Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 18)

Army

19-year-old soldier completes Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault and Pathfinder schools

On top of that, he passed all of Ranger School’s notoriously taxing phases on his first try.

Artillery

This GPS-guided mortar system is meant to automate the call for fire

The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system allows crews to digitally enter data needed to hit targets and automatically moves the tube into firing position.

Vehicles

This 6-wheeled dune-buggy could be how troops get resupplied in the future

The Polaris MRZR Alpha 6x6 is designed to be able to carry vital supplies, be fitted with weapons, and medically evacuate wounded troops.

Tech & Tactics

The battery for this next-gen headset is built into the ballistic plate

The EagleEye headset from Anduril is aims to give real-life soldiers access to a HUD akin to those seen by gamers in first-person shooters.

Tactics

AI in special operations will always have ‘a human in the loop,’ top officer says

“There's no doubt that [AI is] changing and impacting and making us more efficient in many ways, but we have to also have a bit of a reality check,” said the head of U.S. Special Operations Command.

Army

Doctor recalls treating dozens after Tower 22 drone attack

After treating more than 70 patients in the hours after the attack, the Army National Guard major pushed for Purple Hearts for many of the soldiers who suffered TBIs.

Drones

Drones could mean the end of sprawling bases seen during Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

“I think we need to make ourselves a smaller target. We have to be harder to be detected, hit.”

VA home loans explained 

Navy Federal helps you take advantage of a powerful veteran’s benefit

Training

Special operators need to be ‘lethal but also technically fluent,’ commander says

"You can't be brilliant with the modern basics on this muscle memory alone. You need the technical education and training to be able to master the electromagnetic spectrum in the virtual domain, as well.”

Aircraft

Air Force now has 18 of its new Skyraider II ‘Swiss Army Knife’ aircraft, official says

The OA-1K Skyraider II is designed to support special operations forces by flying armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions.

Navy

Fighter pilots say Growler crews’ safe ejections were a ‘miracle’

All four crew members of two Navy E/A-18G Growlers survived ejecting, three without injury, after their planes became lodged together in a midair collision

Tactics

SOCOM wants to move fast on new tech: ‘We’re not building aircraft carriers here’

U.S. Special Operations Command’s strategy for fielding new technology to special operators emphasizes speed, a top acquisitions official with the command said.

Air Force

Air Force Reserve Command chief honored with massive sword

Lt. Gen. John Healy is the latest inductee into the Air Force’s blade friendly Order of the Sword.

News

Aircrews safely eject after two Navy jets collide during air show

Two jets from the Navy’s EA-18G Growler Demonstration Team collided in midair during a demonstration at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Navy

Navy commissions the USS Cleveland, the last littoral combat ship

The final Freedom-class ship entered service on Saturday in its namesake city.

Navy

Ford Carrier Strike Group awarded rare Presidential Unit Citation for Iran War

The honor was given as the USS Gerald R. Ford returned home after 326 days away, including taking part in two major combat operations.

Africa

US, Nigerian troops kill ISIS second in command

The attack near the Lake Chad Basin is the largest U.S. operation in Nigeria since American troops deployed in February.

Army

Pentagon cancels planned deployment of long-range missile unit to Germany

The 3rd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment is the latest unit to see its orders to Europe reversed.

Army

Army orders rifle-mounted smart scopes to down small drones

The Army confirmed a large order of SMASH 2000LE drone-tracking smart scopes. Mounted on a soldier’s rifle, the device can track and target drones as they fly.

Navy

Sailor wins $60k after false eviction left him ‘functionally homeless’

A sailor assigned to the USS Nimitz was wrongfully named in an eviction, forcing him to live with friends while his wife moved out of state.