Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 25)

Amphibious Operations

Here’s what Marine Expeditionary Units are designed to do

Marine Expeditionary Units are self-sustaining forces that can quickly deploy for both combat and humanitarian missions.

Iran

Troops in Qatar, UAE, 8 other regions now get combat pay for Epic Fury

Troops can receive up to $225 a month in either imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay, but not both.

Army

Apache crews who buzzed Kid Rock’s home won’t be punished, Hegseth says

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday that the crews of two Apache helicopters are no longer suspended and won’t be punished for flying by Kid Rock’s home.

Navy

USS Gerald R. Ford’s ‘record-breaking’ deployment could last 11 months, top admiral says

The already long deployment for the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier could last 11 months, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said.

Air Force

Air Force reactivates Reaper drone squadron at Nevada base

The squadron activation is part of an organization of Reaper units brought about by new technology that automates the takeoff and landing process.

Army

Hegseth says US won’t rule out deploying ‘boots on the ground’ for Iran war

“You can't fight and win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing to do or what you are not willing to do, to include boots on the ground,” Hegseth said

Marine Corps

Marine corporal charged with stealing and selling a Javelin missile

Marine Cpl. Andrew Paul Amarillas is accused of taking a Javelin anti-tank missile along with some 5.56mm ammunition to Arizona and allegedly selling them.

Army

Army approves combat patches for soldiers in Iran war zone

The new approval for soldiers to wear a combat patch on their right sleeve covers those currently deployed in countries under U.S. Central Command and Africa Command.

Entertainment

These Marine Raider veterans are now playable characters in ‘Battlefield 6’

"Representing that lineage and history is something we take seriously."

Navy

Navy commissions its newest submarine, the USS Massachusetts

The nuclear-power fast-attack sub is the latest in a long line of ships named for the state, but the first submarine to bear the name.

Navy

USS Tripoli, 2,200 Marines arrive in the Middle East

The first of two Marine Expeditionary Units reached the region Friday, as the war with Iran enters its second month and the U.S. deploys a third carrier strike group. 

Helicopters

FAA investigating close call between National Guard Black Hawk and a passenger jet

A California Army National Guard UH-60 came within just 525 feet vertical and 1,422 feet lateral from a passenger jet as their paths crossed.

News

VA executive accused of demanding gifts in the form of cash, casino chips from contractors

A retired Navy captain who was in charge of the VA’s health record modernization program allegedly got casino chips, cash and other gifts from contractors.

News

Pentagon looks for vendors to supply pre-made bunkers within 30 days

The request was issued Monday for companies to submit possible delivery timelines for 3 days, 15 days, and 30 days and include information about the “highest threat level” that the bunkers could withstand.

Benefits

New bill could make it easier for veterans to get VA home loans, senators say

Three senators want to help the Department of Veterans Affairs hire more home appraisers to speed up the process of getting home loans.

Aircraft

How Iran got the F-14 Tomcat and kept it flying for decades

The United States sold Iran 80 of its F-14s in the 1970s. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the regime somehow kept the fighter flying for decades.

Air Force

Air Force jet tore up asphalt at Alaska airport during engine test

The 1,170-degree exhaust from the New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-46A tanker’s engines blew a 25-foot wide crater in an Alaska airport’s tarmac.

Army

Army raises enlistment age to 42, eases marijuana restrictions

New recruiting rules bump the age limit for recruits from 35 to 42. Easing restrictions on a single marijuana possession conviction “accounts for changes in society,” one expert said.

Benefits

Soldiers must now get approval from supervisors for tuition assistance

In order to use a financial aid program for secondary education, soldiers now need approval from their supervisors.

Marine Corps

Navy destroyer with grizzly bear battle flag pays tribute to heroic Marine

“If you’re going to be a bear, be a grizzly.”