Policy

Inside Reach 871, A US C-17 Packed With 640 Afghans Trying to Escape the Taliban

The Air Force evacuation flight from Kabul to Qatar came near the record for most people ever flown in the Boeing airlifter.

Policy

Panic at Kabul Airport Imperils Evacuation Flights; At Least Two Afghans Dead

U.S. warns that any attacks on evacuation will meet “a forceful response,” but how long will the Taliban hold off?

Threats

Taliban Take Presidential Palace as Kabul Falls With Americans, Afghans Still Trapped

U.S. races yet another 1,000 troops to Kabul. Total force on ground to jump to 6,000 within days.

Threats

The Taliban Captured Helicopters. Can They Capture an Air Force?

These are the lethal warplanes that could fall under Taliban control.

Policy

Pentagon Sends 3,000 Troops to Secure Kabul Airport as US Evacuates Embassy Staff, Interpreters

Secretary Austin is also requesting additional military aircraft be ready to assist, rapidly get personnel out.

Policy

Spacesuits and Lawsuits Put 2024 Moon Landing in Jeopardy

Two lunar-exploration spacesuits won’t be ready, a new report says, while bid protests have held up work on the lander.

Science & Tech

Hypersonic Missile Defense May Depend on Low Earth Orbit Satellites

Sensors in relatively low orbits may be the best way to spot superfast missiles—but they can’t do the job alone.

Science & Tech

If China and the US Claim the Same Moon-Base Site, Who Wins?

Relatively few craters are attractive, and there’s no consensus about avoiding conflict over them.

Threats

Pentagon Police Officer Dead, Several Other People Injured, After Attack at Metro Entrance

Shooting raises new questions about whether the public transit point just outside the military’s headquarters can ever be fully secured.

Policy

For US Troops, Getting COVID Vaccine Is Now a Matter of 'How and When'

President tells Pentagon to add COVID to list of required vaccinations. He also imposed requirements on federal employees and contractors who decline to get vaccinated.

Threats

Wildfires Are So Dangerous Now that the National Guard Prepares for Them Like Hurricanes

For West Coast units, there’s no wildfire season anymore. ‘It’s really a fire year now,’ top general says.

Policy

DOD Reimposes Mask Mandate Inside Pentagon, Other Bases Near ‘Substantial’ COVID Transmission

Troops, employees, contractors, and others must wear masks indoors on Defense Department facilities in the Pentagon and these areas.

Policy

‘We Will Not Flinch’: Austin Promises US Will Continue to Bolster Taiwan’s Self-Defense

In Singapore, defense secretary chides Beijing for “aggression...coercion...genocide” but says he wants a “constructive, stable relationship with China.”

Policy

‘It Failed Miserably’: After Wargaming Loss, Joint Chiefs Are Overhauling How the US Military Will Fight

In a fake battle for Taiwan, U.S. forces lost network access almost immediately. Hyten has issued four directives to help change that.

Policy

US Will End Combat Mission In Iraq, Biden Says

US needs to 'divert more of our body on threats in China and Russia,' says Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Gen. Hyten