Quantcast

John Vandiver

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.

Click photo for caption and to enlarge

 

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.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday in Washington that it was unlikely the 29-nation alliance would name its new headquarters after the late Sen. John McCain, citing a lack of precedent. <br>NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday in Washington that it was unlikely the 29-nation alliance would name its new headquarters after the late Sen. John McCain, citing a lack of precedent. <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.

<br>
<br>

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.

A Patriot missile bursts out of its launcher at the NATO air missile firing installation outside Chania, Crete, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. The U.S. wants to increase military drills and rotate more troops through bases in Greece.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
A Patriot missile bursts out of its launcher at the NATO air missile firing installation outside Chania, Crete, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. The U.S. wants to increase military drills and rotate more troops through bases in Greece.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

US considers more troops and drills in Greece

The United States may increase drills and rotate more troops through bases in Greece, which offer logistic support for U.S. forces within range of hot spots in northern Africa and the eastern Mediterranean, America’s top military leader said.

U.S. Marines recently trained with Ukrainian troops near the Crimean Peninsula. Tensions in the region are on the rise as U.S. officials express concern over Russia stopping commercial ships from transiting freely to Ukrainian ports. <br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Marines recently trained with Ukrainian troops near the Crimean Peninsula. Tensions in the region are on the rise as U.S. officials express concern over Russia stopping commercial ships from transiting freely to Ukrainian ports. <br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

US monitoring Russian ‘harassment’ of shipping near Ukraine

Russia has delayed the transit of hundreds of commercial ships near a key Ukrainian port, a move that some analysts say amounts to a de facto blockade in an increasingly volatile region.

NATO said it is considering a proposal to rename the alliance's new Brussels headquarters after the late Sen. John McCain.<br>Courtesy of NATO
NATO said it is considering a proposal to rename the alliance's new Brussels headquarters after the late Sen. John McCain.<br>Courtesy of NATO

NATO considers naming Brussels headquarters after McCain

NATO is considering a proposal to name the alliance’s new Brussels headquarters after the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, an idea that has support from three former leaders of the security pact.

Soldiers from 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) train Senegal soldiers on how to clear a room in a glass house during Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 13, 2018. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said changes are in the works for how special operations forces are assigned to missions in Africa.<br>Heather Doppke/U.S. Army
Soldiers from 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) train Senegal soldiers on how to clear a room in a glass house during Flintlock 2018 in Tahoua, Niger, April 13, 2018. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said changes are in the works for how special operations forces are assigned to missions in Africa.<br>Heather Doppke/U.S. Army

Niger ambush prompts training changes for special operations in Africa

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the military will modify how special operations forces are prepared for missions in Africa because of a deadly ambush by extremists last year in Niger that revealed a lack of training for troops heading into hot spots.

Cmdr. Peter Halvorsen, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney, watches the Russian frigate RFN Boiky from the ship's bridge wing while on patrol in the Baltic Sea, May 9, 2017. <br>Weston Jones/U.S. Navy
Cmdr. Peter Halvorsen, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney, watches the Russian frigate RFN Boiky from the ship's bridge wing while on patrol in the Baltic Sea, May 9, 2017. <br>Weston Jones/U.S. Navy

Russia reportedly deploys largest naval force to Mediterranean since 2015

Russia is sending its largest naval task force into the eastern Mediterranean Sea since the country launched its military campaign in Syria three years ago, Russian media said Tuesday.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Calvin Day stands watch as the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans conducts a routine transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Aug. 5, 2018. <br>Daphne White/U.S. Navy
Petty Officer 3rd Class Calvin Day stands watch as the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans conducts a routine transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Aug. 5, 2018. <br>Daphne White/U.S. Navy

US will stay in Persian Gulf despite Iranian claim, Pompeo says

The U.S. military will continue to operate in the Persian Gulf, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, rejecting a claim by a top Iranian commander that his ships were in full control of the strategic waterway and that American warships have no place in the region.

A French Mirage fighter aircraft drops flares during a French live-fire demonstration near Arta Plage, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. An attack by French warplanes and commandos against a terrorist camp in a Mali killed the leader of a group that claimed responsibility for the deadly 2017 ambush on U.S. troops in Niger.<br>Christian Jadot/U.S. Air National Guard
A French Mirage fighter aircraft drops flares during a French live-fire demonstration near Arta Plage, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. An attack by French warplanes and commandos against a terrorist camp in a Mali killed the leader of a group that claimed responsibility for the deadly 2017 ambush on U.S. troops in Niger.<br>Christian Jadot/U.S. Air National Guard

Leader of group tied to Niger ambush killed in French attack

French warplanes and commandos struck a terrorist camp in Mali, killing the leader of a group that claimed responsibility for the deadly 2017 ambush on U.S. troops in Niger.

