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John Vandiver

The food court at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, is deserted on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Coronavirus cases continue to climb in Stuttgart, which has the most infections of overseas bases. Recent tests show a loss of smell and taste to be a new indicator of possible infection.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The food court at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, is deserted on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Coronavirus cases continue to climb in Stuttgart, which has the most infections of overseas bases. Recent tests show a loss of smell and taste to be a new indicator of possible infection.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Coronavirus cases soar to at least 69 in Stuttgart military community as Army struggles to contain virus

Expanded testing for the coronavirus at the Army’s garrison in Stuttgart has confirmed more infections there than in the military communities in Japan, South Korea and the rest of Germany combined, and found some unusual virus symptoms.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Andre Lewis with the 7th Mission Support Command asks COVID-19-related screening questions to occupants of a car before they can enter Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 19, 2020. <br>Joy Dulen/U.S. Army
U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Andre Lewis with the 7th Mission Support Command asks COVID-19-related screening questions to occupants of a car before they can enter Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, March 19, 2020. <br>Joy Dulen/U.S. Army

Army raises health threat to its highest level for crisis response teams

The health threat level was also raised at Army bases around the world to the second highest level — “Charlie” — meaning only essential personnel will be granted access, the Army said.

Jakawana Minton, a civilian at the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, gets screened for the coronavirus at a drive-THRU site next to the health clinic on Patch Barracks March 19, 2020. Coronavirus screening at the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart was expanded to include symptom-free people who live in apartment buildings or work in customer service, officials said Sunday, March 23, 2020.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Jakawana Minton, a civilian at the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, gets screened for the coronavirus at a drive-THRU site next to the health clinic on Patch Barracks March 19, 2020. Coronavirus screening at the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart was expanded to include symptom-free people who live in apartment buildings or work in customer service, officials said Sunday, March 23, 2020.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Army in Stuttgart to restart limited coronavirus testing for people with no symptoms as cases jump to 33

Coronavirus testing at the Army garrison in Stuttgart, Germany briefly expanded to include symptom-free people who live in on-base apartment buildings or work in customer service, as the military tried a new strategy to stem the spread of the virus, officials said.

EUCOM Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Tod D. Wolters testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 25, 2020.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
EUCOM Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Tod D. Wolters testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 25, 2020.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

EUCOM planning for worst-case scenarios as coronavirus infects personnel, top officer says

“We don’t know exactly what the future holds,” said U.S. European Command’s Gen. Tod Wolters. “Can we do this in perpetuity? We would be challenged. But we are preparing for worst-case scenarios with respect to the potential spread.”

Russia plans to deploy its next-generation Konteiner radar system to its Kaliningrad military exclave, putting nearly all of continental Europe and the U.K. within its range.<br>Russian Defense Ministry
Russia plans to deploy its next-generation Konteiner radar system to its Kaliningrad military exclave, putting nearly all of continental Europe and the U.K. within its range.<br>Russian Defense Ministry

Russia to base hypersonic tracking radar in middle of NATO turf

Russia plans to deploy a next-generation radar to its military exclave of Kaliningrad and use it to counter emerging U.S. hypersonic weapons systems, state media reported.

U.S. Africa Command said Thursday, March 19, 2020 that it launched five airstrikes over two days against Al-Shabab militants in Somalia.<br>U.S. Africa Command
U.S. Africa Command said Thursday, March 19, 2020 that it launched five airstrikes over two days against Al-Shabab militants in Somalia.<br>U.S. Africa Command

US airstrikes in Somalia continue at blistering pace with a flurry of attacks on Al-Shabab militants

The U.S. launched five airstrikes over two days against Al-Shabab militants in Somalia who were preparing to battle American-backed troops in a city south of Mogadishu, U.S. Africa Command said.

