Military Members and Veterans: August 2025

Thursday, August 21, 2025

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

Friday, August 15, 2025

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:

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)