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Failure to launch: Afghanistan’s economy stalls without troop presence
A market in Afghanistan in 2009.<br>Pixabay
A market in Afghanistan in 2009.<br>Pixabay

The Afghan economy tanked after large numbers of coalition troops — and the jobs created to support them — left the country, indicating a 16-year, $122 billion reconstruction effort failed to develop a sustainable economic system, according to a U.S. watchdog agency.

Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Donald Trump's nominee to succeed David Shulkin as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, talks with Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester, D-Mont., in Tester's Capitol Hill office, April 17, 2018.<br> Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, President Donald Trump's nominee to succeed David Shulkin as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, talks with Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester, D-Mont., in Tester's Capitol Hill office, April 17, 2018.<br> Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

How White House physician Ronny Jackson became Trump's nominee to lead VA

Leading the Department of Veterans Affairs would place Ronny Jackson — a Navy rear admiral who led a team of fewer than a dozen surgeons in Iraq and now heads a staff of 70 at the White House — atop an agency of more than 375,000 employees and a budget of more than $185 billion.

The Virginia-class nuclear submarine USS John Warner navigates in the Mediterranean Sea on March 5, 2018, during an exercise. After completing this exercise, the submarine passed near the Bay of Naples, causing the city's mayor to complain that it had violated a nuclear-free zone.<br>U.S. Navy
The Virginia-class nuclear submarine USS John Warner navigates in the Mediterranean Sea on March 5, 2018, during an exercise. After completing this exercise, the submarine passed near the Bay of Naples, causing the city's mayor to complain that it had violated a nuclear-free zone.<br>U.S. Navy

Naples mayor: US submarine used in Syria missile attacks unwelcome in port

The mayor of Naples said a nuclear-powered submarine that took part in missile strikes against suspected Syrian chemical weapons sites should not have cruised through waters near the city, but Italian military officials said he has no jurisdiction over the matter.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller, attends a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2018. In response to questioning on Thursday, April 19, before the Senate Armed Services Committee about a nude-photo sharing scandal involving Marines and sexual misconduct, Neller said, "I give you my word that anyone who does violate the rules regardless of whether they are a general or a private, they are going to be held accountable.”<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller, attends a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2018. In response to questioning on Thursday, April 19, before the Senate Armed Services Committee about a nude-photo sharing scandal involving Marines and sexual misconduct, Neller said, "I give you my word that anyone who does violate the rules regardless of whether they are a general or a private, they are going to be held accountable.”<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Neller: Marines 'in better place' since sexual misconduct scandals

Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marines, told a Senate panel on Thursday that the Corps has enacted a series of reforms to reign in the culture of harassment that has included sexual misconduct and long plagued the service.

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Shoppers explore the commissary at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.<br>Marcus Fichtl/Stars and Stripes
Shoppers explore the commissary at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.<br>Marcus Fichtl/Stars and Stripes

MILITARY UPDATE

Exchanges resist plan to merge with faltering commissaries

Defense Department officials want Congress to include in its fiscal 2019 defense policy bill new authorities to execute its plan to merge the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) with the three military exchange services under a single system of on-base stores to be called the Defense Resale Enterprise.

Gregory Salcido, a teacher and city councilman in Pico Rivera, Calif., was terminated from his post at El Rancho High School. <br>Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS
Gregory Salcido, a teacher and city councilman in Pico Rivera, Calif., was terminated from his post at El Rancho High School. <br>Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Report: Teacher who called military 'lowest of our low' bullied students, had photos of nude women on class computer

A private investigator's report suggests high school teacher Gregory Salcido's firing was not based on a single diatribe about the military. The report suggests firing was based on a pattern of behavior that included "bullying" students, improper use of a classroom computer, and the use of profanity and racial slurs in front of students.

Copies of the memos written by former FBI Director James Comey are photographed in Washington, Thursday, April 19, 2018. President Donald Trump told former FBI Director James Comey that he had serious concerns about the judgment of his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, according to memos maintained by Comey and obtained by The Associated Press. The 15 pages of documents contain new details about a series of interactions that Comey had with Trump in the weeks before his May 2017 firing. Those encounters include a White House dinner at which Comey says Trump asked him for his loyalty.<br>Susan Walsh/AP
Copies of the memos written by former FBI Director James Comey are photographed in Washington, Thursday, April 19, 2018. President Donald Trump told former FBI Director James Comey that he had serious concerns about the judgment of his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, according to memos maintained by Comey and obtained by The Associated Press. The 15 pages of documents contain new details about a series of interactions that Comey had with Trump in the weeks before his May 2017 firing. Those encounters include a White House dinner at which Comey says Trump asked him for his loyalty.<br>Susan Walsh/AP

Comey memo: Trump complained about Flynn's 'judgment issues'

The documents had been eagerly anticipated since their existence was first revealed last year, especially since Comey's interactions with Trump are part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether the president sought to obstruct justice.

