LOLITA C. BALDOR

U.S. Marine Corps martial arts instructor Sgt. Micah Shull, center, trains two female recruits during a hand-to-hand combat drill during a portion of training known as the Crucible at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Parris Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

The Marines are moving gradually and sometimes reluctantly to integrate women and men in boot camp

The U.S. Marines say men and women are now fully integrated in boot camp. But from watching the training at Parris Island in South Carolina for several days, it’s not that clear-cut.

FILE - Students in the new Army prep course stand at attention after physical training exercises at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., Aug. 27, 2022. The Army is launching a sweeping overhaul of its recruiting to focus more on young people who have spent time in college or are job hunting early in their careers. The aim is to reverse years of enlistment shortfalls. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File)

The Army is launching a sweeping overhaul of its recruiting to reverse enlistment shortfalls

The Army is launching a sweeping overhaul of its recruiting to focus more on young people who’ve spent time in college or are job hunting early in their careers. The Army’s aim is to reverse years of enlistment shortfalls.

FILE - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, center, walks with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., right, at Capitol Hill on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, in Washington. When U.S. lawmakers approved a spending bill Saturday, Sept. 30, that averted a widely expected government shutdown, the measure didn’t include the $6 billion in military assistance that Ukraine said it urgently needed. Now the Pentagon, White House and European allies are urging Congress to quickly reconsider. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Congress didn’t include funds for Ukraine in its spending bill. How will that affect the war?

When U.S. lawmakers approved a spending bill Saturday that averted a widely expected government shutdown, the measure didn’t include the $6 billion in military assistance that Ukraine said it urgently needed.

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, speaks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a wreath laying ceremony at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, Sept. 21, 2023, in Washington, as first lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, looks on. The Pentagon is warning Congress that it is running low on funding to replace weapons the U.S. has sent to Ukraine and has already been forced to slow down restocking some troops. The warning from the Pentagon comptroller came in a letter sent to congressional leaders and was obtained by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

The Pentagon warns Congress it is running low on money to replace weapons sent to Ukraine

The Pentagon is warning Congress that it is running low on funding to replace weapons the U.S. has sent to Ukraine and has already been forced to slow down resupplying some troops.

President Joe Biden, right, shakes hands with outgoing Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, during an Armed Forces Farewell Tribute in honor of Milley at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Fort Meyer, Va. Also held was an Armed Forces Hail in honor of Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., who the Senate confirmed as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Gen. Milley delivers defense of democracy and swipes at Trump in farewell address

Army Gen. Mark Milley delivered a full-throated defense of democracy and not-so-subtle swipes at former President Donald Trump during a packed ceremony as he closed out his four, often tumultuous years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

FILE - Enlisted sailors line up and wait to march on the field at Sun Life Stadium before the NFL football game in Miami, Nov. 13, 2011, between the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins. The Navy will begin randomly testing its special operations forces for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs beginning in November, taking a groundbreaking step that military leaders have long resisted. Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander of Naval Special Warfare Command, announced the new program Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in a message to his force, calling it necessary to protect their health, safety and military readiness. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter, File)

The Navy will start randomly testing SEALs and special warfare troops for steroids

The Navy will begin randomly testing its special operations forces for steriods and other performance-enhancing drugs beginning in November. It’s a groundbreaking step that military leaders have long resisted. Rear Adm.

FILE - U.S. State Department Counselor Derek Chollet speaks with The Associated Press in Bangkok, Thailand, June 10, 2022. A Senate hearing on the nomination of the next top policy adviser for the Pentagon has shown Republican frustrations with the Biden administration’s foreign policies, from the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan to Ukraine funding and climate change. Republican senators on the Armed Services Committee grilled Derek Chollet about mistakes the administration made in leaving Afghanistan and whether enough is being done to control the southern U.S. border. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

GOP senators sharply question Pentagon nominee about Biden administration’s foreign policies

A Senate hearing on the nomination of the official to be the Pentagon’s top policy adviser was dominated by Republicans expressing their frustrations with the Biden administration’s foreign policies.

FILE - A portrait of American soldier Travis King is displayed as his grandfather, Carl Gates, talks about his grandson on July 19, 2023, in Kenosha, Wis. North Korea says on Wednesday, Sept. 27, it has decided to expel a U.S. soldier who crossed into the country through the heavily armed inter-Korean border in July. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)

The American soldier who bolted into North Korea 2 months ago has returned to the US

The Pentagon says that the American soldier who sprinted into North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas more than two months ago was whisked to a Texas Army base for medical checks and interviews after his return to the U.S.

FILE - A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea on Aug. 16, 2023. North Korea says on Wednesday, Sept. 27, it has decided to expel a U.S. soldier who crossed into the country through the heavily armed inter-Korean border in July. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

US secures the release of the soldier who crossed into North Korea 2 months ago

The White House says the American soldier who sprinted into North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas two months ago has been released into U.S. custody. Pvt.

