Task & Purpose. News, culture, and analysis by and for the military community.

U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Platoon, Maritime Raid Force, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fast rope out of a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron 25, during a fast rope exercise in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 12, 2026. Marines and Sailors conducted fast-rope training to enhance air-to-ground insertion capabilities for operations in support of the 31st MEU. The 31st MEU is a persistent, combat credible force operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. 7th fleet area of operations, routinely interacting and operating with our allies and partners to contribute to deterrence, security, crisis response, and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Victor Gurrola)
Iran

This is what we know about the Maritime Raid Force used to seize Iranian vessel

A Maritime Raid Force, which consists of both reconnaissance and infantry Marines, boarded and seized an Iranian vessel on April 19.

SMASH 2000L
Marine Corps

Marines on way to Middle East seen using rifles with anti-drone smart scope

The company that makes the SMASH 2000L advanced fire control system confirmed that a recent series of photos show deployed Marines using the smart scope.

Marine Expeditionary Unit
Helicopters

Here’s what Marine Expeditionary Units are designed to do

Marine Expeditionary Units are self-sustaining forces that can quickly deploy for both combat and humanitarian missions.

Task & Purpose Video

Each week on Tuesdays and Fridays our team will bring you analysis of military tech, tactics, and doctrine delivered from a rank-and-file perspective.

Visit The Channel

More from Task & Purpose

Sgt. Nathan Winter lifts a 40-lbs sandbag as part of the Army's new Combat Field Test at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia.
Army

Army releases details on new test for combat arms soldiers

The new annual test is adapted from the 7-event field fitness test currently required for the Army’s Expert Infantryman Badge.

Barracks Repair
News

Military budgets $57 billion to fix bases and ‘substandard’ barracks

“The investments in this budget will fix all substandard barracks and eliminate barracks that have been deemed poor or failing.”

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 23rd Medical Group administers a dose of the influenza vaccine at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Nov.16, 2022. The mass vaccination campaign enabled the 23rd MDG to vaccinate more than 500 personnel per day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Whitney Gillespie)
News

Hegseth says flu vaccines are now optional across the active duty and reserve force

Under new Defense Department guidance, annual influenza vaccines are now voluntary for all active duty and reserve service members.

A prototype of the new M1E3 Abrams tank was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan in January.
Army

1st Cavalry Division soldiers will get the Army’s newest tank and infantry combat vehicle first

The soldiers will get prototypes of the new tank and fighting vehicle in the fall. The unit plans to bring them to the National Training Center next Spring.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Josiah Bierle, 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron pilot, awaits takeoff in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 30, 2025. Stationing A-10s in the CENTCOM AOR reinforces U.S. commitment to regional stability and strengthens deterrence against potential threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jonah Bliss)
Air Force

Air Force can’t quit the A-10 Warthog, extends service into 2030

The Air Force can’t quit the “Brrrrt.”

A U.S. Sailor aboard the world's largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), signals the launch of an F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft from the flight deck, Nov. 17, 2025. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the president's priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Navy photo)
Navy

Navy tells sailors to ‘beware’ of dating apps, button-up social media amid Iran conflict

The Navy notices comes as officials say cyber adversaries are targeting sailors and their families online “in response to Operation Epic Fury.”

Two married individuals hold hands at Fort Knox, Kentucky on Feb. 24, 2026.
Veterans

Caregivers need greater support to help assist veterans, watchdog finds

Caregivers, who are often the spouses or partners of veterans, may be underutilizing mental health resources available to them, a recent Government Accountability Office report found.

