Washington, D.C.; December 22nd, 2025
Our article presents confirmed first hand information released by the U.S. Department of War, which published its weekly operational update outlining key developments from the previous week, including the formal recognition of border defense service members, the distribution of a one time Warrior Dividend payment, and the initiation of reforms within the military Chaplain Corps.
According to the Department of War release titled This Week in DOW: Border Defense Medal; Warrior Dividend; Reforming Chaplain Corps, departmental leadership summarized actions taken during the prior week affecting active duty personnel, reserve components, and civilian employees across the Armed Forces. The update was issued as part of the Department’s regular Defense Department News communications.
Among the announcements was confirmation of the Warrior Dividend, a one time, tax free payment authorized for eligible service members. The Department of War stated that the dividend totals 1,776 dollars per recipient, a figure selected to reflect the year of the Nation’s founding. The payment is designated for more than 1.45 million service members across all branches of the Armed Forces and is funded through previously enacted federal legislation. Department officials described the dividend as recognition of continued service and sacrifice.
The weekly update also detailed the formal awarding of the Border Defense Medal, a newly established service recognition for troops who supported operations along the southern border. According to the Department of War, the medal honors personnel assigned to border security missions conducted in coordination with federal law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These operations focused on countering illicit trafficking, reinforcing physical security, and supporting surveillance and interdiction efforts.
Department leadership stated that border operations referenced in the update began earlier in 2025 and involved thousands of service members from multiple components. The awarding of the Border Defense Medal serves as official acknowledgment of participation in these missions, which the Department characterized as defensive in nature and conducted under federal authority.
The Department of War update further addressed reforms underway within the military Chaplain Corps. According to the release, departmental leadership announced changes intended to strengthen spiritual support services available to service members. These reforms include the removal of an existing spiritual fitness guidance framework and adjustments to administrative systems used to classify faith and belief affiliations within personnel records.
Officials stated that the reforms are intended to restore the Chaplain Corps’ traditional role as providers of spiritual care, moral guidance, and confidential counseling. Department leadership indicated that additional changes are expected in the coming weeks as part of a broader effort to elevate spiritual well being alongside physical and mental readiness within the Armed Forces.
The weekly update also noted departmental observances and events held during the period, including a worship service conducted at the Pentagon in advance of the Christmas season. The Department stated that the service was attended by civilian and military personnel and was intended to provide reflection and encouragement during the holiday period.
The release concluded with acknowledgment of recent casualties, including service members and a civilian contractor who died while supporting overseas operations. Department officials reported that dignified transfer ceremonies were conducted and that senior leadership conveyed condolences to the families of the fallen.
The Department of War described the weekly update as part of its ongoing effort to provide transparency regarding military operations, personnel initiatives, and departmental priorities, documenting actions taken during the prior week as part of the official federal record.
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Sources
Primary First Hand Sources
- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF WAR, This Week in DOW: Border Defense Medal; Warrior Dividend; Reforming Chaplain Corps, official Defense Department News release, December 2025
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