ICTC COE

🚨 FINLAND ESTABLISHES PERMANENT FORTIFICATIONS NEAR RUSSIAN BORDER
Finland is significantly ramping up its defensive posture along the Russian border, establishing permanent combat positions and fortifications in the Kymenlaakso region. The Russian Security Council reported on Monday that these structures are being built as part of upcoming Finnish Navy drills scheduled throughout May.
The exercises, which involve the coastal defense brigade, are set to take place in two phases between May 4 and May 29, specifically targeting the coastal zones of Virolahti, Hamina, and Kotka.
Unlike standard temporary drills, the Finnish Defense Ministry plans to leave the established combat positions and fortifications in place after the exercises conclude. This move marks a strategic reinforcement of the border area in the Gulf of Finland and follows a series of high-stakes military preparations in the region.
The scheduled maneuvers will also include live-fire exercises between May 20 and May 22, signaling a heightened state of readiness as regional security dynamics continue to shift.

Source: TASS / Russian Security Council

🚨 FINLAND ESTABLISHES PERMANENT FORTIFICATIONS NEAR RUSSIAN BORDER

Finland is significantly ramping up its defensive posture along the Russian border, establishing permanent combat positions and fortifications in the Kymenlaakso region. The Russian Security Council reported on Monday that these structures are being built as part of upcoming Finnish Navy drills scheduled throughout May.

The exercises, which involve the coastal defense brigade, are set to take place in two phases between May 4 and May 29, specifically targeting the coastal zones of Virolahti, Hamina, and Kotka.

Unlike standard temporary drills, the Finnish Defense Ministry plans to leave the established combat positions and fortifications in place after the exercises conclude. This move marks a strategic reinforcement of the border area in the Gulf of Finland and follows a series of high-stakes military preparations in the region.

The scheduled maneuvers will also include live-fire exercises between May 20 and May 22, signaling a heightened state of readiness as regional security dynamics continue to shift.


Source: TASS / Russian Security Council

🌍 This week, the 5th GFOAC-P Sahel successfully concluded in Nouakchott 🇲🇷. Co-organized with the G5 Sahel Defence College, this Course marks another milestone in NATO’s strategic engagement with partners across its Southern Neighbourhood 🛡️
🤝 Supported through the financial support of NATO’s Defence Capacity Building Package for and the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), this initiative underscores NATO’s continued investment in regional and .
By sharing expertise and addressing common security challenges, the programme strengthens dialogue, mutual understanding, and long-term cooperation across the region 🎓

This year Estonia is the chairman of the North-Baltic countries cooperation format or NB8. It was a pleasure to take part in the NB8 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Kuressaare today, where we discussed longer the situation in the Middle-East and the negative effects of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Unfortunately, at the same time, Russia is earning extra income due to higher oil prices. I hope that the European Member States will support the strengthening of EU naval missions, which would allow it to play a bigger role in restoring energy and freight flows.
In addition, we discussed the long-term threats from Russia, which especially NB countries suffer from. It depends on us whether the Kremlin dares to test NATO at any point, because the deterrence only works if it's believable. That's why we must continue to strengthen Europe's defense readiness. Good to see that NB8 countries have taken decisively on this work.
As always, interviews were also given, and since we were in Saaremaa, it was a great pleasure to talk to Saaremaa's own Kadi radio.

ARCHBISHOP vs BISHOP: Do You Know the Difference?
Many Catholics see these titles in the Church, yet not everyone clearly understands what sets them apart. Both are successors of the Apostles, both are shepherds of God’s people, and both shar£ in the fullness of the priesthood, but their responsibilities are not exactly the same.
A Bishop is the spiritual father of a particular diocese. He shepherds the faithful in his local Church, ordains priests, confirms the faithful, safeguards doctrine, and ensures that the sacraments are celebrated faithfully. In simple terms, the Bishop is the chief pastor of one local Church.
An Archbishop, on the other hand, is still a Bishop, but with added responsibility. He usually leads an Archdiocese, which is a more prominent or historically significant diocese, and he often has a supervisory role over several other dioceses within a region called an ecclesiastical province.
This does not mean he controls other Bishops, but he provides leadership, coordination, and unity among them.
Here is the key truth many people miss:
Every Archbishop is a Bishop, but not every Bishop is an Archbishop.
What unites them both is far more important than what distinguishes them.
Their mission is the same, to teach the truth, sanctify God’s people through the sacraments, and govern the Church with wisdom and charity. They are shepherds entrusted with souls, guardians of the faith, and visible signs of Christ the Good Shepherd among His people.
So the next time you hear the titles Bishop or Archbishop, remember:
these are not just ranks or honors, they are sacred responsibilities of service to God and His Church.
Pray for your Bishop.
Pray for your Archbishop.
Because when shepherds are strong, the flock is safe.
Now you know.
© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

ARCHBISHOP vs BISHOP: Do You Know the Difference?

Many Catholics see these titles in the Church, yet not everyone clearly understands what sets them apart. Both are successors of the Apostles, both are shepherds of God’s people, and both shar£ in the fullness of the priesthood, but their responsibilities are not exactly the same.

A Bishop is the spiritual father of a particular diocese. He shepherds the faithful in his local Church, ordains priests, confirms the faithful, safeguards doctrine, and ensures that the sacraments are celebrated faithfully. In simple terms, the Bishop is the chief pastor of one local Church.

An Archbishop, on the other hand, is still a Bishop, but with added responsibility. He usually leads an Archdiocese, which is a more prominent or historically significant diocese, and he often has a supervisory role over several other dioceses within a region called an ecclesiastical province.
This does not mean he controls other Bishops, but he provides leadership, coordination, and unity among them.

