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John Vandiver

Nigerien Armed Forces train with 20th Special Forces Group during Flintlock 18 in Niger, Africa on April 16, 2018. The Pentagon has decided to cut about 700 troops in Africa because of other priorities.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Army
Nigerien Armed Forces train with 20th Special Forces Group during Flintlock 18 in Niger, Africa on April 16, 2018. The Pentagon has decided to cut about 700 troops in Africa because of other priorities.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Army

Pentagon to cut scores of US troops in Africa as mission changes

The U.S. has about 7,200 troops operating in Africa. The coming reductions, about 700 in all, will happen over the course of the “next several years” the Pentagon said.

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Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis greets Poland Minister of Defense Antoni Macierewicz Sept. 21, 2017, at the Pentagon. Poland has requested that the U.S. set up a permanent military base in the country.<br>Brigitte N. Brantley/Department of Defense
Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis greets Poland Minister of Defense Antoni Macierewicz Sept. 21, 2017, at the Pentagon. Poland has requested that the U.S. set up a permanent military base in the country.<br>Brigitte N. Brantley/Department of Defense

US base in Poland gets serious look as talks advance, Mattis says

Discussions are moving forward on Poland's offer of $2 billion to help fund an American base where troops and their families could be stationed on a permanent basis.

A Spanish-made, gasoline-powered Alpha 800 drone was among the new technology on display during NATO's Trident Juncture exercise, which ended last week in Norway. <br>Courtesy Alpha Unmanned Systems
A Spanish-made, gasoline-powered Alpha 800 drone was among the new technology on display during NATO's Trident Juncture exercise, which ended last week in Norway. <br>Courtesy Alpha Unmanned Systems

Microdrones and 3D printers help, but NATO wants more money to remain high-tech

Members of the 29-nation alliance will be expected to submit by the end of the year plans on how to boost military expenditures that fall short of NATO requirements, said Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who says he invites Marines based at the Berlin embassy to mingle with industry leaders at official events. Courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Germany<br>Courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Germ
U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell, who says he invites Marines based at the Berlin embassy to mingle with industry leaders at official events. Courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Germany<br>Courtesy of U.S. Embassy in Germ

For talks with Germany’s elite, US ambassador calls in enlisted Marines

U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell's relationship with about 15 Marines who help secure the diplomatic compound has become a focal point for the 52-year-old ambassador, who attracted attention early in his tenure as President Donald Trump’s lightning rod in Germany.

A U.S. Marine with Task Force Southwest observes Afghan soldiers move to the rally point to begin their training during a live-fire range at Camp Shorabak in June 2018.<br>Luke Hoogendam/U.S. Marine Corps
A U.S. Marine with Task Force Southwest observes Afghan soldiers move to the rally point to begin their training during a live-fire range at Camp Shorabak in June 2018.<br>Luke Hoogendam/U.S. Marine Corps

NATO to continue training Afghan forces despite ‘challenges,’ alliance chief says

NATO’s reinforced mission will continue training Afghan forces, the alliance’s top official said Tuesday, even as government troops sustain higher numbers of casualties in a war now in its 18th year.

A Senegalese squad leader uses rocks to explain movement techniques during the Flintlock 18 exercise on April 12, 2018, in Tahoua, Niger. Islamic militant attacks rose slightly during the past year in Africa, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.<br>Courtesy of U.S. Africa Command
A Senegalese squad leader uses rocks to explain movement techniques during the Flintlock 18 exercise on April 12, 2018, in Tahoua, Niger. Islamic militant attacks rose slightly during the past year in Africa, according to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.<br>Courtesy of U.S. Africa Command

Islamic militant attacks up overall, but ISIS incidents down in Africa

Attacks by Islamic militants in Africa increased slightly in 2017, with violent incidents from groups in western Africa spiking and Islamic State actions waning, according to a new report.