Image: U.S. Marines fire rifles during a deck shoot aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during Operation Epic Fury, April 2, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo) 
Marine Corps

Marines seize Iranian cargo ship

The USS Spruance fired on the ship and Marines boarded it as it tried to get past the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

A Hunter Wolf unmanned ground vehicle assigned to Charlie Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), holds a steady overwatch position with a mounted remote operated .50-caliber machine gun during a combat simulation exercise at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana, April 13, 2026.. The Hunter Wolf platform has been selected by the U.S. Army for the Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport (S-MET) program. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Anthony Hewitt)
Army

The Army wants an unmanned ground vehicle to evacuate wounded and resupply the front line

A new solicitation seeks a modular ground drone that can help navigate the “last tactical mile,” helping to reduce the risk to soldiers.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the Multi-Functional Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, maneuver through the woods during Operation Arctic Tech at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 8, 2026. The exercise tested platoons in the MFRC on the use of unmanned aircraft systems, electronic warfare and counter-unmanned aircraft systems during reconnaissance operations in a cold-weather environment.
Army

Two soldiers wounded in a bear attack in Alaska

The soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division encountered a brown bear while doing land navigation training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. 

Joint and combined personnel monitor workstations in the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week; continuously coordinating, planning, integrating, synchronizing and executing space operations; providing tailored space effects on demand to support combatant commanders; and accomplishing national security objectives. (Composited images are used over the monitors for operational security.)
Space Force

Iran war demonstrates a ‘combat credible’ Space Force, top guardian says

Guardians are contributing “combat spacepower” in Operation Epic Fury, including carrying out missile tracking and electronic warfare missions.

Chief Master-at-Arms Krystal JonesBostic, assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), a native of Detroit, receives her combination cover during the FY25 chief petty officer pinning ceremony as the ship steams in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 26, 2024. Boxer and embarked elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Connor Burns)
Navy

Navy moves to emphasize technical job skills in enlisted promotions

Navy officials will make changes to the skills emphasized in the promotions process, so sailors rated this year will not be affected.

Airmen assigned to Flights 081-097 march in the 737th Training Group’s graduation parade, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, January 8, 2026. The ceremony is one of three graduation events for the Department of the Air Force Basic Military Training and signifies the transition from trainee to Airman. Maj Gen Scott A. Cain, Commander, Air Force Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), Calif., was the reviewing official for the ceremony. The 37th Training Wing, known as “Gateway to the Air Force,” is home to BMT. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ismael Ortega)
Air Force

The Air Force met its annual recruiting goal 5 months early

The service surpassed its annual goal of 32,750 recruits this week, five months early. The Space Force, which needed less than 1,000 recruits, also met its goal.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion traverse an obstacle course training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, April 10, 2026. The O-Course is a series of obstacles designed to build recruits’ strength, agility, endurance and confidence. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Adrian Guerrero Martinez)
News

Should veterans get a ‘second look’ at long prison sentences after military service?

California allows veterans to petition courts to consider their military service under “second look” resentencing. Advocates say other states should, too.

Randy George
Army

Congress pushes Army leaders for answers on ouster of top general

Lawmakers are asking senior Army leaders what they know about the forced retirement of the service’s former chief of staff, Gen. Randy George.

251204-N-JM579-1198 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 4, 2025) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) fires the Mk 45 5 inch gun during a Naval Surface Firing Support (NSFS) exercise, Dec. 4, 2025. Paul Ignatius is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Macklin)
Navy

Navy can fire warning shots to enforce blockade of Iran, top general says

The U.S. Navy is allowed to fire warning shots at any ship that tried to breach the blockade of Iranian ports, said Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

More Stories

Sponsored Content

Happy parents having fun while holding their small children. After moving to a new apartment
Sponsored Content

The pros and cons of renting vs owning a home

Sponsored Content

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

Sponsored Content

Use Navy Federal certificates to protect yourself from market fluctuations and financial uncertainty

Sponsored Content

Get your finances in order this year with a debt balance transfer

SEE MORE

Task & Purpose was founded in 2014 to cover the military and veteran community from a rank-and-file perspective, and continues to do so with accurate reporting and great storytelling to this day. Our journalists have reported on the front lines of the Standing Rock protests in North Dakota and the war in Afghanistan. We’ve uncovered American veterans being abused in Kuwaiti prisons, deported veterans being forced to work for Mexican cartels, and drawn national attention to a longstanding legal rule barring service members from suing the government — even in the face of gross negligence.

Read Our Story

Our Staff