DOD Identifies Soldier Killed in Hostage Rescue

By Jennifer Hlad
The Pentagon identified the soldier killed in a special operations raid to free hostages in Iraq as Army MSgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, of Roland, Okla. Wheeler died after being shot by ISIS fighters during a mission that freed almost...

Defining Combat

By Jennifer Hlad
After insisting raids like the one in Iraq that resulted in the death of Army MSgt. Joshua Wheeler do not constitute combat, Defense Secretary Ash Carter reversed course, ending a Pentagon press conference Friday by saying “this is combat.” Carter...

Luke Issues New F-35 Helmet

By Brian W. Everstine
Luke AFB, Ariz., issued the first next-generation F-35 helmet to a Norwegian Air Force pilot in training, according to a base release. The new helmet, built by Rockwell Collins, features upgrades in night vision, optics, and liquid-crystal displays, according to...

Congress Will Attempt To Override Veto

By Jennifer Hlad
House Republicans said Oct. 22 they will do “everything we can” to override President Obama’s veto of the National Defense Authorization Act. Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the House will vote on the...

Carter Calls for Budget Compromise

By Elise Steinberger
Defense Secretary Ash Carter said he was frustrated and disappointed President Obama vetoed the National Defense Authorization Act, noting the budget “gridlock,” now and in recent years, does a disservice to the troops. “This is a source of uncertainty for...

Peach State Herc Renewal

By Arie Church
The Georgia Air National Guard’s 165th Airlift Wing began recapitalizing its C-130H fleet with newer airframes that incorporate more modern avionics, according to a unit release. “With the replacements we are gaining enhanced navigational capability, electronic flight instrumentation, whereas before...

Play Together, Save Together

The Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force concluded the two-week combat search and rescue Exercise Pacific Thunder at Osan AB, Korea, on Oct. 23. “This exercise helps us bring together assets who would be involved and integrated into...

SOUTHCOM: Budget Cuts Could be Catastrophic

By Brian W. Everstine
A long-term continuing resolution or other future budget uncertainty would be “catastrophic” for US Southern Command, a command that already receives very little military assets. Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, commander of USSOUTHCOM, said during an appearance at the Center...