Commentary

How does use of ‘ninja missile’ change counterterrorism?

Drone strikes have also been relatively effective at limiting collateral damage compared to other strike options—reducing deaths among both civilians on the ground as well as U.S. servicemembers who might otherwise take part in a ground raid. Needless to say, a more precise missile will only serve to keep lowering civilian casualties.

Consider bringing prospective recruits to transition counseling

The military must get out of its bubble, be willing to perceive itself as the public perceives the military and be willing and ready to tackle the “elephants in the room..

An Air Force return to early officer promotions would be ill-advised without more data

A decision to return to early promotions should be driven by data, performance and other information on officers who were promoted under the current system.

Growing together: Partnerships are essential to forge a path to peace

Our enlisted corps must be empowered and understand mission command, writes Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne Bass.

Ukraine needs US help disposing of the bombs, landmines left in Russia’s wake

"This emerging crisis will only continue to worsen and plague Ukrainian villages, fields and daily life long after the war ends."

VA reforms must not limit options for veterans

Veterans Affairs reforms should be done in a way that does not limit the choices available to veterans who may need help navigating the benefits process.

Expand Tricare for veterans living in US territories

Extending equitable access to TRICARE Prime could help retirees living in U.S. territories.

To retain talent, the Air Force must return to early officer promotions

Many brilliant officers are unwilling to languish in jobs where their knowledge and effort are underappreciated, and where middle management stifles their efforts to drive innovation.

Our ground forces deserve a strong aerial refueling capability

Winning a war on the ground is about far more than soldiers, tanks, artillery and rifles.

Senate must back creation of ‘Space National Guard’ to end a needless division

A brain drain in the space arena will have detrimental effects on our national security and our states’ readiness, and creating a Space National Guard is the best, most cost-efficient way to prevent that from happening.

Behind the scenes of ‘Moving With the Military’ with Maria Reed

Army spouse Maria Reed, creator of “Moving With the Military,” shares her passion for the home makeover TV show and the story of her inspirational work with military families on this episode of The Spouse Angle.

How volunteers can help defeat great powers

"It was clear from the onset and confirmed throughout our visit that volunteers played a critical role in the defense of Kyiv, yet their role has not been systematically studied."

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

Diversity and inclusion are critical to future military readiness

The Defense Department’s greatest strength is its people.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.