Top 10 Military Related News Stories for This Week

 

Here are the top 10 military-related news stories from this week

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1. Massive Russian missile and drone strike on Ukraine; Poland scrambles jets

Russia launched one of its largest attacks of the year on Ukraine—574 drones and 40 missiles targeted western regions, destroying a U.S.-owned factory and causing casualties. Poland scrambled jets in response.New York PostSky News

2. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff forced into early retirement

General David Allvin will retire by November after being ousted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, amid a sweeping purge of top military leaders under Trump’s administration.The Daily Beast

3. Russian “top sniper” exposed in compensation fraud scandal

Lieutenant Colonel Konstantin Frolov—once celebrated in Russian media—has been accused of faking battlefield wounds to claim £1.7 million in compensation, medals, and recognition.The Sun

4. U.S. and European military finalize Ukraine security options

Senior U.S. and European military officials have agreed on military options to guarantee Ukrainian security—these options are expected to be discussed among national security advisers.UNITED24 Media

5. Navy pilot rescued after $67 million fighter jet crash

A Navy pilot ejected safely from an F/A-18E Super Hornet that crashed into the ocean during a training exercise off the Virginia coast. The incident marks the sixth high-cost loss of a military jet this year.New York Post

6. U.S. Army launches advanced drone warfare operator course

The Army introduced its first official drone operator course at Fort Rucker to train soldiers in advanced drone tactics, flying systems, and 3D printing technologies.Task & Purpose

7. NATO “coalition of the willing” develops security framework for Ukraine

Top NATO and U.S. military leaders began formulating a security framework to guarantee Ukraine’s safety, while Russia criticized the talks and continues military aggression across Ukraine.The Guardian

8. North Korea’s senior military officers abruptly recalled from Russia

North Korea recalled top commanders from Russia’s Kursk region, signaling Russia’s growing confidence in its control of the region and potential easing of North Korea’s direct combat role.The Wall Street Journal

9. Trump revokes security clearances of 37 national security officials

The administration announced it would strip 37 current and former national security officials of their clearances—continuing a contentious tactic in U.S. politics.Military.com

10. Turkey and Syria coordinate to train new Syrian army

Military officials from Türkiye and Syria have begun preparations to train a new Syrian army under a bilateral agreement.Hürriyet Daily News

Top Military News for the Week August 15, 2025

 10 top U.S. military-related news stories (as of August 2025) that are particularly relevant to service members, spanning legal, operational, strategic, and human-interest aspects:

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1. Domestic Troop Deployment & Posse Comitatus Lawsuit

A trial in California is probing whether the deployment of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles violated the centuries-old Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement. The outcome could significantly redefine presidential authority over domestic troop use.(Reuters)

2. Broad Implications for Future Presidential Power

A related AP exploration details how such actions—deploying troops to places like D.C. and L.A.—are testing the fragile boundaries of U.S. law regarding military domestic roles, setting a legal precedent with potential long-term implications.(AP News)

3. Revitalizing the Defense Industrial Base

The Washington Post warns of a deteriorating U.S. defense production capability—citing depleted ammunition stocks, delays in tank refurbishments, and a lack of industrial agility. The piece advocates for leadership akin to WWII mobilizer William Knudsen to drive a defense industry renaissance.(The Washington Post)

4. Trump–Putin Summit at an Alaskan Military Base

A high-stakes summit between Presidents Trump and Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, carries major global and military implications—especially regarding U.S. positioning on the Ukraine conflict and its relationship with NATO.(AP News)

5. Military Action Against Drug Cartels Under Consideration

The Trump administration is evaluating military responses—such as drone or missile strikes—to target Mexican drug cartels (designated as terrorist groups), while avoiding troop incursions into Mexico. This raises legal and diplomatic concerns.(The Washington Post)

6. Reporting Confusion in Guard/Reserve Duty Codes

A new study reveals that the vast array of duty codes used for National Guard and reserve members is unnecessarily complex, causing confusion and inefficiency for both personnel and taxpayers. Authorities recommend consolidating these codes.(Stars and Stripes)

7. Special Forces Scandal Exposed in New Book

A controversial book, The Fort Bragg Cartel, alleges troubling misconduct—including drug trafficking and murder—by members of U.S. Special Forces. The revelations come amid broader discussions on the use of special operations against cartels.(Democracy Now!)

8. Political Influence in the Pentagon

Reports suggest that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is pushing a form of Christian nationalism within the Pentagon, causing internal friction and raising questions about religious influence in military leadership spheres.(The Guardian)

9. Federal Takeover of D.C. Policing

The Trump administration has temporarily assumed control over policing in Washington, D.C., deploying National Guard soldiers and federal agents to assist with monument security, traffic operations, and drug enforcement.(AP News)

10. Tragedy at Fort Stewart

A former U.S. soldier and his wife have been charged with the grim homicide of their child due to starvation while stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The heartbreaking case has drawn attention to issues facing military families and base communities.(People.com)

Understanding the Rules for Deploying the National Guard

 

Understanding the Rules for Deploying the National Guard and the Marines — and Their Rules of Engagement

I. Deployment Rules: National Guard vs. Marines

A. National Guard

The National Guard is unique in that it operates under both state and federal authority. Its deployment depends on who is in command and the situation at hand.

1. State Activation (Title 32 U.S. Code)

• Governors can activate their state’s National Guard for emergencies such as natural disasters, civil disturbances, or public health crises.

• Troops remain under state command, even though they may receive federal funding.

• This is the most common type of activation (e.g., hurricanes, riots, COVID-19 pandemic).

2. Federal Activation (Title 10 U.S. Code)

• The President can federalize the National Guard, placing them under Department of Defense (DoD) command.

