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John Vandiver

Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (seen here at a Capitol Hill hearing in April, 2019) says he "isn't buying" that whoever shot down a U.S. drone over Libya last month, using a Russian air defense system, doesn't know where it is. Townsend said Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, the U.S. wants the drone back.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (seen here at a Capitol Hill hearing in April, 2019) says he "isn't buying" that whoever shot down a U.S. drone over Libya last month, using a Russian air defense system, doesn't know where it is. Townsend said Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, the U.S. wants the drone back.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

AFRICOM calls for return of drone downed by Russian weapon system over Libya

The U.S. wants back a drone that was shot down over Libya last month by a Russian air defense system believed to have been operated by mercenaries or militiamen, U.S. Africa Command said Monday.

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The Burger Place, in Stuttgart's Zuffenhausen section, is a Canadian themed eatery with a large burger menu.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The Burger Place, in Stuttgart's Zuffenhausen section, is a Canadian themed eatery with a large burger menu.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Burger Place serves up Canadian specialty

The french fry, which belongs with ketchup, gets defiled in so many ways.

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at 10 Downing St. for an informal dinner hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.<br>NATO
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at 10 Downing St. for an informal dinner hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.<br>NATO

Amid threats, rifts and Trump’s criticism, NATO passes Baltic defense plan and celebrates higher spending

President Donald Trump and fellow NATO leaders approved a defense plan for the Baltics and Poland on Wednesday, overcoming resistance from Turkey, which had threatened to block it unless other alliance members designated Kurdish fighters in Syria as terrorists.

U.S. President Donald Trump listens to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as he answers a question following a meeting at Winfield House in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, ahead of the NATO summit marking the alliance's 70th anniversary.<br>NATO
U.S. President Donald Trump listens to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as he answers a question following a meeting at Winfield House in London, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, ahead of the NATO summit marking the alliance's 70th anniversary.<br>NATO

In tense exchange with Trump, Macron stands by his ‘very, very nasty’ comments about NATO

President Donald Trump called out his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, saying France needs American military protection more than others and that Macron’s recent critical comments about the NATO alliance were “disrespectful and dangerous.”

An F/A-18E Super Hornet lands on the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The Truman strike group is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet's area of responsibility.<br>Victoria Sutton/U.S. Navy
An F/A-18E Super Hornet lands on the flight deck of the USS Harry S. Truman in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. The Truman strike group is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet's area of responsibility.<br>Victoria Sutton/U.S. Navy

Truman carrier group begins Europe mission

The deployment is the first since the Nimitz-class carrier underwent months of repairs to its electrical system, forcing its strike group to deploy without it.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Nov. 28, 2019. NATO leaders, including President Donald Trump, will be meeting outside of London at a time when major alliance powers are at odds over the alliance's priorities.<br>NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg meets with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Nov. 28, 2019. NATO leaders, including President Donald Trump, will be meeting outside of London at a time when major alliance powers are at odds over the alliance's priorities.<br>NATO

NATO tweaks funding rules, prepares for tense talks as Trump heads to London for summit

The U.S. will reduce its contribution to the so-called common fund from 22% to 16% while Germany increases its expenditure, NATO announced. That means the U.S. and Germany will each pay about 16%, with other allies paying the rest.

More than 70 civilian employees of the U.S. Army in Katterbach, Germany, went on strike and protested for higher wages in September 2017. Talks between the Army and the union representing German base workers have broken down, again raising the possibility of strikes.<br>Petra Fichtner
More than 70 civilian employees of the U.S. Army in Katterbach, Germany, went on strike and protested for higher wages in September 2017. Talks between the Army and the union representing German base workers have broken down, again raising the possibility of strikes.<br>Petra Fichtner

Prospect of strikes looms as US Army, German union at odds over new contract

Negotiations between the U.S. Army and the union representing Germans employed on bases in Europe have broken down without an agreement on a new contract, raising the prospect of local workers going on strike.

Col. Mike Schultz, commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing, pins the Distinguished Flying Cross on Maj. John Tice, a flight commander with the 303rd Fighter Squadron, during a ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., in November of 2019. <br>Alex Chase/U.S. Air Force
Col. Mike Schultz, commander of the 442nd Fighter Wing, pins the Distinguished Flying Cross on Maj. John Tice, a flight commander with the 303rd Fighter Squadron, during a ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., in November of 2019. <br>Alex Chase/U.S. Air Force

Two Air Force pilots honored with Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in Afghanistan

Maj. John “Sapper” Tice and Lt. Col. Tony “Crack” Roe came to the rescue of American ground troops under heavy fire a decade ago in Afghanistan.

