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John Vandiver

Kosovo Security Force noncommissioned officers stand in formation at their senior NCO course graduation ceremony at a KSF base in Ferizaj, Kosovo. NATO will reconsider its support to it gives to Kosovo's security forces after the country's decision Friday to take a step toward forming an army.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
Kosovo Security Force noncommissioned officers stand in formation at their senior NCO course graduation ceremony at a KSF base in Ferizaj, Kosovo. NATO will reconsider its support to it gives to Kosovo's security forces after the country's decision Friday to take a step toward forming an army.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

NATO troubled by plan for Kosovo army, which US backs

NATO will reconsider the support it gives Kosovo’s security forces after the country’s decision Friday to take a step toward forming an army, laying bare a disagreement between the military alliance and the United States.

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Col. W. Scott Gallaway, front, commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, leads the formation July 2, 2018, during a ceremony at Ansbach's Storck Barracks Airfield. <br>U.S. Army
Col. W. Scott Gallaway, front, commander, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, leads the formation July 2, 2018, during a ceremony at Ansbach's Storck Barracks Airfield. <br>U.S. Army

Hundreds of soldiers thought they had holiday leave. Now the Army’s trying to help them cancel their tickets.

Scores of soldiers deployed to Europe could be on the hook after purchasing airline tickets home for the holidays, only to learn that their leave was never fully approved.

During the winter months, a seasonal menu at Zeppelino's in Stuttgart features different goose dishes. Here is a goose breast served with ginger-flavored chickpeas.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
During the winter months, a seasonal menu at Zeppelino's in Stuttgart features different goose dishes. Here is a goose breast served with ginger-flavored chickpeas.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Very good, but not great, food at Stuttgart’s swanky Zeppelino’s

After a quick glance at the menu, I knew just what I wanted — the roasted venison served in a lingonberry sauce, with a side of brussels sprouts and hazelnut spaetzle.

National Security Advisor John Bolton unveils the Trump Administration's Africa Strategy at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.<br>Cliff Owen/AP
National Security Advisor John Bolton unveils the Trump Administration's Africa Strategy at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.<br>Cliff Owen/AP

New White House strategy in Africa focuses on countering Chinese, Russian influences

Africa is a strategic battleground where countering China and Russia’s growing influence will be the top U.S. priority, National Security Adviser John Bolton said Thursday as he unveiled the Trump administration’s new approach on the continent.

Gen. Tony Thomas, commander U.S. Special Operations Command, called for an internal review following a series of misconduct allegations. Courtesy USSOCOM<br>Courtesy USSOCOM
Gen. Tony Thomas, commander U.S. Special Operations Command, called for an internal review following a series of misconduct allegations. Courtesy USSOCOM<br>Courtesy USSOCOM

Special operations boss calls for change amid troop misconduct allegations

The head of U.S. special operations forces has issued a call to action after a series of high-profile instances of misconduct revealed a damaged culture of discipline in the ranks.

Place Kléber, the central square of Strasbourg, France, and the Christmas market in 2017.<br>Travis Pinson
Place Kléber, the central square of Strasbourg, France, and the Christmas market in 2017.<br>Travis Pinson

US troops in Europe told to check in after deadly Christmas market attack

So far there is no sign that any members of the American military community were among those killed or injured in the attack that killed three and injured at least 12 in Strasbourg, France.

Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russian armed forces chief of staff, are seated behind their respective flags in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 19, 2018. The two will meet in Baku again today.<br>Courtesy of EUCOM
Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, Russian armed forces chief of staff, are seated behind their respective flags in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 19, 2018. The two will meet in Baku again today.<br>Courtesy of EUCOM

EUCOM commander holds talks with Russian defense chief

Uncertainty about Russia’s next moves in Ukraine are likely to loom over the talks, which come after Russia’s recent attack on Ukrainian ships and a threat from the U.S. to quit a key nuclear treaty with Moscow.

A green beret with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) practices patrolling techniques with Nigerien soldiers during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, Feb. 28, 2017. 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) is regionally aligned to North and West Africa.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army
A green beret with 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) practices patrolling techniques with Nigerien soldiers during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, Feb. 28, 2017. 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) is regionally aligned to North and West Africa.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army

One French servicemember dead, one American injured in Niger accident

The U.S. military is investigating a deadly accident involving U.S. and French troops in Niger that left one French servicemember dead and an American injured, U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday.

A soldier with the 3rd Special Forces Group uses rock drills to explain small unit tactics to Senegalese soldiers during a training exercise earlier this year in Niger. Since the 2017 ambush the killed four U.S. soldiers in the country, the U.S. military has struggled to reach consensus on which leaders should be blamed for poor mission planning.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army
A soldier with the 3rd Special Forces Group uses rock drills to explain small unit tactics to Senegalese soldiers during a training exercise earlier this year in Niger. Since the 2017 ambush the killed four U.S. soldiers in the country, the U.S. military has struggled to reach consensus on which leaders should be blamed for poor mission planning.<br>Kulani Lakanaria/U.S. Army

Army rescinds reprimand for Niger ambush that left four dead, report says

The Army has rescinded the reprimand of Capt. Michael Perozeni, a Green Beret who led troops during the deadly October 2017 ambush in Niger that left four U.S. soldiers dead, the New York Times reported.

