Topic: U.S. Naval Academy

Chorus grows against Obama administration's sanctions-heavy Iran policy

The Obama administration's effort to end Iran's nuclear program has focused on punitive measures, with little diplomatic outreach. Critics say this jeopardizes negotiations.

Opinion: Iran nuclear talks: Look to cooperation of US-Iran scientists

As talks about Iran’s nuclear program began today in Kazakhstan, it's worth noting the success of ongoing, respectful collaboration between American and Iranian scientists and public-health experts. Such exchanges can cut through the deepest political and media rhetoric.

Home: an angel entertained unawares

A Christian Science perspective: Finding a warm sense of home aboard a naval ship was difficult at first.

Too much religion at military academies? West Point cadet revives charge.

Citing overt religiosity on campus, a West Point Academy cadet publicly quit this week just months before graduation. This is not the first time the military has come under fire for practices that nonreligious students see as aggressively evangelical.

Benghazi attack: ‘Terrorists’ or ‘extremists’?

Congressional Republicans are digging into what the Obama administration knew about the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four American officials. The focus on UN Ambassador Susan Rice – a possible Secretary of State – has become very political.

One year after bomb blinded Afghan vet, Paralympic gold

Navy Lt. Brad Snyder was blinded a year ago by an IED blast in Afghanistan. On Friday he won a gold medal for the 400-meter freestyle in the London Paralympics, a performance he hopes will inspire other wounded vets.

Obama's Iran policy shifted from outreach to pressure and sanctions

Obama intended to go the extra mile on engagement, his aides said, so if the gambit failed, allies and adversaries alike could not point the finger at the United States as the 'bad guy.' Instead, they would rally behind the effort to pressure Iran.

Unmanned drone attacks and shape-shifting robots: War's remote-control future

The Pentagon already includes unmanned drone attacks in its arsenal. Next up: housefly-sized surveillance craft, shape-changing 'chemical robots,' and tracking agents sprayed from the sky. What does it mean to have soldiers so far removed from the battlefield?

Opinion: Does the US military have a clear purpose?

Those we ask to serve don’t know what they’re defending – and why. How do you inspire citizens to serve when victory isn’t a goal?

Who will carry out Obama's Afghanistan exit plan? Three new guys.

After President Obama outlines his strategy Wednesday for winding down the 10-year war in Afghanistan – including the rate of US troop withdrawals – it will be the duty of three men, all new in their roles, to get it done. It will be a tough job, and there is likely to be plenty of second-guessing not only about the strategy itself, but also their handling of it, from Congress, pundits, and ex-military types. Here are some clues into what priorities these three defense leaders might set and a look at the particular skills each brings to the task of managing America’s longest war.

Blue Angels flight leader relieved of command for flying too low

In a highly unusual step, Navy Cmdr. Dave Koss was removed as commander of the Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Flying with the Blue Angels and the Air Force Thunderbirds is highly demanding, and there have been accidents over the years.

Q&A with John McCain: Libyans paid price 'in blood' waiting for no fly zone

Obama's decision to seek a multinational response to Qaddafi's attacks means 'the Libyan people are paying a very heavy price in blood,' Sen. John McCain said April 6 at a Monitor breakfast.

My Nuclear Family

What does it mean to serve in the US military today? A former lieutenant in the Nuclear Submarine Service shares his story.

BP oil spill: Will the 'sweeping arm system' from the Dutch help?

The Dutch government is supplying six sweeping arm systems for the BP oil spill. The technology involves a skimmer that picks up oil and water and then separates the two.

What is 'top kill' and when will we know if it plugs BP oil spill?

The 'top kill' procedure aims to cap the undersea well feeding the BP oil spill in the Gulf. The US Coast Guard gave approval Wednesday to proceed.

New role for robot warriors

Drones are just part of a bid to automate combat. Can virtual ethics make machines decisionmakers?

Veterans day appreciation: Top 5 veterans in business

On Veteran's Day, Americans celebrate those who served the country as members of the military. But after trading fatigues for suits, here are the top 5 veterans who have left their mark on the business world.

Obama won’t seek new legislation for terror detentions

The decision comes as the Obama administration is hitting snags in its effort to close Guantanamo prison by January.

Opinion: Closing Guantanamo will be a mistake

Much of the public perception of the detention camps is wrong.

For kids: Name that president

Test your knowledge. Can you answer these questions about the presidents of the United States?

Opinion: Somalia's piracy problem is everyone's problem

'Arrghh matey' isn't so funny when you know what's at stake.

Etc.

Military culture, pragmatism shape McCain

John McCain's military experience and Senate record show a presidential candidate who values integrity and getting things done.