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John Vandiver

Comments by Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, about a plan to break through Russian air defenses in Kaliningrad, if necessary, were met with ridicule by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.<br>U.S. Air Force
Comments by Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, about a plan to break through Russian air defenses in Kaliningrad, if necessary, were met with ridicule by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.<br>U.S. Air Force

Russian prime minister calls US plans for breaking Kaliningrad air defenses ‘idiotic’

A U.S. general’s comments about a plan to break through Russian air defenses in the military exclave of Kaliningrad if necessary were dismissed by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as “idiotic,” Russia’s Tass news agency has reported.

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U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland, right, met with Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter on Thursday in Abu Dhabi to discuss the current situation in Libya.<br>Twitter/U.S. Embassy - Libya
U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland, right, met with Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter on Thursday in Abu Dhabi to discuss the current situation in Libya.<br>Twitter/U.S. Embassy - Libya

US holds rare talks with rebel leader in Libya in hopes of brokering peace deal

U.S. diplomats and military officials met this week with a Libyan militia leader whose offensive on Tripoli earlier this year forced American troops out of the country, but who is now seen as key to ending the country’s eight-year-old civil war.

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

US airstrike kills Islamic State fighters in Libya

A U.S. airstrike has killed eight Islamic State fighters in southwestern Libya, marking the first such attack by American forces in the country this year, U.S. Africa Command said Friday.

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, exchanges gifts with Djiboutian military officials during a visit to Djibouti Aug. 8, 2019. Townsend is currently visiting western African countries, including Niger, to assess security in the region.<br>U.S. AFRICA COMMAND
U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, exchanges gifts with Djiboutian military officials during a visit to Djibouti Aug. 8, 2019. Townsend is currently visiting western African countries, including Niger, to assess security in the region.<br>U.S. AFRICA COMMAND

New AFRICOM chief in Niger to assess security in volatile western Africa

U.S. Africa Command’s Gen. Stephen Townsend met with American troops in Niger on Thursday during a visit to assess security in the West Africa region, which is grappling to counter several Islamic militant groups.

A U.S. Navy seaman directs cargo arriving off of U.S. Naval Ship Bob Hope as part of a turbo activation at the Port of San Diego in August 2017. U.S. Transportation Command began a similar turbo activation Monday to test the ability to get forces across oceans in the event of a fight with Russia or China.<br>Haley Phillips/U.S. Air Force
A U.S. Navy seaman directs cargo arriving off of U.S. Naval Ship Bob Hope as part of a turbo activation at the Port of San Diego in August 2017. U.S. Transportation Command began a similar turbo activation Monday to test the ability to get forces across oceans in the event of a fight with Russia or China.<br>Haley Phillips/U.S. Air Force

Military launches massive sea drill in warfighting test

The U.S. military has ordered dozens of ships to sea in a massive stress test to determine if reserve transport vessels — crucial for mobilizing large numbers of troops and forces in a conflict — are up to the job.

Three T-72 tanks roll down a dirt road during Combined Resolve XII at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Aug. 24, 2019. A new Germany-based NATO command is now focused on the movement of troops and tanks around Europe in the event of a crisis.<br>Thomas Mort/U.S. Army
Three T-72 tanks roll down a dirt road during Combined Resolve XII at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Aug. 24, 2019. A new Germany-based NATO command is now focused on the movement of troops and tanks around Europe in the event of a crisis.<br>Thomas Mort/U.S. Army

New NATO command in Germany will move troops and tanks to hot spots

A new NATO command focused on speeding up the movement of allied troops and tanks around Europe has reached “initial operating capability,” the alliance said.

U.S. servicemembers, civilians and partner nations participate in the Cyber Flag exercise in June in Suffolk, Va.<br>U.S. Cyber Command
U.S. servicemembers, civilians and partner nations participate in the Cyber Flag exercise in June in Suffolk, Va.<br>U.S. Cyber Command

Virtual training ground in the works as Army pushes ahead with cyberwarfare plan

The U.S. Army is adding more cyber defense teams and intensifying the training required of its high-tech operators to better equip them to take on 21st-century adversaries, the head of U.S. Cyber Command said.

A Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 prepares to rejoin the formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during an exercise on April 1, 2019. The U.S. military on Sept. 12, 2019 announced the sale of nearly $1 billion in missiles and other weaponry to Morocco had been cleared, including $209 million in bombs to arm Moroccan F-16 fighters.<br>39th Air Base Wing Public Affair
A Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 prepares to rejoin the formation after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker during an exercise on April 1, 2019. The U.S. military on Sept. 12, 2019 announced the sale of nearly $1 billion in missiles and other weaponry to Morocco had been cleared, including $209 million in bombs to arm Moroccan F-16 fighters.<br>39th Air Base Wing Public Affair

Morocco arms up in another weapons deal with US, this one worth about $1 billion

A deal that still requires Congressional approval calls for the sale of $776 million anti-armor TOW missiles and various supporting elements to bolster Morocco’s ground defenses, as well as $209 million in bombs to arm its F-16s.

Pararescuemen participate in a training exercise at Grand Bara, Djibouti, in 2017. A study sponsored by U.S. Africa Command found that low-quality hospitals and long travel times in Africa pose a risk for troops, and recommended cutting alert times for rescue aircraft and mobile surgical teams to boost survival rates.<br>Joshua J. Garcia/U.S. Air Force
Pararescuemen participate in a training exercise at Grand Bara, Djibouti, in 2017. A study sponsored by U.S. Africa Command found that low-quality hospitals and long travel times in Africa pose a risk for troops, and recommended cutting alert times for rescue aircraft and mobile surgical teams to boost survival rates.<br>Joshua J. Garcia/U.S. Air Force

In Africa, military faces limited options when it comes to speedy care of injured

Cutting alert times for rescue aircraft and mobile surgical teams could boost survival rates for U.S. military personnel deployed to remote locations in Africa, where low-quality hospitals and long travel times pose a risk for troops, a new study said.

President Donald Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Aug. 26, 2019, in Biarritz, France. A survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations shows that Europeans want to remain neutral in the event of a conflict between the U.S. and Russia.<br>Shealah Craighead/White House
President Donald Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Aug. 26, 2019, in Biarritz, France. A survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations shows that Europeans want to remain neutral in the event of a conflict between the U.S. and Russia.<br>Shealah Craighead/White House

Poll: In a Russia-US conflict, Europeans favor neutrality over America

When people were asked who their country should side with in the event of conflict between the U.S. and Russia, majorities in all but one country said it would be best to not pick sides.

U.S. Airmen salute during a change of command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Sept. 4, 2019. <br>Branden Rae/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Airmen salute during a change of command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Sept. 4, 2019. <br>Branden Rae/U.S. Air Force

Survey finds American support strong for NATO, mixed on overseas bases

U.S. backing of NATO is at an all-time high, but there is less support for basing troops in Europe than in the Pacific or Middle East, according to a survey by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

U.S. soldiers with Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland arrived to Rukla, Lithuania, after a two-day tactical road march across Eastern Europe in June 2017, as part of Saber Strike 17. The U.S. needs to share more intelligence about Russian activities, according to a think tank report.<br>Justin Geiger/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers with Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland arrived to Rukla, Lithuania, after a two-day tactical road march across Eastern Europe in June 2017, as part of Saber Strike 17. The U.S. needs to share more intelligence about Russian activities, according to a think tank report.<br>Justin Geiger/U.S. Army

Report urges greater intel-sharing with allies about unconventional Russian attacks

The U.S. should start by declassifying intelligence for public release more quickly to counter denials from Moscow, particularly related to destabilizing disinformation campaigns, the report said.

Members of the 18th Military Police Brigade practice shooting on the 25-meter range in Breitenwald Training Area in Landstuhl, Germany, in 2018. Some U.S. Army ranges in Europe will need to be modified in order to meet new, more demanding marksmanship training requirements for soldiers.<br>Oliver Sommer/U.S. Army
Members of the 18th Military Police Brigade practice shooting on the 25-meter range in Breitenwald Training Area in Landstuhl, Germany, in 2018. Some U.S. Army ranges in Europe will need to be modified in order to meet new, more demanding marksmanship training requirements for soldiers.<br>Oliver Sommer/U.S. Army

Army ranges in Europe need upgrades to meet more demanding marksmanship standards

The U.S. Army expects to know soon what changes must be made at ranges in Europe to meet new, more demanding marksmanship training requirements for soldiers, service officials said.

