More from Nicholas Slayton (Page 2)

Posted on Mar 7, 2026

Coast Guard

Coast Guard swimmer dies from injuries sustained in offshore rescue

Posted on Mar 6, 2026

The operations were announced by U.S. Southern Command over social media on March. 3, 2026.

News

US Southern Command says it launched military operations in Ecuador aimed at ‘narco-terrorists’

Posted on Mar 4, 2026

Space Force to refine ‘orbital warfare’ maneuvers with new prototype

Posted on Mar 2, 2026

Image: U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 23, 2025) Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones are positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operating area, Nov. 23. The LUCAS platforms are part of a one-way attack drone squadron CENTCOM recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence. (Courtesy Photo)

Iran

Iran strike marks first time US used new one-way attack drones in combat

Posted on Mar 1, 2026

Iran

US launches ‘major combat operations’ against Iran

Updated on Feb 28, 2026

CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 23: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers remarks to students, faculty and staff at the U.S. Army War College on April 23, 2025 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The visit comes amid controversy following reports that Hegseth discussed sensitive military communications in an unsecured Signal chat for the second time with his wife, brother and others. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Education

Pentagon to cut ties with Ivy League and other top universities, Hegseth says

Posted on Feb 28, 2026

U.S. Army Spc. Israel Arreguin with the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 759th Military Police Battalion, assigned to Joint Task Force - Southern Border and a Border Patrol agent conduct detection and monitoring operations from an observation post near Wellton, Ariz., April 23, 2025. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, Joint Task Force – Southern Border aligns efforts to seal the southern border and repel illegal activity and is responsible for full-scale, agile, and all-domain operations, which will allow for more effective and efficient DoD operations. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Erica Esterly)

Mexico

Military shoots down Customs and Border Protection drone with a laser

Posted on Feb 27, 2026

Members of B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion of the New York guard during a deployment to Erbil, Iraq. Two crews were awarded French valor awards for a mission to rescue a team of French commandos.

Army

National Guardsmen awarded French valor medal for rescue of allied special forces

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Posted on Feb 25, 2026

Navy

Navy relieves destroyer commander after Caribbean crash

Posted on Feb 23, 2026

Army

The Army crowns the winners of its first drone competition

Posted on Feb 22, 2026

Davis-Monthan airman indicted in plot to defraud the military of millions in medical equipment

Posted on Feb 22, 2026

Brendan Fraser as Gen. Dwight Eisenhower in “Pressure.” Image courtesy Focus Features/screenshot via YouTube.

Culture

‘Pressure’ trailer has Brendan Fraser as Eisenhower, and focuses a lot on D-Day’s weather

Posted on Feb 21, 2026

Image: U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, addresses U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 225, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, at Jose Aponte de la Torre Airport in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Dec. 12, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Gavin.

Mental Health

Top enlisted Marine issues emotional appeal to ‘reach out to somebody’

Posted on Feb 21, 2026

An AH-64E Apache crew, assigned to 1-3 Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, prepares to engage during aerial gunnery training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 2, 2025. Gunnery qualifications are a cornerstone of their ability to provide a lethal and credible aviation force to U.S. Army Europe and Africa, essential for maintaining the combat readiness and lethality of 1-3 Attack Battalion. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Josefina Garcia)

Army

Army successfully tests Apache with new ammunition meant to shred drone swarms

Posted on Feb 17, 2026

A Nigerian soldier from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) loads his machine gun during training at the MNJTF military base, Sector 3 Headquarters, in Monguno, Borno state, Nigeria, on July 5, 2025. Twelve checkpoints manned by the Nigerian army control the various entrances to Monguno. Monguno's huge fortifications have kept the garrison town mostly secure even as northeastern Nigeria has seen a recent surge in attacks on military bases by jihadists fighting a grinding 16 year war. Fighting in Borno may have eased since the conflict's highpoint in 2015 as jihadists have been forced back. But militants from Islamic State West Africa Province or rival Boko Haram have attacked or temporarily overrun a dozen military bases since the start of the year. (Photo by Joris Bolomey / AFP) (Photo by JORIS BOLOMEY/AFP via Getty Images)

Africa

US troops deploy to Nigeria to train its military

Posted on Feb 16, 2026

Space Force beats its recruiting goal in just five months as service rushes to expand

Posted on Feb 15, 2026

An Army Black Hawk helicopter lands at the al-Tanf base in Syria in April 2025. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Fred Brown.

