Collaboration
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“I Would Love To Have More F-15EXs,” Air Guard Boss Says
With F-15EX’s operational debut coming soon, its unique capabilities have already made an impact on the Air National Guard’s top officer.
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Over 85 Targets Hit In U.S. Retaliation Strikes Against Iranian Proxies, IRGC – Updated
The U.S. has launched strikes in retaliation for the drone attack that killed three U.S. soldiers and injured dozens more in Jordan.
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AESA Radars For AC-130J, MC-130J Sought By SOCOM
Even an off-the-shelf AESA radar solution could drastically enhance the capabilities of Special Operations Command’s C-130s.
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New Strike On Houthi Missiles In Yemen Launched By U.S.
The U.S. strike today is the fourth against Houthi targets in Yemen and comes after another commercial ship was hit.
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B-21 Raider Flight Testing Now Underway
The first B-21 is now flying test sorties from Edwards Air Force Base, where it arrived after its maiden flight late last year.
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Yemen-Bound Missile Parts, Sensor Systems Seized In SEAL Raid
A dhow was boarded in the Gulf of Aden where various weapons components were seized, and two Navy SEALs went missing during the operation.
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North Korea’s Most Advanced Drones Reemerge, Solid Fuel IRBM Tested
Kim Jong Un is seen inspecting his knockoffs of America’s Global Hawk and Reaper and North Korea has now tested a solid fuel IRBM.
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Claims Swirl Around Possible Shoot Down Of Russian A-50 Radar Jet – Updated
The loss of an A-50 and an IL-22M airborne command and control platforms would be a major blow for Russia, which only has a handful of each.
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Red Sea Dangerous As Ever After Strikes, Shipping Industry Warns – Updated
The Houthis have warned the United States and its allies of “a long-term battle that will change the direction of the region and the world.”
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Allies Strike Back Against Houthis In Yemen – Updated
Multiple types of Houthi facilities in Yemen have been struck in retaliation for constant attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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Israel-Gaza Situation Report: U.S. Military Leaders Push For Scaled-Back Campaign
While America’s top military leaders urged Jerusalem to shift away from the most intensive combat operations, Israeli officials remain reluctant.
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Ukraine Situation Report: Troops Question Dnipro River Assault
Though billed as a burgeoning success by Ukraine, the battle across the Dnipro River is coming at an extremely heavy cost say those involved.
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Israel’s F-35I Combat Experience Is Providing Lessons For Future Pacific Fight
Israel’s ability to keep the vast majority of its F-35s flying during high-tempo operations against Hamas is opening eyes in the Pentagon.
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All V-22 Ospreys Grounded Worldwide — Updated
The grounding of all Osprey tilt-rotors follows a fatal crash off the coast of a Japanese island that may be tied to a “materiel failure.”
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Shahed-136 With Cellular Modem Found In Ukraine: What It Means
Here are the possibilities of what the addition of improvised cellular communications to Russia’s Shahed drones means.
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CV-22B Osprey Tilt-Rotor Crashes Off Japanese Coast – Updated
Six personnel were reportedly on board the tilt-rotor when it came down in waters off Yakushima Island, western Japan.
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Ukrainian Drone Boat Appears To Have Been Captured By Russia
The intact capture of a Ukrainian MAGURA V5 drone boat could give Russians new insights, even if limited, and help with their own designs.
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Navy P-8A Poseidon Runs Off Runway Into The Water In Hawaii — Updated
The aircraft skidded into Kaneohe Bay while attempting to land at the Marine Corps Air Station by the same name.
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Japan Approved To Buy 400 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles
The $2.35 billion deal to purchase Block IV and V Tomahawk missiles would give Japan a new offensive punch in a restive region.
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Ukraine Situation Report: This May Be Our First Image Of An M1 Abrams In-Country
An image has emerged on social media purporting to show the first look at an M1 Abrams main battle tank in Ukraine.
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Ukraine Situation Report: M1 Abrams-Based Mine Clearing Vehicle Appears In-Country
Unwanted by U.S. Marines, the Assault Breaching Vehicle will give Ukraine one more way to clear vast mine fields set up by Russia.
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Evidence Of ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy Use By Ukraine Emerges
The U.S.-made ADM-160 MALD is used to help clear paths through enemy air defenses for friendly aircraft and missiles.
