All Security
- Taliban topples Kunduz: what that means for Afghanistan's security
The Taliban seizure of the major Afghan city of Kunduz is a major warning sign for Afghanistan's security forces. But it could be a needed one.
- Navy SEALs commander: Welcoming women the 'right thing to do'
The head of the Navy's special warfare units recommends that SEALs and other special combat forces set gender-neutral standards.
- Exclusive: US Marine memo hints at shift on women in combat
A recent Marine document gave a starkly negative view of women in combat, but a larger version of the memo, obtained by the Monitor, offers a more nuanced picture.
- First LookChinese jet buzzes US spy plane: Pattern of aggressiveness?
Last week, the Pentagon says a Chinese jet performed an 'unsafe' maneuver near a US aircraft. What does this say about China-US relations?
- Petraeus apologizies for sharing classified information with mistress
Petraeus appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, offering his recommendations for how the US should address what he called a 'revolutionary upheaval that is unparalleled in its modern history.' Petraeus began his testimony with an apology for events stemming from his personal life.
- Eric Fanning as Secretary of Army: Will his sexual orientation be a factor?
If confirmed as Secretary of the Army, Eric Fanning stands as a symbol, but is also a highly experienced military manager.
- Pentagon enlists private organizations to help search for American MIAs
The Pentagon is utilizing private groups to help recover and identify remains of US service members unaccounted for since World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.
- Eric Fanning as first gay Army secretary: A signal to military culture?
The first openly gay US Army secretary, Eric Fanning, has the power to influence policy and promotion and, thus, set a tone for Army culture. But does he still need to?
- Why Bowe Bergdahl might avoid a court-martial
The general who led the investigation into Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's alleged desertion in Afghanistan urged compassion for the 'unrealistically idealistic' soldier.
- First LookBowe Bergdahl gets his day in court: what to expect from desertion hearing
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has been charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy. He faces a life sentence in a military prison, or a dishonorable discharge, a reduction in rank, and full forfeiture of pay.
- Why Marines, unlike Army and Navy, are so against women in combat
The Marines made it known this week that they see the idea of women in combat as a disaster waiting to happen. That contrasts sharply with how the Army has approached the topic. It puts the Pentagon in a potentially tough spot.
- Marines release study questioning women's role in combat
An experimental Marine Corps study obtained by the Monitor says units with both men and women are less effective than all-male units.
- Military selects rarely-used charge for Bowe Bergdahl case
Prosecutors have reached into a section of military law that's hardly been used since World War II in the case against Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the soldier held prisoner by the Taliban after leaving his post in Afghanistan.
- First LookChinese ships leave the Bering Sea: Why were they there?
While the five Chinese Navy vessels never entered restricted waters, outside experts think the country is starting to show off its developing naval strength.
- For military women, Ranger graduation vindicated their mantra: Just let us try
This week, top Army leadership opened the storied Ranger School to all soldiers, regardless of gender. For some female West Point graduates, that decision was a long time coming.
- Pentagon makes 'obvious' choice, opens Ranger School to women permanently
After two women passed Ranger School last month as part of an experiment, the Pentagon has permanently opened Ranger School to female soldiers, abandoning a planned review of the subject later this year.
- Bolstering case for women Rangers, one more passes to final phase
Should this female major pass the swamp phase, she will join Capt. Kristen Griest and Capt. Shaye Haver as the first women to earn Ranger tabs. But it's still not clear if they will be allowed to serve in the Ranger Regiment.
- First LookFrank Petersen Jr.: 'quiet giant' repeatedly shattered military color barriers
Frank E. Petersen Jr. didn't see himself as a trailblazer, but he is remembered as a pioneer, a role model, and a 'stellar leader.'
- France train attack: why heroes probably won't get US medal for valor
US Air Force officials applauded the heroism of Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, as well as Spc. Alek Skarlatos and two others. Had it not been for the group, the officials said, things would have gone quite differently aboard the train last Friday.
- Graduation day: Army's first female Rangers earn their tabs
In a ceremony Friday at Fort Benning, Ga, 1st Lt. Shaye Haver and Capt. Kristen Griest became the first women ever to graduate from the Army's elite Ranger School.