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More from Nicholas Slayton (Page 4)

Body image: The U.S. Army officially received a groundbreaking H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter, extensively modified to fly with or without a pilot at the controls. (Photo courtesy Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company) (Photo Credit: Courtesy)
Army

Army receives a new Black Hawk helicopter, pilot optional

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 22, 2026

A picture taken on February 25, 2026, shows Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets parked on the flight deck with the conning tower in the background as the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle during a media tour while moored at the quay of the North Port in Malmo, Sweden. (Photo by Johan NILSSON / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP via Getty Images) / Sweden OUT
Carriers

French sailor goes running, reveals flagship’s location via fitness app

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 22, 2026

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Forces (SOF) Airmen and Danish Frogmen navigate the ice sheet during a simulated search and rescue for ARCTIC EDGE 2026 (AE26) in Kangerlussaq, Greenland, March 7, 2026. U.S. Air Force SOF Airmen conducted training alongside Danish Frogmen and Greenland Search and Rescue. AE26 is a North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise designed to improve readiness, demonstrate capabilities, and enhance Joint and Allied Force interoperability in the Arctic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christian Sundsdal)
Americas

Pentagon wants to increase naval, special operations capabilities on Greenland

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 21, 2026

A U.S. Marine with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, applies camouflage paint before conducting an amphibious assault abroad Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) in the Pacific Ocean, March 2, 2026. The 11th MEU is currently underway aboard the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting integrated training that enhances lethality and warfighting readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Trent A. Henry)
Marine Corps

US orders more warships, thousands of Marines to the Middle East

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 21, 2026

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by C Arce)
Air Force

Air Force training instructor faces court-martial for sleeping with trainees

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 20, 2026

A U.S. Navy Boatswain’s Mate signals to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, on the flight deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) during Operation Epic Fury, Mar. 5, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)
Iran

At least 200 US troops wounded in Iran war, Pentagon says

By Nicholas Slayton, Patty Nieberg

Posted on Mar 17, 2026

U.S. Sailors man the rails on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during the ship's departure from Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, March 14, 2026. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled homeport shift to Norfolk, Virginia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter K. McHaddad)
Navy

Navy says USS Nimitz will put off retirement and stay in service into next year

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 16, 2026

Top row: Maj. John A. Klinner, Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, Capt. Ariana G. Savino. Bottom row: Capt. Seth Koval, Capt. Curtis J. Angst, and Tech Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons. Air Force/courtesy photos.
Air Force

These are the 6 airmen killed in the KC-135 crash in Iraq

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 16, 2026

An MQ-9 Reaper taxis on the runway after landing in support of Freedom Flag 24-1 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 23, 2024. Freedom Flag 24-1 is an advanced, large-scale tactical exercise between the U.S. and allied partners dedicated to the protection of regional peace and stability through the adaptation of novel and collaborative training methods, ensuring readiness against a wide range of threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman)
Drones

The Reaper just won’t quit: Try as they might, the military can’t ditch the MQ-9

By Kyle Gunn, Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 16, 2026

Crews dismantle a homeless veterans encampment on San Vincente Boulevard in Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2021. The encampment was set up outside of the 388-acre West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus. (photo by Al Seib / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images).
Military Life

VA announces plan to put some veterans in guardianships

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 15, 2026

An F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 87, lands on 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. 11, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility 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

Navy F-18 that got the US’s first air-to-air kill in the 21st century is taking part in the Iran War

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 14, 2026

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Dashawn M. Rudesill, a cannoneer with 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, fires an M777 lightweight 155mm howitzer during a rehearsal for the 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Red Beach combat town, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oct. 17, 2025. The 250th Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration at Camp Pendleton marks the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday and America’s Semiquincentennial. The live-fire event highlights the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to integrate across air, land, and sea, showcasing the Corps’ enduring role as America’s force in-readiness. Rudesill is a native of Rushville, Illinois. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Aaron S. Patterson)
Marine Corps

‘One-in-a-million’ malfunction caused Marine artillery round to explode over highway, report finds

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 14, 2026

KIA Kuwait Fallen 2026
Iran

These are the US soldiers killed in Iran’s drone strike in Kuwait

By Jeff Schogol, Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Mar 11, 2026

Air Force F-35 takes flight in the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 2, 2026. Air Force photo. 
National Guard

Air National Guard general says Iran operation demonstrates ‘wartime readiness’

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 9, 2026

Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, assigned to the 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, Fort Carson, Colo, died March 8, 2026, from injuries sustained during an enemy attack on March 1, 2026, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia
Iran

Soldier who died from attack on Saudi Arabia was ‘nothing less than a hero’

By Nicholas Slayton, Jeff Schogol

Updated on Mar 9, 2026

Image: U.S. Sailors man the rails on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during the ship's final departure from Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Mar. 7, 2026. Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled homeport shift to Norfolk, VA. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter K. McHaddad) 
Navy

USS Nimitz sets off for Latin America in its last deployment

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 9, 2026

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 6, 2026. Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo)
Iran

US strikes continue as Iran war enters its second week

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 8, 2026

A plume of smoke rises from a destroy alleged drug smuggling building in Ecuador following U.S. strikes.
Americas

US, Ecuador strike suspected drug trafficking camp near Colombian border

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 7, 2026

Soldier waves an American flag
News

Fake veteran impersonated soldier to claim VA benefits, prosecutors say

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 7, 2026

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers died March 5 from injuries sustained during a rescue a week earlier.
Coast Guard

Coast Guard swimmer dies from injuries sustained in offshore rescue

By Nicholas Slayton

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’

