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John Vandiver

Soldiers with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade look at a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense weapon system at Fort Hood, Texas. The unit will send a THAAD system to Romania this summer.<br>69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
Soldiers with the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade look at a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense weapon system at Fort Hood, Texas. The unit will send a THAAD system to Romania this summer.<br>69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

THAAD anti-missile system to deploy to Romania

The deployment came at the request of NATO and is needed while maintenance is done on the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Romania, U.S. European Command said.

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An unexploded 500-pound bomb from World War II has been discovered in the Wiesbaden suburb of Bierstadt, east of Aukamm Housing Area. It will be detonated at 7 p.m., Aril 11, 2019, by the German authorities. The bomb was found at the center of the evacuation area, marked in red.<br>Courtesy of Geoportal Wiesbaden
An unexploded 500-pound bomb from World War II has been discovered in the Wiesbaden suburb of Bierstadt, east of Aukamm Housing Area. It will be detonated at 7 p.m., Aril 11, 2019, by the German authorities. The bomb was found at the center of the evacuation area, marked in red.<br>Courtesy of Geoportal Wiesbaden

WWII bomb leads to evacuations near Wiesbaden base housing area

A World War II-era bomb discovered near an Army housing area in Wiesbaden has prompted local evacuations, but base facilities are not affected, the military said Thursday.

A Norwegian air force F-35 flies over Norway in August 2018. Turkey's insistence on moving forward with its plan to buy Russian S-400 surface-to-air missiles has provoked threats from top U.S. officials, who warn that could mean the cancellation of a deal to sell F-35 fighters to Ankara.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
A Norwegian air force F-35 flies over Norway in August 2018. Turkey's insistence on moving forward with its plan to buy Russian S-400 surface-to-air missiles has provoked threats from top U.S. officials, who warn that could mean the cancellation of a deal to sell F-35 fighters to Ankara.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Turkish president rejects US ultimatum, says missile deal with Moscow final

The president of Turkey said Wednesday that his country’s plan to acquire a Russian air defense system has been finalized, marking the latest rejection of a demand by Washington that the NATO ally abandon its deal with Moscow or face consequences.

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

AFRICOM evacuates US forces from Libya as fighting intensifies

U.S. forces in Libya have been evacuated for their safety in connection with the deteriorating security situation in the country, which now has U.S. Africa Command conducting “prudent military planning” as it assesses the situation, the military said Sunday.

Commander of the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Thomas Waldhauser arrives for the start of a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 7, 2019. After the hearing in which questions arose over U.S. military airstrikes in Somalia, Waldhauser ordered an in-depth review to determine if civilians had been killed in the airstrikes.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Commander of the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Thomas Waldhauser arrives for the start of a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 7, 2019. After the hearing in which questions arose over U.S. military airstrikes in Somalia, Waldhauser ordered an in-depth review to determine if civilians had been killed in the airstrikes.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Civilian deaths in Somalia airstrike weren’t reported properly, AFRICOM says

A U.S. counterterrorism unit inaccurately reported the deaths of two civilians in Somalia following an airstrike, U.S. Africa Command said Friday, marking the first public acknowledgement that noncombatants have been killed in the military’s expanded bombing campaign in the country.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with NATO foreign ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on April 3, 2019. Pompeo said the following day that China's actions will influence the alliance's future course.<br>Courtesy NATO
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo with NATO foreign ministers and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on April 3, 2019. Pompeo said the following day that China's actions will influence the alliance's future course.<br>Courtesy NATO

US leaders say China is an emerging threat for NATO

The U.S.-led NATO pact must adapt to face an increased threat posed by China even as European allies work to counter Russia’s activities, America’s top diplomat said Thursday at a meeting of alliance foreign ministers.

U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katherine Wheelbarger and Lithuanian Policy Director Robertas Sapronas pose after signing the U.S-Lithuania Defense Cooperation Strategic Roadmap at the Pentagon, April 2, 2019.<br>DOD
U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Katherine Wheelbarger and Lithuanian Policy Director Robertas Sapronas pose after signing the U.S-Lithuania Defense Cooperation Strategic Roadmap at the Pentagon, April 2, 2019.<br>DOD

With Lithuania pact, US signals increased military role near Russia

The United States will continue to deploy troops to Lithuania and help the country develop anti-tank and missile systems, according to a comprehensive defense agreement the two countries signed this week to boost cooperation in a region set on edge by Russia’s military resurgence.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, April 3, 2019.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addresses a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, April 3, 2019.<br>Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes

Safer together: NATO chief tells Congress that pact must endure amid global threats

The United States is stronger with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization than it would be without it, the head of the 29-nation alliance said Wednesday in Washington, marking the first time the leader of the security pact addressed a joint session of Congress.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Washington. <br>Evan Vucci/AP
President Donald Trump shakes hands with with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Washington. <br>Evan Vucci/AP

Trump praises NATO allies for spending but says Germany not contributing enough

President Donald Trump took credit Tuesday for an increase in defense spending among NATO members, suggesting that an alliance he has harshly criticized has turned a corner. But Germany did not escape criticism.

