The Defense Department has disciplined more than 12 military personnel for the October airstrikes on a Doctors Without Borders Hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, though no criminal charges are included, reported The Associated Press. Air Force and other military personnel involved in the AC-130 airstrike that killed 42 people in Afghanistan face administrative actions and letters of reprimand, which could end chances for promotion. Those disciplined include both officers and enlisted, and none of the service members have been named, the AP reported. A redacted investigation is expected soon. The military’s preliminary report on the incident, released in November, found it to be a “tragic, but avoidable, accident caused by human error,” the former commander of US forces in Afghanistan, Army Gen. John Campbell, said Nov. 25.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…