military Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Hundreds Of Afghan Co-Workers Waiting To Be Processed A Year Later

By Dori Luzzo Gilmour September 13, 2022

For over a year, a group of Active Duty and National Guard Green Berets formerly known as Team 11 have been helping their Afghan co-workers leave the war torn country. Members of the National Mine Reduction Group and their families are seeking refugee status. Continue Reading Read More

Court Ruling: Navy SEALs Cannot Use WA State Parks For Training

By Courtney Flatt April 2, 2022

A judge ruled against a decision to allow the Navy to use Washington State Parks for covert training. Deception Pass State Park had been on the list of potential training… Continue Reading Court Ruling: Navy SEALs Cannot Use WA State Parks Read More

Past As Prologue: The Complicated Relationship Between Indian Scouts And The U.S. Government

By NWPB News July 9, 2021

The story of some Native American Scouts and their complicated reasons for working with the United States government. Continue Reading Past As Prologue: The Complicated Relationship Between Indian Scouts And The U.S. Read More

Supreme Court Turns Away Challenge To The Rule That Only Men Register For The Draft

By NPR News June 7, 2021

A group registers for military selective service at the state fair grounds in Dallas in 1940. The Supreme Court said Monday it would not hear a case challenging the rule that only men need to register for the draft. AP

In an accompanying statement, Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged that when the draft was originally enacted, women were not eligible for combat roles, a situation that has dramatically changed in modern times. Read More

The Effort To Reform The U.S. Military’s Justice System Faces A New Fight

By NPR News June 1, 2021

For years, New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (left) has sought approval of her bill to reform the military's criminal justice system. This year, Gillibrand joined forces with Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, seen here, a sexual assault survivor herself before she became a combat company commander. Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images

In the military, commanders who are not lawyers get to choose which serious criminal cases go to trial. That means leaders who are pilots, infantry officers and hold other positions can be tasked with making weighty legal decisions with little to no experience. Read More

A Path To Peace: How A Former Navy Corpsman Honors His Fallen Friends On Memorial Day

By NPR News May 31, 2021

Ralph "AK" Angkiangco spent just under a decade in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman. He deployed to Afghanistan twice and served alongside the Marines. Courtesy Ralph Angkiangco

BY DUSTIN JONES Ralph “AK” Angkiangco enlisted in the Navy in April 2008 one year after graduating high school. He was an 18-year-old kid uncertain about what he wanted in… Continue Reading A Path To Read More

The Army Is Expanding Allowed Hairstyles For Women

By NPR News May 23, 2021

Another newly approved ponytail, as shown in an Army photo. U.S. Army

The newest changes mean women can keep their hair either a bun, single ponytail, two braids or a single braid; locks, braids, twists or cornrows can come together in one or two braids or a ponytail; and braids or a ponytail can go as far down as the bottom of the shoulder blades. Read More

He Risked His Life For His Platoon In Korea. At 94, He Will Get A Medal Of Honor

By NPR News May 19, 2021

Retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. is set to receive the Medal of Honor from President Biden. CREDIT: Sgt. Henry Villarama/U.S. Army

Col. Ralph Puckett, Jr. will be honored at the White House on Friday and awarded the Medal of Honor for his acts of "conspicuous gallantry" during the Korean War. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who will be in town to conduct diplomacy talks with President Biden, will attend the ceremony. Read More

Military Panel Urges Taking Sexual Assault Cases Out Of Commanders’ Control

By NPR News April 24, 2021

A special Pentagon panel is recommending a seismic shift in how the U.S. military handles sexual assault cases, saying independent judge advocates, not commanding officers, should decide whether to pursue legal charges in such cases. Read More

President Biden Says U.S. Troops To Withdraw From Afghanistan By Sept. 11 – 20 Years After Attack

By NPR News April 13, 2021

Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, (center) is shown visiting Kabul, Afghanistan in January 2020. The Biden administration said it plans to complete a draw down of U.S. troops in the country by Sept. 11. CREDIT: Lolita Baldor/AP

