The ‘March of Folly’: America’s headlong lurch into Vietnam began with just 3,500 Marines
On March 8, 1965, 3,500 Marines of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade — the first combat troops in Vietnam — waded ashore to the coastal city of Da Nang. Unlike their forefathers, who were met with lethal sprays of machine guns and shells on the shores of...
The US Navy wants you … to make ‘Drone Killer’ ammunition
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division last month revealed the service’s new “Drone Killer Cartridge,” or DKC, a small-arms ammunition specifically designed to destroy small quadcopter drones. In the announcement, Brian Hoffman, chief engineer of NSWC Crane’s Man-Portable Weapons, explained that the ammo works...
Ukraine’s drone masters eye Iran war to kickstart export ambitions
Ukraine’s war has forced the country to become a trailblazer in drone interception. The conflict in the Middle East could be its make-or-break moment to take the technology global. In an effort to export Ukrainian systems and know-how, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criss-crossed the Gulf...
Japanese destroyer can now fire Tomahawk missiles, extending nation’s combat punch
MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese destroyer JS Chokai is now capable of launching U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles, making it the first Japanese warship that can strike targets beyond 1,000 kilometers. This development marks a key shift in the country’s defense strategy. Japan committed to acquiring...
Senator stalls 3 ‘unfit’ officer promotions in retort to Hegseth
An Oregon senator has placed a hold on unanimous consent promotions for three military officers, citing behavior — including war zone misconduct allegations and a podcast with extremist language and viewpoints — that he says make the officers “unfit” for higher roles. Sen. Ron Wyden,...
Pentagon reportedly preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran
The Pentagon is putting together plans for weeks of ground operations in Iran as U.S. forces amass in the region, the Washington Post reported. Citing multiple U.S. officials, the Post report suggested ground operations could involve both conventional infantry and special operations elements, but would...
USS Tripoli, embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive in Middle East
U.S. Marines and sailors assigned to the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group arrived in U.S. Central Command waters on Friday, the command announced. The group, led by the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, departed earlier this month from its homeport of Sasebo, Japan. Also included...
Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Croatia for repairs
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which had been deployed in U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, anchored in Croatia’s Adriatic port of Split on Saturday for repairs and maintenance. The Ford, America’s newest and the world’s largest carrier, was operating in the Red Sea in...
One year later, has the military really secured the US-Mexico border?
Editor’s note: This article first appeared on The War Horse, an award-winning nonprofit news organization educating the public on military service, and The Border Chronicle, which produces independent, investigative journalism on the U.S.-Mexico border. On a warm, winter Sunday, the Playas de Tijuana in Mexico...
10 US troops wounded in Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Airbase
Editor’s note: This is a developing story. Ten U.S. service members were wounded Friday in an Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, the Wall Street Journal first reported. Two of the 10 personnel, all of whom were reportedly inside an installation...