Jakawana Minton, a civilian at the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, gets screened for the coronavirus at a drive-through site next to the health clinic on Patch Barracks. The number of cases within the military community in Stuttgart stood at 15 as of Wednesday, March 18, 2020.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Jakawana Minton, a civilian at the U.S. Army garrison in Stuttgart, gets screened for the coronavirus at a drive-through site next to the health clinic on Patch Barracks. The number of cases within the military community in Stuttgart stood at 15 as of Wednesday, March 18, 2020.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Military life changes as number of coronavirus cases at Stuttgart Army garrison rises to 21

The number of coronavirus cases has surged in Stuttgart, where 21 members of the military community were infected as of Thursday night, garrison officials said. More than 230 other people are in isolation.

Die Alte Kanzlei in Stuttgart was completely empty on March 17, 2020 because of concerns about the coronavirus. One day later, Stuttgart ordered all eateries in the city to close their doors indefinitely. Alte Kanzlei is offering to bring its cuisine and wines to customers' homes during the shutdown.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Die Alte Kanzlei in Stuttgart was completely empty on March 17, 2020 because of concerns about the coronavirus. One day later, Stuttgart ordered all eateries in the city to close their doors indefinitely. Alte Kanzlei is offering to bring its cuisine and wines to customers' homes during the shutdown.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

While everyone’s being told not to venture out, Die Alte Kanzlei in Stuttgart will come to you

I’ve long had a distaste for the comparatively cramped dining arrangements at many of Stuttgart’s restaurants.

In a March 1, 2020 photo, M109A6 Paladins of the Utah Army National Guard are staged for movement from the port in Agadir, Morocco, to training areas where they were to be used as part of African Lion 20, the largest exercise in Africa.<br>U.S. Army Africa
In a March 1, 2020 photo, M109A6 Paladins of the Utah Army National Guard are staged for movement from the port in Agadir, Morocco, to training areas where they were to be used as part of African Lion 20, the largest exercise in Africa.<br>U.S. Army Africa

AFRICOM cancels major exercise over coronavirus concerns

U.S. Africa Command said Monday that it has canceled one of its largest exercises on the continent over concerns about the coronavirus.

U.S. Army soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division line up to meet U.S. and Polish dignitaries during a event at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, in support of Defender-Europe 20, March 11, 2020. The Pentagon ordered a halt to the deployment of forces for the exercise, which will be sharply curtailed because of concerns about the coronavirus, U.S. European Command said Monday.<br>Joy Dulen/U.S. Army
U.S. Army soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division line up to meet U.S. and Polish dignitaries during a event at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, in support of Defender-Europe 20, March 11, 2020. The Pentagon ordered a halt to the deployment of forces for the exercise, which will be sharply curtailed because of concerns about the coronavirus, U.S. European Command said Monday.<br>Joy Dulen/U.S. Army

Coronavirus fears force Pentagon to curtail large Defender-Europe 20 exercise

The Pentagon has ordered a halt to the deployment of forces for Defender-Europe 20, which would have been the military’s largest exercise on the Continent in a generation, because of concerns about the coronavirus, U.S. European Command said Monday.

A third person has tested positive for the coronavirus in the Stuttgart military community, where about 100 are in self-quarantine awaiting test results.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
A third person has tested positive for the coronavirus in the Stuttgart military community, where about 100 are in self-quarantine awaiting test results.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

100 people in isolation as third case of coronavirus diagnosed in Stuttgart military community

A third person connected to the military community in Stuttgart has tested positive for the coronavirus, and about 100 people are in self-isolation awaiting virus test results, Stuttgart’s garrison commander said.

Brothels were ordered shut Friday in U.S. European Command's hometown of Stuttgart, where city officials issued a ban on the world's oldest profession in light of the new coronavirus.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Brothels were ordered shut Friday in U.S. European Command's hometown of Stuttgart, where city officials issued a ban on the world's oldest profession in light of the new coronavirus.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Stuttgart red-lights brothels amid coronavirus fears

Brothels in U.S. European Command’s hometown of Stuttgart were among a slew of sites that city officials have ordered to close their doors to help in the fight against the coronavirus.