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AC-130 Gunship Laser Weapon Program’s Future Is Looking Blurry
The AC-130’s AHEL was thought to be a top candidate for the first operational airborne laser weapon, but that may no longer be the case.
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Laser Rocket Firing Humvees Spotted In Service With Ukraine
Armored Humvees with four-shot laser-guided rocket pods offer Ukraine a quick moving precision attack capability against a wide variety of targets.
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Drone Attack On The Kremlin In Moscow — Updated
An attack on arguably the most symbolic target in Russia would be a victory for Ukraine, but it could be used by Putin to rally support too.
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F-22s Intercepted “Spherical Object” Off Hawaii In Latest Balloon Chase
The first indications that something was afoot was last Friday when a C-17 was asked to divert to investigate something near Hawaii.
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RQ-170 Sentinel Stealth Drones May Have Flown Sorties Off Crimea
A leaked document purports to provide details on the recent use of RQ-170s, and various other surveillance aircraft, in the Black Sea region.
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Bradley Fighting Vehicles Have Arrived In Ukraine
The Pentagon on Tuesday gave the first official confirmation that the Bradley Infantry Fighting vehicles are indeed in Ukraine.
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Digital Camouflage On Ukrainian Bradleys Sign Of Coming Combat Debut
American-supplied Bradley Fighting Vehicles are starting to get distinctive Ukrainian paint jobs as their deployment status remains murky.
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Destination Of Russian T-90 Tank Left At Truck Stop Comes Into Focus
The Russian T-90A tank taken off the battlefield in Ukraine appears to be headed to the Aberdeen Test Center.
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Finland Buys Israel’s David’s Sling For Huge Air Defense Upgrade
David’s Sling is a huge upgrade for Finland’s air defenses and will protect the country from ballistic and other high-speed missiles.
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Balloon Intercepted By U.S. Air Force Over Texas
North American Aerospace Defense Command has confirmed that it scrambled aircraft to investigate a suspicious target of interest over Texas.
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Russian Su-27 Collided With U.S. MQ-9 Over Black Sea — Updated
Prior to the collision, two Russian Su-27s intercepted the MQ-9 and were dumping fuel on it, before one clipped the drone’s propeller.
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Balloons Shot Down Over Ukraine Point To New Russian Tactics
Cheap balloons with radar reflectors could expose useful details about Ukrainian air defenses and bait them into wasting valuable munitions.
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F-16 Shoots Down “Octagonal Object” Over Lake Huron — Updated
For the third time in three days, an unknown object has been shot down, a U.S. Rep. from Michigan said Sunday.
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F-22 Shoots Down “Object” Flying High Over Alaskan Waters — Updated
The new high-altitude incident in U.S. airspace off the coast of Alaska follows recent revelations about Chinese spy balloons.
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The Shooting Down Of China’s Spy Balloon In Moment-By-Moment Audio
Audio of the complex aerial ballet that downed the Chinese spy balloon at just the right time and place adds new detail to the operation.
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F-22 Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon Off Carolinas With Missile — Updated
After days spent floating over the U.S., the Chinese spy balloon was shot down and a collection operation is now underway off the Carolinas.
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Error, Malfunction, Sabotage Investigated As Possible Fatal Ukrainian Helicopter Crash Causes — Updated
The Airbus H225M helicopter crashed in the town of Brovary, near Kyiv, with Ukraine’s Interior Minister onboard.
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Highly Anticipated Government Report On UFOs Very Thin On New Details
The new report, which has been delayed for months now, offers little substantive detail on the government’s cataloged UAP reports.
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First North Korean Drone Intrusion In Five Years Spurs South To Scramble
A South Korean KT-1 turboprop armed trainer crashed during the response to the provocative drone incursion.
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Ukraine Situation Report: Zelensky Secures Patriot Missiles, ‘Precision Aerial Munitions’ during U.S. Visit
A Patriot air defense battery tops the latest list of military assistance for Ukraine officially announced as part of Zelensky’s U.S. visit.
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Patriot Missile Batteries In Ukraine Would Be Top Targets For Russia
In Ukraine, the Patriot air defense system would face threats unlike any it’s faced before, but they would still be a very tough target.
