PA EST AOI Mgmt Sync Group 05-16-23 (FOIA 22-F-0249)

6. Pentagon test office says new presidential helicopter not yet 'operationally suitable' for emergencies
The Hill Online, Nov. 23 (1551) I Jordan Williams
The Pentagon's test office says that the new presidential helicopter is not yet "operationally suitable" for emergencies,
Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. According to an unpublished report from the Pentagon's director of operational test
and evaluation, dated Sept. 28 and obtained by Bloomberg, the aircraft is "operationally effective" for routine missions
such as a trip to Camp David or taking the president to Joint Base Andrews, but not yet for "contingency operational
flights."
COVID-19
7. Hospitals Seek Military Help in Michigan Amid Covid Overflow
Bloomberg News, Nov. 23 (1635) I Keith Naughton and Anna Edney
Henry Ford Health System has seen Covid-19 cases soar by 50% in three weeks, straining staff and care at the Detroit-
based network offive major hospitals in southeast Michigan. On Tuesday, statewide Covid hospitalizations reached
4,085, approaching the record of 4,640 set in April 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. Michigan's hospitals, with the
help of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have asked the U.S. Department of Defense to provide emergency staff, said Brian
Peters, chief executive officer of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
8. Unvaccinated soldiers and Army units see updated rules in latest FRAGOs
Army Times Online, Nov. 23 (1319) I Rachel Nostrant and Davis Winkie
Unvaccinated troops will be limited to mission critical travel and will have to submit a negative COVID-19 test at least
weekly before entering military facilities, according to two fragmentary orders issued Nov. 21 and reviewed by Army
Times. The FRAGOs also outlined the appeals process for troops who are denied religious waivers and described how
commanders must purchase COVID-19 test kits for their soldiers.
EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE
9. Expanded benefits for vets exposed to burn pits coming, but for some it's too late
ABCNews.com, Nov. 23 (1656) I Lauren Lantry and Isabella Meneses
There are multiple ways to expand veterans' benefits. The president can sign an executive order, Congress can pass
legislation, which could then get signed into law, or the VA can choose to recognize more claims. Last week, the Biden
administration said it was establishing a new policy to help more veterans exposed to burn pits during their service
overeas receive more benefits.
10. Veterans groups urge Congress to stick by changes in the way sexual assault is handled within the military
Stars and Stripes Online, Nov. 23 (1724) I Rose Thayer
More than a dozen veteran service organizations came together Tuesday to call on Congress to keep long-sought
changes to the way the military handles sexual assault cases in the final version of the 2022 National Defense
Authorization Act. In letters sent to leadership of each chamber and of their armed services committees, the groups call
for full passage of the legislation, titled the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act. The bill has
bipartisan support with 220 co-sponsors in the House and 66 in the Senate.
11. Women would be required to register with the Selective Service if this amendment becomes law
USA Today Online, Nov. 23 (0604) I Savannah Behrmann
For the first time in history, women may be on the cusp of being included in future U.S. military drafts. When Congress
returns from Thanksgiving recess, they will be working overtime to approve the 2022 National Defense Authorization
Act, a must-pass national security package. It includes an amendment that would require women ages 18 to 25 to
register for the Selective Service, alongside men.
AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN
12. No Afghan family members of U.S. troops have been eligible to come to the U.S. Here's why
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