President Biden will withdraw all remaining U.S. troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that prompted America's involvement in its longest war, a senior administration official told reporters on Tuesday. Read More

Pentagon Releases New Policies Enabling Transgender People To Serve In The Military

By NPR News March 31, 2021

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, seen here at the Pentagon last week, announced the military's new policies on Wednesday, International Transgender Day of Visibility. CREDIT: Andrew Harnik/AP

The new regulations provide "access to the military in one's self-identified gender provided all appropriate standards are met," the Defense Department said in a statement, and "provide a path for those in service for medical treatment, gender transition, and recognition in one's self-identified gender." Read More

Army Chaplain’s Remains Identified After 70 years

By NPR News March 6, 2021

Then 2nd Lt. Emil Kapaun, U.S. Army chaplain, circa 1943. CREDIT: U.S Army

Department of Defense investigators have identified the remains of U.S. Army chaplain and Catholic priest Emil Kapaun among the unknown Korean War soldiers buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Continue Reading Army Read More

U.S. Launches Military Airstrikes Against Iranian-Backed Militants In Syria

By NPR News February 26, 2021

Shattered glass is on the ground following a rocket attack in Irbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region, on Feb. 15. On Thursday, the U.S. launched airstrikes targeting Iranian-backed groups in eastern Syria in response to recent attacks against Americans in Iraq. Safin Hamed/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday targeting Iranian-backed militia groups in the first known offensive military operation carried out by the Biden administration. Continue Reading U.S. Launches Military Airstrikes Read More

‘It’s Going To Be Hard’: A New West Point Leader On Confronting Extremism In Military

By NPR News February 14, 2021

Brig. Gen. Mark Quander will assume a new leadership post at West Point this spring or summer. One challenge will be to confront extremism in the ranks of the military. CREDIT: Lynda Yezzi/U.S. Army

Brig. Gen. Mark Quander is taking a new leadership role at the prestigious military school of West Point at a time that the spotlight has returned to the problem of extremism in the military. Continue Reading ‘It’s Read More

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Signs Military ‘Stand Down’ Memo To Address Extremism

By NPR News February 7, 2021

As the Pentagon wrestles with concerns over right-wing extremism among service members, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has signed a memo directing commanding officers and supervisors to institute a one-day stand-down within the next 60 days to address extremism within the nation's armed forces. Read More

Washington Approves More SEAL Training In State Parks, But Not As Much As Navy Requested

By Courtney Flatt January 28, 2021

Deception Pass State Park, on the north end of Whidbey Island. CREDIT: Washington State Parks

The permits would expand the five parks previously used for Navy SEAL training to 16 or 17. The Navy had requested access to 28 state parks as a way to diversify its training sites. Officials had said a small number of sites can become too familiar to trainees overtime. Read More

President Biden Repeals Trump-Administration Ban On Transgender Troops

By NPR News January 25, 2021

President Biden signs an executive order Monday reversing a Trump-era ban on transgender people serving in the military. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

President Biden on Monday repealed a controversial Trump-era ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military. Biden signed an executive order on the issue as he met in the Oval Office with new Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and Vice President Harris. Read More

U.S., Russian Navies Involved In Brief Confrontation At Sea

By NPR News November 24, 2020

The John S. McCain (DDG-56) leaves a naval port in Busan, South Korea, in 2009. Jo Jung-ho/AP

Russia says it "chased off" a U.S. Navy ship in contested territory in the Sea of Japan, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. Continue Reading U.S., Russian Navies Involved In Brief Confrontation At SeaRead More

Navy Seeks More SEAL Training Areas In Washington By Sea, Air, Land…And State Parks

By Courtney Flatt November 20, 2020

You’ve seen the movies: Navy SEALs slowly emerge from the water and walk up a beach. In real life, the Navy is hoping to conduct special operations training exercises at 28 Washington State Parks. But many park users say it ups the “creepiness” factor. Read More

White House Orders Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Iraq

By NPR News November 16, 2020

A U.S. soldier stands at a spot struck by Iranian missiles in January at Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq's Anbar province. The attack was in retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The U.S. is drawing down 2,500 troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Qassim Abdul-Zahra/AP