US hits dozens of Islamic State targets in Syria amid base withdrawals

Posted on Feb 14, 2026

Army

‘Are you a spy?’ Army warns against falling for a honeypot

Posted on Feb 14, 2026

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), departs Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Dec. 6, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president’s priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Navy photo)

Navy

US sends Ford aircraft carrier, fresh off Venezuela operations, to the Middle East

Posted on Feb 14, 2026

Capt. Chavius Lewis was removed from command of the USS Mason on Feb. 13, 2026.

Navy

Navy relieves USS Mason commander for ‘loss of confidence’

Posted on Feb 13, 2026

A U.S. Army Reserve cadre member representing the United States Army Reserve Command, locks a weapons rack for the three-gun transition range event with the M26 shotgun, M4 carbine, and the M17 pistol during the 2020 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Sept. 7. More than 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to compete in this year’s Best Warrior, hosted from Sept. 4-10, 2020. The 2020 BWC is an annual competition that brings in the best Soldiers across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of “Best Warrior” among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual ability to adapt and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focused events, which test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Pfc. Tierra Sims)

National Guardsman who left M4 at New Orleans hotel to undergo ‘retraining’

By Jeff Schogol, Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 10, 2026

Caption: An A-10 Warthog flies by for close-air support while taking part in live-fire training with the USS Santa Barbara on Feb. 2, 2026. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Iain Page.

Culture

A-10 and LCS, both headed for retirement, spotted together in the Middle East

Posted on Feb 10, 2026

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is now using ‘tactical’ jet skis

Posted on Feb 9, 2026

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 06: Flagbearer Frankie del Duca of Team United States enters the athlete parade with his team during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Piazza Dibona on February 06, 2026 in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Culture

These are the troops competing in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

Posted on Feb 8, 2026

Army

Army reveals new rotational force in the Philippines

Posted on Feb 8, 2026

Image: U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Missouri National Guard Military Funeral Honors team participate in a weeklong funeral honors level one training course, Sept. 22–26, 2025, at Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri. The Soldiers rehearsed the precise movements, coordination and timing required for funeral honors ceremonies, including carrying the casket, folding the flag and executing a rifle salute. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart)

Veterans

Veteran suicides drop slightly in 2023, even as rate of deaths rose

Posted on Feb 7, 2026

National Guard troops shot in DC to receive Purple Hearts

Posted on Feb 7, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 28: People attend a candlelight vigil organized by healthcare workers at the site where Alex Pretti was killed on January 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The vigil was held to remember the lives of Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at a VA medical center who died January 24, after being shot multiple times during a brief altercation with border patrol agents, and Renee Good a 37-year-old mother of three children who was killed by ICE agents on January 7. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

News

Veterans Affairs personnel say ‘silence is deafening’ from leaders after Alex Pretti’s death

Posted on Feb 3, 2026

Space Force stands up new command for the Northern Hemisphere

Posted on Feb 2, 2026

Image: U.S. Air Force loadmasters with the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron load cargo onto a C-130J Super Hercules at Manda Bay, Kenya, May 2, 2025. As U.S. Air Forces Africa’s sole airlift unit, the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron provides C-130 tactical airlift support to multiple users in East Africa, including aeromedical evacuation, logistical movements, alert aircrews, and aircraft for crisis response and humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador)

Africa

US starts $70 million upgrade to Kenyan airfield used in Somalia operations

Posted on Feb 1, 2026

Image: Airmen from the 155th Air Refueling Wing listen to leadership in preparation for an upcoming Combat Readiness Inspection during his commander’s call at Nebraska Air National Guard Airbase, Lincoln, Nebraska, January 11, 2026. The CRI will test 155th Wing’s rapid deployment capabilities and crisis response while operating in a degraded environment. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jeremiah Johnson)

Air Force to bring back ‘no-notice’ combat readiness inspections

Updated on Feb 1, 2026

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade learns to operate the Dronebuster Block 4 at Caserma Ederle, Italy, Dec. 2, 2025. The Dronebuster Block 4 is a hand-held counter-unmanned aerial system designed to detect, disrupt and defeat commercial off-the-shelf drone threats, strengthening the brigade’s ability to counter emerging aerial risks. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to U.S. European, African and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward-stationed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains with NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jennifer French)

Drones

Pentagon gives base commanders more control on countering drones

Updated on Feb 1, 2026

The US Department of Veterans Affairs building is seen in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2019.

