US Army sergeant indicted on murder, aggravated assault charges over shooting of Garrett Foster
Foster was fatally shot while participating in a protest in Austin in July 2020.
Donald Rumsfeld, former defense secretary at helm of 2 wars, dead at 88
Two-time defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who oversaw the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and the 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein in Iraq during his tenure, has died at the age of 88.
More than 68% of active US military receive COVID-19 vaccine, DOD says
The Department of Defense announced more than 68% of active-duty military service members have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — an “amazing feat,” according to Max Rose, the senior adviser to the secretary of defense.
Coast Guard helicopter rescues fisherman off Montauk
The Coast Guard dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, an HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane, and the Cutter Cutter Kingfisher to respond to a sinking boat off Montauk.
US airstrikes target Iran-backed militia groups in Syria, Iraq
The U.S. military targeted three operational and weapons storage facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in Syria and Iraq, officials said.
Pentagon says U.S. military attacked Iran-backed groups along Iraq-Syria border on Sunday
"At President Biden's direction, U.S. military forces earlier this evening conducted defensive precision airstrikes against facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups in the Iraq-Syria border region," the Pentagon said.
Nearly 650 US troops to remain in Afghanistan, officials say
U.S. officials tell The Associated Press that about 650 U.S. troops are expected to be kept in Afghanistan to provide security for the American diplomatic presence after the Pentagon completes its military withdrawal, which is set to be largely done in the next two weeks.
Gen. Mark Milley: ‘I want to understand White rage’
Gen. Mark Milley, who testified at a Wednesday congressional hearing, defended the military's approach to addressing racism and extremism within its ranks, saying that service members should be “open minded and widely read.”
Merle Smith, first Black graduate of Coast Guard Academy, dies of COVID complications
Merle Smith Jr., the first Black cadet to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy, has died of complications from Parkinson's disease and COVID-19. He was 76. Smith commanded patrol boats in Vietnam, taught law classes at the academy in New London and retired with the rank of commander.
Moderna gets contract to produce 200M COVID-19 vaccines for DOD
U.S. Defense officials awarded Moderna a $3.3 billion contract to produce 200 million COVID-19 by next spring as the country works to increase vaccinations and determine if boosters are needed.
Navy tests newest carrier with giant explosion off Florida coast
The U.S. Navy’s newest and biggest aircraft carrier was put to the test last week with an offshore explosion so strong that it registered as an earthquake.
Army finally awards Purple Heart to 99-year-old Brooklyn veteran
It was a long time coming, but a 99-year-old Army veteran finally has his Purple Heart from injuries he sustained 76 years ago.
U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan locked down amid huge COVID-19 surge
The U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan is locking down because of a massive spike in coronavirus cases among employees. The embassy is ordering staffers into virtual isolation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Some stolen U.S. military firearms are used in violent crimes
An Associated Press investigation has found that at least 1,900 U.S. military firearms were lost or stolen over the last decade. Army pistols, for example, were used in violent crimes including shootings and robbery. Pistols, machine guns and automatic assault rifles vanished from military armories, supply warehouses, Navy warships and elsewhere.
At NATO summit, Biden warns of Russia and China
President Biden talked with NATO allies about the challenges of fighting the pandemic and the growing security threat of Russia and China.
Teen mows veterans’ lawns to honor late grandfather: ‘He taught me’
Fourteen-year-old Nathan Adams lost his grandfather, Fred, to cancer. Nathan channeled his grief into action, cutting grass for veterans in Fred’s honor.
Army: Drugs may be factor in deaths of 2 paratroopers
Two Army paratroopers were found dead in their barracks at Fort Bragg and illicit drugs may have been a factor
Mass COVID-19 vaccination sites supported by DOD pared down to 5
The Department of Defense is withdrawing from several mass COVID-19 vaccination centers where it was providing operational support, leaving personnel at only five as vaccination rates slow in many areas.
14 National Guard soldiers hurt in Virginia when military bus overturns
More than a dozen National Guard members were injured when a military bus transporting 25 soldiers overturned in Central Virginia, according to police.
Marine recruit dies in ‘The Crucible’ training, prompts investigation
Military officials said Pfc. Dalton Beals, 19, died during the final challenge in his training, and an investigation is now underway.