More from Nicholas Slayton (Page 2)

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

Space Force

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.

US carries out first strike on alleged drug boat in 2026

Updated on Jan 24, 2026

National Guard

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

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)

Space Force

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)

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

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

Posted on Dec 31, 2025

Fitness

Navy rolls out twice-a-year fitness tests

Posted on Dec 30, 2025

Image: The 1st Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment poses for photos during a retirement ceremony for 1st Sgt. Brandon P. Mims, on Fort Hood, Texas, Dec. 05, 2025. The ceremony included a presentation of multiple awards, the Color Guard, a cavalry charge, and the attendance of family and friends. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michelle Lessard-Terry)

Army

Army changes course, decides to keep horses at two bases

Posted on Dec 30, 2025

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 28: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following their meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on December 28, 2025 in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump invited Zelensky to his private club to work on the U.S.-proposed peace plan to end the war in Ukraine as the conflict approaches four years since the sudden full-scale invasion by Russia on February 24, 2022. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Trump says US took out a ‘big facility’ in Venezuela

Posted on Dec 29, 2025

DAABDAMALE, PUNTLAND, SOMALIA - JANUARY 25: Soldiers with the Puntland Defense Forces walk back from a cave where Islamic State fighters lived until recently being flushed out on the frontline near Daabdamale, Puntland, Somalia on January 25, 2025. Islamic State in Somalia recruits foreign fighters and brings them into Somalia to try to gain ground in what is becoming a key nerve center for the Islamic State. (Photo by Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Africa

US targets ISIS in Somalia with multiple airstrikes over four days

Updated on Dec 28, 2025

Veterans

Appeals court upholds order for the VA to build 2,550 housing units in Los Angeles

Updated on Dec 27, 2025

A missile launches in a plume of fire from a U.S. warship as part of strikes against ISIS in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025.

Africa

US targets ISIS with multiple strikes in Nigeria

Posted on Dec 26, 2025

Image: Jeep: US soldiers of the 3rd Division having Christmas dinner on the hood of a jeep on the front lines, World War Two, France, December 25th 1943. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)

World War II

How US troops in World War II celebrated Christmas dinner on the front

Posted on Dec 25, 2025

National Guard

California Air Guard team pulls off ‘high risk’ night rescue from fog-covered cruise ship

Posted on Dec 21, 2025

Coast Guard

US forces seize oil tanker in the Caribbean

Posted on Dec 21, 2025

US forces returning to Ecuador for ‘short-term’ counter-drug mission

Posted on Dec 20, 2025

Leaders from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade run as part of a brigade wide workout in honor of opening the Maj. General Frank W. Tate Soldier Performance Readiness Center at Wheeler Army Airfield, O’ahu, Hawai’i, July 1, 2025. The mission of Holistic Health and Fitness, also known as H2F, is to empower soldiers to take charge of their health by focusing on five key domains: physical, mental, nutrition, sleep, and spiritual readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Olivia Cowart)

Resources

Army tosses out its Spiritual Fitness Guide after four months

Posted on Dec 20, 2025

UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 22: Aerial view of the Pentagon building in Arlington, Va., on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

News

Pentagon fails its 8th audit in a row

Posted on Dec 20, 2025

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Dec. 19, 2025) A U.S. Airman prepares an A-10 Thunderbolt II for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 19, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

US forces launch strikes on ISIS in Syria in retaliation for the death of 2 soldiers

Posted on Dec 19, 2025

A mushroom cloud rises from a nuclear weapon test during Operation TUMBLER-SNAPPER. Over two thousand Marines witnessed the event, which was conducted in 1952 at the Nevada Proving Ground.

History

The Army once considered a nuclear-powered tank built by Chrysler

Posted on Dec 16, 2025

Army

Army identifies 2 Iowa National Guardsmen killed in Syria attack

By Nicholas Slayton, Jeff Schogol

Posted on Dec 15, 2025

A patch celebrating the legacy of the A-10 mission is worn by a newly appointed dedicated crew chief during the final A-10 dedicated crew chief ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 31, 2025. The 357th Fighter Generation Squadron owns the remaining A-10Cs utilized by the Air Force, and will see their final divestment in late 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ericha Parish)

Culture

Air Force A-10 patch marks an ‘end of an errrrra’

Posted on Dec 15, 2025

Air National Guard airmen from the 119th Maintenance Squadron prepares an MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for flight during the Northern Strike 2025 exercise at the Alpena, Mich. Combat Regional Training Center, August 2-16, 2025. Northern Strike is one of the Department of Defense’s largest reserve component readiness exercises, is taking place now across Michigan. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Sr. Master Sgt. Michael Knodle)

Mental Health

Congress wants to screen drone operators for PTSD, depression

Posted on Dec 14, 2025

Space Force's themes for naming weapons platforms, in the form of bright and colorful playing cards.

