Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 26)

Marine Corps

Senator references Iwo Jima while pushing for US to take Kharg Island

Sen. Lindsey Graham recently referenced the bloody World War II battle while arguing for U.S. troops to take control of Kharg Island from Iran.

National Guard

National Guard mobilized for search and rescue operations amid Hawaii floods

Troops have helped rescue more than 200 people as large parts of Oahu remain drenched from flash floods in recent days.

Army

Army receives a new Black Hawk helicopter, pilot optional

The new H-60Mx now goes to testing as the Army works to expand its autonomous and remote-controlled arsenal.

Carriers

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

Update the safety brief.

Americas

Pentagon wants to increase naval, special operations capabilities on Greenland

U.S. Northern Command is seeking an agreement with Denmark to expand its operations on the island to three new areas.

Marine Corps

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

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, carrying the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the second naval and Marine force ordered to join the war in Iran. 

Air Force

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

The charges against Staff Sgt. Davonte Hardaway come more than a decade after a similar scandal at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland rocked the Air Force. 

Marine Corps

Marines can now use optical sights with pistols for qualifying

Marines can now use a 'red dot' optic when qualifying in the Combat Pistol Program, which is required for specific jobs and units that issue sidearms.

News

Pentagon cracks down on religious waivers for beards

Troops must now submit sworn written statements about their religious beliefs, and could face disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for ‘false statements.’

Army

US Apache helicopters attack Iranian militias in Iraq, Chairman of Joint Chiefs says

At the same conference, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs also revealed that A-10s were actively hunting down Iranian fast attack boats.

Army

Army reservist receives Purple Heart as she retires, a decade after combat

“I remember initially thinking, ‘I don't deserve a Purple Heart,’” said Sgt. 1st Class Christina Larson. “What do I get a Purple Heart for? I have all my limbs. I'm not in a wheelchair.”

Middle East

USS Gerald R. Ford en route to Greece for repairs after fire

A fire broke out March 12 in the main laundry spaces of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which has seen combat in two hemispheres during eight months at sea. One sailor was medically evacuated the following day.

Military Life

As Iran war slows global shipping, military family moves face delays 

Military families moving to and from overseas assignments should be ready for weeks of shipping delays due to Iran war disruptions. Domestic moves face higher gas prices and traffic snarls.

Army

The Army has another new rifle, the XM8 carbine

The Army is expected to begin fielding the XM8, a shorter, lighter carbine version of the M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon rifle, towards the end of the year.

Army

Soldiers remember a leader killed in Kuwait as ‘surrogate dad’

Soldiers and veterans who knew Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan are raising money to ensure dozens from his Iowa-based unit can attend his memorial service.

Iran

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

Officials said 10 U.S. troops have been seriously wounded. Most others have returned to duty.

Navy

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

The aging aircraft carrier is currently deployed to Latin America, on what was to be its final voyage. The delivery of its replacement, the USS John F. Kennedy, has also been delayed.

Air Force

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

The refueling tanker crashed in friendly territory due to unspecified causes on Thursday, killing three members of the 6th Air Refueling Wing and three members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing.

Drones

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

The military is turning the aging drone into an effective system, extending its life with new weapons, boosting its range and electronic warfare capabilities. 

Military Life

VA announces plan to put some veterans in guardianships

Veterans advocates expressed concern that the move could strip veterans of their agency and target those experiencing homelessness.