The American troop presence will decline in Afghanistan from 4,500 to 2,500, and in Iraq from 3,000 to 2,500. Senior military leaders reportedly oppose the move. Continue Reading White House Orders Thousands Of U.S. Troops Read More

Veterans And Gold Star Families Granted Lifetime Passes To National Parks

By NPR News November 9, 2020

Zion National Park near Springdale, Utah, is one of more than 2,000 federal recreation sites that will be free to visitors on Veterans Day. CREDIT: Rick Bowmer/AP

Former service members and families of those killed on active duty will have "free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect." Continue Reading Veterans And Gold Star Families Granted Lifetime Passes To National Read More

StoryCorps Northwest: From A One-Room School In Walla Walla To The GI Bill To Helping Students

By Sueann Ramella September 16, 2020

Robert Norwood of Walla Walla went to a one-room school then joined the Navy on a whim. After service he enjoyed a rewarding career as a school counselor. He talked to his son, Mike, about his schooling experience for StoryCorps Northwest, recorded virtually. Read More

Defense Secretary Esper Says U.S. Plans To Cut Troops In Germany By A Third

By NPR News July 29, 2020

Defense Secretary Mark Esper, pictured earlier this month, announced a drawdown of U.S. troops in Germany on Wednesday. CREDIT: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The Pentagon is promising what President Trump declared in June would happen: Troops are to be moved out of Germany, which the president accuses of stiffing NATO. Continue Reading Defense Secretary Esper Says U.S. Plans To Cut Troops Read More

Former Defense Secretary Mattis, Now A Resident Of The Tri-Cities, Issues Stunning Rebuke Of Trump

By NPR News June 4, 2020

President Donald Trump in October 2018 with, from left, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Retired Marine Gen. Jim Mattis, who resigned as President Trump's defense secretary nearly a year-and-a-half ago over policy differences, has issued an extraordinary critique of the White House's handling of nationwide unrest, saying Trump has sought to divide Americans, and warning against "militarizing our response" to the protests. Read More

Army Brass Defend Decision To Hold West Point Graduation, With Trump As Speaker

By NPR News April 30, 2020

At last year's commencement, before the novel coronavirus, West Point cadets celebrated graduation in tight rows. Julius Motal/AP

Despite concerns that many West Point cadets returning for a June 13 commencement may be exposed to the coronavirus, Army officials insist they'll be in a "safety bubble." Continue Reading Army Brass Defend Decision To Hold West Read More

U.S. Reaches ‘Reduction In Violence’ Deal With Taliban In Afghanistan

By NPR News February 15, 2020

U.S. Marines stand guard during the change of command ceremony at Shorab military camp in Afghanistan's Helmand province in January 2018. CREDIT:; Massoud Hossaini/AP

The step is meant to serve as an initial confidence-building measure and would last for seven days. A more formal agreement could be signed in the coming weeks. Continue Reading U.S. Reaches ‘Reduction In Violence’ Deal With Read More

They Had A Beachcombing Blast On The Washington Coast After Old Munitions Washed Ashore

By Tom Banse February 13, 2020

Military anti-aircraft rounds like these are washing up by the small town of Pacific Beach, Washington.

Beachcombing was a blast for soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord earlier this week. An ordnance disposal unit was called out after unexploded military munitions washed up on the beach north of Ocean Shores, Washington. Read More

Pentagon Says 34 U.S. Troops Suffered Brain Injuries From Iranian Missile Strike

By NPR News January 24, 2020

Damage at the al-Asad military base in Iraq, days after a missile attack by Iran. The barrage was in retaliation for the U.S. killing of a top Iranian general in a drone strike in Baghdad on Jan. 3. CREDIT: Ayman Henna/AFP via Getty Images

More than half the American troops diagnosed with concussions were transferred from the Iraqi base that was attacked to Germany or the U.S. Continue Reading Pentagon Says 34 U.S. Troops Suffered Brain Injuries From Iranian Read More

