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F-35’s close call over Yemen raises questions about how it’s used
F-35s are designed to destroy high-value infrastructure — airfields, shipyards, radar stations and the like — ideally with long-range weapons.
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Why the Army’s new XM7 rifle reignited a debate over volume of fire
An infantry officer’s critique of the XM7 argues that the lower round capacity of the service’s new rifle could put soldiers at risk. An Army general said the rifle’s new ammunition “stops the enemy at one round.”
173rd Airborne builds its own FPV drone lab to get around procurement wait
Each small drone, compared to “steerable mortars,” is made in-house with soldiers building them themselves to then train with them.
The military’s only search and rescue dog has retired
Callie spent six years with the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, logging 750 hours of flight time, rappelling out of helicopters, parachuting and helping airmen locate people in disaster zones.
Trump orders West Los Angeles VA campus to house thousands of veterans
The directive calls for creating a “National Center for Warrior Independence” even as the VA fights against a similar court order to expand housing on the grounds.
Army identifies soldier who died during basic training at Fort Jackson
Army Pvt. Gabriel Perez, 22, died during basic combat training. His death is under investigation.
This 53 aircraft ‘elephant walk’ has everything you’d need for a war in the Pacific
The runway display of 53 Air Force and Navy planes — plus Army missiles — ranged from rescue helicopters to fighters and hulking spy planes.
Hegseth orders sweeping force structure changes for the military
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a reduction of general and flag officers and directed the Army to make force structure changes, including consolidating commands.
How a retired rescue helicopter and a hot rod Mustang honor an airman
Logan Staib was a born mechanic, whether working on HH-60 rescue helicopters in the Air Force or his beloved Ford Mustang drag car, before he died in a traffic accident. His father brought his favorite machines together in a tribute.
Military daycares must change how they inform parents about reports of abuse, watchdog says
An inspector general report found that varying policies between services meant parents or guardians “may not be aware of the specifics” of suspected abuse at military-run childcare centers.
Attempted Fort Leavenworth prison break leaves military inmate tangled on fence
Two inmates were injured in the April 29 escape attempt. A picture shared on social media shows one inmate tangled in concertina wire atop a fence.
This Army combat medic fought off an active shooter and rendered first aid
“We’re here to recognize you today, because that is not how a sane human being responds,” said the soldier’s commanding officer.
Army infantry officer calls new XM7 ‘unfit for use as a modern service rifle’
Officials with the Army and Sig Sauer pushed back on the findings of the research, which was conducted by an Army infantry officer and presented at this year’s Modern Day Marine exhibition in Washington, D.C.
VA secretary says 80,000 job cuts at agency are a ‘goal’ but not yet ‘targeted’
Jobs at the VA’s Veterans Crisis phone line would get protection under a new law while VA chief Doug Collins said doctors, nurses and other patient-care jobs would likely be spared cuts.
Hegseth orders military to cut number of 4-star generals and admirals by 20%
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered military planners to cut the number of four-star general and admiral positions in the military by 20%.
101st Airborne paratrooper pleads guilty in fentanyl death of fellow soldier
Army investigators’ review of Rios-Segui’s SnapChat conversations indicated that Faubel had sold him fentanyl-laced pills on the day he died.
When Americans, Germans and POWs fought the SS from the walls of a castle
80 years ago, on May 5, 1945, the strangest fight in World War II took place. American soldiers and Wehrmacht troops teamed up to fight the SS.
Task & Purpose was founded in 2014 as a voice for the military community, and continues to serve that community with accurate reporting and great storytelling to this day. Our journalists have reported on the front lines of the Standing Rock protests in North Dakota and the war in Afghanistan. We’ve uncovered American veterans being abused in Kuwaiti prisons, deported veterans being forced to work for Mexican cartels, and drawn national attention to a longstanding legal rule barring service members from suing the government — even in the face of gross negligence.
