President Trump says he's directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure that troops are paid on Wednesday despite the shutdown.
Texas National Guard members are at an Army training center in Illinois, sent despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders.
Hegseth ordered more strict grooming and fitness standards and less training on subjects like the Privacy Act, cybersecurity and controlled information.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday that the U.S. will scale back its military presence, reflecting “our combined success in fighting ISIS.”