Roughly 200 Marines will begin protecting federal property and personnel in Los Angeles after relieving the California National Guard, which was mobilized amidst a breakout of civil unrest in the city, a senior military official said.

This week in the Defense Department, President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles, Defense Secretary Hegseth and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, discussed the DOD's pending budget for 2026, and the Army's 250th birthday celebrations began.

The Army's 250th birthday celebration will include a parade, military flyovers and a large static display where visitors can view military hardware and engage with soldiers on the National Mall in Washington.

Miami Marlins pitcher Tyler Phillips visited the Pentagon, taking time to honor his late grandfather, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Frank C. Phillips, a 26-year Army and Air Force veteran who served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. 

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently signed a memorandum that enhances the Defense Department's SkillBridge program, giving service members the opportunity to conduct on-the-job training in the private and civil sectors so they can successfully transition. 

During a hearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald J. Trump's proposed defense budget for fiscal year 2026 includes funding to meet the increased worldwide demand for the military's special operations forces community.  

The U.S. Army Military District of Washington provided the media with a preview of the heavy equipment and vehicles that will be showcased in the upcoming military festival and parade in celebration of the Army's 250th birthday.