The Canine Auditory Protection System, resembling a close-fitting hoodie, is made of lightweight acoustic absorption material and fits snugly over the dog's ears.<br>Zeteo Tech/U.S. Army
The Canine Auditory Protection System, resembling a close-fitting hoodie, is made of lightweight acoustic absorption material and fits snugly over the dog's ears.<br>Zeteo Tech/U.S. Army

High-tech ‘hoodie’ helps protect military working dogs’ hearing, early tests show

Tests during helicopter operations of the Canine Auditory Protection System, which the Army is developing with biodefense and medical device company Zeteo Tech, “found a significant reduction in short-term hearing loss” in military canines, the Army said.

NATO's first Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft arrived in Sigonella, Italy, Nov. 21, 2019, after completing a 22-hour test flight from Palmdale Air Base, Calif.<br>NATO
NATO's first Alliance Ground Surveillance aircraft arrived in Sigonella, Italy, Nov. 21, 2019, after completing a 22-hour test flight from Palmdale Air Base, Calif.<br>NATO

First NATO-owned surveillance drone arrives at Sigonella as alliance looks to Middle East, Africa

NATO’s first unmanned aircraft has arrived at an alliance base in southern Italy, where reconnaissance missions are expected to begin next year.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., left, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle were killed Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.<br>
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami Jr., left, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle were killed Wednesday in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.<br>

Army pilots killed in helicopter crash in Afghanistan remembered for their 'heroic legacy' and heart

One of the Army pilots killed in a helicopter crash Wednesday in Afghanistan got married just eight months ago. His co-pilot was married with two children and had just begun to have success as a bodybuilder.

U.S. Army soldiers arrive at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, October 21, 2019. In a letter sent to Congress on Nov. 19, 2019, President Donald Trump said the U.S. is sending more troops to Saudi Arabia to "guard against hostile actions by Iran and its proxy forces."<br>Alexandra Minor/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army soldiers arrive at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, October 21, 2019. In a letter sent to Congress on Nov. 19, 2019, President Donald Trump said the U.S. is sending more troops to Saudi Arabia to "guard against hostile actions by Iran and its proxy forces."<br>Alexandra Minor/U.S. Air Force

US continues building troop presence in Saudi Arabia

A planned troop buildup in Saudi Arabia is moving forward, with some U.S. forces on the ground and others set to deploy on a mission to deter Iranian aggression, President Donald Trump confirmed Tuesday in a letter to Congress.

U.S. Navy sailors take a guided tour through Jerusalem's Old City as part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour in June 2018. Security concerns have led U.S. European Command to issue travel restrictions in Israel's West Bank, which includes the Old City.<br>Jonathan Clay/U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy sailors take a guided tour through Jerusalem's Old City as part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour in June 2018. Security concerns have led U.S. European Command to issue travel restrictions in Israel's West Bank, which includes the Old City.<br>Jonathan Clay/U.S. Navy

EUCOM restricts troops’ travel to West Bank, Jerusalem’s Old City

U.S. European Command has issued an order restricting travel to Israel’s West Bank, which includes the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, citing security concerns after the U.S. reversed its policy on Israeli settlements.

Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, pins the Silver Star medal onto Chief Master Sgt. Chris Grove during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 15, 2019.<br>Rachel Williams/U.S. Air Force
Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, pins the Silver Star medal onto Chief Master Sgt. Chris Grove during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 15, 2019.<br>Rachel Williams/U.S. Air Force

Airman who called in airstrikes while under fire receives Silver Star

An airman who stepped into the line of fire in Afghanistan after his unit was ambushed by the Taliban 12 years ago has been awarded America’s third-highest medal for valor.

U.S. NATO Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison in a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 19, 2019, blasted comments by French President Emmanuel Macron that the 70-year-old alliance is ?experiencing brain death.?<br>U.S. Mission NATO
U.S. NATO Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison in a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 19, 2019, blasted comments by French President Emmanuel Macron that the 70-year-old alliance is ?experiencing brain death.?<br>U.S. Mission NATO

NATO's alleged 'brain death' is on the agenda as allies prepare for talks

America’s top representative to NATO on Tuesday blasted comments by French President Emmanuel Macron that the 70-year-old alliance is “experiencing brain death,” saying an attempt to divide members is “not even rational.”