• Used for national defense missions, overseas deployments, or large-scale emergencies.

• Once federalized, Guard troops operate like active-duty military forces.

3. Restrictions

• When under state authority, Guardsmen can perform law enforcement roles (search, seizure, arrest).

• When federalized, the Posse Comitatus Act (1878) generally prohibits using federal military forces for domestic law enforcement unless explicitly authorized by Congress or the Constitution.

B. U.S. Marines

The U.S. Marine Corps, as part of the Department of the Navy, is a federal force. It cannot be activated by state governors and does not serve any state-specific role.

1. Presidential Authority (Title 10 U.S. Code)

• Only the President can deploy the Marines.

• Marines are used primarily for overseas combat operations, crisis response, embassy security, and limited domestic tasks (e.g., disaster relief under specific conditions).

2. Domestic Use

• Use of Marines on U.S. soil is rare and typically for non-law enforcement missions.

• Any use for law enforcement must be authorized by law (e.g., Insurrection Act).

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II. Rules of Engagement (ROE)

Rules of Engagement are directives that define when, where, and how military force may be used.

A. General Principles (Applicable to All U.S. Forces)

1. Self-Defense

   • U.S. forces may always use force in self-defense.

   • This includes unit self-defense and individual self-defense.

2. Necessity and Proportionality

   • Force must be necessary to accomplish the mission.

   • The level of force must be proportional to the threat.

3. Positive Identification (PID)

   • Before engaging, troops must confirm that a target is hostile or a valid military objective.

4. Distinction and Discrimination

   • Troops must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

   • Civilian casualties must be minimized.

B. National Guard ROE (Domestic Missions)

• When under state control, National Guard ROE are governed by state law and policies.

• ROE are generally more restrictive during domestic missions, especially in crowd control or riot situations.

• Use of force is usually graduated:

  1. Presence

  2. Verbal commands

  3. Physical restraint

  4. Non-lethal weapons (e.g., tear gas, rubber bullets)

  5. Lethal force (only if there is a threat of death or serious bodily harm)

C. Marines ROE (Combat Missions)

• In overseas operations, Marine ROE are governed by:

  • U.S. military doctrine

  • International law (Geneva Conventions)

  • Operational-specific ROE, approved by commanders and possibly the President.

• These rules vary based on the mission, whether it's counterinsurgency, peacekeeping, or full-scale combat.

The rules for deploying the National Guard and Marines reflect their distinct roles in U.S. national security. The Guard can operate at the state or federal level and may engage in law enforcement under state control, while the Marines serve only under federal authority and focus primarily on national defense and overseas operations. Both forces follow strict rules of engagement to balance mission success with respect for human rights and legal standards.

What about the ICE protests in Los Angeles?

During violent riots, the National Guard can be activated by a state governor under Title 32 authority to help restore order and protect lives and property. In this role, they remain under state control and are legally allowed to perform law enforcement functions, such as crowd control, enforcing curfews, making arrests, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Their use of force follows a graduated response, starting with presence and verbal warnings, and escalating only if necessary to non-lethal methods (like tear gas or rubber bullets). Lethal force is used only as a last resort, in cases of clear and immediate threat to life. If federalized (under Title 10), their law enforcement powers are typically restricted by the Posse Comitatus Act unless overridden by specific legal authorization like the Insurrection Act.

In ICE protests, the National Guard has serves mostly as a supporting force when protests became unruly or overwhelmed local authorities. Their role is not to enforce immigration law, but to help ensure public safety and protect infrastructure, especially federal property, when called upon by state leadership.

April - Month of the Military Child

 

Month of the Military Child – What It Is & What You Can Do

📅 What is the Month of the Military Child?

April is recognized as the Month of the Military Child in the United States. It’s a time to celebrate and honor the resilience, strength, and sacrifices of children in military families. These children often experience frequent moves, long separations from a parent, and other unique challenges, yet they continue to thrive with courage and adaptability.

The month was established in 1986 by Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger to bring awareness and appreciation to the lives of military-connected children.

🎗️ Why It Matters

Military children:

• Move 6–9 times on average before high school graduation.

• Often deal with long deployments or absences of one or both parents.

• Adapt quickly to new schools, friends, and routines.

• Serve and sacrifice alongside their families.

Recognizing them helps build understanding, support, and inclusion in schools and communities.

💡 What Teachers and Schools Can Do

1. Celebrate “Purple Up! Day”

• Encourage students and staff to wear purple, the color representing all branches of the military.

• Many states observe Purple Up! Day around mid-April. (E.g., April 15 or a nearby weekday.)

• Host a school-wide photo, banner, or assembly in honor of military kids.

2. Create a “Wall of Heroes”

• Display photos or drawings of students’ military family members.

• Let children write short bios or thank-you notes to honor them.

3. Morning Announcements or Spotlights

• Share daily facts about military children.

• Spotlight a military child each day and let them share their story or a fun fact about their life.

4. Classroom Activities

• Write letters or draw pictures to send to military families.

• Read books about military families (e.g., The Invisible String or Hero Dad).

• Include social-emotional learning focused on resilience, empathy, and adaptability.

5. Invite Guest Speakers

• Host a military parent or veteran to talk about their role and how families are involved in service.

6. Offer Support and Recognition

• If you have military-connected students, check in with them individually.

• Recognize their experiences during transitions, testing, or parent deployment.

👨‍👩‍👧 What Families and Communities Can Do

• Share stories and experiences of military life at home or in community groups.

• Attend local events hosted by bases or veteran organizations.

• Help non-military families understand and appreciate military kids' unique strengths and challenges.