F-35 Fighter Jet, World's Costliest Weapons Program, Failed to Hit Readiness Marks for 6 Years, Watchdog Finds
WASHINGTON — All versions of the F-35, the world’s costliest weapons program, have failed to meet minimum combat readiness rates for six straight years, according to the watchdog agency for Congress. That’s despite the Army, Navy and Marine Corps spending $12 billion, or about 21%, of $57.2 billion for aircraft operations and maintenance appropriated by […]
Fort Cavazos Soldier Accused of Breaking into Barracks Rooms to Bind, Rape and Rob Other Troops
An Army sergeant at Fort Cavazos in Texas is facing a staggering 27 criminal charges, including attempted murder and rape, after a string of violent attacks targeting fellow soldiers in their barracks. Sgt. Greville Clarke, 31, was arraigned Monday, accused of breaking into the rooms of five women, robbing them, holding two at gunpoint and, […]
Sergeant Major of the Army Walks Back New Physical Training Uniform Announcement
The Army will not be transitioning to new physical training uniforms, despite an announcement last week by the service’s top enlisted leader about new uniforms on the horizon. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer criticized the current PT uniform during the Association of the United States Army conference in Washington, D.C., saying it fell […]
'Guys Lining Up to Volunteer' as Military Tests Ways to Protect Troops from Blasts, Brain Injuries
WASHINGTON — The blast shook the ground and its red flash of fire covered the doorway as U.S. special operations forces blew open a door during a recent training exercise. Moments later, in their next attempt, the boom was noticeably suppressed and the blaze a bit smaller, testament to just one of the new technologies […]
Unclaimed for Years, Veterans' Remains Laid to Rest in Connecticut Cemetery: 'We Claim Them'
MIDDLETOWN — Strong breezes kept American flags waving Wednesday morning during a ceremony honoring three U.S. Army veterans from Connecticut whose remains had lingered unclaimed on funeral home shelves. At the State Veterans Cemetery, white-gloved soldiers removed the cremated remains of PFC Mario N. DeVito, Private James Dickinson and SP5(T) Richard Robert Thurston from three […]
His Country Trained Him to Fight. Then He Turned Against It. More Like Him Are Doing the Same
MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The U.S. military trained him in explosives and battlefield tactics. Now the Iraq War veteran and enlisted National Guard member was calling for taking up arms against police and government officials in his own country. Standing in the North Carolina woods, Chris Arthur warned about a coming civil war. Videos he […]
'What Is This?': Army Enlisted Leader's Long-Promised Blue Book Underwhelms Soldiers
A year ago, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, just two months into the role, promised soldiers a new app that would allow them to carry a rundown of service regulations and policies in their pockets. The so-called Army-wide “Blue Book” was a centerpiece of Weimer’s plans for his first year in the leadership […]
Commander of Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal School Was Fired in July
The commander of the Army’s bomb disposal school was quietly fired over the summer, according to the service. Lt. Col. David Alexander, who led the 73rd Ordnance Battalion based in Florida, was dismissed from his position on July 11, though this is the first time the news has been publicized. Alexander was relieved “due to […]
Victims of Maine's Deadliest Shooting Start Process of Suing the Army
LEWISTON, Maine — Lawyers representing 100 survivors and family members of victims of the deadliest shooting in Maine history have begun the formal process of suing the Army and an Army hospital for failing to act to stop the reservist responsible for the tragedy, attorneys announced Tuesday. The individual notices of claim say the Army […]
Army Says Soldiers Are Getting New Fitness Uniforms, But Details Are Scant
It’s a mistress the Army can’t keep itself from continually returning to: uniform changes. Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer, the service’s top enlisted leader, on Tuesday announced new physical training uniforms will be issued to troops in roughly a year. But the announcement at the Association of the United States Army, or AUSA, […]