News

Space Force rolls out new themes for naming its weapons and space systems

Posted on Dec 14, 2025

Header: Lt. Col. Tyler Hiatt, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron commander, briefs 90 MSFS Alpha Flight during guard mount before they trip out to the missile field at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, Feb. 13, 2025. 90, 790, and 890 MSFS rotate tripping out to the missile field monthly to reside in a missile alert facility for a week, ensuring the constant security and protection of the Minuteman III - one of the nation’s most powerful strategic assets. Their 24/7/365 vigilance guarantees the Minuteman III weapon system remains secure, operational, and ready at a moment’s notice to uphold the U.S. nuclear deterrence mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mattison Cole)

Air Force relieves security squadron commander at FE Warren

Posted on Dec 13, 2025

Troops from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Special Operations and the US-led anti-jihadist coalition, take part in heavy-weaponry military exercises in the countryside of Deir Ezzor in northeastern Syria, on March 25, 2022. (Photo by Delil SOULEIMAN / AFP) (Photo by DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Army

Two US soldiers killed in ambush in Syria

Posted on Dec 13, 2025

Korean War

Navy pilot who took out 4 Soviet jets in covered-up mission may get Medal of Honor

Posted on Dec 8, 2025

Analysis

As Congress tries to claw back power, the president can still wage war unilaterally

By Jeff Schogol, nicholas Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 8, 2025

A screenshot showing the flight path of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk, alongside a photo of the aircraft.

Mandatory Fun

Coast Guard helicopter flies ‘Ho Ho, Ho holding pattern’ off the coast of Puerto Rico

Posted on Dec 8, 2025

Image Capt. Jon O’Connor, prospective Commanding Officer, Information Warfare Squadron (IWRON) Two, and Rear Adm. Dusty Rhodes, Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWO, render a salute during an assumption of command ceremony for IWRON Two in Norfolk, Virginia. IWRON Two, a first-of-its-kind unit designed to operationalize Information Warfare (IW) capabilities and provide decisive decision advantage to Carrier Strike Group Commanders, was established, Dec. 5. IWRON Two will serve as the pilot squadron on the East Coast, with another squadron being established on the West Coast in 2026 The establishment of IWRON Two marks a crucial step forward in ensuring the U.S. Navy remains the premier warfighting force – ready, capable, and unmatched. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Ray McCann / RELEASED)

Navy

Navy stands up its first information warfare squadron

Posted on Dec 7, 2025

Image: NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. - (Dec. 1, 2025) – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) departed Naval Station Mayport for a scheduled deployment, Dec. 1. USS Thomas Hudner is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer capable of air warfare (AW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), naval surface fire support (NSFS), and surface warfare (SUW). (U.S.

Navy

Navy destroyer that joined fight against Houthis, Iran, arrives in Caribbean

Posted on Dec 6, 2025

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, drives to a firing lane to zero an M1A2 Abrams Tank at Dona Ana Range Complex, New Mexico, Nov. 17, 2025. The event was part of the Iron Heroes Competition, designed to identify the best individuals and teams in the 1st Armored Division to compete at higher Army echelon competitions. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jerron Bruce)

Tanks

We salute the soldiers who named their tank ‘Executioners Finest’

Posted on Dec 6, 2025

Military Awards

Under new law, Medal of Honor recipients will receive $67,500 annual stipend

Posted on Dec 5, 2025

The USS Gravely, a US Navy warship, departs the Port of Port of Spain on October 30, 2025. The US warship arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on October 26, 2025, for joint exercises near the coast of Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on drug traffickers and Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP via Getty Images)

62% of Americans support military action against suspected drug traffickers, survey finds

Posted on Dec 4, 2025

Description: circa April-May 1923 The destroyers are, from left to right: USS Pruitt (DD-347) USS Stewart (DD-224) USS Preble (DD-345) USS Hulbert (DD-342) and USS William B. Preston (DD-344). The Japan-China Steamship Company (N.K.K. Nisshin Kisen Kaisha) docks are in the foreground, with a river steamer alongside in the center and an ocean-going freighter at right. Many local small craft are also present. Courtesy of Donald M. McPherson, 1969. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

History

The Navy’s original island hopping strategy

Posted on Dec 1, 2025

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, left, and Lance Cpl. Elijah Merino, a grenadier with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, repair a wall locker during Operation Clean Sweep III at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2025. OCS III, part of the ongoing Barracks 360 Reset initiative, demonstrates a collective commitment to improving living conditions through shared ownership, sustained accountability, and tangible improvements to the barracks. Wortman is a native of Pennsylvania and Merino is a native of California. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bryant Rodriguez)

Housing

Pentagon pledges $400 million for ‘immediate’ barracks renovation

By Patty Nieberg, Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Dec 1, 2025

U.S. Space Force trainees receive their initial issue of the new USSF Service Dress uniform during a fitting at clothing issue at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Nov. 19, 2025. This group is the first class of USSF BMT trainees to be issued this specific dress uniform, which they will wear for the first time during their graduation ceremony on Dec. 18, 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Daniel Cruz)

Military Life

Space Force trainees will get the service’s new dress uniform

Posted on Nov 30, 2025

Army

The Army’s latest PSYOP recruiting ad reminds you: ‘We are everywhere’

Updated on Nov 30, 2025

Marine Corps

Marine Corps reaches retention goal in just a month