Commentary

Opinions on war, Pentagon policy, pay and benefits, deployments, uniforms, weapons and more.

Sergeant to private: How I overcame addiction and salvaged my Army career

Joining the Army was the best decision of my life, and that is a decision I would never change.

9 days ago

Commentary

US Navy secretary previews priorities for Pacific tour

At the top of his mind is a threat impacting the service's mission, people, platforms and installations.

2 weeks ago

Commentary

Fighting to get to the fight

Maintaining America’s critical infrastructure is vital in protecting the homeland from global competitors.

Memorial Day: Honor the fallen by caring for those they leave behind

We must honor our promises to the fallen and never forget their families who sacrificed so much.

4 weeks ago

U.S. airmen assigned to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., transition into the U.S. Space Force during a ceremony at the 621st Contingency Response Wing, Feb. 12, 2021

Space race for an identity: Why the Space Force needs beards

"I’m not advocating for unkept spec ops beards, but rather, well-groomed facial hair with tight standards."

5 weeks ago

Can we honor deaths by suicide on Memorial Day?

Families of veterans who died by suicide likely may wonder if we’re guilty of “stolen valor” when openly honoring them on Memorial Day.

5 weeks ago

The DoD’s cyber force must partner with industry to compete at the speed of relevance

While cyber is essential to many areas of DoD operations, it is not its main function.

5 weeks ago

Diversity and inclusion are critical to future military readiness

The Defense Department’s greatest strength is its people.

6 weeks ago

We’re making strides, but Arctic soldiers still need help from big Army

With the service’s new Arctic strategy and the anticipated re-designation of Army Alaska as the 11th Airborne Division, the Army should also bring in more funding.

7 weeks ago

Fossil fuels are the Achilles’ heel of warfare. Just ask Russia.

Fossil fuels aren’t just a vulnerability on the battlefield; they’re also a strategic straitjacket.

8 weeks ago

What I learned in Ranger School helped me through a mental health crisis

The Ranger spirit of “embrace the suck,” never quit, and drive on through to the objective, was key to my recovery and building a new life of meaning and purpose.

2 months ago

The Army’s NGSW program aimed for the wrong standards

A more reasonable analysis would have set the bar at penetrating Level 4 body armor at 100-200 meters, rather than 600 meters.

2 months ago

Still serving: VA spearheading VetServe 2022 as part of National Volunteer Week

As part of National Volunteer Week, the Department of Veterans Affairs is spearheading a new initiative: VetServe 2022.

2 months ago

How we can protect America’s veterans from predatory benefits claims practices

America’s post-9/11 wounded veterans are facing significant financial challenges.

2 months ago

Bring the Reforger exercises back to Europe

The still fairly new Defender Europe exercises are too limited in scope, this author says.

2 months ago

It’s time for the Navy to allow sailors on shore duty to have short, trimmed beards

In this commentary, the author writes that the Navy's recent change to grooming standards for those who suffer from pseudofolliculitis barbae, or PFB, is a positive step, but it does not go far enough.

2 months ago

Fighting for lives — and resources — in times of change

It is important firefighters are positioned, resourced, and always supported — especially as demands increase.

3 months ago

The US military should be prepared for a humanitarian assistance role in the Ukraine crisis

Since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, more than 4.1 million people have fled Ukraine.

3 months ago

Military family members, retirees are being priced out of mental health care

Copayments for mental health care visits more than doubled for TRICARE users from 2017 to 2018.

3 months ago

An Afghan boy saved lives helping American soldiers. It could have cost him his.

We began to hope that Bashir was the first of many young Afghans to see the benefits of supporting the coalition and the Afghan government by extension.

3 months ago

Honor Madeleine Albright by fighting to preserve democracy

Madeleine Albright was the first woman to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of State.

3 months ago

The Department of Veterans Affairs building is seen in Washington on July 22, 2019.

An opportunity to build a health care network for today’s veterans — and tomorrow’s

A recent report recommended a nearly $2 trillion infrastructure overhaul for the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system.

3 months ago

Will the ghost of Korematsu haunt the Supreme Court?

The U.S. Supreme Court slightly narrowed an injunction protecting 35 Navy SEALs from the Department of Defense’s Covid-19 vaccine mandate. The author of this commentary argues its deference to the military is misplaced.

3 months ago

5 ways to make Veterans Affairs more friendly to trans veterans

March 31 is Transgender Day of Visibility.

3 months ago

‘Forever war:’ What it’s like to live with bipolar disorder

World Bipolar Day is observed on March 30 every year.

3 months ago

What veterans and service members need to know about military discharge upgrades

A discharge characterization of anything less than fully honorable does not have to deprive you of access to veterans’ benefits indefinitely.

3 months ago

How partnerships improve VA quality of care, train health care professionals

VA is the largest training platform for health care professionals in the country.

3 months ago

Military kids are waiting … and waiting for special education services

The Spouse Angle is a podcast breaking down the news for military spouses and their families.

3 months ago