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The Duffel Brief · the free edition, Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Vol. 15 · No. 132 · Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Pentagon

Pentagon confident U.S. will be ready for 2027 war with China by 2035

Officials cite historically proven American strategy of entering wars completely unprepared

Hegseth wears Eisenhower's globe as Halloween costume

Spirit Halloween store to become pop-up ICE detention center

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Vol. 15 · No. 132

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Vol. 15 · No. 132 · Deployed worldwide

Wednesday

4 November 2026

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· Page 2

Pentagon to lift ban on Democrats serving in the military

Filed · 1533

THE PENTAGON — The Defense Department has announced plans to repeal a long-standing policy that barred Democrats from serving in the military, sources confirmed today.

"Democrats, liberals, and swing voters will now be able to serve openly in the armed forces," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in a statement. "As long as they meet readiness standards."

"I can't believe this day is actually here," said Spc. Wade Serkis, a Democrat from California who enlisted in 2016. "It feels like I'm no longer living a lie."

Not everyone was pleased with the announcement. Several Pentagon officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, condemned the decision.

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