The cover of the 69-page welcome guide for U.S. forces deploying to Saudi Arabia, which contains a reference to "Negro blood." U.S. Central Command has apologized for the reference and will review all similar training booklets. <br>U.S. Central Command
The cover of the 69-page welcome guide for U.S. forces deploying to Saudi Arabia, which contains a reference to "Negro blood." U.S. Central Command has apologized for the reference and will review all similar training booklets. <br>U.S. Central Command

CENTCOM apologizes for training manual with phrase ‘Negro blood’

The 69-page “Welcome Booklet,” which includes information ranging from base services to religious and cultural life in Saudi Arabia, delved into the country’s history with arcane language now regarded as offensive.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeric Hernandez, 86th Munitions Squadron quality assurance inspector, inspects a fresh shipment of large ordnance on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 19, 2018. Ramstein recently received one of its largest munitions shipments in recent history.<br>Joshua Magbanua/U.S. Air Force
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeric Hernandez, 86th Munitions Squadron quality assurance inspector, inspects a fresh shipment of large ordnance on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 19, 2018. Ramstein recently received one of its largest munitions shipments in recent history.<br>Joshua Magbanua/U.S. Air Force

Air Force receives its largest ordnance shipment in Europe since Cold War

The Air Force has delivered its largest shipment of ordnance to Europe since NATO’s 1999 bombing campaign in the Balkans, a move that is part of a broader rearmament on the continent.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, at a Senate hearing in May 2018. Mattis spoke Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, during an international forum in Bahrain.<br>Stars and Stripes
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, at a Senate hearing in May 2018. Mattis spoke Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, during an international forum in Bahrain.<br>Stars and Stripes

Mattis says killing of Saudi journalist threatens 'regional stability'

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Saturday that the killing of a Saudi journalist in Turkey threatens “regional stability” and those responsible will be held accountable, but he stopped short of delivering a direct rebuke of Saudi Arabian leaders.

U.S. soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, during exercise Saber Junction at Hohenfels training area, Germany, Sept. 26, 2018. A new Army strategy calls for a faster force that will be subjected to more unpredictable mobilizations to ensure the service can quickly mobilize for a major war.<br>Gabrielle Weaver/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, during exercise Saber Junction at Hohenfels training area, Germany, Sept. 26, 2018. A new Army strategy calls for a faster force that will be subjected to more unpredictable mobilizations to ensure the service can quickly mobilize for a major war.<br>Gabrielle Weaver/U.S. Army

Snap mobilizations in store as Army readies troops for major conflict

A new U.S. Army strategy calls for more unpredictable deployments and emergency drills to ensure the service can quickly mobilize large combat formations for a major war.

U.S. President Donald Trump with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the arrivals of heads of state and government at the opening of the NATO summit at the organization's headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. <br>Courtesy of NATO
U.S. President Donald Trump with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg at the arrivals of heads of state and government at the opening of the NATO summit at the organization's headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. <br>Courtesy of NATO

Allies to meet over US plan to leave nuclear missile treaty

NATO ambassadors will meet later this week to discuss the U.S. plan to leave a key nuclear treaty with Russia, a move that has met with mixed reactions from members of the 29-nation military pact.

Two German soldiers coordinate just before a river crossing in drills leading up to exercise Trident Juncture, Oct. 22, 2018.<br>Bundeswehr/Allied Joint Force Command Naples
Two German soldiers coordinate just before a river crossing in drills leading up to exercise Trident Juncture, Oct. 22, 2018.<br>Bundeswehr/Allied Joint Force Command Naples

50,000 troops to drill for invasion in largest Europe exercise since Cold War

The U.S.-led NATO alliance will launch its largest war games since the end of the Cold War on Thursday, pulling together 50,000 troops, 65 warships and 250 planes for a mission that will test the ability of allies to free a member state.

The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis departs from a replenishment-at-sea in 2014. Ukrainian media reported Thursday that Kiev was in talks with the U.S. to obtain Oliver Hazard Perry-type U.S. Navy frigates. <br>Derek A. Harkins/U.S. Navy
The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis departs from a replenishment-at-sea in 2014. Ukrainian media reported Thursday that Kiev was in talks with the U.S. to obtain Oliver Hazard Perry-type U.S. Navy frigates. <br>Derek A. Harkins/U.S. Navy

Russia warns Sea of Azov off limits to US, NATO ship drills

Russia says it will block any attempt by Ukraine to host military drills in the Sea of Azov, a strategic waterway where Kiev could soon be operating two newly acquired American warships.

Soldiers from the Malawi Defence Force stand in formation during a graduation ceremony on May 31, 2018. U.S. Africa Command Command is looking to elevate the stature and role of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in African armies. <br>Andrew Sinclair/U.S. Air Force
Soldiers from the Malawi Defence Force stand in formation during a graduation ceremony on May 31, 2018. U.S. Africa Command Command is looking to elevate the stature and role of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in African armies. <br>Andrew Sinclair/U.S. Air Force

AFRICOM revamps strategy to empower Africa’s NCOs

U.S. Africa Command is pursuing a new strategy to empower the enlisted ranks across the continent as it concentrates efforts on developing regional training hubs where local forces, not American mentors, will be in the lead.

