Capitol Police request 60-day extension of National Guard security
The request underscores the continuing concerns about security and the potential for violence at the Capitol, two months after rioters breached the building.
US contractor dies in rocket attack on airbase in Iraq that hosts US troops
The rocket attack was the first since the U.S. struck Iran-aligned militia targets along the Iraq-Syria border last week, killing one militiaman and stoking fears of another cycle of tit-for-tat attacks as happened last year.
Pentagon deploys troops to speed COVID-19 vaccinations
The Pentagon will deploy more than 1,100 troops to five vaccination centers in what will be the first wave of increased military support for vaccinations.
Biden reverses Trump ban on transgender people in military
Transgender service members won’t be discharged based on gender identity, and they can serve in their preferred gender once their transition is complete and recorded in the defense reporting system.
12 National Guard members removed from inauguration security after FBI vetting
Two of the Guard members made extremist statements in posts or texts about the Wednesday event, Pentagon officials said.
US down to 2,500 troops in Afghanistan, as ordered by Trump
The president said Thursday that troop levels in Afghanistan had reached a 19-year low, although he did not mention a troop number.
14 Fort Hood soldiers fired or suspended over violence, sexual assault at Texas base
The Army ordered policy changes to address chronic leadership failures at the base that contributed to a widespread pattern of violence including murder, sexual assaults and harassment.
Pentagon to cut troop levels in Iraq and Afghanistan as allies warn of dangers
The plan will accelerate troop withdrawals in Trump’s final days in office, despite arguments from senior military officials in favor of a slower, more methodical pullout.
Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper
Esper clashed with the president over Trump’s steps to draw the military into partisan politics.
Pentagon bans Confederate flag from military installations without actually naming it
The policy was described by officials as a creative way to bar the flag’s display without openly contradicting President Trump.
Floyd death pushes military to face ‘own demons’ on race
Leaders acknowledge that black troops often are disproportionately subject to military legal punishment and are impeded in promotions.
Thousands defer plans to leave the military during crisis
Across the military, uncertainty about future jobs or college opportunities is driving more service members to re-enlist or at least postpone their scheduled departures.