-domain operations,' said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon. 'This makes the system an extremely valuable asset for modern, complex, large scale military operations.' In a Live, Virtual, Constructive environment, Army and Air Force personnel worked together to prosecute dynamic targets using a combination of fires, fixed wing aircraft, and attack helicopters. Operators used the ASTARTE software to generate courses of action for airspace conflicts with each operator seeing only relevant information for their specific function. Based on its analysis, ASTARTE provided real-time recommendations to the operators, saving time and improving the quality of decision-making compared to current manual and standalone processes. Since last year's demonstration at the Capstone 4 event, the ASTARTE system has been refined and improved to provide new capabilities, handle larger scenarios, and improve reliability to adapt to changing operational needs. This flexibility is crucial as military requirements and technologies continue to advance. About Raytheon Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. About RTX RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected] View original content: SOURCE RTX
