Ben Wolfgang
Articles by Ben Wolfgang
Taliban celebrates after Donald Trump says U.S. troops out of Afghanistan ‘by Christmas’
Top Taliban officials on Thursday celebrated President Trump's unexpected declaration that all U.S. troops in Afghanistan likely will be "home by Christmas," adding more confusion to what's become a murky timeline for America's exit from the country. Published October 8, 2020
Gen. Gary L. Thomas, Marine Corps No. 2 officer, tests positive for coronavirus
Gen. Gary L. Thomas, the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is now in quarantine, military officials said. Published October 7, 2020
On Putin’s birthday, Russia tests new hypersonic weapon
The Russian military on Wednesday delivered a birthday present to President Vladimir Putin: a cutting-edge hypersonic missile that the Kremlin claims can travel at nine times the speed of sound and strike enemies more than 600 miles away. Published October 7, 2020
Vladimir Putin funds Russia military modernization at record post-Cold War levels
Although a decade of heavy, targeted investment has put the Russian force on perhaps its strongest footing since the days of the Soviet Union, specialists argue that measuring it against the U.S. military in traditional terms is a waste of time and fundamentally misreads Russian President Vladimir Putin's 21st-century strategy. Published October 6, 2020
‘Doomsday plane’ flights preplanned, not tied to Trump COVID-19 diagnosis: Pentagon
Two "doomsday plane" flights overnight off both U.S. coasts were preplanned and not tied to President Trump's positive coronavirus test, military officials said Friday as they tamped down speculation that America was sending a warning to its enemies at a time of crisis. Published October 2, 2020
Army recommends soldiers ‘take naps whenever possible’
Regular naps are crucial for U.S. soldiers, according to a major new Army report that argues some afternoon shuteye -- along with regular doses of caffeine -- will sustain peak cognitive awareness. Published October 1, 2020
Trump-Mark Esper rift widens as Pentagon fears being drawn into election
Distrust between the commander in chief and Pentagon leadership has reached a near-unprecedented level, analysts and military insiders say, with both sides of the Potomac eyeing the other anxiously as Election Day draws near. Published September 30, 2020
Trump fights for military vote despite early missteps
The Trump campaign is counting on an aggressive ground game to help win over active-duty troops and veterans during the home stretch of the White House race, but with little room for error, Republican insiders fear a series of missteps and miscalculations may swing the highly coveted and Republican-leaning demographic toward Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden. Published September 24, 2020
Marine Corps rolls out the M18, the first new service pistol since the Reagan era
The Marine Corps has fielded its first new service pistol in 35 years, Pentagon officials announced Tuesday, with M18s now being issued across the service. Published September 23, 2020
Al-Shabab negotiations eyed as way to end Somalia fighting
Unprecedented diplomacy gave the Trump administration a path out of Afghanistan, and questions have been raised about whether a similar playbook could work for the seemingly endless U.S. military mission in Somalia. Published September 22, 2020
U.S. bid to reimpose Iran sanctions opposed by allies, foes
Allies and foes alike rejected the Trump administration's effort over the weekend to reimpose global economic sanctions on Iran, setting up a high-stakes showdown at the United Nations that could again leave Washington abandoned on the world stage. Published September 20, 2020
Rising red tide: Russia accused of trashing Bering Strait amid Arctic power struggle
The U.S., Russia, China and other world powers increasingly see the Arctic as key strategic territory in the 21st century, and each nation is investing vast sums of money to modernize their navies and build ships capable of operating in the icy waters. Published September 20, 2020
U.S. beefs up defenses in Syria after encounter with Russians
The Pentagon said Friday it has sent Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Syria, deployed new radar systems and increased the number of fighter jet patrols to "ensure the protection of our forces" -- a clear message to Moscow just weeks after a run-in between American and Russian troops. Published September 18, 2020
Israel-Arab diplomatic deal threatens to isolate Iran
Iranian officials fumed as President Trump presided over the signing of a major Israel-Arab diplomatic deal at the White House on Tuesday, reflecting the widespread belief that Tehran ultimately may be the biggest loser of the historic breakthrough. Published September 15, 2020
Air Force tests new anti-drone laser weapon
Drones are one of the 21st century's most dangerous weapons, and the U.S. Air Force soon may have a new weapon to defend against them. Published September 15, 2020
Russia blamed for trash washing up on Alaska shores
Tribal leaders and federal agencies have reported a major rise this summer in the amount of plastics and other garbage washing ashore in the Bering Strait region of Alaska, much of it bearing Russian-language labels. Published September 14, 2020
Afghans, Taliban engage in peace talks amid violence
The Taliban and U.S.-backed Afghan government began peace negotiations this weekend in what looks to be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end decades of war, but another wave of violence across the country threatened to overshadow the historic meeting. Published September 13, 2020
Afghanistan peace talks marred by gunfights, IEDs
Long-awaited "inter-Afghan" peace talks between the Taliban and the U.S.-backed government in Kabul began this weekend, but continued violence across Afghanistan threatened to overshadow the historic gathering. Published September 13, 2020
Man vs. machine: Pentagon plans 2024 dogfight between human pilot, artificial intelligence
The Pentagon is planning a 2024 showdown between an F-16 piloted by a human and one controlled by artificial intelligence, a man versus machine matchup that military officials believe could represent a key turning point in technological development. Published September 10, 2020
Russia, China, Iran to hold massive joint military exercise
China, Russia, Iran and a handful of other nations will hold massive joint military drills later this month in what Beijing dubs a "comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in a new era." Published September 10, 2020
