Army leaders say cyber awareness training is moving away from long yearly courses and toward shorter, more regular lessons. The Army CIO and Army Cyber Command shared this at a two-day virtual forum, reported by the U.S. Army. For junior NCOs, it raises a practical question about network habits in your team. Read the article for details and discussion points.

The 91st Civil Affairs Battalion is using Exercise Atlas Lion at Fort Bragg to test a larger detachment of seven Soldiers. The U.S. Army reports the pilot puts basic soldiering skills and standard Civil Affairs tasks first. If you lead a small team, read how one unit checks its basics before large-scale combat. This is a unit example, not Army-wide policy.

Soldiers in Korea show how a handler and military working dog build trust that supports real missions. Spc. Eastyn Egts and her dog Fio, from the 903rd Military Police Detachment at Camp Walker, train together daily, returning to basics to keep skills sharp. Their story offers a lesson for NCOs: patience, repetition and time together build the teamwork that readiness depends on. Read the full article to see what small-unit leaders can take from it.

What happens when satellites and other systems fail? The U.S. Army reports that 11th Corps Signal Brigade Soldiers used high-frequency radios at Fort Hood during Noble Skywave, a 54-hour international contest. Leaders spoke of HF as part of a PACE communications plan. This is one unit’s example, not new Army-wide policy. Read the article for lessons your team can discuss.

What happens to your shooting when you are tired, moving and short on time? Fort Hood’s III Armored Corps Law Enforcement Activity hosted a run and gun challenge on Oct. 9, 2026. Two-person teams shot at eight stations over 2.5 miles, according to the U.S. Army. Read the article for lessons on communication, focus and teamwork that small-unit leaders can discuss with their Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood volunteers are offering free safe rides to service members, their families and their vehicles. The local chapter of the Drunk Driving Prevention Program reported 104 rides in 2025 and 122 so far this year. One chapter leader says asking for a ride shows responsibility, not weakness. Read how eligibility works, the weekend hours and the hotline, then talk with your squad about looking out for each other before a night out turns dangerous.

Task & Purpose reports that Rep. Scott Peters wants the Navy to add dedicated military housing to a large San Diego redevelopment, which has drawn backlash over a possible data center. This is a Navy project, not an Army one, but it shows how housing costs hit troops and families. Read the article for the details and discussion points for leaders.

Army Times reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior Pentagon planner, over accusations that he leaked classified information. Officials describe it as part of a wider leak hunt that includes polygraph exams for senior officials. For NCOs, the story is a prompt to talk with teams about handling sensitive information. Read the full article to see what is alleged and what is not yet proven.

Many Soldiers and families count on commissaries for affordable groceries. Task & Purpose reports the Pentagon’s criminal investigators are leading a joint probe into freezer failures at military stores, and cyberattack is one concern. The Pentagon has not confirmed hackers were responsible. Read the article for what is known so far, why food access matters to readiness, and what leaders can discuss with their teams.

Hiding from drones and sensors is a growing concern for small teams. Army Times reports that Army researchers tested coatings in Greenland that could change with snow, ice, light and season. The work is still research, not fielded gear, but it gives NCOs a fresh way to discuss concealment with their Soldiers. Read the article for the details.

The Army has awarded Lockheed Martin an agreement to develop the Future Interceptor, a new air and missile defense weapon. The project is valued at an estimated $1.08 billion and is entering prototype work and testing. For air defense Soldiers and small-unit leaders, it shows how layered defenses are being built and tested. Read the full article to see what this stage means and what leaders can discuss with their teams.

Cold weather means more home fires, and Soldiers and families can lower the risk. Fort McCoy’s safety council held an October 20 briefing on smoke alarms, heating equipment, space heaters and seasonal home checks. Test smoke alarms monthly, keep burnable items three feet from heaters, and plug space heaters straight into wall outlets. Read the full article to build a quick winter safety checklist for your household and your work area.