May 07 Esper, in first trip since March, defends coronavirus efforts By Robert Burns, Associated Press Esper flew to the headquarters of U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to meet with Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, who is spearheading the military's support for civilian agencies combating the virus. It is Esper's first trip beyond Washington since he… Continue reading
Apr 30 WATCH: U.S. Navy hospital ship departs NYC after supporting coronavirus response By Associated Press The Navy Hospital ship USNS Comfort will depart from New York City for Norfolk, Virginia April 30 after supporting the coronavirus response for the last month. Continue reading
Apr 26 Pentagon focusing on most vital personnel for virus testing By Robert Burns, Associated Press With limited supplies of coronavirus tests available, the Pentagon is focusing first on testing those performing duties deemed most vital to national security. Atop the list are the men and women who operate the nation's nuclear forces, some counterterrorism forces,… Continue reading
Mar 01 Pentagon sees Taliban deal as allowing fuller focus on China By Robert Burns, Associated Press The Trump administration's peace deal with the Taliban opens the door for an initial American troop withdrawal that Defense Secretary Mark Esper sees as a step toward the broader goal of preparing for potential future war with China. Continue reading
Jan 30 Watch 4:21 News Wrap: WHO declares novel coronavirus a global health emergency In our news wrap Thursday, the World Health Organization has declared China's outbreak of novel coronavirus a global health emergency. The illness is still spreading both within China, which has confirmed more than 7,800 cases and 212 deaths, and worldwide. Continue watching
Jan 29 Pentagon says 50 troops suffered brain injuries in Iran strike By Associated Press The Pentagon has raised to 50 the number of U.S. service members who suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iran's missile strike earlier this month on an Iraqi air base, It's the third time the number of injuries has been increased. Continue reading
Jan 24 23 more U.S. troops were injured in Iran attack than previously reported, Pentagon says By Robert Burns, Associated Press The military said symptoms were not immediately reported after the strike and in some cases became known days later. Continue reading
Jan 17 11 U.S. troops flown to medical centers after Iran strike By Robert Burns, Associated Press The Pentagon's chief spokesman says 11 U.S. troops were flown out of Iraq for evaluation of concussion-like symptoms in the days following an Iranian missile strike. President Donald Trump had said the strike caused no harm to American forces. Continue reading
Dec 12 Pentagon tests long-banned ballistic missile over Pacific By Robert Burns, Associated Press The Pentagon on Thursday flight-tested a missile that had been banned under a treaty that the United States and Russia abandoned last summer. Some U.S. arms control advocates said the test risks an unnecessary arms race with Moscow. Continue reading
Dec 12 Pentagon watchdog investigating $400 million border wall contract By Colleen Long, Associated Press President Trump campaigned on a promise to build a “big beautiful wall” between the U.S. and Mexico," said Mexico would pay for it. Continue reading