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The article discusses the results of a 2010 survey on the views of U.S. service members on the war in Afghanistan. Results indicate that the armed forces tend to be pessimistic about the mission in Afghanistan and are divided on how they perceive the performance of President Barack Obama as commander in chief. It adds that 40% of the respondents believe that the Afghan military will need as long as five years before it will be capable of replacing U.S. and allied troops. It notes that nearly half of respondents preferred deployment to Iraq.

The article discusses the military and national security policy of U.S. president Donald Trump. Alleged contradictions between the administration's stated goals of drawing down overseas troops, decreasing deployment lengths, and increasing overall troop numbers. Trump's request for an assessment of the financial and national security implications of a reduction in the numbers of U.S. troops in Europe is described.

The article reports on the move of the U.S. to put up to 450 troops on the ground in Iraq in 2015. According to Army Colonel Steve Warren, the plan to add troops might be the first of more deployments to come as part of the revamped effort of U.S. President Barack Obama to counter Islamic State group militants. The 450 personnel are charged to improve relations with Sunni tribesmen, with the aim to urge greater Sunni presence inside the Iraqi military.

The article reports on the move of U.S. President Barack Obama to approve the request by Army General Stanley McChrystal for the deployment of additional 2,500 to 3,000 troops called combat enablers in Afghanistan in 2009, according to Defense Department Secretary Robert Gates. It stresses the importance of enablers to military operations and counterinsurgery in Afghanistan and Iraq. The secretary reportedly wanted to augment the strength of the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq to boost capability to find and disable improvised explosive devices (IED).

The article reports on the announcement from United Services Automobile Association (USAA) regarding its plan to reimburse U.S. service members deployed overseas for the foreign transaction fees charged on its MasterCard and Visa credit or debit card purchases made overseas. According to USAA spokesman Michael Kelly, the fees are about 1% of the purchase price. Members of USAA will benefit from the service for up to one year from the time they notify USAA in advance of an overseas deployment.

The article emphasizes the need to recognize the valor, heroism and meritorious service demonstrated by U.S. soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It criticizes the military decorations system of the Armed Forces. It asserts that it is impractical and unwise for everyone in the military unit to be recommended for a Medal of Honor or Distinguished Service Cross. It mentions that valor awards should not be viewed as a comparative measure of performance or as part of a quota system.

Expresses an opinion on the authorization of separate campaign medals for military service in Afghanistan and Iraq by the U.S. Congress. Refusal of the Department of Defense to recognize specific sacrifices and significant contributions in such areas of operation; Problems associated with the medal for fighting in the two countries called Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Reports on the recommendation from Operation Truth, a lobbying group taking the side of U.S. combat troops deployed in Iraq, for the secretary of defense to sign a sworn statement that troops are equipped and prepared for the mission before launching any campaign. Suggestion from the group to improve accountability by senior military leadership; Background on the formation of the group; Challenges faced by the troops deployed in Iraq.

Reports on the launch of separate campaign medals by the U.S. Department of Defense for military troops who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Opposition of the administration of President George W. Bush to separate medals for Iraq and Afghanistan; Requirements for service members to be eligible for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal; Other options for service members to qualify for the campaign medals.

Editorial. Discusses the attitude of U.S. soldiers toward least-desirable overseas assignments. Countries where soldiers choose not to go; Discussion on incentives being offered by the government; Strategy of the Army and Navy.

Reports on the recommendations of the U.S. Defense Department to offer financial and quality-of-life incentives to servicemen who will accept less-appreciated overseas assignments. Discussion on the salary of the U.S. Navy; Details of the proposals; Recommendations of the agency on overseas assignments.

Reports on the proposal of the United States Food and Drug Administration to restrict soldiers in active duty in Europe and their families from donating blood. Reason for the restriction; Percentage of active servicemen who regularly donate blood; Need for military officials to increase their blood donation drives mainly among recruits.

Reports on the decision of Judge Midori Takamatsu to deny the bail request of Staff Sergeant Timothy R. Woodland of the United States (U.S.) Navy on charges of rape in Japan. Claims of Takamatsu that Woodland might destroy the evidence if he would be allowed to bail; Arrest of U.S. soldiers stationed in the U.S. military base in Okinawa for various offenses.

Debates the deployment of United States (U.S.) military forces overseas. Plan of U.S. presidential candidate George W. Bush to cut deployment in the Balkans; Importance given by defense officials to the global presence of U.S. forces; Problems in the defense budget; Explanations on peace missions.

Deals with the military operation of the United States in the Kosovo war. Military systems that worked together in defeating the enemies; Importance of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft; Role assumed by Naval forces in the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses.

Reports that William S. Cohen, Defense Secretary of the United States, pledged to American troops that he will not deploy them unnecessarily. Instances when the deployment of American troops should be used; Cohen's assertion that the American force should be used wisely.

Reports that the US House has voted to prohibit American troops from wearing uniforms or insignia of the United Nations without specific congressional approval. Provision in response to the court-martial of Michael New; Criticism from Representative Pete Peterson.

Reports on the US Department of Defense's decision to classify Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and four other countries in the Arabian Peninsula as combat zones. Provisions for military personnel in combat zone areas; Mechanics of the imminent-danger-pay system review system.

Reports on the proposal under the 1995 defense authorization bill allowing Pentagon to increase the total number of troops that can be assigned overseas. US Department of Defense's efforts to break down the limits set under the law; Legislative proposal to increase foreign bases share of basing costs for the withdrawal of troops; Compromise bill calling Pentagon to negotiate for an increase in support from allies.

Reports on the latest social developments in the military as of July 25, 1994. Issues on the provision of entertainment for visiting troops using Department of Defense funds; Availability of medical research fund for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Opinion. Features the ideas of retired General Maxwell R. Thurman on how to train officers to deal with foreign trouble spots. Need for knowledge of local languages and customs; Exposure to aggravated peacekeeping operations in American cities.