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The article reports on the efforts of American commanders and military force stationed in Hohenfels, Germany to stay alert for threats from Russia despite cuts and limited weapons and equipment. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, the commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe, discusses the challenge of mustering the required troops and equipment, given the reduced number of permanently stationed soldiers, vehicles, weapons and support equipment in the region.

The article examines the private security firms such as Blackwater USA which operate independently of U.S. armed forces in Iraq. The private forces are resented by both Iraqis and U.S. troops, who see them as operating without the controls and accountability of the U.S. military. The security firms are responsible to no one but their employers, and their sometimes reckless tactics are a hindrance to U.S. counterinsurgency efforts.

PORAK, Afghanistan -- The devastating attack on an American helicopter in eastern Afghanistan over the weekend has heightened attention on the harsh reality that even now, at the height of the NATO troop presence and not far from Afghanistan's capital, large stretches of the country are perilous and heavily infiltrated by insurgents. Logar Province, which lies to the south of the capital, and Wardak Province, which lies to the west, are gateways to the capital, Kabul. Yet it was there, in a valley traversing the two provinces, that insurgents shot down a Chinook helicopter in the early hours of Saturday morning, killing 30 Americans, including 22 members of an elite Navy Seal team, 7 Afghan commandos and an interpreter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on the possible emergence of the U.S. military as the world's most effective emergency relief organization.

Reports on the U.S. Army's stop-loss policy that will extend the active duty of some soldiers in units destined for Iraq or Afghanistan. Concern of soldiers and their families over the policy and how it might affect the soldiers; Opposition of Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry to the stop-loss policy; Reaction of soldiers to the policy.

Reports on the broader strategic problems faced by American soldiers deployed in Iraq region. Rise of insurgent forces; Emergence of ideological sympathies with Al Qaeda; Involvement of fight against extremists.

Suggests the pull out of the U.S. military troops in Saudi Arabia because the Islamic laws in the country compromises the values of the U.S. servicemen.

Reports an announcement by United States President Bill Clinton that he will send 4,000 troops to Kosovo, Yugoslavia as part of a peacekeeping force after the ethnic Albanians and Serbs reach a peace agreement. Comments of Clinton on the national interest of the United States in Kosovo; Progress made at the peace talks in France; Military pressure from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on each party. INSET: Clinton on Kosovo: `We Can Make a Difference'.

Reports that the United States Ambassador to Israel ordered the American Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, closed on December 31, 1998 due to a threat of a terrorist attack against the building. Comments from Larry Schwartz, the embassy spokesman; Response to the the treats.

Reasons the concern of marine commanders regarding distinguishing between friends and foes if a last minute agreement to avert invasion of Haiti is struck. Views of the commanders on the issue.

Details the activities of 10th Mountain Division troopers in Haiti after landing there. Hints regarding the task of the 10th Mountain in Haiti.