Military News
Coverage of the armed forces, defense spending, and global security challenges. The Daily Signal offers news, analysis, and conservative commentary.
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news
Army Photographer Founds Music Non-Profit to Help Struggling Military Members
When you meet confident, Emmy-winning Michael Henneberger, it’s hard to believe that just seven years ago he was diagnosed with both panic disorder and major depressive disorder. Henneberger, then 25, had joined the Army as a combat photographer. He was stationed at Ft. Meade, Md., for a year of training prior to his discharge. The former musician found… -
news
UK’s Former Defense Secretary: The West ‘Surrendered’ to Iran in Nuclear Talks
The nuclear agreement between Iran, the U.S. and five other world powers merely places Tehran’s nuclear ambitions “on hold” and undercuts the international community’s ability to condemn the regime if it violates the deal, the United Kingdom’s former defense secretary said Thursday. Liam Fox, a conservative member of Parliament, said the P5+1 “caved” to Iran’s… -
opinion
How Much Should the US Spend on Defense?
The debate about defense spending will likely reignite in September as Congress returns from recess and the end of the fiscal year draws near. Unfortunately, much of that debate will not be very helpful or informative. Instead of arguing the merits of a particular military spending level, much of the debate will revolve around Democratic… -
opinion
No More Double Standards for Women in the Military
Last week, two female Army officers and West Point graduates made history when they successfully passed Army Ranger School, known as one of the most physically challenging and difficult leadership schools in the military. Not only is this a phenomenal personal accomplishment, but they have paved the way for other women to advance in the… -
news
More Than 200 Retired Military Leaders Push Congress to Reject Iran Deal
More than 200 retired U.S. generals and admirals added their names to the Iran nuclear agreement’s opposition this week after they sent a letter to top congressional leaders pressing lawmakers to reject the accord. The former senior military officers contend that the deal threatens U.S. national security, noting the estimated $150 billion that will pour… -
opinion
There’s Rising Potential for a Tactical Military Clash on the Korean Peninsula
The greatest likelihood for military conflict on the Korean Peninsula is not from a full-scale North Korean invasion, but from a series of escalatory responses to a tactical-level skirmish. This is particularly true if an event occurs during already heightened tensions, as currently exists. Today’s inter-Korean exchange of artillery fire led to no injuries or… -
opinion
Should Military Chaplains Be Forced to Conduct Same-Sex Weddings?
Last month, the United States Army celebrated the 240th anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps. Amidst the celebrations there was also concern: there seems to be a growing threat to religious liberty for military chaplains. What happens to chaplains from religious communities that view marriage as a union between one man and one woman? With… -
opinion
ISIS Is Urging Supporters to Target Military Families. What US Should Do.
ISIS now claims it has the names, home addresses and other personally identifiable information of thousands of U.S. military personnel and government employees. It’s called for “local” supporters to use the information to attack the Americans listed. ISIS posted this data for about 1,400 people, but asserts this was just one percent of the data… -
opinion
US Missile Defense Agency Conducts Successful Test
Last week, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency conducted a successful test of the new SM-6 interceptor. Over the course of several days off the coast of Hawaii, the USS John Paul Jones launched four separate interceptor missiles at distant targets designed to simulate both threatening aircraft and incoming ballistic missiles. The tests proved successful. In… -
news
Scott Walker ‘Absolutely’ Supports First Amendment Defense Act
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa—GOP presidential candidate Gov. Scott Walker says he supports the First Amendment Defense Act, a bill that would prevent the federal government from taking action against individuals or businesses because of their religiously held beliefs on traditional marriage. “Absolutely. To me, protecting our constitutional rights shouldn’t just take a piece of legislation,” Walker… -
news
As Congress Finalizes Defense Bill, John McCain Calls for Repeal of Sequestration
Sen. John McCain is calling for the end of sequestration. McCain, R-Ariz, was joined by military experts at The Heritage Foundation Wednesday to discuss the future of the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which outlines the budget expenditures for the Department of Defense. The NDAA for fiscal year 2016 is being negotiated between the… -
opinion
Military Should Focus on Solving Real-World Problems
Over the last several years, there has been a noticeable uptick in terribly confused thinking about military matters that extends to understanding the nature of conflict, the role of military forces, and general thinking about military affairs. Sometimes the confusion emerges in the form of an identity crisis. The U.S. Army seems to have experienced… -
opinion
Stanley McChrystal’s Accidental Exposé About the Military
Retired Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal has penned a revealing book—but its revelations are not intentional. The combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and his team of co-authors intended to author a guide on how to use small teams to infuse organizations with dynamic and adaptive leadership. Instead they deliver an accidental exposé of what is… -
news
What the Defense Department Learned From the Ebola Crisis
For most Americans, last year’s Ebola outbreak was a public health concern and cause for a debate over infectious disease practices, safety and travel. For West Africans, it was a real-life crisis with deaths in the thousands and desperate efforts to keep it from spreading. But for those tasked with developing the response for it… -
opinion
National Defense Authorizations: Useful Steps on Nuclear Policy
Last week, the House Armed Services Committee took a first step in ensuring that the government provides for the common defense and passed the fiscal year (FY) 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill now has to pass the full House, the Senate, and the President has to sign it. Managing a relationship with… -
opinion
What Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Said About World War II, U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hit the ball out of the park during his trip to America, but stumbled while rounding third base. Whether one highlights the success or shortcoming reflects the assessor’s focus either on the present or on Japan’s past. While most attention was focused on Abe’s historic speech to a joint meeting… -
news
Congressman: ‘Disturbing’ for Military Chaplains to Be Punished Over Views on Sexuality
While the nation debates whether Christian business owners should be forced by the government to cater same-sex marriages, the military is embroiled in its own dispute over religious freedom. In two high-profile cases, military chaplains have been punished for citing their religious beliefs during private counseling sessions and other official events, sparking questions about what… -
opinion
Can the Next President Deliver Better Defense?
There are more than a few signals indicating President Obama has been a poor steward of the nation’s defense. “Continuing to slash defense invites greater danger to national security while shamefully asking the country’s military men and women to do their jobs with shrinking resources,” wrote the chairmen of the Senate and House Armed Service… -
opinion
How Serious Is ISIS Threat Against Military Families?
Our military and their families carry a heavy burden on behalf of all of us. That makes the threat against them by a shadowy outfit claiming affiliation with ISIS particularly heinous. A group, calling itself the “Islamic State Hacking Division,” posted the names, home addresses and photos of one hundred American service members and called… -
opinion
Military Exercises Do Not Violate Posse Comitatus Act
Recent reports that several of the U.S. military’s various Special Operations elements may be participating in exercises in areas that are not on existing military facilities have raised concerns. These are fortunately unfounded. The military in general, and Special Operations in particular, have conducted exercises in civilian areas for decades. To be clear, even if…