At the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, special exhibitions are routinely held. The current exhibit theme is ''Vertigo,'' which focuses on artwork with unusual shapes and designs.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
At the Kunstmuseum Stuttgart, special exhibitions are routinely held. The current exhibit theme is ''Vertigo,'' which focuses on artwork with unusual shapes and designs.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Kunstmuseum Stuttgart’s ‘Vertigo’ exhibit designed to disorient its viewers

The title of the latest exhibition emblazoned across the glass cube art museum building caught my eye: “Vertigo.” It must be about Hitchcock, I figured.

In a March 5, 2020 photo, Consul General Meghan Gregonis, U.S. Consulate Munich welcomes Col. Patrick Disney, 1st Cavalry Division as he arrives at the Nuremberg Airport. Disney and his fellow Soldiers were the first to arrive to Germany for exercise Defender-Europe 20.<br>Ellen C. Brabo/U.S. Army
In a March 5, 2020 photo, Consul General Meghan Gregonis, U.S. Consulate Munich welcomes Col. Patrick Disney, 1st Cavalry Division as he arrives at the Nuremberg Airport. Disney and his fellow Soldiers were the first to arrive to Germany for exercise Defender-Europe 20.<br>Ellen C. Brabo/U.S. Army

Massive Army exercise in Europe is curtailed amid coronavirus angst

U.S. European Command said Wednesday that the training, which initially called for sending 20,000 U.S.-based soldiers across the Atlantic Ocean, would be downsized.

In this Nov. 12, 2006, photo, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, Joseph Kony, answers journalists' questions following a meeting with UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland at Ri-Kwangba in southern Sudan. U.S. troops who were part of the hunt for Kony and his followers are now eligible for medals.<br>AP
In this Nov. 12, 2006, photo, the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, Joseph Kony, answers journalists' questions following a meeting with UN humanitarian chief Jan Egeland at Ri-Kwangba in southern Sudan. U.S. troops who were part of the hunt for Kony and his followers are now eligible for medals.<br>AP

Troops involved in hunt for African warlord eligible for war on terror medal

Troops who were part of the hunt in central Africa for rebel warlord Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army are eligible for medals awarded to those who served in the global war on terrorism, the Defense Department said.

Members of U.S. Air Force's 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces medical personnel perform training drills on a C-130J Super Hercules during exercise African Lion 2019 on Kenitra Air Base, Morocco, in March 2019. AFRICOM has scaled back African Lion in 2020 amid fears of the coronavirus.<br>U.S. Air Force
Members of U.S. Air Force's 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces medical personnel perform training drills on a C-130J Super Hercules during exercise African Lion 2019 on Kenitra Air Base, Morocco, in March 2019. AFRICOM has scaled back African Lion in 2020 amid fears of the coronavirus.<br>U.S. Air Force

AFRICOM scales back major exercise in Morocco over coronavirus fears

African Lion, which was set to start March 23 in Morocco, will now only include activities that do not require lodging troops in close quarters, AFRICOM said.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a 3-mile hike using snowshoes during cold-weather training near Bjerkvik, Norway, on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The Marines are in Norway for exercise Cold Response, but the exercise has been canceled because of the new coronavirus outbreak.<br>Isaiah Campbell/U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a 3-mile hike using snowshoes during cold-weather training near Bjerkvik, Norway, on Sunday, March 8, 2020. The Marines are in Norway for exercise Cold Response, but the exercise has been canceled because of the new coronavirus outbreak.<br>Isaiah Campbell/U.S. Marine Corps

Marines’ Cold Response exercise in Norway is latest drill to be nixed over virus fears

A U.S.-led cold weather exercise in Norway has been cut short because of concerns over the new coronavirus, U.S. European Command announced Wednesday.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, right, commanding general of U.S Army Europe, USAREUR, and Lt. Gen. Vincent Guionie, commander of French Land Forces, CFT, sign a memorandum of partnership at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, Mar. 7, 2020.<br>Ismael Ortega/U.S. Army
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, right, commanding general of U.S Army Europe, USAREUR, and Lt. Gen. Vincent Guionie, commander of French Land Forces, CFT, sign a memorandum of partnership at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, Mar. 7, 2020.<br>Ismael Ortega/U.S. Army

General potentially exposed to coronavirus at conference where preventing an outbreak was on the agenda 

Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli and several staff members are now in self-quarantine following last week’s meeting, U.S. Army Europe confirmed in a statement.