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 4, 2026

A Vulcan rocket carrying the USSF-87 mission successfully launches from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Feb. 12, 2026. The USSF-87 payload includes the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) system that will improve our ability to rapidly detect, warn, characterize and attribute disturbances to space systems in the geosynchronous environment. (U.S. Space Force photo by Gwendolyn Kurzen)
Space Force

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Mar 1, 2026

Missiles launch from a U.S. Navy warship as part of Operation Epic fury, the attack on Iran.
Iran

US launches ‘major combat operations’ against Iran

By Nicholas Slayton

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)
News

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

U.S. Navy Cmdr. James Koffi, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) scans the sea as USS Truxtun passes the Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591), during a replenishment-at-sea exercise for Exercise BRIGHT STAR 25, Sept. 8, 2025. Exercise BRIGHT STAR 25 is a multilateral U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) command-post exercise, field training exercise and senior leader seminar, held in the Arab Republic of Egypt along with other partner nations. Participation strengthens military-to-military relationships between U.S. forces and our Egyptian partners in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility, as well as other participating nations. The exercise enhances regional security and stability by responding to modern-day security scenarios. (U.S Navy Video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sierra Bryant)
Navy

Navy relieves destroyer commander after Caribbean crash

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 23, 2026

Image:  A Soldier assigned to 1st Cavalry Division maneuvers a drone on the Hunter/Killer Lane during the U.S.Army Best Drone Warfighter Competition on Feb. 18, 2026, in Huntsville, Ala. Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers began competing for the top warfighter while showcasing their agility, adaptability, and lethality as they adapt to the evolving modern battlefield. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michelle Lessard-Terry)
Army

The Army crowns the winners of its first drone competition

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 22, 2026

U.S. Air Force Airmen work at the 18 Wing medical building pharmacy on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 13, 2025. The 18th MDSS team supports deployed personnel and ensures mission readiness by providing essential medications to Airmen and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Karina Lopez)
Air Force

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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. 
Marine Corps

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 16, 2026

U.S. Space Force Guardians monitor workstations in the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; continuously coordinating, planning, integrating, synchronizing and executing space operations; providing tailored space effects on demand to support combatant commanders; and accomplishing national security objectives. (Composited images are used over the monitors for operational security.)
Space Force

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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. 
Middle East

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 14, 2026

The Army wants soldiers to be wary of honeytraps and report suspicious behavior. 
Army

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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’

By Nicholas Slayton

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 Guard

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 10, 2026

Image: Coast Guard members conduct personal watercraft interdiction training at Coronado Beach, California, Jan. 15, 2026. The training is part of The Office of Rapid Response and Prototyping (CG-RAPTOR) Coast Guard program, which identifies, tests and deploys new technologies, including tactical personal watercraft. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Roberto Nieves)
Coast Guard

The Coast Guard is now using ‘tactical’ jet skis

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 8, 2026

Image: Two U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, hold a security posture on the firing line with a M249 Machine Gun in a Counter Landing live-fire exercise, in support of Exercise Balikatan 25, at Aparri, Cagayan Valley, Philippines, May 3, 2025. This exercise enhanced combined readiness by training U.S. and Philippine forces to counter a simulated adversary assault on key maritime terrain. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen our ironclad alliance, improve our capable combined force, and demonstrate our commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brenden Delgado) 
Army

Army reveals new rotational force in the Philippines

By Nicholas Slayton

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)
News

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 7, 2026

West Virginia National Guard members Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. Department of Justice photos.
National Guard

National Guard troops shot in DC to receive Purple Hearts

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Feb 3, 2026

Image: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Chief Master Sgt. Seth Hogan, command senior enlisted leader Space Forces Northern unfurls the SPACEFOR-NORTH guidon during the SPACEFOR-NORTH activation ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Jan 30, 2026. U.S. Space Forces Northern, serves as the Space Force service component to U.S. Northern Command. (U.S. Space Force photo by John Ayre)
Space Force

Space Force stands up new command for the Northern Hemisphere

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 26, 2026

A U.S. Space Forces Southern patch is worn during an activation ceremony for Space Forces Southern at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Jan. 21, 2026. SPACEFOR–SOUTH became operational effective Dec. 1, 2025, the ceremony formally recognized the activation with the assumption of command by Col. Brandon Alford, and the digital unveiling of the Space Forces Southern emblem, symbolizing the command’s mission and regional focus. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Rachel Maxwell)
Space Force

After Venezuela operation, Space Force activates SOUTHCOM element

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Jan 25, 2026

Japan Air Self-Defense Force members from the Naha Air Rescue Squadron ride on a U.S. Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II assigned to the 33rd Rescue Squadron, in support of exercise Cope Angel 25-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 26, 2025. Cope Angel is an annual bilateral personnel recovery exercise conducted with U.S. Air Force and JASDF personnel, providing the opportunity for both services to integrate, plan and train together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
Air Force

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Jan 24, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 25: Army National Guard troops stand guard outside of the Whipple federal building on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Yesterday Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called out the guard after federal immigration agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA medical center, during a brief altercation in the Eat Street district of Minneapolis. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
National Guard

Minnesota National Guard mobilizes around Minneapolis following fatal shooting

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 24, 2026

Capt. Douglas Whimpey in his headshot as commodore of First Naval Construction Regiment. He was relieved of command on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
Navy

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

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’

By Nicholas Slayton

Posted on Jan 19, 2026

16 October 2025, USA, Washington Dc: US National Guard soldiers walk up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial in the early morning. Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa (Photo by Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images)
National Guard

National Guard mission in DC extended through end of 2026

By Nicholas Slayton

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

By Nicholas Slayton

Updated on Jan 18, 2026