Military Times

Air Force releases new, more personalized PT test standards

This article by Rachel S. Cohen was originally published by Military Times. Lace up those sneakers: the new PT tests are coming. The Air Force on Friday released a fresh set of spreadsheets that will be used to calculate airmen’s scores on the revamped annual physical fitness assessment, which begins in January. It solidifies the service’s shift […]

New variants of Chinese stealth fighters break cover

Airpower

This article by Mike Yeo was originally published by Military Times. Two new variants of China’s stealth fighters have broken cover in the past three days, including China’s next carrier-based fighter, hinted at during a recent air show. Photos and videos taken outside the Chengdu Aircraft factory in its namesake city on Tuesday showed a […]

Marine Corps asks: What will convince you to reenlist?

Career

This article by Philip Athey was originally published by Military Times. What non-monetary incentives will convince Marines to reenlist? That is what the Corps wants to know ― and it is challenging Marines and government civilians to find the solution. The challenge, announced in an administrative message published Wednesday, was sent out by Lt. Gen. David Ottignon, […]

Firth to play MI5 agent in WWII movie ‘Operation Mincemeat’

Off Duty

This article by Claire Barrett was originally published by Observation Post (Military Times). Military history aficionados, it’s time to get giddy. One of the most extraordinary deceptions of the Second World War, Operation MINCEMEAT, is coming to the big screen. The film stars not one Mr. Darcy, but two — Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen — as […]

Bunker-busting GBU-72 clearing hurdles in USAF testing

Airpower

This article by Rachel S. Cohen was originally published by Military Times. Air Force weapons testers are vetting a new 5,000-pound bomb that could become a bunker-busting tool against North Korean or Iranian nuclear facilities. An F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet with the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, wrapped up a […]

Citing shortages, military exchanges urge holiday shoppers to ‘buy it now’

Off Duty

This article by Karen Jowers was originally published by Military Times. Like stores around the country, military exchanges are wrestling with COVID-related supply chain problems and rising prices. The problems are affecting everything from the manufacturing process to the entire shipping chain. “We continue to fight for our ‘unfair share’ of inventory to provide ongoing merchandise […]

How this one scene in ‘1917′ set me on the trail of my grandfather

History

This article by Brendan Sainsbury was originally published by Military Times. Villers Bretonneux, Northeastern France. May 3, 1918. Two young British airmen emerge from a canvas tent and hurry across a makeshift airfield to a waiting airplane. They are RAF Second Lieutenant Alexander Brown and Corporal Bill Sainsbury. Brown, the pilot, gets in first, slipping effortlessly into the front cockpit. Sainsbury, […]

Report: Threat posed by Iran ‘unlikely’ to extend beyond CENTCOM region

Military Affairs

This article by James R. Webb was originally published by Military Times. A “large-scale” attack by Iran on U.S partners or allies “appears remote” as Iran has shown a “clear reluctance” to commit “conventional” forces in direct combat, a new report from the Rand corporation states. As a result, any threat posed is “unlikely” to extend outside of the Central Command […]

New project seeks dream solutions for operators’ sleep woes

Special Ops

This article by Todd South was originally published by Military Times. Special operators may get a 360-degree tool that will help them manage, improve and restore what might be the secret ingredient to fighting at the leading edge – sleep. U.S. Special Operations Command recently awarded a $1.29 million contract to Aptima, Inc. to develop […]

That time a Navy submarine was attacked by a swordfish