JBLM soldier who deserted to avoid child sex-assault trial faces murder charge for cab driver’s death

A soldier already imprisoned at Joint Base Lewis-McChord for multiple child sex assaults now faces a murder charge for the death of a civilian taxi driver when he was on the run to avoid his court-martial, Army officials said.

Start of construction on new Baumholder elementary spurs show of jubilation

Against a backdrop of dirt mounds in an open field at Wetzel Kaserne, a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday signified the start of an estimated three-year process to replace the oldest Defense Department school in Europe.

One of Pearl Harbor attack’s last remaining survivors dies at age 102

Herbert Elfring, one of the Pearl Harbor attack’s last remaining survivors, died Saturday in Michigan at age 102. There are fewer than two dozen known surviving veterans of Japan’s surprise attack on Dec. 7, 1941.

Special ops soldier under investigation in fatal shooting of Chechen man in North Carolina

An Army special operations soldier who fatally shot a man outside his North Carolina home earlier this month has not been charged with a crime amid an ongoing investigation, Army and law enforcement officials said Tuesday.

US soldier held in Russia charged with threatening to kill girlfriend, media report says

A US military service member detained in Russia on suspicion of theft has also been charged with threatening to kill his girlfriend, Russian independent outlet Mediazona reported.

Remains of Merrill’s Marauder identified 80 years after death in Burma

On the morning of May 14, Nathan “Woody” Bagley received a call that left the 80-year-old speechless. The remains of his father, missing since 1944 when he was killed in Burma while serving in the famed Merrill’s Marauders, had been found and identified.

Biden highlights US commitment to Israel, Ukraine, Indo-Pacific in West Point speech

U.S. President Biden delivered the commencement speech on Saturday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, amid conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Congress appoints Army veteran Thomas Austin as new Architect of the Capitol

Retired Army Col. Thomas Austin, the former director of engineering at Arlington National Cemetery, has been named the new Architect of the Capitol and will assume the role June 24, the congressional commission tasked with filling the position announced Wednesday.

Wreck of famed P-38 fighter flown by America’s top ace found in Papua New Guinea

One of the U.S. military’s most famous planes has finally been located. The wreck of a P-38 fighter flown by Capt. Richard I. Bong, America’s all-time top flying ace, was found last week, 80 years after it crashed in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

Troops ruck and run in honor of Four Chaplains’ heroic actions aboard sinking ship

A recent run and ruck march at Osan Air Base south of Seoul honored four chaplains who gave their lives rescuing people caught in one of the worst sea disasters of World War II.

House panel advances defense bill with 20% pay raise for junior troops, quality-of-life improvements

The House Armed Services Committee advanced a defense policy bill that would give a nearly 20% pay raise to junior enlisted service members and pour investments into improving the quality of life of all troops.

Army sergeant at JBLM sentenced to 5½ years in prison for child rape

A sergeant at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has been sentenced to 5½ years in prison for child rape and assault, the Army said Wednesday.

West Loch disaster 80 years ago prompted military reforms

Tuesday marked the 80th anniversary of a deadly — and often forgotten — disaster in Hawaii that prompted major reforms in the U.S. military.

Training in Poland puts drone jammer in hands of US troops on NATO’s eastern flank

A U.S. Army unit based in Poland recently got its introduction to a drone-jamming gun, as two days of training brought the device to the territory of a NATO ally on the doorstep of the war in Ukraine.

Army unveils colorful new patch for soldiers assigned to US Forces Japan

Soldiers who serve with U.S. Forces Japan are sporting a new, colorful patch on their sleeves to indicate their unique association with the command.

Army embraces virtual reality training, including top enlisted soldier coaching troops on suicide prevention

Some Army units will soon offer troops suicide prevention training on virtual reality headsets that transport the soldier inside the home of a peer in crisis with Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer coaching them through the scenario.

Soldier dies in car crash near Fort Wainwright in Alaska

Pfc. Cierra Nglias Truce, 19, of Koror City, Republic of Palau, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near Fairbanks, Alaska, the Army said.

Return of horse-drawn funerals at Arlington National Cemetery delayed

The yearlong suspension of horse-drawn funerals at Arlington National Cemetery is expected to extend for several more months as the Army faces obstacles in improving horse care, service officials said Tuesday.

Colt’s Manufacturing awarded $57 million contract for Army weapons

The U.S. Army has awarded West Hartford-based manufacturer Colt’s Manufacturing Co. a $57.2 million contract for M4 and M4A1 carbines.