News

Alleged ringleader arrested for plot to sell drugs to veterans on a VA campus

Posted on Jan 31, 2026

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, deplane from a Boeing 767-300ER commercial aircraft for Exercise Cold Response 26 in Bardufoss, Norway, Jan. 19, 2026. Exercise CORE 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and ensure U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging arctic conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)

Marine Corps

Marines flew to Norway on the New England Patriots’ jet

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

Image: U.S. Air Force Capt. Josiah Bierle, 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, awaits takeoff in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 30, 2025. Stationing A-10s in the CENTCOM AOR reinforces U.S. commitment to regional stability and strengthens deterrence against potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)

Culture

An A-10 Warthog named ‘Diddy Kong’ is operating in the Middle East

Posted on Jan 26, 2026

After Venezuela operation, Space Force activates SOUTHCOM element

Updated on Jan 25, 2026

Air Force helicopter landed too close to crowd in death of school teacher, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Updated on Jan 25, 2026

Aerial footage of an alleged drug smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific before it was destroyed.

Americas

US carries out first strike on alleged drug boat in 2026

Updated on Jan 24, 2026

Minnesota National Guard mobilizes around Minneapolis following fatal shooting

Posted on Jan 24, 2026

Navy

Navy fires First Naval Construction Regiment commodore for ‘loss of confidence’

Posted on Jan 24, 2026

After announcing the installation of a lootbox at the Pentagon, the vending machine from Lucky Box appears to have been removed.

News

Pentagon ‘temporarily’ removes loot box vending machine from food court

Posted on Jan 23, 2026

On Aug. 16, 1960, Col. Kittinger stepped from a balloon-supported gondola at the altitude of 102,800 feet. In freefall for 4.5 minutes at speeds up to 614 mph and temperatures as low as -94 degrees Fahrenheit, he opened his parachute at 18,000 feet. (U.S. Air Force photo) (Photo by NASA/Corbis via Getty Images)

History

When the Air Force had a guy jump from the edge of space

Posted on Jan 20, 2026

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Wisconsin Air National Guard sits on the tarmac at Pituffik Space Force Base, Greenland, Greenland, Oct. 7, 2025. Operating in the Arctic provides the flexibility and adaptability needed to overcome logistical hurdles in a dynamic and unforgiving environment. Greenland as part of the Kingdom of Denmark has long played an important role in the defense of North America, which strengthens NORAD's ability to protect the continent from today’s threats and emerging challenges from all approaches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erica Paculan)

Europe

NORAD stresses aircraft deployment to Greenland is ‘routine’ and ‘long-planned’

Posted on Jan 19, 2026

National Guard mission in DC extended through end of 2026

Updated on Jan 18, 2026

U.S. Soldiers with 2nd Platoon, Bravo Battery, 2-15 Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division conduct an artillery live fire exercise at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 1, 2023. The live fire exercise was conducted to rehearse close support and precision-strike capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Quince Lanford)

Iraq

US troops fully depart al-Asad Air Base in Iraq

Updated on Jan 18, 2026

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Jan. 30, 2024) Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class James Burrous, from Richmond, Texas, assembles a toilet for replacement aboard the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Jan. 30. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Kyree Rogers)

Navy

The toilets on the Navy’s largest aircraft carrier keep failing

Posted on Jan 17, 2026

Image: U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 10, 2026) U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II prepare to taxi at base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Jan. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Airstrike kills militant leader linked to ambush on US soldiers in Syria

