NATO will take control of some 12,000 American troops based in eastern Afghanistan, a decision agreed upon by the alliance’s defense ministers and US military officials. A NATO statement said the International Security Assistance Force would expand to include another 14 provinces in the eastern section, and would be assisting the Afghan government with security throughout the country. NATO says the expansion would be implemented once US Marine Gen. James L. Jones, NATO’s operational commander, issues an activation order, expected shortly.
The "Air Force One" replacement will be two to three years late due to pandemic issues, testing, and the loss of a subcontractor on the interior, USAF officials reported at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. They were also warned that some HASC members will insist on a competition for…