Acting U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Joseph Pennington speaks in the port of Odessa during a ceremony at which two retired U.S. Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats were officially transferred to the Ukrainian navy on Wednesday, Nov.13, 2019.<br>U.S. Embassy in Ukraine
Acting U.S. ambassador to Ukraine Joseph Pennington speaks in the port of Odessa during a ceremony at which two retired U.S. Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats were officially transferred to the Ukrainian navy on Wednesday, Nov.13, 2019.<br>U.S. Embassy in Ukraine

US transfers patrol boats to Ukraine as military aid takes center stage during impeachment hearings

The two retired Coast Guard vessels were formally handed over to Ukraine at a ceremony in the port of Odessa on Wednesday — the same day that U.S. diplomats testifying in an impeachment hearing in Washington said delays in U.S. military aid have raised doubts about the Trump administration’s commitment to Ukraine.

The USS Donald Cook sails alongside Georgian coast guard ships in the Black Sea, Jan. 25, 2019. Ford Williams/U.S. Navy<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy
The USS Donald Cook sails alongside Georgian coast guard ships in the Black Sea, Jan. 25, 2019. Ford Williams/U.S. Navy<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy

Navy says it never got a Trump order to stop patrols in Black Sea

The Navy said it never received an order to halt warship maneuvers in the Black Sea earlier this year, despite testimony in a congressional impeachment hearing that President Donald Trump asked for the cancellation after he heard about it on television.

German soldiers provide suppressive fire during NATO exercise Allied Spirit X in Hohenfels, Germany, in April 2019. Germany will meet the NATO target of spending 2% of economic output on its military by 2031, Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019.<br>Shawn Pierce/U.S. Army
German soldiers provide suppressive fire during NATO exercise Allied Spirit X in Hohenfels, Germany, in April 2019. Germany will meet the NATO target of spending 2% of economic output on its military by 2031, Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019.<br>Shawn Pierce/U.S. Army

Germany will meet NATO defense spending target by 2031, defense chief says

Germany will hit NATO defense spending targets by 2031, seven years after the goal set by the alliance for members to spend at least 2% of economic output on their militaries, Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said Thursday.

U.S. Africa Command Command Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez speaks to service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 27, 2017. Colon-Lopez has been named as the next senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.<br> Paul Gorman/U.S. Air National Guard
U.S. Africa Command Command Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez speaks to service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 27, 2017. Colon-Lopez has been named as the next senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.<br> Paul Gorman/U.S. Air National Guard

Incoming senior enlisted leader brings blunt talk, high standards to the job

After 29 years in the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez is poised to become the military’s top enlisted service member, capping a career that has included long stints as a special operator in Afghanistan.

A man dressed as a U.S. soldier stops a vehicle at the original site of the famous Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. Berlin authorities are banning a group of actors from posing as US army soldiers at the replica of the original checkpoint on Friedrichstrasse, following reports that they harass tourists.<br>Stars and Stripes
A man dressed as a U.S. soldier stops a vehicle at the original site of the famous Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin. Berlin authorities are banning a group of actors from posing as US army soldiers at the replica of the original checkpoint on Friedrichstrasse, following reports that they harass tourists.<br>Stars and Stripes

Fake US soldiers ‘verboten’ at Berlin’s Checkpoint Charlie amid reports they harassed tourists

Actors dressed as U.S. soldiers at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin have been banned from the iconic Cold War location because of their aggressive and abusive way with tourists, city officials said.

The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport system developed by General Dynamics Land Systems can cover more than 60 miles in 72 hours, and carry 1,000 pounds. The battery-operated machines are expected to begin arriving at units in 2021, the Army said in a statement.<br>U.S. Army
The Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport system developed by General Dynamics Land Systems can cover more than 60 miles in 72 hours, and carry 1,000 pounds. The battery-operated machines are expected to begin arriving at units in 2021, the Army said in a statement.<br>U.S. Army

Robotic mules to lighten the load for Army’s infantrymen

The Army has awarded a $162.4 million contract to General Dynamics Land Systems to produce 624 Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport systems. The systems would reduce each soldier’s weight burden by more than 100 pounds when operating in support of a rifle squad.

