Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 10)

VA Disability Rule
News

VA has no plans of ‘ever doing anything’ about disability rule, official says

On Tuesday, a group of 21 Democrats and Independent lawmakers sent a letter to the VA urging that the rule be immediately revoked.

Duxbury
National Guard

National Guard takes on 5-foot snow drifts in town hit hard by blizzard

In Duxbury, Massachusetts, National Guardsmen in hulking off-road trucks stepped in for first responders on more than 30 emergency calls in 24 hours, the town’s fire chief said.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jesse Pena, a military working dog handler with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and a native of Texas, guides his military working dog through an obstacle course at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 20, 2026. Obstacle course training is designed to instill confidence in military working dogs while also displaying operational readiness by enhancing the obedience and threat response of their K9s. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sarah Grawcock)
News

Conditions in kennels for military working dogs led to 4 deaths, IG says

The IG said found ‘aging and unsatisfactory’ kennel conditions that had injured or sickened dogs at 10 of 12 bases inspected.

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

Cmdr. James Koffi was removed from command of the USS Truxtun days after it hit a supply vessel, injuring two sailors.

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

The new annual event, similar to Best Ranger and Best Sapper, brought teams from across the Army for piloting races, simulated hunter-killer missions and to demo their own inventions.

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

A pharmacy technician and his spouse are accused of stealing and selling millions in Department of Defense gear to finance a lavish lifestyle complete with sports cars.

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

The new film turns weather forecast into a suspense drama with the fate of World War II in the balance.

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’

"There is no wrong door for you to walk through."

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Lauren Sweitzer, 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals an E-3 Sentry, assigned to the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, March 6, 2022. The aircraft provides an accurate, real-time picture of the battlespace to the Joint Air Operations Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Ross)
Air Force

As aging Air Force AWACS heads to Middle East, where is its replacement?

The vital but rapidly aging Air Force E-3 Sentry is back in the Middle East while a replacement could still be years away.

Warrant Officers from the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School take an oath of commission during the Special Forces Warrant Officer Technical and Tactical Certification Appointment and Graduation Ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina May 11, 2023. Soldiers who attended the course were educated, tranined and certified for MOS 180A in operational and tactical requirements for planning and executing special operations worldwide and to serve as Assistant Detachment Commanders for a SFOD-A. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)
Army

Army warrant officers will ‘bid’ against each other for their next bonus 

Officials said it was a way for warrant officers to bid their “true value.”

180606-N-SO730-0181 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 6, 2018) Midshipman Gabriel Perez performs kettle bell exercises during a group workout aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship is underway conducting routine training exercises to maintain carrier readiness. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joe Boggio)
Navy

The Navy is ditching its original PT uniform, known for its gold shirt

The Navy is phasing out its original physical training uniform, which includes a gold shirt and blue shorts, after sailors said they preferred newer fitness gear.

Guinness World Records
Air Force

This Air Force officer has set 17 Guinness World Records — so far

Air Force Maj. Johnny Cruz Buckingham, a former tanker pilot, raises money for children's programs by attempting to set new Guinness World Records.

In an abrupt about face, Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said Thursday the agency was "halting enforcement" of a new rule that tied medication to a veteran's disability rating.
News

VA pauses new disability rule 2 days after announcing it

Department of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins announced the rule ‘will not be enforced at any time in the future.’

Task Force Pegasus Troopers stand silhouetted before attempting to complete the Norwegian Foot March on Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland, Aug. 8, 2024. Task Force Pegasus has joined with Allied Nation Soldiers and local community members to attempt the 18.6-mile march. The march was first held in 1915 as a test of marching endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army. The goal today is to stimulate the general interest of marching over extended distances amongst military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Julian Winston)
Air Force

Military leaders should assume an absent troop is ‘in danger,’ watchdog finds

Troops who are "involuntarily absent" are almost always in severe danger, but the Army, Navy, and Air Force all have different rules for how commanders should react, a new report found.

Medal of Honor Roddie Edmonds
Army

Soldier who shielded Jewish POWs from guards will receive Medal of Honor

Ordered at gunpoint to separate Jewish soldiers from other POWs, Army Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds called a full formation of Americans and told a German commander: "We are all Jews."

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division conduct a live-fire platoon attack during Service Level Training Exercise 4-25, on Range 410A at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 16, 2025. SLTE 4-25 is designed to be a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force across all domains of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Judith Ann Lazaro)
Veterans

Concern and confusion erupt over new VA disability rule

The Department of Veterans Affairs says the rule will not directly impact veterans' current disability ratings, while advocates are concerned it could lead to benefits being reduced.

Young family spending time together at home.

Use Navy Federal certificates to protect yourself from market fluctuations and financial uncertainty

Certificates bring peace of mind during uncertain times

Candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School take part in a an early morning ruck march as part of Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) at Camp Mackall, North Carolina January 13, 2026. Candidates who attended the three-week assessment and selection were evaluated on their physical fitness, character and intellect as well as their ability to work individually and on a team. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)
Benefits & Pay

New VA rule could lower veterans’ disability rating if medication improves their symptoms

The new rule might mean that veterans receive lower disability ratings from the VA, officials from major veterans service organizations said.

Alejandro Barranco
Marine Corps

Father of 3 Marines won’t be deported, immigration judge rules

Narciso Barranco’s eligibility for Parole In Place under his sons' military service means he can not be immediately deported, an immigration judge ruled.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, maneuver toward an objective during a live-fire training event at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, Feb. 3, 2026. The training exercise at PTA refined weapon system and tactical proficiency, strengthening overall combat readiness and preparing 3rd LCT for future operational requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Iyer Ramakrishna)
News

‘Double-dipping’ controversy bars injured and ill vets from getting full benefits

"You wanna fight wars? Well, it costs money. The shit ain't cheap," one veteran said.