A German bomb disposal team on Sunday successfully defused an unexploded World War II bomb that had forced the evacuation of 18,500 people in the city of Ludwigshafen.<br>Courtesy City of Ludwigshafen
A German bomb disposal team on Sunday successfully defused an unexploded World War II bomb that had forced the evacuation of 18,500 people in the city of Ludwigshafen.<br>Courtesy City of Ludwigshafen

WWII bomb miles from US Army barracks defused without incident

Thousands of residents were evacuated Sunday while a half-ton World War II-era bomb was defused in the southwestern German city of Ludwigshafen, about about 10 miles from the U.S. Army’s Coleman Barracks in Mannheim.

A weapons loader prepares a GBU-31 joint direct attack munition for a mission. On Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency received its first lot of precision-guided munitions, which will be delivered to Belgium and Denmark as part of an alliance project to build up stockpiles.<br>Jessica Kochman/U.S. Air Force
A weapons loader prepares a GBU-31 joint direct attack munition for a mission. On Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency received its first lot of precision-guided munitions, which will be delivered to Belgium and Denmark as part of an alliance project to build up stockpiles.<br>Jessica Kochman/U.S. Air Force

NATO receives first lot of US precision-guided munitions

Precision-guided munitions, long in short supply among some NATO members, are being stockpiled in Europe in a move designed to reduce dependence on the U.S. in a crisis.

An large influx of personnel has resulted in long waits at the vehicle registration office in Stuttgart, forcing some troops to camp out overnight for a front spot in line.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
An large influx of personnel has resulted in long waits at the vehicle registration office in Stuttgart, forcing some troops to camp out overnight for a front spot in line.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Long waits at Stuttgart vehicle registration office lead some troops to camp there overnight

The lines at the Army’s Stuttgart vehicle registration office have become so long that one person recently pitched a tent in hopes of guaranteeing a position at the front the following day. Others have arrived as early as 4:30 a.m. to find 20 personnel already in line at the makeshift campsite.

Maj. Gen. Dany Fortin, who now leads the 1st Canadian Division Headquarters in Kingston, Ontario, will assume command of NATO's new training mission in Iraq.<br>Courtesy Canadian Army
Maj. Gen. Dany Fortin, who now leads the 1st Canadian Division Headquarters in Kingston, Ontario, will assume command of NATO's new training mission in Iraq.<br>Courtesy Canadian Army

Canadian general tapped for NATO's new mission in Iraq

A two-star Canadian general has been chosen to lead NATO's upcoming Iraq mission, which will involve hundreds of trainers and could eventually reduce the demand for U.S. troops deployed to the country.

At Hoehenfreibad in Stuttgart, Germany, there are two pools situated in a large greenway next to Killesberg Park. The atmosphere makes for a relaxing place to spend a hot summer day.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
At Hoehenfreibad in Stuttgart, Germany, there are two pools situated in a large greenway next to Killesberg Park. The atmosphere makes for a relaxing place to spend a hot summer day.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Hoehenfreibad in Stuttgart is a relaxing, refreshing spot to spend a hot day

When the dog days of summer hit hard in Germany, Hoehenfreibad helps you escape the heat with a swim and some shade.

<br>Image Source/Zuma Press/TNS
<br>Image Source/Zuma Press/TNS

Damaged data lines cause billing confusion at Patch commissary

Damaged data lines at the Patch Barracks commissary meant thousands of debit and credit card transactions had to be manually processed last month, resulting in late bank postings and billing confusion for some customers.

Nigerien forces train with the 20th Special Forces Group during the Flintlock 18 exercise in Niger on April 16, 2018. U.S. Africa Command wants to pull hundreds of troops from Africa and downsize special operations missions.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Army
Nigerien forces train with the 20th Special Forces Group during the Flintlock 18 exercise in Niger on April 16, 2018. U.S. Africa Command wants to pull hundreds of troops from Africa and downsize special operations missions.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Army

Report: General wants to pull hundreds of US troops out of Africa

U.S. Africa Command wants to pull hundreds of troops from Africa and downsize special operations missions there in a move that coincides with the Pentagon’s shift to threats posed by Russia and China.