Turkish and U.S. military personnel conduct a joint patrol at the Syria-Turkey border in northeast Syria, Sept. 8, 2019. Turkey remains a transit point for foreign fighters looking to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and could help the terrorist group to regroup and regain influence, a U.S. report on global terrorism released Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, says.<br>Combined Joint Task Force - Oper
Turkish and U.S. military personnel conduct a joint patrol at the Syria-Turkey border in northeast Syria, Sept. 8, 2019. Turkey remains a transit point for foreign fighters looking to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and could help the terrorist group to regroup and regain influence, a U.S. report on global terrorism released Friday, Nov. 1, 2019, says.<br>Combined Joint Task Force - Oper

Foreign fighters transiting through Turkey could help Islamic State to regenerate, US report warns

Turkey remains a transit point for foreign fighters looking to join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, which could help the terrorist group to reorganize and regain influence, a U.S. report on global terrorism says.

A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, lands at Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger, in August 2019. The U.S. Air Force began drone operations out of the base, to gather intelligence on Islamic militants in the region, U.S. Africa Command said Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.<br>Devin Boyer/U.S. Air Force
A U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, lands at Nigerien Air Base 201, Agadez, Niger, in August 2019. The U.S. Air Force began drone operations out of the base, to gather intelligence on Islamic militants in the region, U.S. Africa Command said Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.<br>Devin Boyer/U.S. Air Force

US Air Force expands mission out of Niger hub

Located in the remote Saharan desert town of Agadez, Nigerien Air Base 201 is intended to give AFRICOM a deeper reach into spots where militants operate, including Libya.

Tech. Sgt. Noe Kaur launch cyberattacks as part of an exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany in March 2019. The U.S. military has dispatched a team to Montenegro, in part to study the cyber tactics of adversaries.<br>Renae Pittman/U.S. Air Force
Tech. Sgt. Noe Kaur launch cyberattacks as part of an exercise at Ramstein Air Base, Germany in March 2019. The U.S. military has dispatched a team to Montenegro, in part to study the cyber tactics of adversaries.<br>Renae Pittman/U.S. Air Force

US military team heads to Montenegro to counter cyberthreats ahead of 2020 elections

American service members will work alongside Montenegrin cyber defenders “to counter malicious cyber actors on critical networks and platforms,” the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro said.

The Russian military for the first time launched a large-scale air defense drill in Egypt, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019.<br>Russian Defense Ministry
The Russian military for the first time launched a large-scale air defense drill in Egypt, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019.<br>Russian Defense Ministry

Russia launches air defense drills in Egypt in sign of growing influence in region

The exercises come one week after President Vladimir Putin held a summit for African leaders in Sochi focused on enhancing Russia’s role across the continent, ranging from trade and weapons sales to military partnerships.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Sosa, 89th Maintenance Group flying crew chief, inspects a 1st Airlift Squadron C-40B as part of pre-flight checks at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, Feb. 7, 2017. Air Force crews didn't violate rules when they stayed at President Donald Trump's Scotland golf resort, about a 40-minute drive from Prestwick, according to a service review.<br>Kevin Wallace/U.S. Air Force
Staff Sgt. Jesse Sosa, 89th Maintenance Group flying crew chief, inspects a 1st Airlift Squadron C-40B as part of pre-flight checks at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, Feb. 7, 2017. Air Force crews didn't violate rules when they stayed at President Donald Trump's Scotland golf resort, about a 40-minute drive from Prestwick, according to a service review.<br>Kevin Wallace/U.S. Air Force

Air crew stays at Trump's seaside resort were in line with rules, Air Force says

Air Force crews staying at President Donald Trump’s Scotland golf resort during flight layovers did not violate any service rules, according to a military review into whether taxpayer dollars were misused when commanders lodged at the seaside hotel.

U.S. soldiers gather for a brief during a combined joint patrol rehearsal in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 7, 2018. The U.S. is considering sending troops back into Syria to guard oil fields.<br>Zoe Garbarino/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers gather for a brief during a combined joint patrol rehearsal in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 7, 2018. The U.S. is considering sending troops back into Syria to guard oil fields.<br>Zoe Garbarino/U.S. Army

US will send mechanized units to Syria’s oil fields, Esper says

The U.S. will send armored reinforcements into Syria to guard oil fields that President Donald Trump says also could serve as a safe area for Kurds who aided the Americans before Turkey’s incursion into formerly Kurdish-held Syrian territory.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper speaks at the German Marshall Fund in Brussels, Oct. 24, 2019.<br>Twitter/Defense Department
Defense Secretary Mark Esper speaks at the German Marshall Fund in Brussels, Oct. 24, 2019.<br>Twitter/Defense Department

Esper wants European allies to send troops to the Gulf to counter Iran

Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Thursday that he wants allies in Europe to send forces to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states to reinforce U.S. military movements aimed at countering Iran.