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This Is The B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber — Updated
The B-21 isn’t just America’s next stealth bomber, it’s the most advanced aircraft ever built and we’re finally allowed to see it.
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Ukrainian Surface-To-Air Missile Likely To Blame For Deadly Incident In Poland NATO Says — Updated
Evidence is growing that an errant Ukrainian missle killed two Polish citizens, but NATO says Russia is still ultimately responsible.
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Missile Hits Poland After Crossing Ukraine Border: Reports — Updated
The incident raises longstanding concerns about the war spilling beyond Ukraine’s borders into a NATO member nation.
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Ukraine Unleashes Mass Kamikaze Drone Boat Attack On Russia’s Black Sea Fleet Headquarters
Russia says Ukrainian aerial drones and unmanned surface vessels targeted the home of its Black Sea Fleet, damaging at least a minesweeper.
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Russia Completes Pontoon Bridge Across Dnipro River in Kherson
The bridge’s completion comes as Russia orders citizens out of Kherson, which could complicate Ukrainian efforts to destroy the crossing.
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Patriot Suggested As Possible Air Defense System For Ukraine By Top U.S. General
The U.S. and its allies are working faster to provide an integrated air defense system for Ukraine after Russia bombarded its cities.
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Russia’s Kerch Strait Bridge Reopens to Very Limited Road, Rail Traffic
Here are all the new details surrounding the explosion on Russia’s Kerch Strait Bridge now that night has fallen across the tense Sea of Azov
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Explosion Rocks Russia’s Prized Kerch Strait Bridge Leading to Crimea Updated
The vital link between Russia and Crimea, Moscow’s prized Kerch Strait Bridge, has been severed by a massive explosion.
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Ukrainian Kamikaze Drone Attacks Bomber Base Deep In Russia — Updated
A Ukrainian drone attacked a Russian Tu-22M bomber base, which has been a hub for strikes on Ukrainian targets, far across the border.
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Navy Embarked MH-60R Helicopter Aboard Coast Guard Cutter
The experiment of embarking a top-end Navy MH-60R Seahawk aboard a Legend-class cutter is likely a glimpse of the future.
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Russian Airbase In Crimea Erupts In Massive Explosions — Updated
If Ukraine did strike the base, it would be further evidence that the war has arrived in the Russian-occupied stronghold of southern Crimea.
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Russian ‘Boomerang’ Missile Video Explained By Air Defense Expert
A veteran air defense operator has some ideas as to what could have led to this spectacular mishap in Ukraine.
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Hawker Hunter Aggressor Jet Crashes Off North Carolina — Updated
Hawker Hunters operated by private contractor ATAC have been flying off the coast recently as part of US Navy training in the area.
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San Antonio Class Could Be Motherships For Undersea Drones With New System
The plan is to prove that large unmanned undersea vehicles can be launched and recovered by the Navy’s well deck-equipped amphibious ships.
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Ground-Based Tor SAM System Seen Strapped To Russian Black Sea Warship
Placing the Tor surface-to-air missile system on the Corvette was likely an improvised countermeasure following the sinking of the Moskva.
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Navy Finally Sends Littoral Combat Ship To Middle East
The Navy wants to retire USS Sioux City and other LCSs like it despite the deployment that comes 14 years after the type entered service.
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Ukraine Might Get IRIS-T SLM Surface-To-Air Missle System: Reports
The deal could provide Ukraine with its first advanced western air defense system that would fill a role similar to that of the SA-11 Buk.
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Secretary of Defense Austin Remained in Nuclear Chain of Command During Kyiv Trip
A Russian attack on Ukraine rail lines highlighted the dangerous nature of the Austin-Blinken trip into a war zone.
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No, Additional Fighter Jets Haven’t Been Delivered To Ukraine
The Pentagon says Ukraine has more aircraft flying now than it did two weeks ago, but it’s not because they got new jets.
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This Is The Shadowy Special Operations Mothership You’ve Never Heard Of
For a ghost of a special operations ship, The Carolyn Chouest has an amazing history but lack of funding may spell the end of her mission.
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As Ukraine Pummels Russians With Javelin Missiles, Can Production Keep Pace With Demand?
The delivery of thousands of Javelin missiles, as well as Stingers, to Ukraine has raised critical questions about production capacity.