Gen. Tod D. Wolters, left, and Gen. Stephen J. Townsend share a laugh as they prepare to testify Tuesday, April 2, 2019, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Wolters has been nominated to head the European Command and Townsend to head the Africa Command.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Gen. Tod D. Wolters, left, and Gen. Stephen J. Townsend share a laugh as they prepare to testify Tuesday, April 2, 2019, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Wolters has been nominated to head the European Command and Townsend to head the Africa Command.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

AFRICOM, EUCOM nominees eye Russia, China as major concerns

Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters and Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend faced questioning Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, following their nominations to head the European Command and Africa Command respectively.

A view of NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. According to observers, a chief concern as the alliance turns 70 is that the source of tension is mainly coming from NATO's two most important member states: the U.S. and Germany.<br>NATO
A view of NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. According to observers, a chief concern as the alliance turns 70 is that the source of tension is mainly coming from NATO's two most important member states: the U.S. and Germany.<br>NATO

ANALYSIS

NATO 70th anniversary comes with celebrations and an undercurrent of uncertainty

Even as NATO leaders tout generations of solidarity, analysts wonder whether the pact’s close ties will last.

Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Wagnon, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, unloads a World Food Program pallet from a C-130J Hercules at Maputo International Airport, Mozambique, March 30, 2019, for the relief effort in Mozambique and surrounding areas following Cyclone Idai.<br>Corban Lundborg/U.S. Air Force
Air Force Master Sgt. Patrick Wagnon, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, unloads a World Food Program pallet from a C-130J Hercules at Maputo International Airport, Mozambique, March 30, 2019, for the relief effort in Mozambique and surrounding areas following Cyclone Idai.<br>Corban Lundborg/U.S. Air Force

Military relief efforts in Mozambique in full swing

U.S. Africa Command is delivering food and supplies after Cyclone Idai spurred widespread flooding in Mozambique, causing more than 700 deaths and displacing thousands of people.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook sails alongside Georgian coast guard ships in the Black Sea, Jan. 25, 2019. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance has stepped up its presence in the Black Sea and would continue to work closely with partners in the region.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy
The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook sails alongside Georgian coast guard ships in the Black Sea, Jan. 25, 2019. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance has stepped up its presence in the Black Sea and would continue to work closely with partners in the region.<br>Ford Williams/U.S. Navy

NATO approves spending at US forces support site in Poland, eyes expanded presence in Black Sea

NATO said construction on the site near Powidz, Poland, will begin this summer and is expected to take about two years to complete.

U.S. Veterans for Peace activists Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff are shown following their March 18, 2019, arraignment in Ennis, Ireland.The veterans turned peace activists are awaiting trial on charges of trespassing in connection with allegations they approached a suspected U.S. military aircraft on layover at the Shannon Airport.<br>Ellen Davidson/Creative Commons
U.S. Veterans for Peace activists Ken Mayers and Tarak Kauff are shown following their March 18, 2019, arraignment in Ennis, Ireland.The veterans turned peace activists are awaiting trial on charges of trespassing in connection with allegations they approached a suspected U.S. military aircraft on layover at the Shannon Airport.<br>Ellen Davidson/Creative Commons

US veterans face trial after peace protest in Ireland

The Irish Times reported that the two breached security in an effort to reach an aircraft they believed was used to transport U.S. troops. The men did not reach the aircraft and were detained by authorities.

In an August, 2018 file photo, Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, tours the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Ga. <br>Markeith Horace/U.S. Army
In an August, 2018 file photo, Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, tours the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning, Ga. <br>Markeith Horace/U.S. Army

Army Gen. Stephen Townsend is nominated to lead AFRICOM

For the past year, Gen. Stephen J. Townsend has been the commander in charge of Army training. If confirmed, he will replace Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, who has commanded AFRICOM since 2016.

