Defense Now

Watch the full Senate committee hearing considering top-level nominations for the Department of Defense, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and Air Force Space Acquisition. These key leaders will shape the future of U.S. military budgeting, defense technology, and space intelligence.

In this hearing held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, lawmakers question four critical nominees on their readiness to lead major sectors of the U.S. national security apparatus.

Today's Witnesses & Nominations:
🔹 Hon. Jules W. Hurst III – Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)
🔹 Mr. Richard M. O’Malley – Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment
🔹 Dr. L. Roger Mason, Jr. – Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
🔹 Dr. Erich D. Hernandez-Baquero – Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration

20 minutes ago | [YT] | 4

Defense Now

President Trump confirms massive US military strikes have demolished Iran's Navy and Air Force, preventing a nuclear breakout. Plus, the US investigates shocking reports of Iranian drones in Cuba.

Welcome to Defense Now. In this unprecedented July 13, 2026 press briefing, President Trump provided a massive update on the ongoing, large-scale military conflict with Iran. While the briefing began with the signing of executive orders to reduce the size of national monuments in Utah, it quickly pivoted to breaking foreign policy news.

Trump announced that a recent deal with Iran collapsed, leading to devastating US retaliatory strikes. According to the President, B-2 bombers were utilized to prevent Iran from securing a nuclear weapon, and the Iranian Navy and Air Force have been virtually wiped out. Furthermore, Trump addressed alarming reports of Iranian military drones stationed in Cuba and stated that US allies in the Middle East will be expected to reimburse the United States for military protection.

1 hour ago | [YT] | 24

Defense Now

Secretary Rubio Pledges Defense of American Sovereignty Against the International Criminal Court

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issues a stark warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC), vowing to defend American sovereignty against what he calls an "unaccountable arbiter of a new global law." In this breakdown by Defense Now, we examine Rubio's statements regarding the ICC's push to prosecute and arrest U.S. citizens and how this poses an existential threat to national independence.

The U.S. is preparing to push back, with Rubio stating, "We will teach the ICC the full meaning of American resolve." Watch to understand the geopolitical implications of this standoff, what it means for U.S. foreign policy, and how international law is clashing with American sovereignty.

19 hours ago | [YT] | 391

Defense Now

Broadcasting LIVE from the White House: President Donald Trump hosts top INDYCAR drivers and stakeholders for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix Showcase on July 13, 2026.

This showcase previews the highly anticipated Freedom 250 Grand Prix—the first-ever auto race on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., scheduled for August 22-23. Created by executive order to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary (the Semiquincentennial), the race will feature world-class drivers speeding past historic landmarks like the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol.

20 hours ago | [YT] | 101

Defense Now

The First Step to Becoming a Naval Officer | NSI 2026 at RTC Great Lakes

Welcome to Defense Now. Today we are bringing you an inside look at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) held aboard Recruit Training Command (RTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois. Recorded on July 13, 2026. Official U.S. Navy ROTC NSI Cycle 2 Graduation July 13, 2026


NSI is a grueling, fast-paced militarization program designed to provide basic training in five critical areas: physical fitness, swimming, basic military tracking, drill, and military customs. Watch as these future leaders get their first taste of Navy life under the guidance of Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs).

1 day ago | [YT] | 78

Defense Now

U.S. Marines with the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, hold a formal change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

During this time-honored military tradition held on July 10, 2026, Col. Benjamin B. Harrison (a native of California) officially relinquished command of the historic regiment to incoming commander Col. Steven C. Allshouse (a native of New Jersey). The 11th Marine Regiment acts as the premier artillery regiment of the 1st Marine Division.

1 day ago | [YT] | 127

Defense Now

Watch the live graduation ceremony for the Defense Information School (DINFOS) Mass Communication Foundations (MCF) Classes 140-26 and 150-26, brought to you by Defense Now.

[Event Details]
📅 Date: July 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 2:50 PM EDT - 4:00 PM EDT
📍 Location: Defense Information School (Fort Meade, MD)

[About the Event]
Join us in celebrating the newest generation of military storytellers, public affairs specialists, and visual information experts as they complete their rigorous training at DINFOS. These service members are now ready to deploy worldwide, documenting military operations and communicating critical information on behalf of the Department of Defense.

3 days ago | [YT] | 70

Defense Now

Witness the culmination of thirteen weeks of grueling physical, mental, and moral transformation. Welcome to the live broadcast of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego Graduation ceremony for Lima Company. Broadcast live on July 10, 2026, watch as these recruits finally step onto the parade deck to claim the title of United States Marine.

From standing on the iconic yellow footprints to conquering the grueling Crucible hike and receiving their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the recruits of Lima Company have proven they have what it takes to join the world's most elite fighting force. This broadcast captures the full tradition and pageantry of the USMC Pass in Review, honoring the dedication of the newest generation of Marines and the families who supported them.

Whether you are a proud parent watching from home, a veteran reliving your own graduation on the West Coast, or a future poolee preparing for the challenge, Defense Now brings you front-row access to this proud military tradition.

3 days ago | [YT] | 48

Defense Now

Capt. Kent Davis officially becomes the newest commanding officer of Recruit Training Command (RTC) in this historic Change of Command ceremony. Watch the full military tradition as leadership transitions at the U.S. Navy’s only boot camp.

On July 10, 2026, the prestigious Change of Command ceremony took place at Recruit Training Command, officially welcoming Capt. Kent Davis as the new commanding officer. RTC, located at Naval Station Great Lakes, is responsible for transforming civilians into basically trained U.S. Navy Sailors.

In this video, Defense Now brings you front-row access to the time-honored naval traditions, the passing of the colors, and the first official remarks from Capt. Davis as he steps into this critical leadership role.

3 days ago | [YT] | 61

Defense Now

Join Defense Now for the official Change of Command Ceremony at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command Headquarters (MRDC-HQ). Watch live as military leadership transitions and the command colors are passed, marking a new chapter in Army medical innovation and readiness.

🗓️ Date: July 10, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:20 AM EDT – 12:30 PM EDT
📍 Location: MRDC Headquarters

The U.S. Army MRDC is the Army's medical materiel developer, with responsibility for medical research, development, and acquisition. They are vital to ensuring our warfighters are protected and ready. Tune in to witness this time-honored military tradition!

4 days ago | [YT] | 70