Army Col. Richard Gulley during his retirement ceremony in Stuttgart in June 2017. Gulley is among several reservists who said the Army wrongly investigated them for legally receiving housing allowances while serving in Europe. A federal court has declined an Army motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the reservists.<br>Richard Gulley
Army Col. Richard Gulley during his retirement ceremony in Stuttgart in June 2017. Gulley is among several reservists who said the Army wrongly investigated them for legally receiving housing allowances while serving in Europe. A federal court has declined an Army motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the reservists.<br>Richard Gulley

Court allows reservists’ housing allowance case against Army to proceed

The reservists said they lawfully received dual housing allowances — one for their homes of record and one for off-base housing they were ordered to live in while in Europe. The dual allowance payments ended once the soldiers were accused of receiving payments fraudulently.

A squad of U.S. soldiers from 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry, 7th Army Training Command, locates their next event after performing in the grenade range event at the Lithuanian Land Forces Best Infantry Squad Competition, Aug. 28, 2019, in Rukla, Lithuania.<br>Stephen P. Perez/ U.S. Army
A squad of U.S. soldiers from 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry, 7th Army Training Command, locates their next event after performing in the grenade range event at the Lithuanian Land Forces Best Infantry Squad Competition, Aug. 28, 2019, in Rukla, Lithuania.<br>Stephen P. Perez/ U.S. Army

Home team Lithuanian troops triumph in world ground force competition

Three Lithuanian units swept the top spots in this year’s International Best Squad Competition, outperforming 13 other teams that included a U.S. Army contingent, officials said Friday.

Maj. Timothy Cox lifts weights during physical training while the lead strength coach of 22nd Chemical Battalion, Mike Edwards, supervises him in the fitness training facility at Fort Bliss, Texas. Cox set a new standard by obtaining a 600, the highest score ever recorded, on the Army Combat Fitness Test.<br>Shawn Casey/U.S. Army
Maj. Timothy Cox lifts weights during physical training while the lead strength coach of 22nd Chemical Battalion, Mike Edwards, supervises him in the fitness training facility at Fort Bliss, Texas. Cox set a new standard by obtaining a 600, the highest score ever recorded, on the Army Combat Fitness Test.<br>Shawn Casey/U.S. Army

Soldier is first to achieve perfect score on new Army fitness test

Maj. Timothy Cox, who serves with the 22nd Chemical Battalion at Fort Bliss, scored a 600 on the Army Combat Fitness Test.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Hummel fires from the kneeling position during the 2018 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships at Fort Benning, Ga., in March 2018. The Army is revamping how soldiers train with small arm weaponry with tougher marksmanship tests.<br>Michelle Lunato/U.S. Army
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Hummel fires from the kneeling position during the 2018 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships at Fort Benning, Ga., in March 2018. The Army is revamping how soldiers train with small arm weaponry with tougher marksmanship tests.<br>Michelle Lunato/U.S. Army

Army readies tougher tests for grading soldier shooting skills

The Army is revamping small-arms training with tougher marksmanship tests designed to better prepare troops — whether cook or infantryman — to shoot straight while under duress.

The menu at Ins Blaue in Stutgart isn't extensive, but the meals are creative. Among the offerings are a stew of lentils and sausages with tasty spices, watermelon salad and chicken served in a peanut sauce.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
The menu at Ins Blaue in Stutgart isn't extensive, but the meals are creative. Among the offerings are a stew of lentils and sausages with tasty spices, watermelon salad and chicken served in a peanut sauce.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

Stuttgart’s Ins Blaue a tasty haven from summer heat

The temperature was over 90 degrees outside, and it felt even worse in our stuffy Stuttgart home where we reside without air conditioning like the natives. On dog days like these, it’s best to head out for dinner — preferably someplace green and lush.