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, testifies during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Also testifying at left are Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander of U.S. Central Command, and Kathryn Wheelbarger, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, testifies during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. Also testifying at left are Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., commander of U.S. Central Command, and Kathryn Wheelbarger, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Al-Qaida, ISIS pose 'growing threat' in West Africa, AFRICOM head says

The Islamic state and al-Qaida are “on the march” in western Africa, where international efforts to counter extremists groups are insufficient, the head of U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber waits to complete a hot pit refueling mission at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, in September 2019. A B-2 bomber task force landed March 9, 2020 at Lajes Field at the start of a series of operations in Europe, the military said.<br>Ricky Baptista/U.S. Air Force
A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber waits to complete a hot pit refueling mission at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, in September 2019. A B-2 bomber task force landed March 9, 2020 at Lajes Field at the start of a series of operations in Europe, the military said.<br>Ricky Baptista/U.S. Air Force

B-2 strategic bombers land at Azores base at start of European deployment

U.S. Air Force B-2 stealth bombers arrived at an air base in the Azores for the start of a series of operations in Europe, the military said.

The destroyer USS Ross conducts search and rescue operations in response to a disaster on a civilian boat in the Sea of Marmara, offshore of Turkey.<br>U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa
The destroyer USS Ross conducts search and rescue operations in response to a disaster on a civilian boat in the Sea of Marmara, offshore of Turkey.<br>U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

USS Ross sailors aid Turkish vessel in flames

Sailors aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer on patrol near the Black Sea this week saved three mariners from a burning Turkish civilian vessel and recovered two others who died, the Navy said.

A U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle staged prior to training with Israeli soldiers at the Israeli national training center as part of exercise Juniper Cobra in March 2018. <br>Jonathan Sosner/U.S. Marine Corps
A U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle staged prior to training with Israeli soldiers at the Israeli national training center as part of exercise Juniper Cobra in March 2018. <br>Jonathan Sosner/U.S. Marine Corps

EUCOM cancels joint military exercise in Israel over new coronavirus

The decision to cancel Juniper Cobra 20, slated to run until March 13, was made in coordination with the Israeli Defense Force, EUCOM said.

U.S. soldiers with the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade conduct inventory on trucks at an Army prepositioned stock draw, Feb. 27, 2020, at Zutendaal, Belgium, for Defender Europe 20. The exercise involves rotating some 20,000 U.S.-based troops to the Continent.<br>Elizabeth Clark/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers with the 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade conduct inventory on trucks at an Army prepositioned stock draw, Feb. 27, 2020, at Zutendaal, Belgium, for Defender Europe 20. The exercise involves rotating some 20,000 U.S.-based troops to the Continent.<br>Elizabeth Clark/U.S. Army

Army readies plan to deal with coronavirus during Defender Europe exercise

The Army is “war-gaming” emergency plans that would be rolled out if the coronavirus afflicts troops taking part in Defender Europe 20, one of the largest military drills since the end of the Cold War, a top commander said Wednesday.