Here is the key truth many people miss:
Every Archbishop is a Bishop, but not every Bishop is an Archbishop.
What unites them both is far more important than what distinguishes them.
Their mission is the same, to teach the truth, sanctify God’s people through the sacraments, and govern the Church with wisdom and charity. They are shepherds entrusted with souls, guardians of the faith, and visible signs of Christ the Good Shepherd among His people.

So the next time you hear the titles Bishop or Archbishop, remember:
these are not just ranks or honors, they are sacred responsibilities of service to God and His Church.

Pray for your Bishop.

Pray for your Archbishop.

Because when shepherds are strong, the flock is safe.

Now you know.

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

The Center for Women Veterans in partnership with the Office of Women’s Health announced the launch of a bold new national effort — Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative, “Boots on the Ground for Boots on the Ground.”
This national initiative aims to help the VA enroll one million women Veterans that are not currently using their VA benefits and services that they have earned and deserve. The summit will also focus on educating and assisting transitioning servicewomen, returning citizens and women Veterans with information on VA health care, benefits, pre-need services, program, and support services that may be new to them.
This initiative will be comprised of five regional summits throughout the United States.
First Stop is the Southwest! This summit will kick off in San Antonio, Texas at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday, July 24, 2026, and Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Each summit will provide an opportunity for women Veterans to meet with representatives of VA and discuss issues related to their needs in the areas of employment, whole health, mental health, military sexual trauma, su***de prevention, entrepreneurial resources, and end of life planning, among other areas of focus.
As enrolled Boots on the Ground, the Center for Women Veterans needs you to find other Boots on the Ground that are not enrolled with VA and bring them with you to the Summit in July! You can help them feel comfortable getting the support and services that they need.

The Center for Women Veterans in partnership with the Office of Women’s Health announced the launch of a bold new national effort — Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative, “Boots on the Ground for Boots on the Ground.”

This national initiative aims to help the VA enroll one million women Veterans that are not currently using their VA benefits and services that they have earned and deserve. The summit will also focus on educating and assisting transitioning servicewomen, returning citizens and women Veterans with information on VA health care, benefits, pre-need services, program, and support services that may be new to them.

This initiative will be comprised of five regional summits throughout the United States.

First Stop is the Southwest! This summit will kick off in San Antonio, Texas at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday, July 24, 2026, and Saturday, July 25, 2026.

Each summit will provide an opportunity for women Veterans to meet with representatives of VA and discuss issues related to their needs in the areas of employment, whole health, mental health, military sexual trauma, su***de prevention, entrepreneurial resources, and end of life planning, among other areas of focus.

As enrolled Boots on the Ground, the Center for Women Veterans needs you to find other Boots on the Ground that are not enrolled with VA and bring them with you to the Summit in July! You can help them feel comfortable getting the support and services that they need.

Register here: https://whova.com/portal/registration/bIpBmx5GL4oTJcmYk45h/

Additional details:
https://department.va.gov/center-for-women-veterans/million-women-veteran-enrollment-initiative-boots-on-the-ground-for-boot-on-the-ground-regional-summits/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRd0S9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFEME1tbEtsaDZoT3JtcTdOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrSabRiyphjGdQyQvgY87CsJarDU-mLKwfK9JRnHAF0bkDbGkW9ANfFFDTay_aem_cHMefqllxvmAH3eqN6ckig

“If we don’t tell our story, no one else will.”
Public Affairs professionals from across the Indo-Pacific came together in for the USARPAC Public Affairs Leadership Development Forum, hosted by U.S. Army Pacific.

Fort Lee leadership spent time this week walking through the Adams Chase neighborhood — not just to talk, but to truly listen.
During the walking town hall, leaders met residents where they are, sharing conversations on sidewalks, front steps and along the streets that make this community feel like home. From everyday concerns to ideas for the future, each conversation was met with care, respect and a genuine desire to make Fort Lee even stronger together.
It wasn’t just about answering questions — it was about building connections, hearing stories and showing that every voice matters.
Thank you to the Adams Chase residents who took the time to walk, talk and share. Your perspectives help shape the heart of this community, and we’re grateful to be part of it with you.

Below is a selection of MILPERs that were recently published. For more information and a complete list, visit http://spr.ly/61803QvUk
#26-137: United States Army 420T (Talent Acquisition Technician) Warrant Officer Selection Panel Results 8-9 April 2026
#26-136: Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2025 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award Recipients
#26-135: Special MOS Alignment Promotion Program (SMAPP)
#26-134: USAR Active Guard Reserve Reclassification In Out Call

Below is a selection of MILPERs that were recently published. For more information and a complete list, visit http://spr.ly/61803QvUk

#26-137: United States Army 420T (Talent Acquisition Technician) Warrant Officer Selection Panel Results 8-9 April 2026

#26-136: Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2025 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award Recipients

#26-135: Special MOS Alignment Promotion Program (SMAPP)

#26-134: USAR Active Guard Reserve Reclassification In Out Call

Last night, we came together for a truly special evening at the 2026 USO Gala, honoring our Service Members of the Year—an inspiring group who embody the very best of our nation’s military. Surrounded by distinguished government and military leaders, dedicated supporters, and members of the community, we celebrated the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who serve.
The night was made even more memorable with appearances by actor and USO Global Ambassador David Boreanaz, U.S. Army veteran and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez, Miss America Cassie Donegan, TV personality and stylist Monte Durham, and a powerful performance by The Navy Band Sea Chanters.
Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Because behind every uniform is a story worth honoring.

Thank you to General Dan Caine, Chairman of The Joint Staff, and General Christopher J. Mahoney, Vice Chairman, for joining us at the USO Gala last night.