Defense

Medals for military valor rarely in the spotlight

The rate at which such medals are awarded has dropped well below that during the Vietnam War and World War II.

Defense

Future tanks could surprise critics

New vehicles are likely to be more agile and fuel efficient, but heavily armed.

Defense

Infantry transformed by new tools, training

The average infantryman now carries 65 to 90 pounds of equipment into combat.

Defense

As reservists come home, Pentagon shifts burden to regular forces

National Guard and Reserve troops filled the gap in Iraq while the regular Army underwent a radical overhaul.

News

Air Force aims for fresh image with public affairs overhaul

Officials tapped to fill top posts in expanded communications shop are cargo pilots with limited press experience.

Management

VA medical system earns high customer satisfaction ratings

Survey fails, however, to capture large number of veterans without access to care.

Defense

Hurricane response shows gaps in public-private coordination

After Katrina, corporate officials and federal employees relied on personal connections, fortunate coincidences to join forces.

Defense

Little law has big impact on use of military at home

The dirty little secret of the Posse Comitatus Act, experts say, is that it doesn't restrict much.

Defense

In one Louisiana parish, flexibility trumps bureaucracy

The experience of Plaquemines Parish, La., after Katrina points to a new, more fluid way to organize relief operations.

Defense

Dwindling number of aircraft may seal fate of Air Guard

Under base closing proposal, 23 Air National Guard units would be stripped of their planes.

Defense

Efforts to combat nuclear terrorism hindered by porous borders

Defense

Fight for Marine One contract grows intense

News

Special ATF crew assembled for convention

Defense

EPA scout plane on lookout for toxic chemicals at GOP convention

Agency teams with Army on airborne detection system deployed for high-profile events.

Defense

K-9s help bolster security during convention

Defense

Military stretched thin in war efforts

A look at President Bush’s record on Defense transformation.

Defense

The Fallen: A profile of U.S. troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan

Memorial Day is an appropriate moment to pause and take notice of those who have paid the ultimate price.

Defense

Iraqi security forces risky, but vital part of reconstruction

The United States and their coalition partners have been working quickly to set up five indigenous Iraqi forces to put an Iraqi face on the occupation and its police and security functions.