U.S. Navy To Name Aircraft Carrier After WWII Hero Doris Miller, First African American So Honored

By NPR News January 19, 2020

In this photo taken May 27, 1942, Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris Miller stands at attention after being awarded the Navy Cross for for his actions aboard the USS West Virginia during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. CREDIT: U.S. Navy

Miller was a mess attendant on the West Virginia when he jumped in to man a machine gun during the Pearl Harbor attack. He is the first African American to have an aircraft carrier named after him. Continue Read More

U.S. Official: Saudi Military Students Set To be Expelled In Wake Of Shooting

By NPR News January 12, 2020

An Air Force team moves a transfer case containing the remains of one of the young sailors killed after a Saudi military student opened fire at a Pensacola naval base last month. Officials are expected to soon announce that about 12 Saudi military students will be expelled from the U.S. CREDIT: Cliff Owen/AP

The Pentagon has suspended operational training of all Saudi Arabian military students indefinitely, as federal investigators conduct a security review of the more than 800 Saudi students in the U.S. Continue Reading U.S. Official: Read More

U.S. House Passes War Powers Resolution In Effort To Restrict Trump’s Actions Against Iran

By NPR News January 9, 2020

President Trump maintains he has the power to take action against Iran under previous war authorizations passed by Congress. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

The vote, less than a week after the president approved a drone hit on an Iranian general, was mostly along party lines. In the Senate, Democrats are hoping to win GOP support for a similar measure. Continue Reading U.S. Read More

Satellite Photos Reveal Extent Of Damage From Iranian Strike On Air Base In Iraq

By NPR News January 8, 2020

A satellite photo from the commercial company Planet shows damage to at least five structures at the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq. CREDIT: Planet/MIIS

At least five structures were damaged in the attack on the base in Anbar province, which apparently was precise enough to hit individual buildings. There have been no reports of casualties. Continue Reading Satellite Photos Read More

After A Bold American Gambit Against Iran, 4 Big Questions About What’s Next

By NPR News January 3, 2020

anians hold anti-U.S. banners during a demonstration in the capital, Tehran, following the killing of Qasem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike.

President Trump ordered the death of the best-known Iranian paramilitary commander in a move expected to yield shock waves across the world. What will happen now? Continue Reading After A Bold American Gambit Against Iran, 4 Big Read More

Why The U.S. Embassy In Iraq Became A Target Of Anger Again

By NPR News January 2, 2020

Protesters and militia members throw stones toward the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday. CREDIT: Wissm Al-Okili/Reuters

Demonstrators threw stones and were met with tear gas during a second day of protests. Here are some of the keys to understanding what happened. Continue Reading Why The U.S. Embassy In Iraq Became A Target Of Anger AgainRead More

U.S. Gold Star Families Sue Defense Contractors, Alleging They Funded The Taliban

By NPR News December 28, 2019

n this Dec. 25, 2019 photo, an Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Goble, at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The U.S. Special Forces soldier died in Afghanistan while seizing a Taliban weapons cache. CREDIT: Alex Brandon/AP

Eight multinational corporations have been accused of making "protection payments" to terrorists, so that their businesses would be left alone. Continue Reading U.S. Gold Star Families Sue Defense Contractors, Alleging They Read More

President Trump Announces Resumption Of Talks With Taliban During Surprise Visit To Afghanistan

By NPR News November 28, 2019

President Trump addresses U.S. troops Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 during a surprise visit to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty ImagesOlivier Douliery/AFP via Getty ImagesPresident Trump addresses U.S. troops Thursday during a surprise visit to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

"The Taliban wants to make a deal," President Trump said during his trip to Bagram Airfield, where he met with U.S. troops. "If they do, they do, and if they don't, they don't. That's fine." Continue Reading Read More

President Trump Pardons Service Members Accused Of War Crimes Over Pentagon Objections

By NPR News November 16, 2019

Navy Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher leaves a military court on Naval Base San Diego in July. He was acquitted of murdering an Iraqi teen, but convicted on a lesser charge. CREDIT: Gregory Bull/AP

