All Security
Just three pull-ups: Too many for women in the Marine Corps?The Marine Corps reports that most women in recruit training are unable to do the minimum three pull-ups. As the US military moves toward allowing more women in combat roles, this raises questions about physical standards.
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks: Is Kerry offering up US troops?Unconfirmed news reports out of Israel signal that an offer of US troops to secure the borders of a new Palestinian state is in the mix in Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. US defense analysts urge caution.聽
New Pentagon blueprint sees bigger role for robot warfareThe Pentagon quietly released this week a technological vision for the next 25 years 鈥� a vision including drones and robots that will be 鈥榗ritical to future success鈥� of the US military, according to its authors.
US rescue operation in S. Sudan to test post-Benghazi Marine reaction forceThe Spain-based reaction force of 150 Marines poised to enter South Sudan to protect American 'interests' was created last spring in response to the September 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya.
US Marines 'positioned' to enter S. Sudan as civil war loomsUN officials describe new evidence of atrocities and mass graves as 150 US troops arrive in the Horn of Africa to protect Americans and the US embassy.聽
Might Pentagon have been alerted sooner to boozy US general in Moscow?Pentagon concern about 'toxic leaders' is not new, but some worry that revelations of bad behavior by senior military officials will rise as the US returns to peacetime footing. Latest case in point is a report about a top Air Force general's drunken cavorting during a trip to Moscow.
What's in big defense bill? Plans to avoid another Benghazi, for one.The National Defense Authorization Act is one of Congress's top priorities. This year's version will change elements of sexual-assault court-martials and put pressure on Afghanistan's president.
USS Cowpens: Why China forced a confrontation at sea with US NavyThe USS Cowpens had to veer sharply to avoid colliding with a Chinese military vessel in international waters earlier this month, the US Navy has confirmed. In the USS Cowpens incident, what message was China sending?- Army successfully tests truck-mounted laser to stop mortars, dronesThe Army has spent the past month testing a 10-kilowatt laser weapon in the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The laser beam can cause targets to be destroyed in low-level midair explosions, instead of exploding on the ground.
Budget deal seen as boon to Pentagon. So why wouldn't veterans be happy?Under the deal, the cost-of-living adjustment for working age military retirees would be inflation minus one percent, a big savings for the federal budget, but 'disastrous' for benefits, says veterans group.
Not your average drone: new technology the US military is developingThe military has been working on cutting-edge stealth technology so drones can evade radar systems in a way that current UAVs cannot. Another development: an all-electric, fuel cell-powered UAV launched from a submerged submarine.
Chemical weapons: How Pentagon plans to destroy Syria's stockpile at seaIf the US offer to help destroy Syria's chemical weapons is accepted, a ship being retrofitted with portable decontamination units in Virginia will be sent to do the job. 'Nothing will be dumped at sea,' a Pentagon official said.
US-China spy games in storm-hit Philippines? Pacific power play simmers.As the Pentagon forges ahead with its strategic shift toward Asia, the Philippines is likely to be important for US national security efforts in the region 鈥� particularly in light of China鈥檚 recent declaration of an 'air defense zone.'
Too pretty to fight? Army shakeup over frontline push for womenArmy officials got in trouble for suggesting that "average-looking women" be used in promotional photos, illustrating the social dynamics that continue to play a role as women assume combat jobs.
US military footprint on Philippines could grow after typhoon HaiyanThe aftermath of typhoon Haiyan is showing Filipinos the benefits of a robust US military presence. That could help a US-Philippines military accord currently under discussion.
Philippines: US military's ships, aircraft to aid in typhoon Haiyan reliefThe Pentagon orders an aircraft carrier group to the Philippines to help with search and rescue, deliver supplies of gasoline and water, and back a massive relief effort in the wake of typhoon Haiyan.
More Iraq, Afghanistan vets going from service member to member of CongressSixteen members of Congress have served in Iraq or Afghanistan 鈥� the largest contingent of former service members to come to Capitol Hill since the 1980s. More could be on the way.- Is Pentagon response to sexual assault broken? Clash over new bill.A bipartisan group of senators is proposing legislation mandating that instead of military commanders deciding whether a rape charge has merit and should move forward, an independent judiciary will.
With US set to exit Afghanistan, is legalizing the Taliban the way to end the war?A US combat role is slated to end in Afghanistan by late 2014, and negotiations go on over terms for keeping US troops there for training. But some analysts see a need to do a deal with the Taliban, sooner or later.
Syria meets first chemical weapons deadline, but much harder ones aheadSyria has destroyed its equipment for making chemical weapons, but now it must destroy its stockpile. Similar efforts in the US show that the process is long and complicated.
