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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 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.

Presents news briefs related to the United States (U.S.) army as of January 1, 2001. Celebration of the 364th anniversary of the National Guard; Criticism against Army Secretary Louis Caldera for questioning the stories of the survivors of No Gun Ri, the Korean War incident where U.S. soldiers fired on civilian refugees; Arrival of soldiers sent to Kuwait in August 2000 at Fort Riley, Kansas.

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.

This section offers news briefs on the U.S. Army as of June 2010. The Advanced Combat Helmets that have been recalled by the service due to defects have been made by federal inmates hired by subcontractor UNICOR. Data from the Defense Department showed that more troops are serving in Afghanistan as compared in Iraq which is a first since 2003. It reports that seven Afghans have been arrested in line with the suicide bombing in the Afghan capital on May 18 which left 18 members of the coalition forces dead.

The article presents a forecast related to personnel issues in the U.S. Army for 2010. It is said that soldiers under the Army Married Couples Program are likely to receive more assignment options. Under a new career management system, command sergeants major and sergeants major will undergo central selection for command and key billet assignments. An increase in the number of troops serving accompanied tours in South Korea is expected.

Discusses the conflict between the United States Defense Department and the Army about the deployment of the Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in Europe. Opposition of the Army to the Defense proposal to deploy the IBCT in Europe; Advantages of deploying a brigade in Europe; Details on the plans of the Army to convert heavy brigades into IBCT; Suggestion on the conversion of a heavy brigade in Germany to an IBCT.

Focuses on the role of military member-voters on the result of the presidential election in the United States (U.S.) in November 2000. Impact of soldier taxation issues to the candidate preferences of military members who are registered in Florida; Information on a Florida law on the people voting overseas; Encouragement of the U.S. Department of Defense for overseas military members to vote.

Reports on the conditions of the United States troops deployed in Haiti. Supply of water and electricity; Recreation facilities; Food supply; Plans for improvement.

Reports on updates regarding the United Nations peacekeeping operations in Haiti, spearheaded by the United States troops. Core of the U.S. force in Haiti; Changes in troop organization; Primary mission of the squadron; Training program; Concerns about the operations.

The article presents an update on the status and activities of the U.S. Army as of February 18, 2010. Members of the 166th Engineer Company have returned to Alabama following a deployment in Afghanistan. The 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion is engaged in the Multi-National Task Force-East in Kosovo. The 111th Quartermaster Company is part of the Operation Unified Response for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

The article presents an update on the status and activities of the U.S. Army as of December 23, 2009. Members of the Kansas National Guard will be deployed to Djibouti in the early part of 2010. The 40th Special Troops Battalion is among the other Army elements engaged in the Multi-National Task Force-East in Kosovo. The 48th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) is serving in Afghanistan along with other Army elements.

The article presents an update on the status and activities of the U.S. Army as of December 17, 2009. The Nebraska National Guard is scheduled for deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo in record numbers come 2010. The 470th Military Intelligence Battalion is serving in Guantanamo Bay Cuba under Joint Task Force GTMO. It notes that 600 troops are engaged in the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.

The article reports on the plan to establish two dependent schools for U.S. Forces Korea in Seoul, South Korea. The schools will be constructed at Army Garrison Casey and Garrison Daegu in southeast of Seoul. Camp Humphries will become the headquarters of the U.S. Forces Korea, the 2nd Infantry Division and the Eighth U.S. Army. An Assignment Incentive Pay option of 300 U.S. dollars monthly is offered for soldiers, under a program launched by U.S. Forces Korea.

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 asserts that the war in Afghanistan does not only involve the act of eliminating the Taliban and insurgents, but also entails winning the trust of poor people, whose culture is different from that of U.S. It states the meeting between U.S. 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Corps leaders and several village elders in the Nawa district of Helmand province in Afghanistan in 2009. The author says that such move of the Marines captures the trust of Aghans.

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 1 year from the time they notify USAA in advance of an overseas deployment.

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 reports on the move by the U.S. Army to make the promotions of combat soldiers to staff sergeant and below a part of its policy after a pilot program. A total of 912 active and reserve soldiers were promoted while deployed to the combat theater in the Middle East under the program. The Army Central Command commander will be responsible for the final approval for such promotions. The primary eligibility criteria in the enlisted promotions regulation or AR 600-8-19 should be met by those recommended for promotion.

The article announces the presentation of the Combat Action Streamer to seven companies of the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the U.S. Army in recognition of their service in Iraq during 2006 and 2007.

The article reports on the briefing of U.S. legislators about the global operations being held by military combatant commanders. Among the topics addressed are the U.S. military mission in Africa, troop levels in Afghanistan and narco-terrorism in the Southern Hemisphere. General William Ward described the development and challenges in forming the Africa Command. Admiral James Stavridis explained the two kinds of terrorism in Southern Hemisphere.

