Threats

Defense Secretary Orders US Airlines to Help With Evacuation

It's only the third time in history that the U.S. airlines have been mobilized by the military.

Policy

It Really Was 800+ Afghans on That Plane. They Forgot to Count the Kids.

The iconic photo of Reach 871, the packed U.S. Air Force C-17 cargo plane, touched people around the world—and highlighted the dire situation now facing Afghans.

Policy

More Seats Than Passengers: Paperwork, Taliban Slow Afghanistan Evacuation

But the pace is picking up. Some 6,000 "will soon board planes," a State Department spokesman said.

Policy

‘All the Signs Have Been There’ Predicting Afghan Security Force Collapse, IG Says

For more than a decade, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction has been warning about “ghost soldiers” and corruption to anyone willing to pay attention.

Policy

Air Force Launches Investigation Into Deadly Kabul C-17 Flight

Mobbed by civilians, the Globemaster crew raced to get back in the air. The service’s investigations office will look into the deaths that followed.

Threats

Afghanistan Veterans Struggling With News of Taliban Takeover

Advocates encourage veterans to use VA, veteran service organization resources for help.

Policy

US Ramps Up Emergency Kabul Airlift to Get 5,000 to 9,000 Out Per Day

American commanders are in direct talks with Taliban, who now control all outside access to the airport

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.

Ideas

We Never Did What Was Necessary in Afghanistan

We lost. It’s painful and infuriating, but a few more troops and a little more time would change nothing.

Business

As Delta Variant Spreads, Trade Shows Impose Mask Mandates

The Association for the U.S. Army said it will not limit attendance unless required by the local government.

Business

US Air Force, Venture Firms Make $60 Million Bet on Hypersonic Aircraft Startup

The deal calls for Georgia-based Hermeus to accelerate development of reusable test aircraft.

Science & Tech

The US Navy Is Reversing Its Fighter-Jet Design Philosophy

NavAir commander says the next-gen plane will be designed around certain cutting-edge technologies.

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.