The U.S. Department of War marked the transition from 2025 to 2026 with significant updates, culminating in the historic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. On January 3, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the operation, which he described as “extraordinary,” detailing a meticulously planned military effort that involved air, ground, space, and maritime forces.
The announcement followed a series of updates from the Department of War, highlighting various initiatives, including firefighter training at Tinker Air Force Base, the establishment of a Marine Corps attack-drone program, and a joint readiness exercise in East Africa. The comprehensive approach underscores the department’s commitment to both domestic safety and international operations.
Intensive Training Initiatives
At Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, firefighters recently completed a rigorous training course focusing on survival skills in unique operational environments. This intensive 10-day program was designed for military and civilian firefighters, including recent graduates from fire academies. Trainees practiced advanced search techniques and rapid intervention drills, simulating low-visibility situations to prepare them for potential emergencies.
More than 27,000 personnel are supported by Tinker’s Fire and Emergency Services, which recently achieved a notable Class 1 distinction from the International Organization for Standardization. This accomplishment highlights the base’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.
In Washington, D.C., visible patrols by guardsmen from multiple states have been ongoing since August as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force mission. This initiative aims to bolster public safety and resilience. Army Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Metz and Air Force Tech. Sgt. Richard Kramer, both from the Mississippi National Guard, emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional presence in high-traffic areas.
The mission’s risks were starkly highlighted after an ambush in November, resulting in the death of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and injuries to Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. The incident has underscored the challenges faced by service members in ensuring public safety.
Expanding Military Capabilities
The Marine Corps has also announced a new training initiative aimed at rapidly increasing the number of operators for small unmanned aircraft systems. This program focuses on commercial off-the-shelf first-person-view attack drones, including the Neros Archer. According to Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the new training framework will establish standardized courses and certifications, preparing hundreds of Marines to operate these advanced systems.
Regional training hubs have been designated to commence pilot courses immediately, with the Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico serving as the interim central hub for standardization and certification. The goal is to ensure that by May 2026, all infantry and reconnaissance battalions will be equipped to utilize these drone capabilities effectively.
Meanwhile, overseas, the 449th Air Expeditionary Group conducted readiness training in Djibouti during Exercise Pale Serpent. This joint exercise, involving Army, Marine Corps, and Navy personnel, tested responses to real-world scenarios, including mass-casualty situations. Medical teams practiced triage and stabilization techniques, crucial for effective emergency response in multi-service environments.
The recent updates from the Department of War illustrate a multifaceted approach to national security, blending domestic readiness with international military operations. The successful capture of Maduro reflects a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with Trump asserting that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a new leadership transition is established.
The developments signal a renewed focus on major operations within the Western Hemisphere, aligning with the administration’s broader national security objectives. As these initiatives unfold, the military’s adaptability and preparedness are more critical than ever in addressing both domestic and international challenges.