The author reflects on the implementation of a rule whereby photographs of wounded U.S. service members in Iraq will not be released without the service member's prior written consent. According to the author, many wounded soldiers in Iraq do not want their family or others in the U.S. to know of their injury. He stresses that the media should not be allowed to use a picture identifying a wounded soldier when the soldier does not want to be identified.

The article offers information on the Assignment Incentive Pay (AIP) being provided by the U.S. Army to attract qualified volunteers for assignment to South Korea. Soldiers who extend by 12 months in the peninsula receive $300 a month from the date they sign an AIP while those who extend for 24 months receive $400 monthly in extra pay. Requirements to be eligible for the incentive and other highlights of the AIP are cited.

The article offers information on the tax-free cash payments of up to $15,000 being offered by the U.S. Army to active-component specialists, sergeants and staff sergeants who extend their careers while deployed in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Under the program, reservists can receive $7,500 for a three-year enlistment or $15,000 for a six-year service extension. It also authorizes bonuses for Zone A, B and C soldiers. The payments are tax-free because they are paid in a combat zone.

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.

Presents opinion on the concept of supporting U.S. troops sent to war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Comments on the increase in patriotic merchandise during wartime; Information about the Defense Department's campaign America Supports You; Success of the Internet-based campaign A Million Thanks.

The article presents an update on the U.S. Army as of January 23, 2006. The 4th Infantry Division (ID) of the Army has assumed responsibility for the Multi-National Division Baghdad previously handled by the 3rd ID in Iraq. The 102nd Infantry Battalion will be deployed to Afghanistan to help the region rebuild from the war on terrorism. Several soldiers from the National Guard Bureau in Virginia have volunteered for duty in Afghanistan.

Expresses an opinion on the speech of U.S. President George W. Bush in his effort to regain public support for military mission in Iraq. Threat posed by Bush's stand on Iraq war to the country; Negative implications of Bush's decision to deliver the speech from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Presents a comparison between the effort by a small group of U.S. House legislators to force U.S. President George W. Bush to start withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq by October 1, 2006 and the successful congressional revolt during the Vietnam War. Sponsors of the resolution to withdraw military troops from Iraq; Factors that may influence the possibility of a troop withdrawal; Similarities of the preludes for setting a date certain for withdrawing U.S. troops from an unpopular war.

Focuses on the statement issued by U.S. President George W. Bush on the status of the Iraq mission, as part of an effort to address polls that show an increasing number of U.S. citizens who do not approve of his handling of the Iraq war. Contributing factor to the withdrawal of U.S. troops in Iraq according to Bush; Recommendation from Senators Carl Levin (D.-Mich.) and Susan Collins (R.-Maine) if Iraqis fail to meet their deadline for writing a new constitution; Importance of pushing Iraqi government officials to write a constitution according to Senator Lindsey Graham, (R.-S.C.).

Focuses on factors that should be considered to overcome recruiting difficulties in the U.S. military according to military leaders, in a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on June 30, 2005. Status of the all-volunteer force and the retention program according to Charles Abell, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness; Concern expressed by Senator Carl Levin (D.-Mich.) on reenlistment of military troops deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan; Action being taken by the Defense Department to enhance military recruitment and retention.

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.

Presents an opinion on the proposed withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany. Experiences during the Cold War; Significance of the German Ramstein Air Base; Need for U.S. citizens to understand the troop shifts and demand for a sooner implementation of the proposal.

Recalls events that happened during the pull-out of U.S. troops from South Korea in 1971. Reason behind the military reduction; Changes during the year.

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.

Focuses on the operating base established in Bosnia that should give United States peacekeepers more time for patrolling instead of spending hours on the road. Location of the operating base established; Features of the operating base; Other benefits presented by the operating base.

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.

Focuses on the terrorist acts against the United States Armed Forces in foreign countries. Examples of terrorist acts that caused the death of many soldiers; Impact of the structure of military bases to the safety of soldiers; Comparison between anti-terrorism and counterterrorism; Suggestions on how to defeat terrorism caused by foreign sources.

Focuses on the preparations of people in the United States (U.S.) to celebrate the Veterans Day on November 11, 2000. Activities which U.S. Armed Forces around the world at the start of the celebration in the U.S.; How veterans and soldiers celebrate the occasion.

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.

Recounts a United States Air Force officer's experience of spending Christmas away from his family. Children's understanding of reason for father's absence; Lack of heroic feeling towards the peacekeeping assignment in Bosnia; Soldiers' singing of Christmas carols in three languages.

Criticizes the Senate provision on the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) for families of United States service members stationed overseas, contained in the 2000 defense authorization bill. Conflict between the Department of Defense and Agriculture which halted funding for WIC; WIC eligibility guidelines in the provision.

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.