Heidesee, a lake in the town of Forst, is a nice, cool place to swim on hot summer days.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes
Heidesee, a lake in the town of Forst, is a nice, cool place to swim on hot summer days.<br>John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Heidesee lake offers swimming, waterslides in a bucolic setting northwest of Stuttgart

Germany’s hottest summer on record has meant more family trips to the local swimming pool than years past, but repeated dips in familiar water can get old.

Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, seen here at Fort Benning, Ga., in August 2018, took charge of U.S. Africa Command Friday, July 26, 2019, at Stuttgart Germany's Patch Barracks.<br>Markeith Horace/U.S. Army
Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, seen here at Fort Benning, Ga., in August 2018, took charge of U.S. Africa Command Friday, July 26, 2019, at Stuttgart Germany's Patch Barracks.<br>Markeith Horace/U.S. Army

AFRICOM’S new boss to face threats in Somalia and beyond

Next week Gen. Stephen J. Townsend will make his first trip to East Africa, where the U.S. faces a complicated security situation in places like Somalia.

Spc. Matthew Williams, a cavalry scout assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment fires a Stinger missile using Man-Portable Air Defense Systems during Artemis Strike, a live fire exercise off the coast of Crete, Greece, in 2017. <br>Jason Epperson/U.S. Army
Spc. Matthew Williams, a cavalry scout assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment fires a Stinger missile using Man-Portable Air Defense Systems during Artemis Strike, a live fire exercise off the coast of Crete, Greece, in 2017. <br>Jason Epperson/U.S. Army

US looks to Greece for more military rotations in Mediterranean

The United States wants to increase troop rotations into Greece and gain more access to bases that can facilitate missions stretching from the eastern Mediterranean into the Black Sea and Balkans, America’s top diplomat in Athens said.

An F-15E Strike Eagle sits on the flight line at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Nov. 12, 2015. U.S. access to bases such as Incirlik may be limited if Washington imposes sanctions on Turkey.<br>Cory W. Bush/U.S. Air Force
An F-15E Strike Eagle sits on the flight line at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Nov. 12, 2015. U.S. access to bases such as Incirlik may be limited if Washington imposes sanctions on Turkey.<br>Cory W. Bush/U.S. Air Force

Turkey hints at pulling access to Incirlik and Kurecik if US acts over Russian weapons purchase

If Washington slaps sanctions on Turkey over its acquisition of a Russian air defense system, U.S. use of two strategically vital bases could be at risk, the country’s foreign minister suggested.

U.S. soldiers assigned to the 554th Military Police Company participate in an exercise at the Panzer Range Complex in Boeblingen, Germany, April 16, 2019. Locals have complained for years about excessive noise from the training facility. <br>Jason D. Johnston/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers assigned to the 554th Military Police Company participate in an exercise at the Panzer Range Complex in Boeblingen, Germany, April 16, 2019. Locals have complained for years about excessive noise from the training facility. <br>Jason D. Johnston/U.S. Army

EUCOM says no deal yet on Stuttgart firing range noise dispute

A week after Army officials here said the U.S. military had agreed to shoulder the entire $1.2 million added to the bill for a noise reduction project at a Stuttgart area firing range, U.S. European Command is saying not so fast.

An event is held at RAF Molesworth in the U.K. for World War II veterans on May 27, 2014. A U.S. intelligence gathering hub, which includes the NATO Intelligence Fusion Center and the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex, could stay at Molesworth as the Pentagon reconsiders a plan to move the center to a different site. <br>Ashley Hawkins/USAF
An event is held at RAF Molesworth in the U.K. for World War II veterans on May 27, 2014. A U.S. intelligence gathering hub, which includes the NATO Intelligence Fusion Center and the Joint Intelligence Analysis Complex, could stay at Molesworth as the Pentagon reconsiders a plan to move the center to a different site. <br>Ashley Hawkins/USAF

Pentagon reconsiders plan to relocate key US intelligence hub within Britain

A U.S. intelligence gathering hub at RAF Molesworth, one of several American bases that had been slated for closure, could stay where it is as the Pentagon reconsiders a plan to move the center to a different site.