Posted on Jan 17, 2026

A North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the South Carolina ANG’s 169th FW lands at Pituffik Space Force Base, Greenland, Oct. 7, 2025. Operating in the Arctic provides the flexibility and adaptability needed to overcome logistical hurdles in a dynamic and unforgiving environment. Greenland as part of the Kingdom of Denmark has long played an important role in the defense of North America, which strengthens NORAD's ability to protect the continent from today’s threats and emerging challenges from all approaches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maxim Dewolf)

Pentagon wants major improvements to runways at Greenland base

Posted on Jan 17, 2026

Alt text: PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 17: U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) takes questions from press after a town hall at NOAH Cholla Health Center on March 17, 2025 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The town hall was held to address the concerns about possible Medicaid budget cuts after House Republicans approved a budget proposal that requires $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

News

Fight between Kelly and Hegseth over ‘unlawful orders’ video headed to court

By Nicholas Slayton, Matt White

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A U.S. Air Force chaplain prays over an A-10 Thunderbolt II at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, 2025. (U.S. Air Force Photo)

An A-10 taking part in Syria airstrikes sports ‘Metroid’ nose art

Posted on Jan 12, 2026

Soldiers of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion defend the United States and other designated areas from intercontinental ballistic missile attack and provide critical site security of the missile defense complex at Fort Greely, Alaska. (U.S. Army photo)

Active Duty

Missile defense base dealing with ‘critical’ disruptions at its dining facility

Updated on Jan 11, 2026

Image: U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 10, 2026) A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II taxis at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike, Jan. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

US, Jordanian air forces conduct dozens of airstrikes in Syria against ISIS

Posted on Jan 10, 2026

Air Force plans for new electronic warfare squadron to aid combat training

Posted on Jan 10, 2026

CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2024) A Special Warfare Combat Crewman (SWCC) instructor motivates SWCC candidates before the conditioning run evolution of Alpha Phase at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Naval Special Warfare is the nation's elite maritime special operations force, uniquely positioned to extend the Fleet's reach and gain and maintain access for the Joint Force in competition and conflict. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alex Kerska)

Navy

Here is the Navy’s new fitness test for SEALs and other combat jobs

Posted on Jan 6, 2026

Image: (Original Caption) The Charleston shot was part of Operation Plumbbob and was fired from a balloon on September 28, 1957. (Photo by © CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

History

The military once considered using balloons as nuclear weapons systems

Posted on Jan 5, 2026

An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 213, launches from the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while underway in the Caribbean Sea, Dec. 28, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president's priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Navy photo)

Americas

More than 150 fighters, bombers and other aircraft took part in Venezuela strike

Updated on Jan 4, 2026

Army

Delta Force, other special operations soldiers carried out Venezuela raid

By Jeff Schogol, Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 3, 2026

Americas

US military captures Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro after striking military sites

By Nicholas Slayton, Jeff Schogol

Posted on Jan 3, 2026

Coast Guard

Coast Guard halts search for survivors of US strikes on boats in the Pacific

Posted on Jan 2, 2026

Image: Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (3rd ID), Marne Innovation Center, 3rd ID and Artificial Intelligence Integration Center, Army Futures Command, discuss a Tethered Unmanned Aircraft System with Sentinel Software at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, July 18, 2024. By combining forces, the U.S. Army utilizes assets and creates technology to increase the lethality of its brigades, while also cultivating a culture of innovation. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Rebeca Soria)

Army

Army creates new AI-focused career field for officers

Posted on Jan 2, 2026

Technician from Office of Naval Research (ONR) participates in freeflight after extensive testing for the Hiller Flying Platform. The platform was first flown in public in 1955. (Photo by US Navy/Getty Images)

History

When the military tried to give soldiers personal flying platforms

Updated on Jan 1, 2026

Airman 1st Class Charles Crumlett, 335th Aircraft Maintenance Unit weapons load crew member, prepares a weapon to be loaded during the 4th Quarter Load Crew of the Quarter competition, Jan. 26, 2018, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The purpose of the weapons load competition is to showcase the weapons crews highly developed skills with precise loading capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kenneth Boyton)

Lack of supervision contributed to Alaska airman’s death, report finds