All Security
Ashton Carter: Pentagon insider known to get things donePresident Obama has picked Ashton Carter to be secretary of Defense. If confirmed, Carter will have to deal with wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria while tightening Pentagon spending and facing the new threat of cyber warfare.
Pentagon sex assault report shows progress, but victims still in shadowsA Pentagon report on sex assault in the military holds some hopefuls signs, but many women still fear retribution for coming forward.
How to topple Islamic State? 3 strengths that can be turned to weaknesses. Here are the top three strengths of Islamic State fighters – and how these strengths could be used against them:
Ashton Carter emerges as top pick for Defense. Why Obama might want a wonk.The Oxford University-educated theoretical physicist has a reputation for getting things done and is well-regarded by Republicans, particularly Sen. John McCain.
Why did FBI urge US troops to scrub social media accounts?The FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned current and former service members to carefully weed their social media profiles for information that could attract the attention of Islamic State fighters.
Michèle Flournoy out of running to be Defense secretary: Top prospects nowMichèle Flournoy, who could have been the first female Defense secretary, reportedly cited family concerns in bowing out of consideration for the post. Among the names now circulating is Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson.
Could Hagel resignation signal shift in US strategy against Islamic State?Before his resignation, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel criticized US strategy in Syria against the Islamic State in a letter to National Security Adviser Susan Rice. However, the Pentagon maintains there is no connection between the two events.
Why America's drone warriors need a yellow Lab named LilyThe military's insatiable appetite for intelligence from drone-recorded video means a group of analysts in a cold, dark building are struggling to cope with the emotional toll of wars thousands of miles away.
Could Obama choose a woman as next Defense secretary? One name tops list.Michele Flournoy, viewed as a front-runner to replace Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, could affect key issues facing women in the military, from sexual assault to serving on the front lines of combat.
US strategy against Islamic State: Iraq first, but not Iraq only, Dempsey saysGen. Martin Dempsey, speaking at a Washington event Wednesday, focused both on the lack of adequate forces in Syria and the training of Iraqi national fighters in the battle against the Islamic State.
Chuck Hagel orders fixes to 'systemic problems' in US nuclear arsenalFollowing reports of exam cheating, deteriorating facilities, and lack of oversight in the US nuclear arsenal, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered a top-to-bottom overhaul. It’s likely to take billions of dollars as well as changes in the military culture.
Why Veterans Day 2014 has an extra note of solemnityCall it war or not, America is in a different place this November than last.
- Why ‘chief customer-service officer’ could hold key to Veterans Affairs reset
Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald announced an overhaul of the agency Monday in the wake of a scandal regarding patient wait times that critics have blamed for patient deaths.
US Navy SEAL Robert O'Neill backs off claim that he was bin Laden 'shooter'Navy SEALs are meant to keep quiet about their deadly missions around the world. But the killing of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden by SEAL Team Six – who was “the shooter” – is causing considerable public debate within the SEAL community.
Obama doubles US military presence in Iraq. Slippery slope?President Obama is ordering more US military forces to Iraq, not to engage in direct combat but to advise, train, and equip Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State militants. For now, at least, most Americans approve.
Hundreds of US troops exposed to dangerous chemicals in IraqDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered an examination of the medical records of all US troops responsible for detecting roadside bombs and other dangerous explosives in Iraq.
Cover StoryFallujah anniversary: Tracking down the US Marine 'Death Dealers'Embedded with US Marines in the battle for Fallujah in 2004, Monitor staff writer Scott Peterson tracks down the ‘Death Dealers’ of Charlie Company on the 10th anniversary of that pivot point in the Iraq War. They are winning the after-war back home in the US, one battle at a time.
Who shot Osama bin Laden? Dueling SEAL Team Six narrativesNews reports identify the US Navy SEAL who killed Osama bin Laden as Robert O'Neill, scheduled to appear in a Fox News interview next week. Leaders of Navy SEALs warn that disclosing classified information could result in 'judicial consequence.'
Civil War hero to receive Medal of Honor, 151 years delayedFirst Lt. Alonzo Cushing will receive a Medal of Honor Thursday for his gallantry at the Civil War Battle of Gettysburg. The tale of his heroism – and a family's long memory of it – punctuate a remarkable story.
Why Islamic State threat is 'unprecedented,' but doesn't change much for USThe Islamic State is a unique hybrid of terrorist group and nation-state that has shown remarkable strategic clarity and organization. But its threat to America – and America's options for dealing with it – remain limited.