FaceApp is displayed on an iPhone Wednesday, July 17, 2019, in New York. The popular app is under fire for privacy concerns. <br>Jenny Kane/AP
FaceApp is displayed on an iPhone Wednesday, July 17, 2019, in New York. The popular app is under fire for privacy concerns. <br>Jenny Kane/AP

Army command in Germany warns personnel of potential FaceApp privacy risks

U.S. military officials in Europe have issued a “cyber alert” warning that a photo filter application owned by a Russia-based company could pose a security risk.

An F-35 Lightning II flies away from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany June 18, 2019. The Air Force deployed F-35s and F-15s to Germany on a short notice deployment, part of a Pentagon concept to send military assets overseas on quick training missions.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes
An F-35 Lightning II flies away from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany June 18, 2019. The Air Force deployed F-35s and F-15s to Germany on a short notice deployment, part of a Pentagon concept to send military assets overseas on quick training missions.<br>Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes

Air Force sends F-35s, F-15s to Europe in combat readiness test

The U.S. Air Force sent a group of fighters and transport aircraft to Poland, Lithuania and Estonia Tuesday in a test of the service's ability to quickly deploy air power overseas, the military said.

With the assistance of a German engineer battalion, Strykers from the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment complete a contested wet-gap crossing near Kaunas, Lithuania, during training in June 2018. A defense bill passed by lawmakers wants the Pentagon to examine how to better reinforce the Baltics with more air defenses, troop rotations and other measures aimed at countering Russia. <br>Ellen Brabo/U.S. Army
With the assistance of a German engineer battalion, Strykers from the 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment complete a contested wet-gap crossing near Kaunas, Lithuania, during training in June 2018. A defense bill passed by lawmakers wants the Pentagon to examine how to better reinforce the Baltics with more air defenses, troop rotations and other measures aimed at countering Russia. <br>Ellen Brabo/U.S. Army

Proposed law calls on Pentagon to consider more troops, surveillance in Baltic region

The Baltic region has long been an area of concern for the U.S. military in Europe, and U.S. military and Western security analysts have warned that NATO allies may be outgunned by Russia in the Baltics.

Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers are seen in Sevastopol in 2018. A first shipment of the sophisticated missile defense system arrived in Turkey on Friday, July 12, 2019.<br>Courtesy Russian Defense Ministry
Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers are seen in Sevastopol in 2018. A first shipment of the sophisticated missile defense system arrived in Turkey on Friday, July 12, 2019.<br>Courtesy Russian Defense Ministry

Turkey takes shipment of Russian S-400 missile defense system despite US warnings

The first shipment of a sophisticated Russian missile defense system arrived in Turkey on Friday, as the prospect of U.S. sanctions looms over the NATO ally.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service said 5 Star Nutrition has blocked the sale of the products, “Alpha Shredded” and “Trenatestin,” on military installations.<br>BreeAnn Sachs/U.S. Air Force
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service said 5 Star Nutrition has blocked the sale of the products, “Alpha Shredded” and “Trenatestin,” on military installations.<br>BreeAnn Sachs/U.S. Air Force

Supplements containing steroids found at Moody Air Force Base exchange

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service said 5 Star Nutrition has blocked the sale of the products, “Alpha Shredded” and “Trenatestin,” on military installations.

U.S. soldiers participate in an exercise at the Panzer Range Complex in Boeblingen, Germany, April 16, 2019. The Army will pay an additional $1.2 million to cover the costs of lowering noise levels at the suburban Stuttgart firing range, where locals have long complained about the crackle of gunfire.<br>Jason D. Johnston/U.S. Army
U.S. soldiers participate in an exercise at the Panzer Range Complex in Boeblingen, Germany, April 16, 2019. The Army will pay an additional $1.2 million to cover the costs of lowering noise levels at the suburban Stuttgart firing range, where locals have long complained about the crackle of gunfire.<br>Jason D. Johnston/U.S. Army

Army bill jumps by $1.2 million for noise reduction at Stuttgart area range

The U.S. Army has agreed to pay an additional $1.2 million to cover the costs of a project to lower noise levels at a suburban Stuttgart firing range, where frustrated locals have long complained about the crackle of gunfire.