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stand in formation alongside the Polish 11th "Lubuska" Armored Cavalry Division soldiers during a ceremony to observe the Black Division Day in Zielona Gora, Poland, Sept. 21, 2018. <br>Lisa Vines/U.S. Army National Guard
Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, stand in formation alongside the Polish 11th "Lubuska" Armored Cavalry Division soldiers during a ceremony to observe the Black Division Day in Zielona Gora, Poland, Sept. 21, 2018. <br>Lisa Vines/U.S. Army National Guard

US soldiers under investigation after late-night brawl in Poland

The U.S. Army said it is cooperating with a Polish investigation into allegations that soldiers on Friday beat up a local dentist and two of his sons in the western Poland city of Skwierzyna.

A Greek navy special forces sniper watches maritime operations during training with U.S. forces in Souda Bay, Greece, on Sept. 11, 2018.<br>Joel Diller/ U.S. Navy
A Greek navy special forces sniper watches maritime operations during training with U.S. forces in Souda Bay, Greece, on Sept. 11, 2018.<br>Joel Diller/ U.S. Navy

Add Greece to the list of countries pressing for more US troops

Greece has invited the U.S. to set up new bases in the country, offering up coastal northeastern cities that would place American forces at the gateway to the Black Sea and in close proximity to the Balkans.

U.S. Marines disembark from a British marine amphibious assault vehicle during a beach landing exercise as part of Trident Juncture 15 in Troia, Portugal, in November 2015.<br>Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Marines disembark from a British marine amphibious assault vehicle during a beach landing exercise as part of Trident Juncture 15 in Troia, Portugal, in November 2015.<br>Michael S. Darnell/Stars and Stripes

Largest NATO drill in 16 years brings carrier, US forces to Norway

The USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group and its 6,000 servicemembers will join NATO’s largest military drill since 2002 later this month as allies test their ability to defend a member state, the U.S. Navy’s top admiral in Europe said.

Soldiers with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) rush to secure a strategic location during Saber Junction 18 in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Sept. 26, 2018. The U.S. Army could lower attrition rates if it was better at selecting its senior enlisted leaders, according to a new study.<br>Matthew J. Marcellus/U.S. Army
Soldiers with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) rush to secure a strategic location during Saber Junction 18 in Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Sept. 26, 2018. The U.S. Army could lower attrition rates if it was better at selecting its senior enlisted leaders, according to a new study.<br>Matthew J. Marcellus/U.S. Army

Army should change how it picks enlisted leaders to lower attrition, study says

NCOs who made E-6 faster actually had more soldiers fail to complete their initial service contract than their counterparts who moved slower up the ranks, according to the data.

Soldiers hustle from the belly of a Chinook helicopter during a July 18, 2007, air assault in Afghanistan. Nearly half of Americans think the U.S. has failed to achieve its goals in what has become the longest war in the nation's history, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.<br>Stars and Stripes
Soldiers hustle from the belly of a Chinook helicopter during a July 18, 2007, air assault in Afghanistan. Nearly half of Americans think the U.S. has failed to achieve its goals in what has become the longest war in the nation's history, according to a new Pew Research Center poll.<br>Stars and Stripes

Many Americans say US has mostly failed in Afghanistan, poll says

Nearly half of Americans think the U.S. has failed to achieve most of its goals in Afghanistan, 17 years after the start of what has become the nation’s longest war, according to a new poll.

Stuttgart's Grand Cafe Planie is especially popular for an afternoon serving of cake and coffee.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Stuttgart's Grand Cafe Planie is especially popular for an afternoon serving of cake and coffee.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Indulge in something sweet at Stuttgart’s Cafe Planie

Afternoon cake and coffee: It’s as German a thing as beer, brats and the population’s rigid adherence to pedestrian traffic lights. In Stuttgart, Grand Cafe Planie is perhaps the most obvious choice for a midday indulgence in something sweet.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis talks with General Curtis Scaparrotti, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. during the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Oct. 4, 2018.<br>NATO
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis talks with General Curtis Scaparrotti, Supreme Allied Commander Europe. during the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Oct. 4, 2018.<br>NATO

Mattis says Russia must comply with missile treaty, will pay a price for cyberstrikes