A Navy SEAL prepares to clear a room during counterterrorism drills Feb. 28, 2020, in Belgrade, Serbia, where U.S. Special Operations Command Europe conducted exercises with local forces.The SEAL's face is blurred for security reasons.<br>U.S. Special Operations Command Europe
A Navy SEAL prepares to clear a room during counterterrorism drills Feb. 28, 2020, in Belgrade, Serbia, where U.S. Special Operations Command Europe conducted exercises with local forces.The SEAL's face is blurred for security reasons.<br>U.S. Special Operations Command Europe

Navy SEALs train with Serbians as US works ‘toward a friendship’ in a Russian-influenced nation

U.S. Special Operations Command Europe is aiming to make inroads in a region where Russian influence remains strong.

The Army chief of staff home on Fort Myer, Va., during a reception in 2008. The Army is requesting $47 million in 2021 for general and flag officer housing costs connected to operations, maintenance and leases.<br>U.S. Army
The Army chief of staff home on Fort Myer, Va., during a reception in 2008. The Army is requesting $47 million in 2021 for general and flag officer housing costs connected to operations, maintenance and leases.<br>U.S. Army

Army requests millions to fix homes for high-ranking officers in the Washington area

The military is obligated to notify Congress when maintenance and repair costs for the homes of generals and flag officers exceeds $35,000.

EUCOM Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Tod D. Wolters testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 25, 2020. Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
EUCOM Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Gen. Tod D. Wolters testifies at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Feb. 25, 2020. Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Further facility closures at US bases in Europe possible as coronavirus spreads, Wolters says

In Vicenza, Italy, the Army has closed on-base schools, child care centers, gyms and churches after a spike in coronavirus cases in the broader region. Military personnel also have been told not to travel to areas where clusters of confirmed cases have emerged.

U.S. AFRICOM logo<br>
U.S. AFRICOM logo<br>

AFRICOM airstrike kills key planner of attack on US forces in Kenya

A U.S. airstrike has killed a key planner in January’s deadly attack on U.S. forces in Kenya, where three Americans were killed after al-Qaida-connected militants stormed a local base, U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Ronald Stephens speaks after assuming command of Regional Health Command Europe in May 2018 in Sembach, Germany. Stephens has been suspended pending an investigation into unspecified allegations, U.S. Army Europe said.<br>Stars and Stripes
Brig. Gen. Ronald Stephens speaks after assuming command of Regional Health Command Europe in May 2018 in Sembach, Germany. Stephens has been suspended pending an investigation into unspecified allegations, U.S. Army Europe said.<br>Stars and Stripes

Investigation ongoing after suspension of Army's top health officer in Europe

U.S. Army Europe is continuing to investigate the top medical commander in the region, who was suspended in connection with an ongoing probe, military officials said.

Petty Officer 1st Class Alyssa Babcock, right, signs for department mail at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 12, 2019. A new U.S. Postal Service policy would require everyone, including those at overseas military post offices, to fill out and print electronic customs forms, which military officials say is likely to cause customer delays.<br>Marquis Whitehead/U.S. Navy
Petty Officer 1st Class Alyssa Babcock, right, signs for department mail at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 12, 2019. A new U.S. Postal Service policy would require everyone, including those at overseas military post offices, to fill out and print electronic customs forms, which military officials say is likely to cause customer delays.<br>Marquis Whitehead/U.S. Navy

New customs form likely to mean longer waits at military post offices

Starting March 6, the U.S. Postal Service plans to require customers at post offices overseas to use an electronic customs form that needs to be typed and printed. U.S. Army Europe said it is working to delay the policy change.

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group transits the Pacific Ocean in formation Jan. 25, 2020. Global military spending increased by the largest amount in a decade last year, according to a new report that shows the U.S. and China leading the way.<br>Anthony Rivera/U.S. Navy
The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group transits the Pacific Ocean in formation Jan. 25, 2020. Global military spending increased by the largest amount in a decade last year, according to a new report that shows the U.S. and China leading the way.<br>Anthony Rivera/U.S. Navy

US, China lead global defense spending to highest increase in 10 years

Annual military spending climbed worldwide in 2019 by the largest amount in a decade, with the U.S. far outpacing second-place China, a new study has found.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks to the media following a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2020.<br>U.S. Mission to NATO/Twitter
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks to the media following a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2020.<br>U.S. Mission to NATO/Twitter

Esper tells Europe to ‘wake up’ to a China that seeks to dominate

Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Saturday issued a stark warning that China threatens "long-standing international rules-based order."

