LIVE: DOW Launches $10M. National Workforce Development Initiative with Mike Rowe

The Department of War is teaming up with television host Mike Rowe to rebuild America’s defense manufacturing workforce. See how this massive $10 million investment will make skilled trades a first-choice career path! During a special ceremony at the Pentagon on July 2, 2026, the DOW officially launched the Build Freedom Initiative—a national campaign designed to revitalize the American industrial base and train the next generation of essential workers. Michael Duffey (Undersecretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment) and Michael Cadnenazzi (Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy) presented renowned TV host and trades advocate Mike Rowe with a $10 million check to kickstart the program. If you care about American manufacturing, national security, and the future of skilled labor, this is an announcement you won't want to miss. [Timestamps] 0:00 - The Pentagon’s $10M Announcement 1:15 - DOW Leaders Detail the National Workforce Development Initiative 3:30 - Check Presentation to Mike Rowe 4:45 - What the "Build Freedom Initiative" Means for America 6:20 - How to Get Involved in Defense Manufacturing Defense Now, Build Freedom Initiative, Mike Rowe, Pentagon news, Department of War, DOW, Michael Duffey, Michael Cadnenazzi, defense manufacturing workforce, skilled trades America, national workforce development initiative, DOD manufacturing jobs, military industrial base, Mike Rowe trades, $10 million Pentagon grant, US defense policy, American manufacturing jobs, July 2 2026 Pentagon ceremony Michael Duffey, undersecretary of war for acquisition and sustainment, and Michael Cadnenazzi, assistant secretary of war for industrial base policy, present television host Mike Rowe with a check for $10 million, formally launching the Build Freedom Initiative during a ceremony at the Pentagon, July 2, 2026. The Build Freedom Initiative is a national campaign to help rebuild America’s defense manufacturing workforce and make skilled trades a first-choice career path. 🔴 Watch LIVE coverage of the highly anticipated "Build Freedom Launch Event," brought to you by Defense Now. Scheduled for July 2, 2026, this event marks a significant milestone in U.S. defense, military modernization, and national security initiatives as we approach the nation's 250th anniversary. The broadcast begins at 8:50 AM EDT and will conclude at approximately 10:00 AM EDT. Join the Defense Now community in the live chat to discuss the latest defense technology, strategic developments, and military readiness. 🕒 *Event Schedule (EDT):* 08:50 AM - Live Stream Begins / Pre-show Discussion 09:00 AM - Build Freedom Launch Event Commences 10:00 AM - Event Conclusion & Final Takeaways (Note: Timestamps will be updated with specific speakers/reveals after the live broadcast ends). Defense Now is your premier source for breaking military news, global defense strategy, and cutting-edge military technology. #BuildFreedom #DefenseNow #USMilitary #LiveStream #MilitaryTech #NationalSecurity #Freedom250 Build Freedom Launch Event, Defense Now, Defense Now Live, Build Freedom 2026, US military live, Department of Defense, US armed forces, military modernization, defense technology, Freedom 250, national security, military news today, defense industry, Pentagon news, military strategy, July 2 2026 defense event, live military stream, military aviation, naval systems, defense contractors Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @defensenow   Defense Now | June 2026    • DN June 2026   ⬇️ Support Defense Now! ⬇️ Your #1 Source for Military Videos & News :) All About Only Military Stuff! 👍 Don't forget to LIKE this video! 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & hit the bell so you never miss an update:    / defensenow   Members-only videos    • Members-only videos   [Copyright / Source Disclaimer] Welcome to the official Defense Now channel on YouTube. Defense Now is an independent, educational, and documentary military channel devoted to armed forces, national security policy, and military technologies. All the content on the channel is STRICTLY for informational, documentary, and historical purposes! The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Please keep the comments section respectful; any spam, insults, or trolling will be deleted. © For content licensing or reuse, official government streams, and public archives, please contact us directly to avoid automated copyright enforcement. Film Credits: Department of War