Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 27)

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

The Super Hornet, assigned to VFA-87 on the USS Gerald R. Ford, got a kill marking for taking out a Syrian Su-22 in 2017.

Marine Corps

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

The artillery live-fire demonstration caused California officials to close Interstate 5 near Camp Pendleton at the last minute. 

News

VA responds to worries about new focus on ‘telltale signs’ of fraud

VA officials said it will look for patterns that identify fraud, adding that “No veteran’s claim or benefit will be reduced or denied because of this effort.”

Iraq

All 6 crew members of US KC-135 tanker confirmed dead after crash in Iraq

The crash occurred in “friendly territory” over western Iraq while the troops were flying a combat mission, said Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Marine Corps

Air Force engineer found not guilty of cover-up in deadly Marine KC-130 crash

Jurors found James Michael Fisher not guilty of trying to cover up bungled safety investigations that could have prevented the crash.

Helpful tips to know before buying your first (or next) home 

Navy Federal guides you through your homebuying journey

Benefits

VA ‘invented new reasons’ to deny GI Bill benefits, lawsuit claims

The lawsuit argues that the VA is using a new, overly restrictive rule that requires veterans to have had a "break in service" to access education benefits from the two main GI Bills.

Weapons

Why the Army’s new M111 grenade uses blast overpressure instead of fragmentation

The M111 Offensive Hand Grenade is meant to be more effective and reduce the risk of injuring friendly forces when used in confined spaces.

Military Life

Military families face waves of AI videos meant to sow discord and tug at heartstrings

Fake videos of soldiers grieving over fallen friends and AI-generated combat scenes are reaching families of deployed U.S. troops.

Iran

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

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, has been identified as the sixth Army Reserve soldier killed in the March 1 Iranian drone attack on Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.

Culture

Sailor sports ‘Arrogant Bastard’ beer patch on carrier involved in Iran combat operations

Hated by many, loved by few.

Helicopters

US Apache pilots explain how helicopters are shooting down Iranian drones

The ability of AH-64 attack helicopters to shoot drones out of the sky over the UAE shows a new, air-to-air role for the venerable gunship. And U.S. Apache pilots love it.

Iran

It only took 2 weeks for the Iran war to cause a draft scare

It's very unlikely.

Iran

US goes after Iran’s ability to lay sea mines, build drones, top general says

The U.S. military is targeting ships and storage facilities for Iranian sea mines, along with factories that build one-way attack drones.

Iran

Hegseth won’t say how long Iran war might last

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that President Donald Trump will decide when Operation Epic Fury’s objectives have been achieved.

News

Veteran who survived missile strike says field screenings ‘easily miss’ TBIs

In combat zones, traditional traumatic brain injury tests, which are intended for use in doctors' offices, can miss key signs, a retired officer says. A new test could provide better results.

Benefits

Senator blocks veterans benefits bill over cost in ‘dollars and cents’

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) blocked a recent attempt to pass the Major Richard Star Act, citing concerns about how much the legislation would cost.

National Guard

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

“Our drills, our exercises, and our inspections have all been in preparation for this moment. We are writing history.”

Iran

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

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington died on March 8 after being seriously wounded by a March 1 Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia.

Navy

USS Nimitz sets off for Latin America in its last deployment

The aircraft carrier is making its final voyage, and is expected to make several stops at it travels around South America.