U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart headquarters at Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany. The Army in Stuttgart announced a surge in Oct. 2019, to help clear a huge backlog of home repair work orders.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart headquarters at Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany. The Army in Stuttgart announced a surge in Oct. 2019, to help clear a huge backlog of home repair work orders.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Army in Stuttgart launches ‘surge’ to resolve more than 1,700 housing issues

A “surge” is underway at the Army garrison in Stuttgart to clear a huge backlog of home repair work orders and appease military community members who often must wait months for basic repairs, officials say.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, ahead of Thursday's meetings of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Belgium.<br>NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at a press conference, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, ahead of Thursday's meetings of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, Belgium.<br>NATO

5G security, Syria top the agenda at NATO gathering of defense ministers

NATO will require members to protect civilian telecommunication systems, including fifth-generation services, and ensure they function in wartime, the alliance’s secretary-general said ahead of a two-day meeting of defense ministers in Brussels.

German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper at the Pentagon in Washington on Sept. 23, 2019. Kramp-Karrenbauer said Europe needs to coordinate with Russia to establish a security zone in northern Syria.<br>
German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer during a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper at the Pentagon in Washington on Sept. 23, 2019. Kramp-Karrenbauer said Europe needs to coordinate with Russia to establish a security zone in northern Syria.<br>

Europe, Russia should set up security zone in Syria, German defense minister says

A new approach is needed after the withdrawal of American troops and a push by Turkey into Syria diverted Kurdish fighters from the battle against the extremist group, German Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said.

An Abrams tank equipped with the Israeli-made Trophy Active Protection System by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.<br>Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
An Abrams tank equipped with the Israeli-made Trophy Active Protection System by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.<br>Rafael Advanced Defense Systems

Army to deploy Israeli-made tank protection system in Europe next year

The Army has received an Israeli-made system that protects tanks from anti-armor missiles and will test it next year for the first time during the “Defender Europe” exercises.

Lithuania says a press release in circulation claiming the United States is setting up a military base and storing nuclear weapons in Lithuania is a hoax.<br>
Lithuania says a press release in circulation claiming the United States is setting up a military base and storing nuclear weapons in Lithuania is a hoax.<br>

Lithuania says statement about accepting US nuclear weapons is fake

A “press release” swirling on social media that claims the U.S. plans to build a military base and transfer nuclear bombs from Turkey to the Baltics is a hoax, said Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry, which launched an investigation Friday into the origins of the phony report.

A soldier checks a compass while completing a land navigation course during Special Forces Assessment and Selection near Hoffman, N.C., May 7, 2019. Troops must be able to operate when technology no longer works, which means being better at battlefield maneuvers and land navigation, according to a new Army special operations strategy document.<br>Ken Kassens/U.S. Army
A soldier checks a compass while completing a land navigation course during Special Forces Assessment and Selection near Hoffman, N.C., May 7, 2019. Troops must be able to operate when technology no longer works, which means being better at battlefield maneuvers and land navigation, according to a new Army special operations strategy document.<br>Ken Kassens/U.S. Army

Army special operators look to counter disinformation, cyberwarfare in new strategy

Trends like climate change, urbanization and rapid technological advances will test Special Forces soldiers in new ways, according to a new U.S. Army Special Operations Command Strategy.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, center, speaks at the 2019 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 15, 2019. Sitting with McConville is Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, left, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston.<br>Jennifer Milbrett for AUSA
Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, center, speaks at the 2019 AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 15, 2019. Sitting with McConville is Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, left, and Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston.<br>Jennifer Milbrett for AUSA

Army Chief of Staff McConville pitches longer tours for families

The Army’s current approach — where most soldiers move every three years — was the product of an “industrial age” personnel management system, according to Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville.

Gen. John Raymond, head of U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command, speaks at an Air Force Association event at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 16, 2019. Raymond said in Germany on Oct. 16 that Space Command would send experts out to major commands worldwide.<br>Armando Schwier-Morales/U.S. Air Force
Gen. John Raymond, head of U.S. Space Command and Air Force Space Command, speaks at an Air Force Association event at National Harbor, Md., Sept. 16, 2019. Raymond said in Germany on Oct. 16 that Space Command would send experts out to major commands worldwide.<br>Armando Schwier-Morales/U.S. Air Force

Space Command sending experts worldwide as US advantage erodes, top officer says

Teams of experts will aim to incorporate space concerns, such as the ability of adversaries to jam GPS communication satellites and directed energy threats, into how the military trains and operates.