A C-5 Galaxy rolls toward the runway at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. U.S. military bases in Europe rely heavily on Russian energy supplies to operate. Lawmakers are now putting more pressure on the Pentagon to find alternatives amid concerns that Russia could cut access in a crisis.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
A C-5 Galaxy rolls toward the runway at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. U.S. military bases in Europe rely heavily on Russian energy supplies to operate. Lawmakers are now putting more pressure on the Pentagon to find alternatives amid concerns that Russia could cut access in a crisis.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Lawmakers move to limit US military use of Russian gas in Germany

The Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would force the Pentagon to look for alternatives to Russian energy supplies in Germany, partly out of concern over a power source for a new U.S. military hospital that will receive aeromedical evacuees from combat zones.

The USS Preble launches its MH-60 helicopter while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Jan. 11, 2018.<br>Rheannon Ayalacortez/U.S. Navy
The USS Preble launches its MH-60 helicopter while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Jan. 11, 2018.<br>Rheannon Ayalacortez/U.S. Navy

US military watching closely as Iranian ships gather at key oil shipping route

The Iranian navy is increasing its presence at the Strait of Hormuz, sparking concerns that Tehran is showcasing its ability to block international access to the world’s most important oil transit point.

Sporadic city power outages connected to an ongoing heatwave in southern Germany have affected some operations at U.S. military installations in the Stuttgart area.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Sporadic city power outages connected to an ongoing heatwave in southern Germany have affected some operations at U.S. military installations in the Stuttgart area.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Heatwave causing power blips at US bases in Stuttgart

Sporadic city power outages connected to a heatwave in southern Germany have affected some operations at U.S. military installations in the Stuttgart area.

Maj. Michael Centola, executive officer of the 4-319 Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 173rd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), pulls his parachute towards his pack during a live-fire artillery exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, May 18, 2018. In a restructuring in Europe, the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr will now assume oversight of the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the Germany based 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
Maj. Michael Centola, executive officer of the 4-319 Field Artillery Regiment, part of the 173rd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), pulls his parachute towards his pack during a live-fire artillery exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Friday, May 18, 2018. In a restructuring in Europe, the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr will now assume oversight of the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the Germany based 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

Oversight of Army’s 3 Europe-based brigades shifts to a one-star general

The change takes effect Wednesday when all three brigades begin reporting to Brig. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, whose Grafenwoehr headquarters is taking on higher-level responsibilities.

In June 2017 a group of workers at a U.S. Army warehouse on Tower Barracks in Dulmen, Germany, were exposed to a toxic agent after mishandling a shipment of material that contained cadmium, according to the Army. <br>U.S. Army
In June 2017 a group of workers at a U.S. Army warehouse on Tower Barracks in Dulmen, Germany, were exposed to a toxic agent after mishandling a shipment of material that contained cadmium, according to the Army. <br>U.S. Army

Army says workers in Germany exposed to toxic cadmium last year

Cadmium, which is used in batteries, can be dangerous when not handled properly. It is a cancer-causing agent and can cause damage to kidneys and lungs depending on dosage and frequency of contact.

President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at the NATO summit in Brussels, July 12, 2018. A group of senators has proposed a bill that would prohibit a U.S. president from leaving the alliance without Senate consent.<br>Photo courtesy of NATO
President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at the NATO summit in Brussels, July 12, 2018. A group of senators has proposed a bill that would prohibit a U.S. president from leaving the alliance without Senate consent.<br>Photo courtesy of NATO

Senators seek to prohibit Trump from quitting NATO

A group of U.S. senators worried about President Donald Trump’s commitment to NATO introduced a bill Thursday that would prohibit a U.S. president from pulling out of the alliance.

The game is called The News Hero and is hosted on Facebook. It allows players to assume the role of a news publisher and learn to identify fake news.<br>YouTube screen grab
The game is called The News Hero and is hosted on Facebook. It allows players to assume the role of a news publisher and learn to identify fake news.<br>YouTube screen grab

NATO battles fake news, one video game at a time

At the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence in Latvia, a hub focused on countering misinformation campaigns, an online game has been launched to help citizens learn to identify fake news.

A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon flies over the Mediterranean Sea in March 2017. A Navy Poseidon and a Air Force MQ-9 drone are searching for hot spots in Greece, where wildfires tore through a coastal village earlier this week.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy
A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon flies over the Mediterranean Sea in March 2017. A Navy Poseidon and a Air Force MQ-9 drone are searching for hot spots in Greece, where wildfires tore through a coastal village earlier this week.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy

US drone, surveillance plane supporting fire response effort in Greece

U.S. military aircraft continue to search for hot spots in Greece, where wildfires tore through a coastal village earlier this week outside of Athens, U.S. European Command said Thursday.