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US veterans head to Ukraine to fight, but Zelenskyy’s legion faces hurdles
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE From an undisclosed location in Ukraine, a former Georgian soldier runs a combined tactical operations center and military training camp that sends U.S. and other foreign fighters to battle Russia.
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Pentagon rejects Poland’s offer to transfer fighter fleet for Ukraine
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Polish minister of defense on Wednesday that the U.S. is not interested in participating in its plan to transfer its fight jets to the U.S., who would them give them to Ukraine. The Polish government announced Tuesday that it was prepared to immediately transfer its MiG-29s…
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Volunteer fighters arrive in Ukraine. But the untrained should stay home
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE Several hundred volunteers willing to fight Russians alongside Ukrainian forces already have arrived in that embattled nation, according to a government official there. A defense official at the Ukrainian embassy in Washington, D.C., told Military Times that they have already received more than 3,000 applications.
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Amid fears of Russian air dominance, US to send anti-aircraft Stingers to Ukraine
PENTAGON & CONGRESS WASHINGTON ― The U.S. for the first time has approved the direct delivery of Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine as part of a package approved by the White House last week. During the Cold War, the CIA covertly supplied Stingers to Afghan guerrillas fighting Russian forces. Now Ukrainian forces…
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Biden banning Russia from US airspace because of Ukraine
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE The latest details about Russia’s attack on Ukraine: Russian troops step up attacks on urban areas, evidence Russia using cluster munitions claim rights groups
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Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns US, NATO
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE The latest on the Russian attack on Ukraine: Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions, warning other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.”
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Putin orders Russian troops into eastern Ukraine as Biden blocks US trade there
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered forces Monday to “maintain peace” in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine in a further escalation of tensions that followed the Kremlin’s recognition of the areas’ independence despite warnings of sanctions and international condemnation.
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Biden to block US trade with eastern Ukrainian regions after Putin recognition
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Russian President President Vladimir Putin has recognized the independence of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine — a move that will severely ratchet up tensions with the West amid fears that his country could invade Ukraine at any moment and use skirmishes as a pretext for an attack.
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DC National Guard asked to provide support for upcoming trucker protest
PENTAGON & CONGRESS With an organizer of a trucker vaccine mandate protest threatening to shut down traffic around the capitol region, the D.C. National Guard is alerting troops to be ready to activate in response.
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Putin has decided to further invade Ukraine, Biden says
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to further invade Ukraine, President Joe Biden said Friday afternoon. “As of this moment I’m convinced he’s made the decision,” Biden said during a televised address. “We have reason to believe it.”
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Navy disputes Russia’s claims that it chased a US sub out of its waters
FLASHPOINTS | UKRAINE The Russian Ministry of Defense claims a U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarine left Russian territorial waters Saturday after that country’s navy took “appropriate” actions. The U.S. Navy says the incident just didn’t happen.
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3,000 more paratroopers head to Europe amid White House warnings of Ukraine invasion
PENTAGON & CONGRESS Thousands more soldiers are preparing to deploy to Eastern Europe as Russia-Ukraine tensions continue, the Pentagon announced Friday. Three thousand members of the 82nd Airborne Division would join 3,000 troops already mobilized to Poland, Germany and Romania.
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More Russian forces mass near border, but still not ready to attack: Ukraine
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Though Russia continues to pour troops into areas surrounding Ukraine, it still remains unready to carry out a full-scale invasion, according to the latest Ukrainian military assessment shared with Military Times.
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US troops sheltered, fired Patriot missiles during Yemen Houthi attack on UAE
FLASHPOINTS U.S. troops took shelter and launched interceptor missiles during an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels that targeted the United Arab Emirates during a visit by Israel’s president, the second-such time American troops have opened fire, officials said.
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No injuries as rockets hit near Baghdad airport, damage two planes
FLASHPOINTS At least six Katyusha rockets struck near the civilian side of Baghdad’s international airport and an adjacent military base that hosts a small number of U.S. and other coalition advisors on Friday, damaging two planes on the runway. There were no casualties, Iraqi officials said.
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US service member injured, French soldier killed in Mali attack
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY A French soldier was killed and a U.S. service member was wounded by mortar shelling on a base in Mali on Sunday, according to U.S. Africa Command and the French military.
