Military contractor business booming in Iraq once again

The number of private contractors working for the U.S. Defense Department in Iraq grew eight-fold over the past year, a rate that far outpaces the growing number of American troops training and advising Iraqi soldiers battling Islamic State militants. The sharp increase, disclosed in a recent Pentagon report to Congress, underscores the military’s reliance on civilians even for missions […]

Let the hysteria begin: Robin Sage underway

This month, Special Forces candidates will participate in the Robin Sage training exercise, held within 19 North Carolina counties as the final test of their Special Forces Qualification Course training. Through March 14, students will participate in this exercise before graduating the course and moving on to their first assignments in the Army’s Special Forces […]

U.S. stages over 5,000 tons of ammo in Germany to support NATO operations

Washington has dispatched more than 5,000 tons of ammunition to Germany, the largest amount in 10 years, the US military announced, adding that the shipment will help to “continue to enable the NATO alliance” and to defend its allies. “In the largest single Europe-bound US shipment of ammunition in 10 years, the 21st Theater Sustainment […]

Reports reveal ceasefire deal between U.S. and Russia in Syria

A new deal between the US and Russia to enforce a ceasefire in Syria has been reached, with the cessation of hostilities set to come into force on 27 February. The ceasefire, subject to the agreement between the warring parties, would exclude Islamic State, al-Nusra Front and other groups deemed to be terrorist organizations. Skepticism […]

U.S. and South Korean military drills to serve as show of force to North Korea

Featured photo courtesy of EPA/JEON HEON-KYUN The joint US-South Korean exercises scheduled for March will be largest military drills ever staged on the Korean Peninsula and are both a warning to Pyongyang and an effort to reassure the jittery public in the South. The parallel Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises are scheduled to commence […]

American opinion on U.S. military superiority is on the decline, poll indicates

For the first time in decades, Americans are evenly divided when asked if the U.S. has the No. 1 military in the world. A recent Gallup poll found that only 49% of Americans believe the U.S. has the best military — that’s the lowest percent recorded in the 23 years Gallup has been asking this question, and […]

Pentagon requests that Russia be mindful of U.S. Special Operations Forces in Syria

(CNSNews.com) – After saying for months that the U.S. is not cooperating with Russia in Syria – beyond basic air safety “deconfliction” measures – a senior military official disclosed Thursday that the Pentagon has asked Russia to avoid areas where U.S. Special Forces troops are located in northern Syria. The U.S. and Russia are both […]

U.S. reveals plans for long-term Europe troop increase

(CNSNews.com) – President Obama’s fiscal 2017 budget quadruples defense spending on the U.S. “presence and posture” in Europe, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told PBS on Tuesday. “We’re putting in heavy equipment into Eastern Europe. We are putting forces in now — not on a permanent basis, but a persistent, rotational basis. “There will be a […]