Capt. Kris Candelaria, commander Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, arrives to the firing line in the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in a M2 Bradley on March 23, 2019. <br>Michael Eaddy/U.S. Army
Capt. Kris Candelaria, commander Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, arrives to the firing line in the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in a M2 Bradley on March 23, 2019. <br>Michael Eaddy/U.S. Army

‘We got zero notice’: Army resumes Cold War-era snap deployments to Europe

The Army is relearning the art of snap deployments as it adapts to a new Pentagon strategy — known as Dynamic Force Employment — that calls upon the military as a whole to keep adversaries off balance with more unpredictable troop movements.

Marines from the U.S. and Ukraine standing together after a company-level attack during the land portion of Exercise Sea Breeze, Saturday, July 14, 2018. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said NATO allies could take additional steps when allies convene next week to help Ukraine defend against Russia.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
Marines from the U.S. and Ukraine standing together after a company-level attack during the land portion of Exercise Sea Breeze, Saturday, July 14, 2018. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said NATO allies could take additional steps when allies convene next week to help Ukraine defend against Russia.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

Pompeo wants NATO to take ‘actions’ to help Ukraine

The U.S. and its allies in Europe could agree at an upcoming NATO meeting to provide more support to Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russian aggression in the region, America’s top diplomat said Wednesday.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James D. Craig, center, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa commander, talks with staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development about getting aid to people affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.<br>Courtesy USAID/Facebook
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James D. Craig, center, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa commander, talks with staff from the U.S. Agency for International Development about getting aid to people affected by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.<br>Courtesy USAID/Facebook

Airfield assessments underway as military readies for Mozambique mission

A U.S. military team dispatched to Mozambique to help with disaster relief efforts is assessing airfields in the country as it prepares to deliver supplies into areas where floods have forced thousands from their homes.

Displaced families set up their bedding on top of the roof in Buzi district, 120 miles outside Beira, Mozambique, on Saturday, March 23, 2019. <br>Themba Hadebe/Associated Press
Displaced families set up their bedding on top of the roof in Buzi district, 120 miles outside Beira, Mozambique, on Saturday, March 23, 2019. <br>Themba Hadebe/Associated Press

AFRICOM to aid Mozambique following deadly tropical storm

The Pentagon authorized AFRICOM to expend up to $6.5 million in relief funds to provide logistics support for up to 10 days.

Somali national army soldiers stand in formation during a logistics course graduation ceremony in August 2018. Soldiers from Somalia's advanced infantry Danab battalion spent 14 weeks training with the U.S. 10th Mountain Division.<br>Evan Parker/U.S. Navy
Somali national army soldiers stand in formation during a logistics course graduation ceremony in August 2018. Soldiers from Somalia's advanced infantry Danab battalion spent 14 weeks training with the U.S. 10th Mountain Division.<br>Evan Parker/U.S. Navy

US helps Somali commando force grow from battalion to brigade

U.S. Africa Command is aiding the buildup of a specialized commando brigade in Somalia that has emerged as a key force in the fight to reclaim territory held by al-Qaida-aligned insurgents.

Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles drop 2,000-pound joint direct attack munitions. A recent Amnesty International report found that U.S. Africa Command airstikes in Somalia have killed civilians.<br>Michael B. Keller/U.S. Air Force
Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles drop 2,000-pound joint direct attack munitions. A recent Amnesty International report found that U.S. Africa Command airstikes in Somalia have killed civilians.<br>Michael B. Keller/U.S. Air Force

AFRICOM denies Amnesty International claims that US airstrikes killed civilians in Somalia

A report released Wednesday found five incidents in which 14 civilians were killed and eight injured in U.S. strikes in Somalia, which could be in violation of international law.

The fourth suspect has been arrested in connection to an attempted robbery of an American living in Landstuhl.<br>Courtesy of the German police
The fourth suspect has been arrested in connection to an attempted robbery of an American living in Landstuhl.<br>Courtesy of the German police

Fourth suspect arrested in attempted robbery of American family in Landstuhl that left one intruder dead

The fourth suspect, apprehended in the city of Darmstadt, is a 33-year-old French citizen. Two other suspects — both brothers of the man who died of stab wounds following the break-in — already are in custody.

