Commentary

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

Addressing military families’ needs: a ‘to-do list’ not a ‘wish list’

Defense and service officials have struggled for decades to address the problems military families face.

35 hours ago

Integration of future assault aircraft changes game for Army Aviation

The Army Aviation industry is employing manufacturing techniques that shorten lead times and cut costs.

6 days ago

A line of flags is placed in remembrance of each member of the Department of Defense who was lost to suicide in 2021 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 1, 2022.

Commentary

We can all ‘Be the One’ to save the life of a veteran

It is National Suicide Prevention Month, but the work to prevent suicides must be at the front of our minds far beyond September.

Women rights activists hold up signs as they gather at Freedom Plaza for a pre-march rally of the annual Womens March October 2, 2021 in Washington, DC.

It’s time for equitable reproductive rights for women veterans

The VA recently said it will start providing abortions in certain circumstances, even in states where it's illegal or restricted.

13 days ago

‘Extraordinary circumstances’ facing hungry military families

Congress and the Defense Department can take action to help bring relief to struggling military families and service members experiencing food insecurity.

2 weeks ago

Abbey Gate, heroism, heartbreak, a baby named ‘Joy’ and a life saved

An Air Force flight nurse deployed to Kabul during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 recalls her story.

2 weeks ago

The Office of Naval Intelligence held a wreath laying remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, to honor the eight ONI shipmates who lost their lives during the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Navy intel will never stop carrying on the mission of our 9/11 fallen

Eight Office of Navy Intelligence shipmates lost their lives during the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

3 weeks ago

Malmstrom Fire Department held a 9/11 memorial service on Sept. 9, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., to remember those who lost their lives 21 years ago.

Firefighters always answer the call. Who will answer theirs?

Firefighters expose themselves to danger and deal with unseen trauma.

3 weeks ago

Combat boots and yellow flowers representing those who lost their lives are displayed during the Khobar Towers 25th Annual Memorial Ceremony, June 25, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Frozen Afghan funds should go to all terrorism victims

President Joe Biden’s executive order to direct frozen Afghan funds to terror victims leaves military victims behind, this veteran writes.

4 weeks ago

Paratroopers of 1st Platoon, A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Spartan Steel conduct security combat patrols in Khost province.

We saluted under the night sky. Each new loss felt harder than the one before.

The images of desperate Afghans swarming to flee Kabul at the end of the mission filled me with a painful sense of loss.

4 weeks ago

Foreign awards are a strategic opportunity the Army is failing to see

These marches are not bought, they are earned.

4 weeks ago

Why Washington should provide ATACMS weapons to Ukraine

The ATACMS can help Ukraine defeat the invasion while avoiding direct conflict between Russia and NATO.

5 weeks ago