Russia will face countermeasures from the United States if it continues to violate a 31-year old nuclear treaty, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned Thursday, adding that Moscow will also have to “pay the piper” in connection with new allegations of cyberstrikes on U.S. allies.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium by Kay Bailey Hutchison, the American ambassador to NATO on his way to the the NATO defense ministers' meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.<br>Courtesy U.S. Mission to NATO
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis is met at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium by Kay Bailey Hutchison, the American ambassador to NATO on his way to the the NATO defense ministers' meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018.<br>Courtesy U.S. Mission to NATO

US is ready to lend more cybertools to NATO

The U.S. will make cyberwarfare capabilities available to NATO to bolster the alliance’s efforts to counter Russian hacking and network espionage, a senior U.S. official said.

An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the "Seahawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126, prepares to launch off the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on Sept. 30, 2018 as the strike group operates in the North Sea.<br>Thomas Gooley/U.S. Navy
An E-2D Hawkeye, assigned to the "Seahawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126, prepares to launch off the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman on Sept. 30, 2018 as the strike group operates in the North Sea.<br>Thomas Gooley/U.S. Navy

Truman carrier group emphasizes unpredictability during rare North Sea patrol

The USS Harry S. Truman Strike Group was conducting maneuvers Tuesday in the North Sea, a rare deployment in northern European waters as the Navy tests its ability to deploy on short notice and keep quiet about it.

Russian 9M728 cruise missiles, left, and 9M723 short-range ballistic missiles, right. The U.S. says Russia's new 9M729 ground-launched missile violates the INF's ban on all ground-launched intermediate-range cruise and ballistic missiles.<br>
Russian 9M728 cruise missiles, left, and 9M723 short-range ballistic missiles, right. The U.S. says Russia's new 9M729 ground-launched missile violates the INF's ban on all ground-launched intermediate-range cruise and ballistic missiles.<br>

US, NATO say that new Russian missile violates nuclear treaty

Russia must halt development of a nuclear-capable missile system or the U.S. will be forced to develop new weapon systems to counter the threat, the U.S. ambassador to NATO said Tuesday.

On the Zugspitze glaciers provide a little bit of snow, which means sledding and snowball fights even in the summer. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
On the Zugspitze glaciers provide a little bit of snow, which means sledding and snowball fights even in the summer. <br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Known for winter sports, Garmisch is much more than just a ski town

While the mountain town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, is a prime destination for winter sports, there is more to the area than just sliding down snow-packed slopes. Garmisch and the mountain villages around it make for great off-season long weekends. The views are spellbinding, and the hikes a refreshing escape from the daily grind.

Servicemembers from the U.S. Army and the Polish Land Forces walk to the site of the new Patriot missile system for near Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 4, 2018. <br>Aaron Good/Michigan Army National Guard
Servicemembers from the U.S. Army and the Polish Land Forces walk to the site of the new Patriot missile system for near Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 4, 2018. <br>Aaron Good/Michigan Army National Guard

Poland to gain Patriot missile defense radar

The U.S. Army awarded a contract worth more than $1.5 billion for the production of a Patriot missile defense radar to be purchased by Poland, adding another piece to that country’s emerging air defense system.

Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers stand in formation June 6, 2018, during the closing ceremony of the Alabama Innovative Readiness Training in Monroeville, Ala. In a new YouGov poll, 50 percent of those queried in the U.S. said everyone in the military is a hero regardless of his or her job.<br>Cameron Lewis/U.S. Air Force
Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers stand in formation June 6, 2018, during the closing ceremony of the Alabama Innovative Readiness Training in Monroeville, Ala. In a new YouGov poll, 50 percent of those queried in the U.S. said everyone in the military is a hero regardless of his or her job.<br>Cameron Lewis/U.S. Air Force

Half of Americans surveyed say all servicemembers are heroes

Fifty percent of Americans surveyed in a YouGov poll released Wednesday said that everyone in the military is a hero, while 33 percent said it depended on their service.

A U.S. Army M1 Abrams tank speeds to its firing position during a live-fire exercise involving Polish and American troops in Zagan, Poland, in 2017. The U.S. military is investigating sites for a potential base in Poland.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
A U.S. Army M1 Abrams tank speeds to its firing position during a live-fire exercise involving Polish and American troops in Zagan, Poland, in 2017. The U.S. military is investigating sites for a potential base in Poland.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

Mattis says US will look at possible base sites in Poland

The U.S. military is investigating sites for a potential base in Poland, a country that has offered up to $2 billion toward developing infrastructure for stationing a permanent American military force.

