Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 320)

Here comes the Army’s first laser battalion
Army

Here comes the Army’s first laser battalion

The Defense Department expects to stand up its first battalion of Stryker vehicles outfitted with high-powered laser weapons by some time next year, Army officials say

Marines insist ‘we are not drawing down’ amid changes to Norway rotations
Marine Corps

Marines insist ‘we are not drawing down’ amid changes to Norway rotations

"We are not drawing down and, at times, will have a greater number of Marines here than before"

SecDef Esper says ‘accident’ likely responsible for Beirut blast, contradicting Trump
Middle East

SecDef Esper says ‘accident’ likely responsible for Beirut blast, contradicting Trump

"Most believe that it was an accident, as reported"

The Army’s next robot will know when you’re talking trash to it — and know when to talk back
Army

The Army’s next robot will know when you’re talking trash to it — and know when to talk back

Say it with me now: talking robots

US Forces Japan to troops: Please don’t break quarantine for a one-night stand
Japan

US Forces Japan to troops: Please don’t break quarantine for a one-night stand

Troops in Japan are apparently breaking quarantine for hookups

Watch never-before-seen footage of a US hypersonic missile slamming into its target
Army

Watch never-before-seen footage of a US hypersonic missile slamming into its target

The Army has released new footage from the hypersonic missile test it executed with the Navy back in March, the first public look at a U.S. military hypersonic glide body in action from launch to impact

A screenshot from the video in question
Navy

Naval Special Warfare Command cuts ties with SEAL museum over video of dogs attacking man in Colin Kaepernick jersey

"We will revisit our relationship with the Museum when I am convinced that they have made the necessary changes to ensure this type of behavior does not happen again"

No, that mushroom cloud in Beirut doesn’t indicate a nuclear bomb went off
Middle East

No, that mushroom cloud in Beirut doesn’t indicate a nuclear bomb went off

Before you head to the fallout shelter, keep in mind that experts do not believe Tuesday’s explosion was a nuclear detonation

Army eSports team will reverse ban on Twitch users who asked about war crimes
Army

Army eSports team will reverse ban on Twitch users who asked about war crimes

The team will start streaming again "in the near future."

Believe it or not, writing ‘SOS’ in the sand when you’re marooned on an island actually works
Rescue

Believe it or not, writing ‘SOS’ in the sand when you’re marooned on an island actually works

After a group of mariners became stranded on a deserted island in Micronesia, they scrawled out a gigantic "SOS" in the sand and hoped for the best. As it turns it out, that's a pretty good way to get spotted by rescuers

Trump says the US will draw down to around 4,000 troops in Afghanistan by the November election
Afghanistan

Trump says the US will draw down to around 4,000 troops in Afghanistan by the November election

Trump’s comments to Axios could indicate that he is determined to continue bringing troops home despite the horrific violence that is engulfing Afghanistan.

The death of yet another Fort Hood soldier is under investigation
Army

The death of yet another Fort Hood soldier is under investigation

"[T]his tragic loss is felt by every member within our formation.”

Army Special Forces colonel charged with five counts of sexual assault
Army

Army Special Forces colonel charged with five counts of sexual assault

Col. Kevin Russell is currently assigned to U.S. Special Operations Command

Marines are getting a lethal upgrade to their iconic Vietnam-era rocket launcher
Marine Corps

Marines are getting a lethal upgrade to their iconic Vietnam-era rocket launcher

The Marine Corps is working to procure and field a next-generation anti-tank M72 rocket launcher system that significantly reduces backblast within the next several years

The US still doesn’t know how many Afghan security forces actually exist, surprising no one
Afghanistan

The US still doesn’t know how many Afghan security forces actually exist, surprising no one

In other news, water is wet

This star-spangled Navy helicopter looks like it was plucked straight out of ‘Team America’
Navy

This star-spangled Navy helicopter looks like it was plucked straight out of ‘Team America’

It doesn't matter how sweet your ride is; no amount of gung-ho bumper stickers, chrome, or flame decals will ever compare to the majesty of this MH-60S Seahawk.

The Navy’s first Black female fighter pilot has officially earned her Wings of Gold
Navy

The Navy’s first Black female fighter pilot has officially earned her Wings of Gold

"I never intended to be the first"

Marine Corps identifies Marines and sailor presumed dead after amphibious assault vehicle accident
Marine Corps

Marine Corps identifies Marines and sailor presumed dead after amphibious assault vehicle accident

RIP

Navy investigating video of military dogs attacking man in Colin Kaepernick jersey during demonstration
Navy

Navy investigating video of military dogs attacking man in Colin Kaepernick jersey during demonstration

Navy Special Warfare Command is investigating a video that showed military working dogs attacking a target in a Colin Kaepernick jersey during a demonstration at the Navy SEAL Museum last year

7 Marines and 1 sailor presumed dead as rescue efforts end 40 hours after amphibious assault vehicle sank
Marine Corps

7 Marines and 1 sailor presumed dead as rescue efforts end 40 hours after amphibious assault vehicle sank

'It is with a heavy heart, that I decided to conclude the search and rescue effort.'