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Pentagon reveals info on $200M military aid to Ukraine, including more Javelins
PENTAGON & CONGRESS The Pentagon on Tuesday provided more details about the $200 million military aid package for Ukraine approved by President Joe Biden in December.
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US draws down Ukraine embassy presence as war fears mount
FLASHPOINTS The State Department on Sunday ordered the families of all American personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine to leave the country amid heightened fears of a Russian invasion. The department told the dependents of staffers at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv that they must leave the country.
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Richard Marcinko, first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six, dies
NEWS | VETERANS Retired Navy SEAL and the first commanding officer of SEAL Team Six, Richard “Dick” Marcinko, has died, according to a post on the Navy Seal Museum’s Facebook page.
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Civilians may have been killed in latest US drone strike on al-Qaida in Syria
FLASHPOINTS CENTCOM officials did not name the individual targeted or say how many civilian casualties may have resulted from the strike.
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Milley denies wrongdoing amid calls for his resignation over details in new book
PENTAGON & CONGRESS A new book to be released next week says Milley took steps to guard against Trump launching a questionable military strike in the final days of his presidency.
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US drone strike takes out ISIS-K suicide vehicle in Kabul: CENTCOM
FLASHPOINTS | AFGHANISTAN The U.S. military launched a drone strike against ISIS-K in Kabul, based on concerns of an attack against Hamid Karzai International Airport, according to U.S Central Command.
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‘Hi mom, I’m fine’: How one Afghan interpreter escaped
FLASHPOINTS | AFGHANISTAN Over the course of 48 hours between Wednesday and Friday, Lisette Bonano, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, was sick with worry about a man who calls her “mom.”
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‘Just one more’: Inside the massive military community effort to save Afghans
PENTAGON & CONGRESS For several days, Tawfiq was frantic and confused. He had returned to Afghanistan from the U.S. just days before the Taliban began their dramatic sweep of the country, and now he was caught in the middle.
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US troop death toll now at 13, with 18 wounded, in HKIA attack: CENTCOM
PENTAGON & CONGRESS The number of U.S. service members killed in a series of attacks outside of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on Thursday is now 13, with another 18 wounded, according to a spokesman for U.S. Central Command.
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Informal group of troops, vets, working to help Afghans seeking refuge in US
FLASHPOINTS | AFGHANISTAN For nearly a year, “Nadia,” who worked as an interpreter for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, has been desperately trying to leave, fearful of revenge by the Taliban. Sunday night, as the insurgent group took control of that war-torn nation, her pleas for help reached a fever pitch.
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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling briefly locked down amid report of gunman
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY A military base in the nation’s capital was locked down for about an hour-and-a-half Friday, after an armed man ran onto the grounds during a local police investigation of gunshots on the streets surrounding the base.
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Pentagon, reacting to Biden order, working on plan for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will begin consulting military medical professionals, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to “determine how and when to make recommendations to President Joe Biden” about adding the COVID-19 vaccines to the full list of requirements for military personnel.
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The Air Force is ditching security force body cams ― here’s why
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY A tool that has become key in civilian law enforcement ― generating visual evidence in high-profile cases such as the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis ― will no longer be used by the Air Force.
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Concerned over potential threats, DoD ramping up reporting efforts in wake of intel report on UFOs
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY The Pentagon has released video of three encounters with UFOs by Navy air crew.
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Drone attack suspected on Baghdad facility housing US troops, some personnel suffer smoke inhalation: officials
FLASHPOINTS Multiple rockets targeted two Iraqi facilities, including one hosting U.S. and coalition troops, Iraqi security officials and the U.S. military said.
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US adds 500 troops in Germany, ends large-scale troop cut plans despite Trump pledge: SECDEF
PENTAGON & CONGRESS Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Tuesday that he is expanding the U.S. military presence in Germany by 500 troops and has stopped planning for large-scale troop cuts ordered by the Trump administration.
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Ukraine should look to US for air defenses, improved air force, says former defense adviser
PENTAGON & CONGRESS Experts in both Kyiv and Washington are wondering if the Biden administration is willing to share with Ukraine’s military.
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US announces $125 million in military aid for Ukraine
PENTAGON & CONGRESS The Pentagon announced Monday a $125 million military aid package for Ukraine, the first of its kind under the Biden administration.
