Senate Plan Would Force the Army to Revert to Old Fitness Test But Would Allow New Events

Deadlift event during a diagnostic Army Combat Fitness Test

A controversial proposal that would force the Army to return to its old, and what service leadership argue is inferior, fitness test would allow for some changes, including swapping out events, according to legislative language released Tuesday. The Senate Armed Services Committee unveiled the specifics of its proposed National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which […]

Widow of Former West Point Running Back Sues NCAA for Wrongful Death

The Army Black Knights sported the 82nd Airborne Division patch during their football game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at U.S. Military Academy West Point's Michie Stadium.

The widow of former West Point football player Gene Merlino — who died after suffering at least 14 concussions during his time on the field — is suing the NCAA on the eve of the second anniversary of the Army gridder’s July 2021 death. The suit by Kelly Merlino in Manhattan Supreme Court alleges that the college sports group suppressed knowledge about the dangers of brain injury in […]

Have You Seen a Humvee? The Military Would Like it Back, Please

Humvee snatched from a Northern California National Guard facility

If you see a multi-ton vehicle on the road with canvas doors and a camo paint job, it’s not a tricked-out Hummer — it’s stolen property. The High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, also known as a Humvee, was stolen from the Santa Rosa National Guard Armory over the holiday weekend, according to Sgt. Michael Ball […]

US Military’s Recruiting Woes Are a National Security Crisis

A military recruitment center stands in Times Square in Manhattan on Sept. 4, 2020, in New York City.

America’s armed services are failing to meet their recruiting goals, with the Army in particular suffering the worst shortfalls in five decades. There are many reasons behind this, but one is very surprising: veterans themselves. Recent reporting and anecdotal evidence indicate the likelihood that children of service members will sign up, or be urged to […]

Junior Enlisted Could See NCO-Style Evaluation System

Live fire exercise in Larnaca, Cyprus

The Army will test out new annual evaluations for junior enlisted troops akin to the kind noncommissioned officers get, according to service leaders. The new evaluations are due to be tested this year, though it’s unclear which unit will try out the new approach. In addition to junior soldier evaluations, that unit will also test […]

Soldier Accused in Fatal Washington Festival Shooting Pleads Not Guilty

Members of the 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron after installing the new Joint Base Lewis-McChord sign

SEATTLE — A 26-year-old member of the U.S. military accused of fatally shooting two women and wounding three other people at a music festival at Washington state’s Gorge Amphitheatre has entered not guilty pleas to multiple charges. The Seattle Times reports James M. Kelly pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two counts of first-degree murder, two counts […]

Army Report Shows Increase in Suicides by Active-Duty Soldiers in 2023

Airman places a flag in remembrance of troops who were lost to suicide

As senior leaders work to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health care, the active-duty Army had one of its worst quarters for suicide in six years. Between January and March, the Army saw suicides in its active component increase from 37 in the same time frame last year to 49, according to Pentagon data […]