December 20, 2015 Hagel says US speeding up training of Iraqi forces to fight ISIS Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says the U.S. military is accelerating its efforts to train and advise Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State militants.
December 20, 2015 Hagel announces new Pentagon research and development program Wary of a more muscular Russia and China, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Saturday the Pentagon will make a new push for fresh thinking and creative ideas about how the U.S. can keep and extend its military superiority despite tighter budgets and the wear and tear of 13 years of war.
December 20, 2015 Hagel orders nuke force overhaul, cites 'systematic problems' Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Friday ordered major changes in the management of America's nuclear arsenal to fix "systematic problems" in the wake of a series of embarrassing incidents, including a recent test-cheating scandal involving nuclear operators.
December 20, 2015 Hagel orders review of military health system amid VA scandal Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a sweeping review of the military health-care system to determine if it is hobbled by any of the problems recently exposed in the medical services provided to the nation's veterans.
December 20, 2015 Pentagon reportedly trying to transfer Manning to civilian prison for gender treatment In an unprecedented move, the Pentagon is trying to transfer convicted national security leaker Pvt. Bradley Manning to a civilian prison so he can get treatment for his gender disorder, defense officials said.
December 20, 2015 Pentagon survey reportedly finds military sexual assault claims up 50 percent A Defense Department report obtained by the Associated Press finds that reports of sexual assaults by members of the military rose 50 percent after the Pentagon began a vigorous campaign to get more victims to come forward, prompting officials to order a greater focus on prevention programs, including plans to review alcohol sales and policies.
December 20, 2015 Pentagon: Hagel's Russian counterpart won't return his calls Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel cannot get his Russian counterpart to take his calls, the Pentagon said Friday -- amid a new report that the Kremlin has suspended high-level talks with U.S. officials.
December 20, 2015 Lack of communication blamed for missteps in effort to free POW Bowe Bergdahl The captors of an American soldier held for nearly five years in Afghanistan have signaled a willingness to release him but are unclear which U.S. government officials have the authority to make a deal, according to two individuals in the military working for his release. Critics of the release effort blame disorganization and poor communication among the numerous federal agencies involved.
December 20, 2015 Pentagon weighs deploying troops to Poland as militants snub Ukraine pact A senior U.S. official confirmed to Ó£ÌÒÊÓÆµ Friday the U.S. is considering sending relatively small units to the country, and the units would be there on a rotational basis.
December 20, 2015 US sending helmets, other non-lethal military aid to Ukraine The U.S. is sending helmets, sleeping bags and generators to support the Ukrainian military -- but stopped short of approving other items the interim government reportedly says it needs to stand up to the might of Moscow, saber-rattling on its doorstep.