Chinese troops unload a Role 2 mobile hospital for exercise Combined Aid 2019 in Feldkirchen, Germany, July 3, 2019. China for the first time has deployed armored medical vehicles and personnel to Europe to conduct training with the Germany military.<br>Dirk Bannert/German army
Chinese troops unload a Role 2 mobile hospital for exercise Combined Aid 2019 in Feldkirchen, Germany, July 3, 2019. China for the first time has deployed armored medical vehicles and personnel to Europe to conduct training with the Germany military.<br>Dirk Bannert/German army

In a first, Chinese military deploys for medical drill with German forces in Europe

The Chinese army for the first time has deployed armored medical vehicles and personnel to Europe to conduct training with the German military, marking a groundbreaking foray into NATO territory.

A remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper taxis toward the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, March 1, 2019. An unspecified number of MQ-9 Reapers, personnel and support equipment temporarily relocated to Campia Turzii Air Base, Romania, while the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base undergoes construction.<br>Preston Cherry/U.S. Air Force
A remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper taxis toward the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base, Poland, March 1, 2019. An unspecified number of MQ-9 Reapers, personnel and support equipment temporarily relocated to Campia Turzii Air Base, Romania, while the runway at Miroslawiec Air Base undergoes construction.<br>Preston Cherry/U.S. Air Force

US drones make temporary move to Black Sea region

The shift south for a group of MQ-9 Reapers was prompted by construction at their main operating base in northwest Poland, U.S. Air Forces in Europe said.

Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann took command of U.S. Marines in Europe and Africa from Maj. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn on Tuesday, July 7, 2019, during a ceremony at Devil Dog Field at the unit's headquarters in Boeblingen, Germany.<br>U.S. Marine Corps
Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann took command of U.S. Marines in Europe and Africa from Maj. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn on Tuesday, July 7, 2019, during a ceremony at Devil Dog Field at the unit's headquarters in Boeblingen, Germany.<br>U.S. Marine Corps

New commander will oversee Marines from the Arctic to Africa

Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Hermesmann will lead a mission that involves everything from countering Russia in the High North to improving the combat skills of allies involved in counterterrorism fights in Africa.

A soldier demonstrates how to use the Javelin anti-tank missile system to a delegation of senior Ukrainian military officials at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany in 2017. Ukraine for the first time has asked to purchase U.S. military equipment through the Pentagon's weapons sales program.<br>Kayla Christopher/U.S. Army
A soldier demonstrates how to use the Javelin anti-tank missile system to a delegation of senior Ukrainian military officials at Hohenfels Training Area, Germany in 2017. Ukraine for the first time has asked to purchase U.S. military equipment through the Pentagon's weapons sales program.<br>Kayla Christopher/U.S. Army

Ukraine seeks weapons through Pentagon foreign sales program for first time

America’s top diplomat in Ukraine said the U.S. is in the process of reviewing the request. While the West has offered various forms of support to Ukraine’s military since 2014, the U.S. only recently began providing lethal military gear.

Russian 9M728 cruise missiles, left, and 9M723 short-range ballistic missiles, right. <br>Courtesy Russian Ministry of Defense
Russian 9M728 cruise missiles, left, and 9M723 short-range ballistic missiles, right. <br>Courtesy Russian Ministry of Defense

NATO, Russia talks yield no progress as demise of key missile ban looms

High level talks between the U.S.-led NATO alliance and Russian officials Friday failed to produce a solution in a dispute over a new Russian missile system that is putting at risk a Cold War-era arms control treaty.

Nigerien Armed Forces conduct a convoy movement, key leader engagement and ambush exercise during Flintlock 18 in Niger, April 2018. U.S. Africa Command said it provided surveillance support earlier this week and assisted in the evacuation of Niger forces caught in a battle with Islamic militants near an army camp at the country's border with Mali.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Africa Command
Nigerien Armed Forces conduct a convoy movement, key leader engagement and ambush exercise during Flintlock 18 in Niger, April 2018. U.S. Africa Command said it provided surveillance support earlier this week and assisted in the evacuation of Niger forces caught in a battle with Islamic militants near an army camp at the country's border with Mali.<br>Jeremiah Runser/U.S. Africa Command

US Africa Command provided backup during deadly attack in Niger

The U.S. military provided surveillance support and helped with the evacuation of Niger forces during a battle with suspected Islamic militants last week, AFRICOM said.