U.S. Army Europe has introduced a new policy that allows more flexibility in how housing allowances are used by civilian employees, but the modifications designed to boost worker morale could be on a collision course with a Department of Army review that proposes more restrictions.<br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Army Europe has introduced a new policy that allows more flexibility in how housing allowances are used by civilian employees, but the modifications designed to boost worker morale could be on a collision course with a Department of Army review that proposes more restrictions.<br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes

The Army in Europe is lifting some restrictions on housing allowances. But Big Army might add new ones.

U.S. Army Europe’s revised policy to allow more flexible housing allowances for civilian employees could be on a collision course with a Department of the Army review that seeks to add more restrictions.

American soldiers salute during the playing of the national anthem during a welcoming ceremony for them at a base in Zagan, Poland, in January 2017. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
American soldiers salute during the playing of the national anthem during a welcoming ceremony for them at a base in Zagan, Poland, in January 2017. <br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Fort Trump? President says US base in Poland is under serious consideration

Poland has long lobbied for larger numbers of U.S. troops in its country, where American soldiers currently carry out missions on a rotational basis. President Donald Trump says he's now considering creating a more permanent American presence there. Polish President Andrzej Duda says he would like to name the base Fort Trump.

The NATO headquarters are shown in this undated photo. <br>NATO
The NATO headquarters are shown in this undated photo. <br>NATO

Will NATO name its $1.4 billion headquarters after McCain? Unlikely, NATO chief says

“NATO doesn’t have a tradition of naming buildings after politicians,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. After Sen. John McCain's death last month, there was a push to name the building after him.

An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Ghostriders of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, takes off from the USS Mount Whitney during exercise Sea Breeze 2018 in the Black Sea, July 13, 2018. Ukraine's government announced Sunday that will establish a naval base along the Sea of Azov before the end of the year.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy
An MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the Ghostriders of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, takes off from the USS Mount Whitney during exercise Sea Breeze 2018 in the Black Sea, July 13, 2018. Ukraine's government announced Sunday that will establish a naval base along the Sea of Azov before the end of the year.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy

Ukraine plans new naval base as US offers more weapons sales

Ukraine announced plans to establish a naval base along the Sea of Azov, a move that came a day after the U.S. said it is mulling more military assistance for Kiev to counter Russia’s actions.

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US launches Somalia strike after troops come under attack

U.S. forces in Somalia came under attack earlier this week, prompting a defensive air strike against a militant group aligned with al-Qaida, U.S. Africa Command said Thursday.

Strykers of 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment stand on the parade field at the Polish military base at Bemowo Piskie, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, as they are prepared for the trip back to Vilseck, Germany. The unit was deployed as part of NATO's Battle Group Poland.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Strykers of 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment stand on the parade field at the Polish military base at Bemowo Piskie, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, as they are prepared for the trip back to Vilseck, Germany. The unit was deployed as part of NATO's Battle Group Poland.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

If Russia ever acts against NATO, US soldiers at Suwalki Gap may be first to fight back

The Suwalki Gap is a vulnerable corridor along NATO’s eastern flank, and some military analysts fear that U.S. and allied soldiers are badly exposed as they operate near the 45-mile corridor as part of NATO Battle Group Poland.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Battery B, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare for a fire mission with M119 105 mm howitzers during an exercise, March 20, 2018. The Army announced a plan Friday to add more firepower in Germany by creating new short-range air defense units, adding about 1,500 soldiers as well as their families by 2020.<br>Training Support Activity Europe
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Battery B, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, prepare for a fire mission with M119 105 mm howitzers during an exercise, March 20, 2018. The Army announced a plan Friday to add more firepower in Germany by creating new short-range air defense units, adding about 1,500 soldiers as well as their families by 2020.<br>Training Support Activity Europe

Army to create new air defense, rocket units in Germany

The U.S. Army announced a plan Friday to add more firepower in Germany by creating new short-range air defense and rocket artillery units, in one of the largest troop boosts in Europe since the end of the Cold War.

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., at a hearing on Capitol Hill, June 19, 2018.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., at a hearing on Capitol Hill, June 19, 2018.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

New Senate committee leader supports AFRICOM during a time of cutback talks

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe is known as a GOP company man, but the new head of the Senate Armed Services Committee had a mini-maverick moment back in 2011, and it was all about Africa.