Military

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A military answer to North Korea? Not likely.

Defense Secretary Gates, off to Singapore for a regional security summit, says US sees no 'crisis' in Pyongyang's 'very provocative' display of force this week.
New Pentagon policy adds poignancy to Memorial Day

Families can now witness the return to the US of the remains of service members killed in action, according to a six-week-old rule. For many, it is an important rite.
In Afghanistan, US troops thwart IED threat

With new technology and close monitoring of culverts and ditches, they have reduced the rudimentary bombs' effectiveness by 20 percent since last year.
Shades of Iraq, millions spent in Afghanistan lack adequate oversight

The inspector general finds too few watchdogs keeping an eye on how US reconstruction funds are spent.
Trepidation as US exits Iraq's cities

June's pullback is part of the phased withdrawal of US forces. Will it jeopardize hard-won security gains?
New GI Bill too popular for the Pentagon's own good?

Veterans are rushing to take advantage of the comprehensive education benefits, raising the question of whether the bill will hurt retention.
Soldier rampage hints at stress of repeated deployments

Sgt. John Russell was charged with murder Tuesday. He was finishing his third tour in Iraq.
Gates ousts US commander in Afghanistan, saying 'we must do better'

The man he wants for the post, Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, is deeply versed in special operations.
US, Pakistan build military ties, one officer at a time

Revived exchange program points up Pakistan's importance to US aims in Afghanistan.
Pakistan's sharia cease-fire: I knew it wouldn't work, Zardari says

Political and military leaders in the region try to look to the positive as Taliban fighters entrench in Pakistan's Swat Valley.
With piracy odds in their favor, ships shun armed guards

The small number of successful pirate attacks, an increase in military patrols, and legal concerns have kept many firms from hiring security.
Fighting a high-tech war with a low-tech mule

US Marines and soldiers are training to fight in Afghanistan, where mules and donkeys can haul supplies and weapons to places where Humvees and helicopters can't easily go.
US faces Iraq-like spending problems in Afghanistan

With billions at stake, there's major concern about lack of accountability – especially with so many private contractors involved.
Gates's next lever to reshape the Pentagon: QDR

This week, the Defense Department will begin the Quadrennial Defense Review, a year-long study that should help the secretary put his stamp on the military.
Military services largely on board with Gates's defense budget

But it could be the lull before the storm as lobbyists and lawmakers begin to weigh in on controversial cuts.
Maritime officials seek more authority to confront pirates

As attacks continue, experts consider whether deadly force would be an effective deterrent.
You can't kill F-22, Georgians tell Gates

Should military spending be seen as a 'jobs program'?
Gates axes some costly weapons, emphasizes 'irregular' warfare

Defense secretary applies lessons of Iraq, Afghanistan to new Pentagon budget.
Pentagon budget kills F-22, pumps up Special Ops

New spending plan represents a shift toward counterinsurgency needs.
Obama overhauls US Afghan strategy

The Iraq-style troop surge is one part of a plan that hopes to bring stability through civilian know-how and a fresh Pakistan policy.