Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 55)

National Guard

What National Guard troops legally can and can’t do in Washington, DC

National Guard troops called to duty in Washington, D.C. face complex legal rules about what they can and can't do — rules that will be even less clear if they are sent to Chicago or other cities.

Marine Corps

Marine general will return to Parris Island 40 years after graduating

Lt. Gen. Jerry Carter had dropped out of college and was working at McDonald’s digging through a dumpster to find a customer's keys when he decided to enlist.

Air Force

The Army created a new award for top soldiers. An Air Force member just pinned it on.

The new Army Master Combat badges can only be worn by experienced soldiers who are combat veterans. But an Air Force sergeant discovered he was eligible from previous service in the Army.

Army

Army reservist says he was dropped from full-time role over posts on ICE agents, Israel

Sfc. Jonathan Estridge was released from his Reserve job because of social media posts in which he criticized American support for Israel and linked to apps that track ICE agents.

Guns

The Army is replacing the M240 machine gun. Here’s what could come next

After nearly 50 years in service, the Army is exploring options to replace the M240 machine gun. From .338 Norma Magnum overmatch to lightweight 7.62 alternatives, here’s what could come next.

Air Force

NORAD intercepts third Russian reconnaissance plane in a week near Alaska

It's a hat trick. Air Force jets based in Alaska scrambled three times in five days to intercept Russian planes in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone.

Navy

Navy’s new top admiral takes command amid leadership purge

Adm. Daryl Caudle formally became the Chief of Naval Operations on Monday as a slew of senior leadership firings has continued over the past six months.

Air Force

Air Force returns M18 pistols to service after inspections across nuclear force

Global Strike Command, which operates and protects the Air Force's nuclear arsenal, says it inspected nearly 8,000 of the handguns after the death of an airman in July.

Marine Corps

Marine Corps CH-53E helicopter catches fire at Twentynine Palms

The crew was able to evacuate safely after the helicopter went up in flames on the ground.

Mexico

Pentagon releases design for Mexican Border Defense Medal

The new award uses the same design and ribbon as the Mexican Border Service Medal from 1918.

World War II

Last American fighter ace from World War II dies at 103

Donald McPherson scored five aerial victories in the Pacific and spent the eight decades after living a life of service. 

Guns

Britain’s next rifle: Inside the race to replace the SA80

After nearly 40 years, the British Army is preparing to retire the SA80. Project Grayburn will decide its replacement — and the future of British infantry.

Navy

Pentagon fires heads of Navy Reserve, Naval Special Warfare Command

Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore and Rear Adm. Milton “Jamie” Sands were removed from leadership positions after just a year on the job. 

Air Force

A second senior Air Force general has been forced out at the Pentagon

Days after top Air Force general retires, Hegseth fires leader of agency whose report on Iran strikes angered Trump

United States

Pentagon authorizes National Guard troops in DC to carry ‘service weapons’

National Guardsman in Washington, D.C. “will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training,” a defense official said.

Army

King of Malaysia cancels purchase of UH-60 Black Hawks, calling them ‘flying coffins’

The sitting monarch of the Pacific nation, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, called the American-made helicopter a "flying coffin" just days after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Entertainment

‘Hollywood Grit’ and a veteran’s mission to bring the military community into the movie business

In "Hollywood Grit," more than 50 veterans were hired to work in front of and behind the camera, from the gaffer to the onscreen talent.

News

US forces kill ISIS ‘key financier’ in Syria raid

Forces under U.S. Central Command killed a suspected senior member of ISIS during an Aug. 19 raid in northern Syria.

Army

Demoted general sues Utah National Guard, governor over firing

Former Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley retired as a lieutenant colonel after an Army investigation found he had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

Army

Army plays ‘catch up’ on drone warfare with new operator course

“We’re behind globally, and this is our aggressive attempt to close that gap,” said the director of the Fort Rucker, Alabama, course.