A Portuguese Special Forces soldier briefs Burkina Faso soldiers during Flintlock 2019 on base camp Loumbila, in Burkina Faso, Feb. 21, 2019. U.S. special operations forces will take part in this year's large-scale Flintlock exercise in western Africa, where Pentagon leaders are mulling a troop cutback.<br>Peter Seidler/U.S. Army
A Portuguese Special Forces soldier briefs Burkina Faso soldiers during Flintlock 2019 on base camp Loumbila, in Burkina Faso, Feb. 21, 2019. U.S. special operations forces will take part in this year's large-scale Flintlock exercise in western Africa, where Pentagon leaders are mulling a troop cutback.<br>Peter Seidler/U.S. Army

Special ops forces gear up for large Africa drill as possible cutbacks loom

U.S. special operations forces begin large-scale exercises Monday in western Africa, where Pentagon leaders are mulling a troop cutback even as insurgent groups in the region gain ground.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper during the second day of a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Feb 13, 2020.<br>U.S. Mission to NATO/Twitter
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper during the second day of a two-day meeting of NATO defense ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Feb 13, 2020.<br>U.S. Mission to NATO/Twitter

US, Taliban agree in principle to reduction of violence in Afghanistan, Esper tells allies

The U.S. and Taliban have agreed in principle to a “seven-day reduction in violence” in Afghanistan, which could lead to a peace deal to end 18 years of war in the country, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday at the end of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper walks with U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison before the start of a two-day meeting of defense ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Feb 12, 2020.<br>U.S. Mission to NATO/Twitter
Secretary of Defense Mark Esper walks with U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison before the start of a two-day meeting of defense ministers at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Feb 12, 2020.<br>U.S. Mission to NATO/Twitter

NATO allies agree to expand mission in Iraq

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said allies decided in principle during a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels to boost efforts aimed at training Iraqi security forces.

In a Feb. 7, 2020 photo, U.S. Army M2 Bradleys wait to be loaded onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance in Savannah, Ga., for DEFENDER Europe-20. The Army's 2021 budget plan calls for the modernization of the Bradley and other combat vehicles.<br>Daniel Alkana/U.S. Army
In a Feb. 7, 2020 photo, U.S. Army M2 Bradleys wait to be loaded onto American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Endurance in Savannah, Ga., for DEFENDER Europe-20. The Army's 2021 budget plan calls for the modernization of the Bradley and other combat vehicles.<br>Daniel Alkana/U.S. Army

US Army wants $178 billion for FY 2021

The budget plan would be a slight reduction from the previous fiscal year’s budget of $180 billion. Still, the Army says it has realigned funds to ensure that its top priorities — modernization, combat readiness and personnel needs — are met.

A U.S. 1st Cavalry Division soldier fires a M249 Light Machine Gun during training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 16, 2020. Most NATO members are confident the U.S. will come to their defense if attacked by Russia, but are unwilling to do the same in return according to a Pew Research Center report released Feb. 9, 2020. Tomarius Roberts/U.S. Army<br>Tomarius Roberts/U.S. Army
A U.S. 1st Cavalry Division soldier fires a M249 Light Machine Gun during training at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 16, 2020. Most NATO members are confident the U.S. will come to their defense if attacked by Russia, but are unwilling to do the same in return according to a Pew Research Center report released Feb. 9, 2020. Tomarius Roberts/U.S. Army<br>Tomarius Roberts/U.S. Army

Most in NATO countries say US would aid them against Russia, but they wouldn’t step up

Majorities in 16 member states surveyed said they believe the U.S. military would defend them if they were attacked, but only in five of the countries polled did majorities say their country should use force to defend an ally.