Can the US ‘run’ Venezuela? Military force doesn’t equal legitimacy
By declaring its intent to govern Venezuela, the U.S is creating a governance trap of its own making, Monica Duffy Toft argues.
Military Culture
Ode to James Ransone’s memorable portrayal of a junior enlisted Marine
In just seven episodes, James Ransone churned out one of the most relatable on-screen depictions of life as a junior enlisted Marine.
We pined for the comforts of home. We got socks for Christmas instead.
"Do they think we’re deployed, or homeless?" Care packages reveal Americans have little idea what modern soldiers need.
A drone ‘war is more silent and more deadly’ — and America is behind
If the U.S. is ever dragged into a large-scale war against an adversary like China or Iran, it will be ill-equipped for a drone-heavy background.
How wargaming can help us prepare for modern crises
We might not be able to predict the future perfectly given the speed of change. But we can test the options for potential futures.
Opinion
Why a Gulf–Israel rapid response force still makes sense
A Middle East rapid-response force would not only deter aggression — it would symbolize a new era of partnership and self-reliance.
How Ahmed al-Sharaa ended up being welcomed to the White House
The question remains of what Trump and al-Sharaa want from each other.
After World War I, séances boomed – and dead soldiers ‘wrote’ home
In March 1915, Raymond Lodge was deployed to France. By September, he was dead. A few weeks later, however, he got in touch with his family.
Vietnam was scary enough. Friday the 13th added to our fear.
"I could not shake the feeling that today was going to be a scary day," a Vietnam veteran writes in this War Horse reflection.
Opinion
US troops should be alarmed at Trump’s strikes on alleged drug boats
The author of this op-ed argues the recent strikes on alleged drug boats create a precedent that gives an advantage to America's near-peer adversaries.
Recovery, resilience and returning from war in Ukraine
Soldiers have found ways to live their lives as productively as possible — and many still want to serve their country, even back at the front line.
Opinion
The GWOT Memorial must be purpose-built to evolve
While laudable, if the Global War on Terrorism Memorial is to have lasting meaning, it cannot be built as a static shrine, the author of this op-ed argues.
Trump’s National Guard deployments reignite 200-year-old legal debate
"If you’re confused about what the law does and doesn’t allow the president to do with the National Guard, that’s understandable," writes Andrea Katz.
Opinion
Air Force squadrons are closing — reversing it demands investment
The Air Force has passed the point where more cannot be done with less. The Trump administration and Congress need to sufficiently resource the Air Force.
Hegseth’s style counters military’s history as engine of social change
Professors of military history say Hegseth’s actions — and plans for more — are a reversal of the role the American military has often played.
The heartbreakingly common story of my military suicide attempt
"Maybe that’s what makes this story different. Not that it’s mine, but exactly because it isn’t," a Marine veteran writes in this War Horse reflection.
Opinion
How Washington’s drone policy is catching up to reality
The MTCR reinterpretation should be coupled with updated nonproliferation standards and robust safeguards to balance competition and global responsibility.