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Tensions mount after 3 rockets hit US base in Iraq — 1 contractor dead, 1 US troop, 8 contractors injured
FLASHPOINTS A little-known Shiite militant group calling itself Saraya Awliya al-Dam, Arabic for Guardians of Blood Brigade, claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack.
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Fort Hood ‘Trusted Traveler’ program suspended after early morning shooting incident
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Fort Hood changed its post access program after military police detained a former soldier as the primary suspect in a shooting incident that occurred early Saturday morning.
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US ends support for Saudi-led war in Yemen
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY The U.S. military will no longer assist the bloody Saudi-led coalition attacking Houthi rebel forces in Yemen, President Joe Biden will announce today, according to Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.
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Anticipating demonstrations and disturbances, DC Guard deployment to continue through end of March
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY The entire D.C. National Guard will remain activated through March 31 due to worries of renewed civil disturbances, and thousands more troops will remain on duty in the nation’s capital until at least mid-March.
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US down to 2,500 troops each in Afghanistan and Iraq, as ordered by Trump
PENTAGON & CONGRESS The Afghanistan decision was seen by some as unnecessarily complicating the decision-making of the incoming administration.
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Up to 21,000 National Guard troops now authorized in DC for Biden inauguration
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Guard members from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, are deploying to the city.
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This is why the National Guard didn’t respond to the attack on the Capitol
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Hundreds of National Guard troops were posted in the streets of Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon, but there was little they could do to respond as pro-Trump rioters overran the Capitol.
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Former defense secretaries Mattis, Esper decry attack on the Capitol and Trump’s rhetoric
PENTAGON & CONGRESS Former Defense Secretaries Jim Mattis and Mark Esper both condemned both Wednesday’s attack on the Capitol building by rioters and President Donald Trump for his role in the violence.
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Wisconsin Air National Guard IDs pilot killed in F-16 crash
YOUR MILITARY The Wisconsin Air Natonal Guard identified the pilot killed in an F-16 Fighting Falcon crash on Tuesday.
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Biden SECDEF choice, a recently retired general, says he’s prepared to embrace civilian mindset
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin made his first public remarks on Wednesday after President-elect Joe Biden selected him for defense secretary, making his case that he can be trusted to run the Defense Department like a civilian.
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Trump orders most American troops to leave Somalia. AFRICOM says they are redeploying elsewhere in region
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY The Pentagon said Friday it is pulling most U.S. troops out of Somalia on President Donald Trump’s orders, continuing a post-election push by Trump to shrink U.S. involvement in counterterrorism missions abroad.
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This retired three-star falsely claims US soldiers died attacking a CIA facility in Germany tied to election fraud
ELECTION 2020 Despite retired Lt. Gen Thomas McInerney’s claims, there weren’t U.S. troops killed in a firefight with the CIA in Frankfurt.
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Pentagon shakeup means more civilian oversight for special operations
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY More than three years after Congress mandated that the Defense Department elevate its civilian head of special operations to the same level as a military service secretary, that order has finally been carried out.
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Army identifies 5 soldiers killed in Sinai UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash
FLASHPOINTS The Army Saturday morning identified the five soldiers killed Thursday in a helicopter crash while on a peacekeeping mission in the Sinai.
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US forces kill 5 Taliban attacking Afghan security troops says USFOR-A
FLASHPOINTS A targeted strike by U.S. forces in Afghanistan Sunday night killed five Taliban fighters attacking Afghan security forces, a spokesman for U.S. Forces-Afghanistan announced via a tweet early Monday morning.
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Iran claims its drones shadowed Nimitz strike group in Strait of Hormuz
FLASHPOINTS Though the Iranians on Wednesday posted drone images of the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Navy officials say there have been no unsafe interactions with their forces in that strategic waterway since April.
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Before he was a Hall of Fame pitcher, Tom Seaver was an expert rifleman in the Marine Corps
OFF DUTY Tom Seaver, who passed away Monday at the age of 75, gained great fame as a fireballing starting pitcher who was nicknamed “Tom Terrific” and “The Franchise.”
