Pentagon faces demands for details on deadly attack in Niger
Members of Congress demanded answers Thursday two weeks after an ambush in the African nation of Niger killed four U.S. soldiers, with one top lawmaker even threatening subpoenas.
Pentagon: US shoots down Syrian aircraft for first time
The U.S. military on Sunday shot down a Syrian Air Force fighter jet that bombed local forces aligned with the Americans in the fight against Islamic State militants, an action that appeared to mark a new escalation of the conflict.
Senator: Military sex case files show ‘troubling command culture’
A U.S. senator is stepping up her criticism of the Pentagon’s campaign to end sexual assaults, alleging in a report to be released Monday that a “troubling command culture” seems to favor closing cases over pursuing justice and leaves victims vulnerable to retaliation.
Pentagon targets air base surplus
The Pentagon thinks it has a winning argument for why Congress should allow a new round of military base closings.
Pentagon plan to close Guantanamo expected in coming week
The Pentagon’s plan outlining the long-stalled effort to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center, expected in the coming week, includes details suggesting that the Centennial Correctional Facility in Colorado is one suitable site to send detainees whom officials believe should never be released, administration officials said.
Senators quiz military chiefs, criticize US fight against IS
Facing blistering criticism from Republican senators, Defense Secretary Ash Carter acknowledged on Tuesday that the U.S. has only 60 trainees in a program to prepare and arm thousands of moderate Syrian rebels in the fight against Islamic State militants.
Pentagon accused of withholding information about sex crimes
In a scathing critique of the Defense Department’s efforts to curb sexual assaults, a U.S. senator warned Monday that the true scope of sex-related violence in the military communities is “vastly underreported” and that victims continue to struggle for justice.
Bill seeks interagency coordination in hostage cases
A House Republican’s effort to better coordinate government-wide efforts to free U.S. hostages held abroad is winning early support from the Pentagon chief.
Push to boost defense spending puts GOP in budget bind
Pressing Pentagon demands in a time of terror threats and Islamic State militants have put newly empowered congressional Republicans in a bind.
Pentagon docs: Obama to request big Pentagon budget hike
President Barack Obama will ask Congress for a hefty, almost 8 percent boost for the Pentagon.
Syria-Iraq conflict gets a name: ‘Inherent Resolve’
It’s less punchy than previous nicknames for U.S. conflicts in the Middle East –remember Operation Desert Storm?
Pentagon wants tighter military short-term loan protections
Aiming to restrict lenders who prey on members of the military, the Obama administration on Friday moved to close legal loopholes that have placed hundreds of thousands of service members at risk of excessive payday and other short-term loan fees.
U.S. military role in Iraq raises combat questions
The White House and the Pentagon are grappling with how to explain what American military forces are doing and could do in Iraq as they battle the Islamic State militants.
Slaying of American journalist reopens debate on ransoms
By rejecting demands for a nine-digit payment to save kidnapped American journalist James Foley, the United States upheld a policy choice that some European and Arab governments have long found too wrenching to make themselves: ruling out ransom to rescue any citizen held captive by militant organizations, in hopes the tough stand will make Americans safer from kidnapping and attacks by extremists.
Pentagon: Militants will regroup
U.S. airstrikes have helped Iraqi and Kurdish forces regain their footing in Iraq, but the well-resourced Islamic State militants can be expected to regroup and stage a new offensive, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Thursday.
House defies Pentagon on defense spending
The House defied the Pentagon on Thursday, overwhelmingly backing a $601 billion defense authorization bill that saves the Cold War-era U-2 spy plane, military bases and Navy cruisers despite warnings that it will undercut military readiness.
Congress signals tough fight for Pentagon overhaul plan
Lawmakers signaled a difficult battle ahead for the Obama administration’s plan to dramatically overhaul the nation’s military, voicing opposition Tuesday to proposed cuts in benefit packages, long-standing weapons programs and bases that mean money and jobs across America.
Report: Sexism part of academies’ culture
Students at the U.S. military academies often believe they have to put up with sexist and offensive behavior, a Pentagon report finds, reflecting a culture of disrespect that permeates the schools and their sports teams and fuels reports of sexual harassment and assaults.
Hagel warns of dangers in deep cuts to defense
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is preparing top-to-bottom changes, including a push to limit the growth of military pay, as it adjusts to steep budget cuts
Feds: Navy secrets bought with hookers, Gaga tix
SAN DIEGO — Nicknamed “Fat Leonard,” the gregarious Malaysian businessman is well known by U.S. Navy commanders in the Pacific, where his company has serviced