U.S. Army Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

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

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

White House Orders Thousands Of U.S. Troops Withdrawn From Afghanistan And Iraq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

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

Alexander Vindman, Key In Impeachment, Retires Over ‘Bullying, Intimidation’ By President Trump

By NPR News July 8, 2020

Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman arrives on Capitol Hill in October as part of the impeachment inquiry. Controversy has grown over an abnormal stall in Vindman's promotion to the rank of full colonel. CREDIT: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Vindman is retiring "after it has been made clear that his future within the institution he has dutifully served will forever be limited," his lawyer said Wednesday. Continue Reading Alexander Vindman, Key In 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

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

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

Now that women serve in combat roles, it's no longer justified to exclude them from draft requirements, a federal judge ruled. The case was brought by a men's advocacy group. Continue Reading Judge Rules Male-Only Military Draft Violates U.S. Read More

After U.S. Troops Leave Syria, What Happens Next?

By NPR News December 19, 2018

U.S. Gen. Joseph Votel (center), the top U.S. commander for the Middle East, visited a military outpost at al-Tanf in southern Syria, where the U.S. trains Syrian opposition forces, in October. President Trump is planning to withdraw the U.S. forces from Syria, according to a Pentagon official. Lolita Baldor/AP

The limited U.S. force has had a large impact on Syria's war, beating back ISIS and bringing relative calm to one corner of the country. President Trump's critics fear those gains could be lost. Continue Reading After U.S. Troops Leave Syria, What Happens Read More

President Trump Appoints Gen. Mark Milley Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff

By NPR News December 8, 2018

Gen. Mark Milley, currently the Army Chief of Staff, will succeed Gen. Joseph Dunford. Continue Reading President Trump Appoints Gen. Mark Milley Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of StaffRead More