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What war with China could look like
NEWS | YOUR ARMY Pentagon war planners can envision a conflict with China starting in any number of ways. For example, they fear a scenario that might involve a mass of Chinese military forces posturing along China’s coast near Taiwan and the aggressive reorientation of Chinese missile systems that would start setting off alarms in…
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Pentagon creates UFO task force to see if aerial objects pose threat
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Pentagon officials on Friday confirmed the existence of a Navy-led “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force” that will monitor ongoing encounters with strange aerial objects and determine whether these phenomena should be perceived as a threat.
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Trump approves Pentagon plan to pull 9,500 US troops from Germany
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Amid growing congressional opposition, President Donald Trump approved Pentagon plans to redeploy 9,500 U.S. troops from Germany.
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Remains of one of two missing Fort Hood soldiers found
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Police said skeletal remains were found Friday in a field several miles from Fort Hood, after a tip to Army criminal investigators.
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U.S. Forces-Afghanistan conducts airstrikes against Taliban attacking ANDSF checkpoint, first since Eid ceasefire
FLASHPOINTS They were the first airstrikes since the start of the Eid ceasefire, tweeted Army Col. Sonny Leggett, a USFOR-A spokesman.
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No, those weren’t active duty troops on the streets of DC last night, officials say
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Airmen and soldiers were largely stoic through the demonstrations near the White House, which remained peaceful Wednesday night.
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Ex-Green Beret arrested, accused of using music boxes and private jet to help ex-Nissan boss escape Japan
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Another former Green Beret is at the center of international intrigue.
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Family of ex-Green Beret captured in Venezuela says men likely believed they were trying to liberate the oppressed
FLASHPOINTS Given his latest venture — as a deep sea underwater welder working on offshore oil rigs — it wasn’t unusual for Army Special Forces veteran Luke Denman to go off the grid for days or weeks at a time, his family and friends say.
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DoD travel ban amid coronavirus pandemic extended to June 30
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY The move comes as upwards of 100,000 troops, along with families, are gearing up for the annual permanent change of station (PCS) season.
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Fired Theodore Rosevelt skipper tests positive for COVID-19
PENTAGON & CONGRESS Capt. Brett Crozier, fired as the skipper of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, has tested positive for COVID-19.
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SECDEF issues guidelines for how troops will start wearing face coverings in public to prevent COVID-19 spread
PENTAGON & CONGRESS Service members will be instructed to start wearing face coverings in public to limit the spread of coronavirus said Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
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Fort Belvoir’s coronovirus-induced youth curfew goes into effect tonight
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY Unaccompanied youth under the age of 18 will no longer be allowed in public places at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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After Trump’s order, DoD reviewing how many Guard, Reserve troops to bring back for COVID-19 fight
NEWS | CORONAVIRUS The Pentagon is reviewing how many National Guard, Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve troops to call up in the fight against coronavirus in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order Friday.
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AFSOC deletes COVID-19 related Tweet causing minor social media ruckus
NEWS | CORONAVIRUS Air Force Special Operations Command has deleted a COVID-19-related post on Twitter causing a bit of a social media ruckus and apologized for its “poor taste.”
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Guardsman mobilized for pandemic didn’t have a mask until he got COVID-19, but he wasn’t working a test lane
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY A Colorado National Guard soldier who tested positive for coronavirus while engaged in a disease containment effort was not wearing personal protective gear until he contracted it
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Trump provides federal funds for National Guard in three states; they keep control, federal government foots bill as COVID-19 cases rise
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY President Donald Trump Sunday night ordered National Guard troops in three states to operate under a status that allows them to be managed by state governors but be paid by the federal government.
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Soldier dies during freefall training in Arizona
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY An Army special operations soldier died during military freefall training in Eloy, Arizona on Tuesday.
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US service member, DoD contractors killed after jihadi attack on base in Kenya
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY It was the first known al-Shabab attack against U.S. forces inside Kenya, a key base for fighting one of the world’s most resilient extremist organizations.
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Fears of new conflict rise after US kills Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian general, in strike on Baghdad airport
News | Your Military One of Iran’s most revered and powerful military commanders has been killed in a U.S. strike near the Baghdad International Airport, the Pentagon confirmed Thursday. The strike will intensify tensions between the U.S. and Iran and many experts say it escalates the risk of a new conflict spreading across the region.
