All Military

First Look New US defense strategy would track missiles from space

The Trump administration envisions a space-based defense system to thwart missile threats – a departure from current US weapons based on land and ships. While the White House is gunning for interceptors in space, Congress has ordered a feasibility review first.
First Look After two years of clashes with Trump, Secretary Mattis resigns

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, perhaps the most respected foreign policy official in Trump's administration and seen as a moderating force, will leave his post by the end of February. Withdrawal of US troops from Syria was reportedly the last straw for Secretary Mattis.
First Look Diplomats, Afghans shaken by reports of US withdrawing half its troops

The Trump administration has ordered the military to start withdrawing more than 5,000 of its 14,000 troops from Afghanistan, according to a US official. The reports came as a surprise to Afghan officials and Western diplomats, who were not expecting the exit so soon.
Beyond marches: How military music offers balm for soldiers, families

Marching and entertainment are the uses we often think of for music in the armed forces. But composing and writing their own works is proving to be therapeutic for those who are no longer on the battlefield.
First Look New law gives children on military bases sex assault protections

Child-on-child sexual assault reports have long been buried. Under a sweeping new law President Trump signed Monday, schools on military bases must overhaul their system for tracking and addressing assault allegations, among other reforms.
First Look Pence calls space 'next battlefield' while detailing Space Force

Vice President Mike Pence announced official plans to form a new branch of the military by 2020, framing the change as a response to potential aggression from Russia and China.
First Look After North Korea returns dad's military ID tag, sons feel mixed emotions

Charles and Larry McDaniel barely remember their father. Almost 70 years after his death, they've been reunited with his dog tags, the only personal effect returned by North Korea last month as part of an agreement with the United States to repatriate remains.
First Look Army temporarily stops discharging immigrant recruits

An estimated 10,000 immigrants are currently serving in the US Army as part of a program offering a path to citizenship. Coming a month after reports that dozens of enlistees were being discharged, the leaked memo ordering the reversal was the first official acknowledgment of the policy.
First Look North Korea releases remains of some US service members from Korean War

In one of the first tangible results from the Trump-Kim summit in June, North Korea released 55 cases with remains of US service members killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. About 7,700 US soldiers are listed as missing, and as many as 5,300 are believed to still be in North Korea.
For some military vets, deep concern over Trump’s summit with Putin

Military vets and intelligence agents consider themselves patriots first and are supportive of the office of the presidency. But for some, it was hard to watch Trump’s summit with Putin.
First Look BYU students track down families of MIA soldiers

Students hope to ultimately bring closure to family members through the Army and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency project, which plans to return missing soldiers' remains to their relatives.
A plan to help veterans from 'the first minute' they leave the service

Twenty service members and veterans die by suicide every day. Two federal agencies have launched a public health campaign to make it easier for them to understand how to get help.
First Look Trump announces plans for a new military branch: 'Space Force'

"Space Force" would aim to ensure American supremacy in space, although its development may be beyond the president's control. "The essence of the American character is to explore new horizons and to tame new frontiers," President Trump said.
First Look US military may deploy an anti-missile system in Germany

Since the United States pulled out of the 2015 Iran nuclear accord, officials have confirmed that an anti-missile system could be stationed in Germany to ease fears of an Iranian nuclear attack. But the move could strain relationships between the European Union and Russia.
First Look Navy hits major milestone for women in submarines

Eight years since the Navy first allowed women to serve in submarines, figures show retention rates for submariners across genders are about even. The numbers suggest that the Navy's effort toward better gender integration may be proving successful.
First Look US reexamines cybersecurity after Russian hack

Russian hackers attacked at least 87 people working on advanced US defense technology including drones and rockets, according to an Associated Press investigation. The hackers, identified by the moniker 'Fancy Bear,' largely targeted personal Gmail accounts.
First Look US begins gradual drawdown of troops from Iraq

Following Baghdad's declaration of victory over ISIS last year, American troops have begun to filter out of Iraq. The move comes with the release of the Pentagon's National Defense Strategy that cited China and Russia as growing national security priorities.
With submarine program, N. Korea signals surge toward full nuclear deterrence

One nuclear sub might not be that worrisome to the US and its allies. But by diversifying its nuclear program with surprising speed, North Korea may be moving toward a multi-prong effort to protect the existing regime.
First Look Judge rules to allow transgender people to enlist in the military

Three federal courts have ruled against President Trump's demand to bar transgender people from the military. Enlistment starts on Jan. 1, 2018.
First Look US Army teaches cultural competence for Assistance Brigade

As the US military shifts its focus to supporting local security forces and their efforts to stabilize conflict zones, the Army has started weighing cultural readiness and empathy as valuable traits for the new Security Force Assistance Brigades.

Monitor's Best: Top 5

Photos of the Week 01/21 Photos of the week