Hamburgers are the main menu item at Bellevue Bar and Grill in Stuttgart, Germany. The eatery also offers a range of cocktails, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Hamburgers are the main menu item at Bellevue Bar and Grill in Stuttgart, Germany. The eatery also offers a range of cocktails, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Burger-focused Bellevue Bar & Grill adds food truck-like option in Stuttgart

The food truck trend hasn’t taken root in any meaningful way in Stuttgart, Germany, but a new burger-focused venture is giving it a go on the city’s north side. Bellevue Bar & Grill, near Killesberg Park, has a lot going for it. There’s seating with a view, a range of drink options and plenty of foot traffic.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander Gen. Tod D. Wolters during an interview with Stars and Stripes at USAFE headquarters on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 4, 2016. Wolters said Wednesday that his command was examining how military infrastructure is spread out across Europe as part of a broader review of potential vulnerabilities.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander Gen. Tod D. Wolters during an interview with Stars and Stripes at USAFE headquarters on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 4, 2016. Wolters said Wednesday that his command was examining how military infrastructure is spread out across Europe as part of a broader review of potential vulnerabilities.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

USAFE chief: Military doing '360-degree' review of basing in Europe

Since Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine, the military has expanded missions in Eastern Europe, where U.S. troops rotations have steadily increased. USAFE has a year-round mission in Poland manned by a rotating group of troops.

Seventh-grade students receive their schedules during the first day of school at Kaiserslautern Middle School, Vogelweh, Germany, in August 2017. U.S. lawmakers are demanding that Defense Department schools do a better job of protecting students from sexual harassment and assault.<br>Stars and Stripes
Seventh-grade students receive their schedules during the first day of school at Kaiserslautern Middle School, Vogelweh, Germany, in August 2017. U.S. lawmakers are demanding that Defense Department schools do a better job of protecting students from sexual harassment and assault.<br>Stars and Stripes

DODEA must do more to protect students from sexual assaults, lawmakers say

U.S. lawmakers are demanding that Defense Department schools do a better job of protecting students from sexual harassment and assault, calling for a centralized database to track cases that critics say are frequently ignored.

U.S. Army soldiers with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, exit a Stryker during training at Orzysz, Poland. Congress wants the Pentagon to study permanently basing soldiers in the country.<br>Hubert D. Delany III/U.S. Army
U.S. Army soldiers with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, exit a Stryker during training at Orzysz, Poland. Congress wants the Pentagon to study permanently basing soldiers in the country.<br>Hubert D. Delany III/U.S. Army

Lawmakers prod Pentagon to consider more Europe-based troops

A House and Senate panel agreed on Monday to a reconciled version of the National Defense Authorization Act, which could come up for a vote in the House as early as this week. For Europe, the NDAA spells out steps to counter and “if necessary, defeat Russian aggression.”

An MQ-9 Reaper, armed with GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided munitions and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, flies a combat mission over southern Afghanistan. The U.S. military is now conducting armed drone flights over Niger, which the country's top defense official says is intimidating local extremists.<br>Leslie Pratt/U.S. Air Force
An MQ-9 Reaper, armed with GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided munitions and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, flies a combat mission over southern Afghanistan. The U.S. military is now conducting armed drone flights over Niger, which the country's top defense official says is intimidating local extremists.<br>Leslie Pratt/U.S. Air Force

Armed US drones up and running in Niger

Earlier this year, U.S. Africa Command quietly began armed unmanned surveillance flights in Niger, adding more firepower in the country where the Oct. 4 attack on a team of Green Berets raised questions about whether troops were carrying out dangerous missions without sufficient backup.

Soldiers with the armed forces of Montenegro conduct a counter-improvised explosive device training exercise at Camp Marmal, Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, May 29, 2018. Montenegro has supported the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan since 2010 and celebrated its one-year anniversary as a NATO ally on June 5, 2018. <br>Jordan Belser/NATO
Soldiers with the armed forces of Montenegro conduct a counter-improvised explosive device training exercise at Camp Marmal, Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, May 29, 2018. Montenegro has supported the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan since 2010 and celebrated its one-year anniversary as a NATO ally on June 5, 2018. <br>Jordan Belser/NATO

Trump: Supporting tiny NATO ally Montenegro could start WWIII

Last week, President Donald Trump gave his backing to NATO after a contentious meeting of heads of state in Brussels, where Trump reportedly threatened to go it alone if members didn’t spend 2 percent of their respective gross domestic products on defense.