Read the latest articles from Task & Purpose (Page 79)

USS Abraham Lincoln sailor wears E-FOUR Mafia patch
Mandatory Fun

Sailor proudly rocks ‘E-4 Mafia’ patch as he stands watch on USS Abraham Lincoln

The E-4, the belligerent heart of the U.S. military and every SNCO’s pain in the ass and reason for existing.

The tower of power includes the special forces, ranger, and airborne tabs.
Culture

A comprehensive guide to the shoulder tabs Army soldiers wear on their uniforms

Here's everything you need to know about the Army's tabs, from permanent ones, like Ranger and Special Forces, to unit tabs like Airborne, Jungle and Arctic.

The Pentagon announced new initiatives to save troops money and improve their quality of life. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jessica Avallone
Family

Free Wi-Fi in the barracks, and other quality-of-life improvements coming to all branches

The Pentagon is implementing a range of policies designed to save military families money and improve service members’ quality of life.

Special operations forces assigned to the Ghana Special Boat Squadron prepare to board the Italian Navy Comandante Bettica PGH-492 for a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure exercise off the coast of Takoradi, Ghana, May 16, 2024. The VBSS brought together participants from both Exercise Flintlock and Obangame Express; these exercises are multinational military operations aimed to enhance security and counterterrorism capabilities in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl)
Africa

US looks to West Africa as new hub for counter-terrorism mission after leaving Niger, Chad

The U.S. military’s commander in Africa said they’re considering Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Benin as options for counter terrorism collaboration after its personnel left Niger and Chad.

Bill would honor vets of Bataan and other early WWII battles
World War II

Bill would honor vets of Bataan and other early WWII battles

A new bill in Congress aims to honor U.S. veterans who fought in the Pacific and natives from Attu, an Aleutian Island who were captured by the Japanese during WWII.

A soldier assigned to the 1st Calvary Division extinguishing a brush fire.
Culture

Soldiers reimagine Battle Drill 1 against brush fires on range detail

You’ve seen soldiers carry out direct fire battle drills, but have you seen them react to brush fires?

The 354th Fighter Generation Squadron poses for a group photo for the final time at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., June 24, 2024. The 354th FGS maintained A-10C aircraft to conduct close air support, forward air control, airborne, and combat search and rescue for theater commanders worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class William Finn V)
Air Force

The A-10 era is over for this legendary Air Force attack squadron

For over 30 years, the 354th Fighter Squadron has put "the 18-year-old with a rifle" at the center of their A-10 mission. The Air Force is shuttering the unit this week.

italy U.S. military base protest gaza israel Palestinian flag
Army

Protestors damage fence at US military base in Italy

Protestors carrying flares and Palestinian flags broke a fence at a U.S. military base in Italy.

Richard McCool medal of honor recipient during Battle of Okinawa, World War II
Navy

Navy’s latest ship commission honors actions of MoH recipient

He didn’t want to be called a hero, but Richard McCool Jr. has a ship named after him for his courageous actions during the Battle of Okinawa.

11 ecab
Army

Supervisor punished soldier for reporting sexual assault, Inspector General says

The Inspector General found that a supervisor told another soldier the woman was "bat [s***] crazy" and questioned the credibility of her allegations.

Marines CFT Air Force
Air Force

Four Marines trained an Air Force base to take the Marine Corps fitness test. The Air Force gave them medals for it.

Four Marines at Little Rock Air Force Base trained hundreds of airmen for the Marine Corps' Combat Fitness Test. One female airman aced it.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks competes in the Para Swimming Women's 100m Backstroke race on Sept. 7 2024 in Paris. One arm is mid-stroke, kicking up water from the pool. (Getty Images photo by Adam Pretty)
Army

Army combat medic wins five silver medals at Paralympics

Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Marks doubled her total medal count with her success in Paris this year.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alec Blackmon with the 802nd Security Forces Squadron stands outside a gate at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in June 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by Brian Boisvert)
News

Two teens charged for shootings at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland

The pair allegedly were responsible for two overnight incidents outside the Chapman Training Annex on Aug. 17.

Judge David O. Carter inspects the West L.A. VA campus on Aug. 21, 2024, while overseeing a lawsuit against the VA brought by veterans. (Getty Photo via Los Angeles Times by Brian van der Brug)
News

Homeless vets sued the VA and won. Now the government has to build thousands of homes.

A federal judge ruled that current leases for oil drilling and schools on the nearly 400-acre site are illegal and must end.

Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso
National Guard

Alaska Pararescue team executes two jump missions in 24 hours amid 5 rescues

A team of three Alaska Air Guard PJs were called on to parachute down to crashed planes, two of several rescue missions over Labor Day weekend.

Former scout sniper Justin Governale helped connect a fallen marine's family after debut on Kill Tony stand up comedy podcast.
Entertainment

A Marine went on a comedy podcast. The sister of a fallen scout sniper was listening.

A lucky break for a Marine veteran on the “Kill Tony” comedy show helped the family of a fallen scout sniper connect with their loved one's teammates.

Space Force dress uniform
Space Force

After nearly 5 years, the Space Force still can’t get its own dress uniforms for most guardians

For most Space Force guardians, the earliest they can expect to get the service’s dress uniform is December 2025.

Pentagon to fund study of antibiotic-resistant wounds in Ukraine to plan for future wars
Europe

Pentagon to fund study of antibiotic-resistant wounds in Ukraine to plan for future wars

The U.S. military is funding the study to help improve Ukrainian military and civilian medical care, and to assist with the Pentagon’s own planning of future large-scale combat operations.

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro
Navy

Navy secretary who praised Biden, disparaged Trump broke federal law, investigation finds

Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro made comments while in London that violated restrictions on federal employees engaging in political activities while on duty, an investigation found.

Coast Guard Academy cadets stand in formation during a Regimental Review at the Academy, May 2, 2024. The review ceremony was the last of the academic year that would include the entire corps of cadets. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matt Thieme.)
Coast Guard

13 former cadets accuse Coast Guard Academy of negligence in handling sexual assaults

The former cadets allege that the Coast Guard’s negligence caused them to be “severely and irreparably harmed” despite the academy’s responsibility for its students.