Georgian army soldiers stand watch in the middle of a snow fall during a combat exercise at Norio Training Area, Georgia, Nov. 15, 2018. <br>William Dickinson/U.S. Army
Georgian army soldiers stand watch in the middle of a snow fall during a combat exercise at Norio Training Area, Georgia, Nov. 15, 2018. <br>William Dickinson/U.S. Army

Funds to deter Russia, build base schools in Europe could go to US-Mexico border wall

The U.S. military’s buildup along NATO’s eastern flank, stretching from the Baltics and Poland down to Romania and Bulgaria, could be curtailed if the Trump administration elects to delay or cancel scores of planned construction projects to fund a border wall.

Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, began arriving in Berlin, Germany, after a snap mobilization, March 19, 2019.<br>U.S. Army
Soldiers from Fort Bliss, Texas, began arriving in Berlin, Germany, after a snap mobilization, March 19, 2019.<br>U.S. Army

Pentagon sends Fort Bliss troops on snap deployment to Europe

The sudden deployment is the latest sign of how the Pentagon’s “Dynamic Force Employment” strategy is altering how the Army operates in the U.S. European Command area.

The sign outside the U.S. military commissary at RAF Lakenheath, England in 2018. A Defense Department office is recommending that the military?s exchanges and commissary systems be consolidated into one entity, with merger planning already underway. William Howard/Stars and Stripes<br>William Howard/Stars and Stripes
The sign outside the U.S. military commissary at RAF Lakenheath, England in 2018. A Defense Department office is recommending that the military?s exchanges and commissary systems be consolidated into one entity, with merger planning already underway. William Howard/Stars and Stripes<br>William Howard/Stars and Stripes

Consolidation of commissaries and exchange stores gains Pentagon support

The measure still requires congressional backing since it would have to repeal a law that prohibits the consolidation of the military’s commissary and exchange systems.

Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan looks over his shoulder as he arrives for a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday, March 14, 2019.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan looks over his shoulder as he arrives for a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Thursday, March 14, 2019.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Pentagon chief says there’s nothing to Trump’s 'cost plus 50' idea

Last week, reports emerged that President Donald Trump was interested in charging allies such as Japan, South Korea and Germany the full cost of basing troops in their respective countries.

A German corporal with the NATO Readiness Joint Task Force trains with other NATO allies at the Rena training area in Norway during exercise Trident Juncture 18 in November. NATO defense spending rose for the fourth year in a row in 2018, but Germany continues to lag behind and is on track to miss a deadline that calls for significant increases by 2024, according to alliance data released Thursday.<br> Allied Joint Force Command
A German corporal with the NATO Readiness Joint Task Force trains with other NATO allies at the Rena training area in Norway during exercise Trident Juncture 18 in November. NATO defense spending rose for the fourth year in a row in 2018, but Germany continues to lag behind and is on track to miss a deadline that calls for significant increases by 2024, according to alliance data released Thursday.<br> Allied Joint Force Command

Alliance unity 'more important than ever,' NATO chief says as defense spending rises

NATO defense spending rose for the fourth year in a row in 2018, but Germany continues to lag behind and is on track to miss an alliance deadline that calls for significant increases by 2024, according to data released Thursday.

Commander of the U.S. European Command Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti and acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Kathryn Wheelbarger prepare to testify before a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Commander of the U.S. European Command Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti and acting Assistant Secretary of Defense Kathryn Wheelbarger prepare to testify before a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, March 13, 2019.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

Planning for a US base in Poland gains momentum

Discussions about a permanent U.S. military base in Poland are moving forward, with a top Pentagon official arriving in Warsaw this week to hammer out details on expanding the American military presence in the country, officials said.

A U.S. Army M1 Abrams tanks speeds to its firing position during the live fire exercise involving Polish and American troops in Zagan, Poland, on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
A U.S. Army M1 Abrams tanks speeds to its firing position during the live fire exercise involving Polish and American troops in Zagan, Poland, on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

US looks to trim budget for deterring Russia in Europe, increase ‘burden-sharing’ with allies

The Defense Department’s 2020 budget calls for $5.9 billion to fund the European Deterrent Initiative, down from $6.5 billion a year earlier. The funds support the rotation of U.S.-based troops into Europe to beef up NATO’s eastern flank, the prepositioning of weapons stockpiles and improvements in infrastructure.