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President Donald Trump threatened to walk away from the summit with North Korea if it looks like the two sides can’t make a deal, saying the United States will offer the communist state a “bright path” if it agrees to give up its nuclear weapons.<br>The White House via Twitter

Trump will skip Barbara Bush funeral, sending first lady

The White House said Thursday that Trump would not attend "to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service."

See more U.S. news
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo

USNS Brunswick proves its worth during Pacific Partnership mission

Pacific Partnership is the Asia-Pacific’s largest humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission. During the mission, the Brunswick will visit Yap, Palau, Malaysia and Thailand.

See more Pacific news
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Abernethy, new U.S. Army Europe senior enlisted leader, accepts the USAREUR colors from Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, USAREUR commander, during his assumption of responsibility ceremony Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany. <br>Dan Stoutamire/Stars and Stripes

New Army Europe top NCO looks to leverage experience at ‘critically important’ time

U.S. Army Europe’s new top enlisted leader is bringing his special operations experience with him to Germany for a posting where integrating U.S. forces with allies is high on the Army’s agenda.

See more Europe news
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, prepares to receive fuel over Afghanistan from a KC-10 Extender, March 9, 2018.<br>Anthony Nelson Jr./U.S. Air Forc

US drops more bombs in Afghanistan than Iraq and Syria for first time in 4 years

The United States dropped more bombs and other munitions in Afghanistan last month than it did on Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria for the first time since the anti-ISIS campaign began in 2014.

See more Middle East news
Former child soldiers stand in line waiting to be registered with UNICEF to receive a release package, in Yambio, South Sudan, on Feb. 7, 2018.<br>Sam Mednick/AP

200 child soldiers freed in S. Sudan, but problem continues

More than 200 child soldiers were released by armed groups in war-torn South Sudan, part of a series of releases that will see almost 1,000 children freed in the coming months.

See more Africa news

theaters
President Donald Trump threatened to walk away from the summit with North Korea if it looks like the two sides can’t make a deal, saying the United States will offer the communist state a “bright path” if it agrees to give up its nuclear weapons.<br>The White House via Twitter

Trump will skip Barbara Bush funeral, sending first lady

The White House said Thursday that Trump would not attend "to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service."

See more U.S. news
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo

USNS Brunswick proves its worth during Pacific Partnership mission

Pacific Partnership is the Asia-Pacific’s largest humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission. During the mission, the Brunswick will visit Yap, Palau, Malaysia and Thailand.

See more Pacific news
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Abernethy, new U.S. Army Europe senior enlisted leader, accepts the USAREUR colors from Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, USAREUR commander, during his assumption of responsibility ceremony Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany. <br>Dan Stoutamire/Stars and Stripes

New Army Europe top NCO looks to leverage experience at ‘critically important’ time

U.S. Army Europe’s new top enlisted leader is bringing his special operations experience with him to Germany for a posting where integrating U.S. forces with allies is high on the Army’s agenda.

See more Europe news
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, prepares to receive fuel over Afghanistan from a KC-10 Extender, March 9, 2018.<br>Anthony Nelson Jr./U.S. Air Forc

US drops more bombs in Afghanistan than Iraq and Syria for first time in 4 years

The United States dropped more bombs and other munitions in Afghanistan last month than it did on Islamic State fighters in Iraq and Syria for the first time since the anti-ISIS campaign began in 2014.

See more Middle East news
Former child soldiers stand in line waiting to be registered with UNICEF to receive a release package, in Yambio, South Sudan, on Feb. 7, 2018.<br>Sam Mednick/AP

200 child soldiers freed in S. Sudan, but problem continues

More than 200 child soldiers were released by armed groups in war-torn South Sudan, part of a series of releases that will see almost 1,000 children freed in the coming months.

See more Africa news
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veterans

The newly revealed Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument at Arlington National Cemetery on April 18, 2018.<br>Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes
The newly revealed Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument at Arlington National Cemetery on April 18, 2018.<br>Meredith Tibbetts/Stars and Stripes

VIETNAM AT 50

Veterans who fought for Vietnam helicopter monument at Arlington see it unveiled

If there was any doubt left about the significance of the new monument at Arlington National Cemetery honoring Vietnam War helicopter pilots and crewmembers, it was quashed Wednesday by the number of people who traveled from across the country to attend its dedication.

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Service members with the Peterson Air Force Base Fire Department conduct live training with the Cimarron Hills Fire Department July 21, 2014, at a special training facility on Peterson AFB, Colo.<br>Michael Golembesky/U.S. Air Force photo
Service members with the Peterson Air Force Base Fire Department conduct live training with the Cimarron Hills Fire Department July 21, 2014, at a special training facility on Peterson AFB, Colo.<br>Michael Golembesky/U.S. Air Force photo

Air Force to pay nearly $1M to clean up contamination, provide drinking water

The military had faced criticism from civic leaders in Colorado for moving too slowly to address the contamination caused by firefighting foam used at Peterson Air Force Base.