Some former and current Pentagon officials had warned that clearing the men might undermine the military justice system. Continue Reading President Trump Pardons Service Members Accused Of War Crimes Over Pentagon Read More

StoryCorps: The Cancer Battle Was Second Nature For Uncle And Nephew Veterans

By NPR News November 10, 2019

Veterans Michael Menta (left) and his uncle, Sal Leone, in West Hartford, Conn., last month. Camila Kerwin for StoryCorps

Ever since he was a child, Michael Menta looked up to his uncle Sal Leone for becoming a Marine. Menta would eventually follow in Leone's footsteps to serve his country, enlisting in the Navy during his senior year of high school. Their shared veteranship brought them closer. Read More

Secret Air Force Space Plane Lands After More Than 2 Years In Orbit

By NPR News October 28, 2019

The U.S. Air Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle Mission 5 is seen after landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida on Sunday. CREDIT: U.S. Air Force via Reuters

The X-37B, launched in September 2017, has returned to Earth. It was the fifth acknowledged mission for the vehicle since 2010, but details of its mission are being kept under wraps. Continue Reading Secret Air Force Space Plane Lands After Read More

In Major Policy Shift, U.S. Will Stand Aside As Turkish Forces Extend Reach In Syria

By NPR News October 7, 2019

U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters pose for a photo in Baghouz, Syria, in March after the SDF declared the area free of Islamic State militants. CREDIT: Maya Alleruzzo/AP

A White House statement late Sunday said Turkey would soon go ahead with a military operation in the country's Kurdish-dominated north and that U.S. forces "will no longer be in the immediate area." Continue Reading In Major Read More

Anger Grows In Afghanistan Over Civilian Deaths By U.S., Afghan Forces

By PBS Newshour October 6, 2019

Men carry a coffin of one of the victims after a drone strike, in Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan September 19, 2019. CREDIT: Parwiz/Reuters

Increasing civilian deaths in stepped-up U.S. airstrikes and operations by Afghan forces highlight the conundrum the U.S. military and its Afghan allies face, 18 years into the war: How to hunt down their Islamic State group and Taliban enemies, while keeping civilians safe and on their side. Read More

U.S. Soldier Charged With Teaching Bomb-Making To Far-Right Extremists

By NPR News September 24, 2019

Army Spc. Jarrett William Smith, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, was charged Monday with distributing bomb-making information over social media. Orlin Wagner/AP

The case is the latest in a string of recent arrests and investigations related to attempted far-right infiltration of the U.S. military, prompting calls for more thorough screenings of enlistees. Continue Reading U.S. Soldier Charged With Read More

U.S. To Deploy More Troops To Saudi Arabia And UAE In Response To Oil Field Attacks

By PBS Newshour September 21, 2019

This image provided on Sunday by the U.S. government and DigitalGlobe and annotated by the source, shows a prestrike overview at Saudi Aramco's Khurais oil field in Buqayq, Saudi Arabia. U.S. government/Digital Globe via AP

The Pentagon on Friday announced it will deploy additional U.S. troops and missile defense equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as President Donald Trump has at least for now put off any immediate military strike on Iran in response to the attack on the Saudi oil industry. Read More

NPR Investigation: Guantánamo Has Cost Billions; Whistleblower Alleges ‘Gross’ Waste

By NPR News September 11, 2019

An NPR investigation finds that the military court and prison at Guantánamo Bay have cost taxpayers billions, with billions more expected. Continue Reading NPR Investigation: Guantánamo Has Cost Billions; Whistleblower Alleges Read More

All-Black Army Battalion Members Get Their Due 75 Years After Wartime Mission Over Northwest

By Tom Banse September 6, 2019

Paratroopers at Pendleton Army Airfield getting briefed before taking off to drop on a wildfire in the summer of 1945. NATIONAL ARCHIVES / VIA EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Triple Nickles thought they were destined for Japan when they stopped at Pendleton Army Airfield in the spring of 1945. But no, they were about to be converted into smokejumpers for Operation Firefly. Professional smokejumping started in 1939 in Washington's Methow Valley. Read More