M1A2 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles converge on a smoke signal during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, in March. President Trump is pushing a plan that demands allies pick up the full cost of hosting U.S. troops in their countries, plus a 50 percent premium for American protection, according to a news report.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes
M1A2 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles converge on a smoke signal during a live-fire exercise at Grafenwoehr, Germany, in March. President Trump is pushing a plan that demands allies pick up the full cost of hosting U.S. troops in their countries, plus a 50 percent premium for American protection, according to a news report.<br>Martin Egnash/Stars and Stripes

Report: Trump wants Germany, Japan and others to pay full cost plus a premium for US troops

Called “Cost Plus 50,” the plan demands allies pick up the full cost of hosting U.S. troops in their countries, plus a 50 percent premium for the privilege of American protection, Bloomberg reported.

Ready Reserve Force Vessel Cape Ray.<br>transportation.gov
Ready Reserve Force Vessel Cape Ray.<br>transportation.gov

‘Rotting’ ships and aging tankers could compromise the military’s ability to get to the fight, lawmakers warn

The Pentagon emphasizes the need to boost the combat readiness and modernize weaponry in an era of “great power competition.” But with planes and ships that would be called upon in a crisis in disrepair, it’s not clear the military could get equipment and troops to combat zones, lawmakers said.

Commander of the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Thomas Waldhauser testifies on Thursday, March 7, 2019, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Also testifying was Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen. Joseph Votel at left.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Commander of the U.S. Africa Command Gen. Thomas Waldhauser testifies on Thursday, March 7, 2019, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Also testifying was Commander of the U.S. Central Command Gen. Joseph Votel at left.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

AFRICOM commander calls for diplomatic push in Africa as US pulls troops from continent

The United States needs higher level political engagement in Africa to counter China’s growing influence even as the military cuts back troop levels on the continent, U.S. Africa Command’s commander told lawmakers Thursday.

Commander of the U.S. European Command Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti confers with aides on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, prior to the start of a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. In response to questioning, Scaparrotti told committee members that he was not "comfortable yet with the deterrent posture" that the Unites States and its allies have in Europe.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes
Commander of the U.S. European Command Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti confers with aides on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, prior to the start of a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. In response to questioning, Scaparrotti told committee members that he was not "comfortable yet with the deterrent posture" that the Unites States and its allies have in Europe.<br>Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes

EUCOM commander requests two more Navy destroyers, extra ground troops for Europe

The top U.S. officer in Europe told lawmakers Tuesday he has insufficient military firepower on the Continent and wants two more Navy warships under his command along with more ground forces to counter Russia.

American troops offload a THAAD launcher from a C-17 Globemaster III at Nevatim Air Base, Israel, Mar 1, 2019. The deployment of a Terminal Altitude Area Defense System to Israel is an exercise involving U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Israeli forces, under the Dynamic Force Employment concept.<br>Aaron Smith/U.S. Army
American troops offload a THAAD launcher from a C-17 Globemaster III at Nevatim Air Base, Israel, Mar 1, 2019. The deployment of a Terminal Altitude Area Defense System to Israel is an exercise involving U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Israeli forces, under the Dynamic Force Employment concept.<br>Aaron Smith/U.S. Army

Pentagon sends THAAD missile defense system to Israel

The decision to send the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system to Israel was part of a new Pentagon strategy that calls for the more rapid and unpredictable deployment of forces around the world.

A 1st Cavalry Division soldier ground guides a M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a live-fire exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, in 2018. On the bureaucratic battlefield for resources the Army, the military's largest branch, is weaker than the other services, a new RAND Corporation report says.<br>Jamar Marcel Pugh/U.S. Army National Guard
A 1st Cavalry Division soldier ground guides a M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle during a live-fire exercise at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, in 2018. On the bureaucratic battlefield for resources the Army, the military's largest branch, is weaker than the other services, a new RAND Corporation report says.<br>Jamar Marcel Pugh/U.S. Army National Guard

‘Army Strong’ is weak when it comes to lobbying for dollars on Capitol Hill, report finds

On the bureaucratic battlefield for resources, the military’s largest branch is weaker than the other services in self-promotion, a new RAND report says.

A Russian tank fires during a training exercise near Moscow. Russia reportedly will beef up its Baltic Fleet with a tank regiment and a coastal defense missile battalion.<br>Courtesy of Russian Ministry of Defense
A Russian tank fires during a training exercise near Moscow. Russia reportedly will beef up its Baltic Fleet with a tank regiment and a coastal defense missile battalion.<br>Courtesy of Russian Ministry of Defense

Russia defense chief calls Baltic buildup a response to NATO

Russia will add new tank and missile defense units to its Baltic fleet this year along with more modern weaponry for forces positioned in the vicinity of NATO turf, the country’s defense minister said.