An OC-135B Open Skies aircraft takes off at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The Open Skies is an observation aircraft used for treaty support to enhance stability and cooperative security. The U.S. military conducted a surveillance flight over Ukraine on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, the Pentagon said.<br>Josh Plueger/U.S. Air Force
An OC-135B Open Skies aircraft takes off at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The Open Skies is an observation aircraft used for treaty support to enhance stability and cooperative security. The U.S. military conducted a surveillance flight over Ukraine on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, the Pentagon said.<br>Josh Plueger/U.S. Air Force

US military conducts Open Skies observation flight over Ukraine

The U.S. military conducted an “extraordinary” surveillance flight over Ukraine on Thursday in response to Russia’s recent attack on Ukrainian ships, the Pentagon said.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg talks to the media before the start of the NATO foreign ministerial meetings at the organization's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Courtesy of NATO
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg talks to the media before the start of the NATO foreign ministerial meetings at the organization's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Courtesy of NATO

Brace for more Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, NATO chief says

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg that security conditions could worsen in Afghanistan, where casualty rates have increased in a war that is now in its 18th year.

A general view of a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Francisco Seco/AP
A general view of a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018.<br>Francisco Seco/AP

US threatens to quit nuclear accord if Russia doesn't comply with terms within 60 days

Russia has 60 days to come into compliance with a key nuclear treaty or else Washington will begin the process of quitting the landmark accord, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivers keynote remarks at the George Marshall Fund of the United States in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec.4, 2018. Pompeo is in Brussels for NATO foreign ministerial meetings.<br>State Department screengrab
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivers keynote remarks at the George Marshall Fund of the United States in Brussels, Belgium, Tuesday, Dec.4, 2018. Pompeo is in Brussels for NATO foreign ministerial meetings.<br>State Department screengrab

US asks Europe to ‘show leadership’ following Russian sea attack

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will urge NATO allies during talks in Brussels on Tuesday to take a tougher stance against Russia after last week’s attack on Ukrainian vessels and Moscow’s alleged violation of a key nuclear weapons treaty.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter and the command and control ship USS Mount Whitney sail in the Black Sea during exercise Sea Breeze on July 13, 2018. Ukraine?s president urged NATO to send warships into the neighboring Sea of Azov, but the alliance has shown no interest in forcing its way into waters under Russian control.<br>Justin Stumberg/U.S. Navy
The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter and the command and control ship USS Mount Whitney sail in the Black Sea during exercise Sea Breeze on July 13, 2018. Ukraine?s president urged NATO to send warships into the neighboring Sea of Azov, but the alliance has shown no interest in forcing its way into waters under Russian control.<br>Justin Stumberg/U.S. Navy

Despite calls from Ukraine no signs of US, allied ships heading to Sea of Azov

Ukraine’s president urged NATO on Thursday to send warships into the Sea of Azov, as President Donald Trump announced he was canceling a planned meeting with Russia's president over the seizure of Ukrainian ships and crews this week.

U.S. Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, Nov. 27, 2018. <br>Nick Scott/U.S. Navy
U.S. Marine Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser speaks with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Donald Yamamoto at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia, Nov. 27, 2018. <br>Nick Scott/U.S. Navy

AFRICOM boss travels to Somalia for high-level talks

America’s top commander for Africa made a rare visit to war-torn Somalia, meeting with local leaders to discuss security in a country where U.S. forces quietly serve in a fight against militants.

A Russian SU-30 fighter. Ukrainian media reported that it was a SU-30 that attacked Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait on Sunday.<br>Courtesy Russian Defense Ministry
A Russian SU-30 fighter. Ukrainian media reported that it was a SU-30 that attacked Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait on Sunday.<br>Courtesy Russian Defense Ministry

Ukraine says Russian jet fired missiles during clash at sea

A Russian fighter-bomber fired two missiles at Ukrainian ships during Sunday’s naval clash, causing serious injuries to an officer aboard one of the vessels, Ukraine’s security services said Tuesday.

In this photo from the Ukrainian navy's Facebook page,two Ukrainian navy ships are seen near Crimea.<br>Facebook/Ukrainian navy
In this photo from the Ukrainian navy's Facebook page,two Ukrainian navy ships are seen near Crimea.<br>Facebook/Ukrainian navy

Ukraine orders martial law as fears of Black Sea ‘Iron Curtain’ grow

Ukraine's president declared martial law and NATO leaders gathered for emergency talks Monday, a day after a naval clash with Russian warships sparked one of the most serious military threats in the region in recent years.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth Kim, commander of the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, Mattydale, N.Y., meets with Lt. Col. Masatoshi Tanso at Japan Self-Defense Force Base, Djibouti, Nov. 21, 2018. Japanese and U.S. leadership met to discuss ways to build relationships in the area.<br>Olivia Cobiskey/U.S. Army
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth Kim, commander of the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, Mattydale, N.Y., meets with Lt. Col. Masatoshi Tanso at Japan Self-Defense Force Base, Djibouti, Nov. 21, 2018. Japanese and U.S. leadership met to discuss ways to build relationships in the area.<br>Olivia Cobiskey/U.S. Army

The pirates are mostly gone, but Japan sticks around in Djibouti

Japan plans to step up training efforts with east African nations, as Tokyo aims to work more closely with the U.S. in a region where China’s influence is on the rise.

A soldier with the French Mountain Commando Unit secures a hideout in Camp Fremo, Norway on October 31, 2018 during Trident Juncture 18. German and French leaders have raised the possibility of setting up a European army.<br>Allied Joint Force Command
A soldier with the French Mountain Commando Unit secures a hideout in Camp Fremo, Norway on October 31, 2018 during Trident Juncture 18. German and French leaders have raised the possibility of setting up a European army.<br>Allied Joint Force Command

Top NATO leader warns against competition amid talk of a European army

The U.S.-led NATO alliance warned Tuesday that the European Union should avoid competing with NATO as the key security pact on the Continent, after leaders in Germany and France raised the possibility of setting up a European 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
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.

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.