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American commando raid to kill al-Baghdadi was launched from al-Asad Air Base, rehearsals conducted in Erbil
FLASHPOINTS The American commando raid that bagged Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was launched from the sprawling al-Asad Air Base in Anbar province, Iraq, according to a source on the ground with direct knowledge of the operation.
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Trump says al-Baghdadi ‘died like a dog’ in US commando raid in Syria
FLASHPOINTS President Donald Trump confirmed Sunday that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the elusive leader of the Islamic State, was killed in a U.S. special operations raid launched in Syria. Trump said during a Sunday morning White House press conference that al-Baghdadi “died like a dog”.
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US military struggles to find a strategy amid sudden policy changes in CENTCOM region
FLASHPOINTS The rapid withdrawal of U.S. forces from northeast Syria, which included U.S. forces bombing their own equipment at the bases they hastily left behind, is a vivid example of how the U.S. military is being forced to cope with national security and foreign policy decisions announced at the speed of a tweet.
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Green Beret from 1st Special Forces dies during combat ops in Afghanistan leaves pregnant wife and young daughter
YOUR MILITARY: Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Ard, a Green Beret from 1st Special Forces Group, died from wounds sustained during combat operations in Zabul Province, Afghanistan
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Esper creates task force to deal with cancer-causing chemicals on military installations
NEWS | YOUR MILITARY On his first full day as secretary of defense, Mark Esper has signed a memo establishing a task force to deal with cancer-causing chemicals found on military bases.
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What war with Iran could look like
NEWS Late at night somewhere not far from the coast of Iran, U.S. sailors sleep on board ship when suddenly a dull thud reverberates through the hull and shocks them awake. An Iranian mini-submarine or possibly a drone has wound its way through layers of defenses, struck the side of the warship and water is…
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Gov. DeSantis names Air Force Maj. Gen. James Eifert as new leader of troubled Florida National Guard
News / Military Governor says Eifert will “clean up” guard now under investigation over allegations of sexual misconduct and coverup. By Emily L. Mahoney and Howard Altman / Tampa Bay Times / April 2, 2019 PHOTO: Air Force Maj. Gen. James Eifert was chosen by Gov. Ron DeSantis to assume command of the 12,000-strong Florida…
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Florida military bases could lose up to $177 million to Trump’s border wall
The Buzz / Florida Politics The president’s plan to divert money from military construction to the southern border could cost MacDill Air Force Base $3.5 million. By Steve Contorno and Howard Altman / Tampa Bay Times / February 18, 2019 PHOTO: A-10 Warthog jets from the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard…
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USF shutters controversial Confucius Institute on New Year’s Eve
Breaking News By Howard Altman and Megan Reeves / Tampa Bay Times / January 2, 2019 PHOTO: The University of South Florida Confucius Institute co-sponsored the Mid-Autumn Festival in October on the Tampa campus. Events included the Oct. 27 Double Ninth Festival, where six Chinese and American senior citizens were invited to share their life…
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Few answers as Orlando shooting investigation moves into fourth day
News / Public Safety By Zachary T. Sampson, Samuel Howard, Anthony Cormier, Howard Altman and Kathryn Varn / Tampa Bay Times / June 15, 2016 PHOTO: Investigators comb the crime scene Wednesday at Pulse, a gay nightclub where a gunman killed 49 people. Authorities released little information Wednesday but said they hoped the area around the club…
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Orlando gunman Omar Mateen was a proficient shot, records show
News By Howard Altman and Anthony Cormier / Tampa Bay Times / June 15, 2016 Omar Mateen was a proficient shooter who regularly got high marks on firearms tests, according to documents released Wednesday by the state. Licensing records show that Mateen scored in the 98th percentile with the same caliber weapon — a 9mm…
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Nothing Will Ever Be the Same
Cover Story Observations and ruminations on the day the world changed, from Philly, New York and Washington. By Howard Altman, Jim Barry, Daniel Brook, Jenn Carbin, Daryl Gale, Mary F. Patel, Gwen Shaffer, Rick Valenzuela and David Warner Tuesday, September 11, 2001 9:45 a.m., U.S. Customs House, Second and Chestnut Elva Cherry is standing on the stone steps of the Customs building, trembling. “I am…