See more Air Force news
Christopher Lawrence arrives at the Chula Vista Police Department at 5am in the morning to get dressed and to ready his patrol car before roll call. Christopher Lawrence a former Marine who served in Iraq was struck by an IED and eventually lost his leg. Since then he has been training and currently works as an officer with the CVPD.<br>Nelvin C. Cepeda/San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS)
Christopher Lawrence arrives at the Chula Vista Police Department at 5am in the morning to get dressed and to ready his patrol car before roll call. Christopher Lawrence a former Marine who served in Iraq was struck by an IED and eventually lost his leg. Since then he has been training and currently works as an officer with the CVPD.<br>Nelvin C. Cepeda/San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS)

'I didn't think it was going to happen': Iraq War amputee achieves dream of being a cop

It’s been a long road since August 2007, when an Iraqi bomb blew apart his right leg, leading to amputation below the knee. But, for the past four months, Christopher Lawrence has been working the beat as a Chula Vista, Calif., police officer.

See more Marine Corps news

Army considers 15 cities for home of new Futures Command

The Army says it's considering 15 cities for the headquarters of its planned Futures Command, which will keep track of emerging technology and innovations that could be used in warfighting.

See more Army news
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo

USNS Brunswick proves its worth during Pacific Partnership mission

Pacific Partnership is the Asia-Pacific’s largest humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission. During the mission, the Brunswick will visit Yap, Palau, Malaysia and Thailand.

See more Navy news
Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette<br>U.S. Coast Guard
Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette<br>U.S. Coast Guard

Pacific area Coast Guard boss says service needs more money for global operations

He commands U.S. Coast Guard forces from the shores of East Africa to the Rocky Mountains, rescuing mariners at sea, enforcing fishing laws, interdicting smugglers and protecting America’s ports, and Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette says his Coasties need more money.

See more Coast Guard news

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Service members with the Peterson Air Force Base Fire Department conduct live training with the Cimarron Hills Fire Department July 21, 2014, at a special training facility on Peterson AFB, Colo.<br>Michael Golembesky/U.S. Air Force photo
Service members with the Peterson Air Force Base Fire Department conduct live training with the Cimarron Hills Fire Department July 21, 2014, at a special training facility on Peterson AFB, Colo.<br>Michael Golembesky/U.S. Air Force photo

Air Force to pay nearly $1M to clean up contamination, provide drinking water

The military had faced criticism from civic leaders in Colorado for moving too slowly to address the contamination caused by firefighting foam used at Peterson Air Force Base.

See more Air Force news
Christopher Lawrence arrives at the Chula Vista Police Department at 5am in the morning to get dressed and to ready his patrol car before roll call. Christopher Lawrence a former Marine who served in Iraq was struck by an IED and eventually lost his leg. Since then he has been training and currently works as an officer with the CVPD.<br>Nelvin C. Cepeda/San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS)
Christopher Lawrence arrives at the Chula Vista Police Department at 5am in the morning to get dressed and to ready his patrol car before roll call. Christopher Lawrence a former Marine who served in Iraq was struck by an IED and eventually lost his leg. Since then he has been training and currently works as an officer with the CVPD.<br>Nelvin C. Cepeda/San Diego Union-Tribune (TNS)

'I didn't think it was going to happen': Iraq War amputee achieves dream of being a cop

It’s been a long road since August 2007, when an Iraqi bomb blew apart his right leg, leading to amputation below the knee. But, for the past four months, Christopher Lawrence has been working the beat as a Chula Vista, Calif., police officer.

See more Marine Corps news

Army considers 15 cities for home of new Futures Command

The Army says it's considering 15 cities for the headquarters of its planned Futures Command, which will keep track of emerging technology and innovations that could be used in warfighting.

See more Army news
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo
The USNS Brunswick prepares to moor at Naval Base Guam in support of this year's Pacific Partnership mission, March 16, 2018.<br>Byron Linder/U.S. Navy photo

USNS Brunswick proves its worth during Pacific Partnership mission

Pacific Partnership is the Asia-Pacific’s largest humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission. During the mission, the Brunswick will visit Yap, Palau, Malaysia and Thailand.

See more Navy news
Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette<br>U.S. Coast Guard
Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette<br>U.S. Coast Guard

Pacific area Coast Guard boss says service needs more money for global operations

He commands U.S. Coast Guard forces from the shores of East Africa to the Rocky Mountains, rescuing mariners at sea, enforcing fishing laws, interdicting smugglers and protecting America’s ports, and Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette says his Coasties need more money.

See more Coast Guard news
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Armstrong settles $100 million US government doping fraud case for $5 million

Lance Armstrong will pay $5 million to the federal government to settle a fraud lawsuit that contended he owed $100 million to taxpayers for doping while competing for a cycling team sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service.

Sports

Armstrong settles $100 million US government doping fraud case for $5 million

Lance Armstrong will pay $5 million to the federal government to settle a fraud lawsuit that contended he owed $100 million to taxpayers for doping while competing for a cycling team sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service.