Opinion

Opinion

Army combat fitness test threatens to undermine combat effectiveness

The test disadvantages both male and female soldiers

Opinion

Fixing the military’s overweight and obesity crisis

Our guest opinion writers argue that more can be done to help troops get their physical fitness squared away, both for themselves and for the nation.

Opinion

Overuse of National Guard threatens to undermine preparedness

Nontraditional missions run the risk of diverting resources that could be dedicated to training and preparedness, the authors say.

A paratrooper recalls his final jump — and his walk off the drop zone

If you make a mistake when you jump, you’ll probably be fine, but it could kill the paratrooper behind you. This was a very inexperienced group.

Opinion

Coldest War: ‘Near-Arctic’ China joining power competition in North

China is working to be more influential in the Arctic region, so the U.S. needs to prepare now, the author argues.

Remembering Saipan: The battle that reshaped the Pacific

The legacy of the Battle of Saipan endures 80 years on, as the island once again emerges as a strategic front in the Pacific.

Opinion

The post-9/11 generation’s path to post-traumatic growth

Veterans who embody the ethos of post-traumatic growth push back against the narrative of the “broken” vet. I urge you to join them.

Opinion

Why sleep remains a nationwide challenge amplified for post-9/11 vets

In this op-ed, the author discusses how PTSD, TBI, and other challenges veterans encounter highlight the critical role sleep plays in overall wellness.

I volunteered for a mission. I could take photos that might outlive me

Drowning in fear and self-loathing, I reminded myself why I was here. Why I was in Vietnam. On this helicopter. It was why I’d re-enlisted.

Opinion

Military supplement users: Beware of tigers masquerading as dogs

With high rates of supplement use among troops, the authors of this op-ed present measures to ensure service members know what ingredients are safe.

Opinion

Improving how service members build wealth

With the prospect of a hefty raise for junior enlisted ahead, the author of this op-ed shares ways troops can improve long-term financial security.

Opinion

The power of relationships and partnerships forged by special ops

The history of special operations in the U.S. is replete with examples that demonstrate how vital this can be.

Opinion

Time is running out to recognize, compensate aging atomic veterans

The VA’s failure to provide timely benefits makes RECA a critical lifeline for many veterans, Keith Kiefer argues in an op-ed.

Opinion

Tricare fails pregnant service members. Here’s how to fix it.

"Right of first refusal" waivers should be accessible and available without question to any woman in service, an Air Force major argues.

Opinion

How DOD missed its opportunity to counter extremism in the ranks

In this op-ed, the author argues that organized efforts to address extremism in the military should be revitalized.

Opinion

Higher fitness standards will prepare soldiers for real-world problems

Early moves to lower fitness test standards defeat the purpose of that test.