News
AI military targeting may move faster than humans can authenticate, critics warn
Human approval may not be enough to ensure manual control over AI-enabled decisions, witnesses told Congress Wednesday, as artificial intelligence takes on a greater role in military target identification and recommendations, and in turn, compresses time available to intervene. The concern, critics say, is not limited to weapons that can select and engage targets on their own. At the hearing, titl...[Read More]
AI-powered military neurotech: Mind enhancement or control?
Neurable, a consumer neurotechnology startup, has partnered with the Air Force to study whether electrode-studded headphones can track service members’ cognitive fitness, much like Garmin smartwatches have monitored Space Force members’ physical fitness, company and government officials said this month. The $1.2 million project adds to the Pentagon’s growing investment in the $3 billion market for...[Read More]
AI-powered tool helps Navy talk thousands of sailors out of leaving
AI-powered “decision support tools” are helping the U.S. Navy hang on to more of its highest-priority sailors — with the help of commanders authorized to persuade and offer flexibility incentives. In the little more than a year since the service launched the “Full Power Navy” pilot program in February 2025, leaders have “converted” 3,300 sailors who had begun the process of separating, convincing ...[Read More]
Air Force base housing landlord shuns pre-Thanksgiving Christmas decor
Outdoor Christmas decorations aren’t flying at U.S. Air Force base housing in the Florida Panhandle, at least not before Thanksgiving. The private company that operates a community of homes near Tyndall Air Force Base recently instructed residents to remove their Yuletide decorations and refrain from putting them back up until after Turkey Day. “All holiday decorations should be reflective in thei...[Read More]
Air Force cites DEI ban in cancellation of wreath-laying honoring women vets
A 28th annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring women troops at a memorial outside Arlington National Cemetery was canceled earlier this month after organizers got word that multiple military services would not participate, with one citing Pentagon and White House guidance prohibiting “events related to cultural awareness months” and DEI programs. The cancellation, first reported by Task and Purpose...[Read More]
Air Force conducts ‘bomber attack’ demonstration near Venezuela
The U.S. Air Force conducted what it called a “bomber attack demonstration mission” in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility last week, according to information newly released by the service. Three B-52H Stratofortress bomber aircraft flew off the coast of Venezuela on Oct. 15. The flight of the bombers first came to public attention due to open-source flight tracking data and has since...[Read More]
Air Force, Navy aircraft to take to the skies for 2026 Super Bowl
Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force and Navy are set to fly over the upcoming NFL Super Bowl to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The aircraft will conduct a joint flyover during the Feb. 8 football game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Air Force said in a release Wednesday. “At one of the most-watched events in the world, the flyover at Super Bowl LX is a visible reminder that Ame...[Read More]
Air Force, Navy aircraft to take to the skies for 2026 Super Bowl
Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force and Navy are set to fly over the upcoming NFL Super Bowl to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The aircraft will conduct a joint flyover during the Feb. 8 football game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the Air Force said in a release Wednesday. “At one of the most-watched events in the world, the flyover at Super Bowl LX is a visible reminder that Ame...[Read More]
Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Croatia for repairs
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which had been deployed in U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, anchored in Croatia’s Adriatic port of Split on Saturday for repairs and maintenance. The Ford, America’s newest and the world’s largest carrier, was operating in the Red Sea in support of Operation Epic Fury when a non-combat fire broke out in its main laundry room on March 12, injuring three...[Read More]
Airman behind famed ‘Burst of Joy’ photo dies at 92
Retired Col. Robert L. Stirm, the man featured in the famous Pulitzer Prize-winning photo “Burst of Joy” died on Nov. 11 in Fairfield, California, his daughter, Lorrie Stirm Kitching confirmed to The New York Times. He was 92. The photo itself is iconic: A seemingly anonymous freed Vietnam War prisoner of war’s back is to the camera as his gleeful family runs pell-mell toward him. The image was pr...[Read More]
Airman indicted in scheme to overthrow Haitian island, take sex slaves
A U.S. Air Force service member was charged on Nov. 20 after reportedly hatching a plan to seize control of a Haitian island and enslave its population in a violent coup, according to a Justice Department release. Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, an airman stationed in Texas, and Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, were named in a two-count indictment and charged with conspiracy to murder, maim or kidnap i...[Read More]
Airman joins rare company in earning coveted Navy chief rating
A United States airman at Joint Base San Antonio joined rare company recently when he was adorned with the khaki cover and fouled anchors awarded to the Navy’s newest chief petty officers. Air Force Master Sgt. Atif Siddiqui officially entered the chief’s mess upon completion of a six-week program that puts CPO hopefuls through all manner of mental and physical trials. Siddiqui, a member of the 32...[Read More]