FILE - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley greets a soldier of the U.S. Army, at the Training Range in Pabrade, some 60km.(38 miles) north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis, File)

As Gen. Milley steps down as chairman, his work on Ukraine is just one part of a complicated legacy

As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Mark Milley has spent the better part of the last two years rallying allies to provide weapons for the Ukrainians as they defend their country against the Russian forces.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., arrives for a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Navy Adm. Lisa Franchetti's nomination for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Chief of Naval Operations, Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Senate confirms army, marines chiefs as senator’s objection blocks other military nominations

The Senate has confirmed three top military leaders, filling the posts after monthslong delays and as a Republican senator is still holding up hundreds of other nominations and promotions for senior officers. Thursday afternoon, Gen.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin attends the meeting of the 'Ukraine Defense Contact Group' at Ramstein Air Base in Ramstein, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

US defense chief urges nations to dig deep and give Ukraine more much-needed air defense systems

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is urging defense leaders to “dig deep” and provide more air defense systems for Ukraine, to help the country block increasing barrages of Russian missiles.

FILE - Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, July 18, 2023. The top American military officer says North Korea may be able to boost Russia’s supply of artillery munitions for the war in Ukraine. But Army Gen. Mark Milley says that's not likely to make a big difference. He made the comments as he arrived in Norway for NATO meetings that began Saturday, Sept. 16, and will focus in part on the conflict. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

North Korean arms for Russia probably wouldn’t make a big difference in the Ukraine war, Milley says

The top American military officer says North Korea may be able to boost Russia’s supply of artillery munitions for the war in Ukraine. But Army Gen. Mark Milley says that’s not likely to make a big difference.

FILE - Smoke rises from a deadly explosion outside the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021. The Pentagon’s Central Command has decided to interview roughly two dozen service members who were at the Kabul airport when suicide bombers attacked during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal but weren’t included in the military’s initial investigation. (AP Photo/Wali Sabawoon, File)

US military orders new interviews on the deadly 2021 Afghan airport attack as criticism persists

The Pentagon’s Central Command has ordered interviews of roughly two dozen more service members who were at the Kabul airport when suicide bombers attacked during U.S. forces’ chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, as criticism persists that the deadly assault could have been stopped.

FILE - U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets fly over the Osan U.S. Air Base during a combined air force exercise with the United States and South Korea in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Dec. 4, 2017. The U.S. could have the first Ukrainian pilots trained on F-16 fighter jets before the end of the year, though it will be longer than that before they are flying combat missions. That's according to the head of the Air National Guard force tasked with training them. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

Ukrainian pilots could be flying F-16s in three months, Air National Guard head says

The U.S. could have the first Ukrainian pilots trained on F-16 fighter jets before the end of the year, though it will be longer than that before they are flying combat missions.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, center, stands next to Ukrainian security forces before departing a train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool via AP)

US announces new $600 million aid package for Ukraine to boost counteroffensive

The Pentagon is announcing a new $600 million package of long-term aid to Ukraine, providing funding for an array of weapons and other equipment.

FILE - Female soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division train on a firing range while testing new body armor in Fort Campbell, Ky., Sept. 18, 2012. Female soldiers face rampant sexism, harassment and other gender-related challenges in male dominated Army special operations units, according to a report Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, eight years after the Pentagon opened all combat jobs to women. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

Female soldiers in Army special operations face rampant sexism and harassment, military report says

A new report says female soldiers face rampant sexism, sexual harassment and other gender-related challenges in male dominated Army special operations units. The report on Monday comes eight years after the Pentagon opened all combat jobs to women.

FILE - The Pentagon is seen in this aerial view in Washington, Jan. 26, 2020. The U.S. military academies must improve their leadership, stop toxic practices such as hazing and shift behavior training into the classrooms, according to a Pentagon study aimed at addressing an alarming spike in sexual assaults and misconduct. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Pentagon review calls for reforms to reverse spike in sexual misconduct at military academies

A new report says the U.S. military academies must improve their leadership, stop toxic practices such as hazing, and shift behavior training into the classrooms in order to address an alarming spike in sexual assaults and misconduct.

FILE - A member of the District of Columbia National Guard looks out from a vehicle driving on West Executive Avenue at the White House, Monday, June 1, 2020, in Washington, as demonstrators protest over the death of George Floyd nearby. U.S. officials say the Pentagon is developing plans to restructure the National Guard in Washington, D.C. The goal is to address problems highlighted by the chaotic response to the Jan. 6 riot and safety breaches during the 2020 protests over the murder of George Floyd. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

The Pentagon plans to shake up DC’s National Guard, criticized for its response to protests, Jan. 6

U.S. officials say the Pentagon is developing plans to restructure the National Guard in Washington, D.C.

FILE - Airmen with the 436th Aerial Port Squadron use a forklift to move 155 mm shells ultimately bound for Ukraine, April 29, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The Pentagon will provide Ukraine with another $200 million in weapons and ammunition to help sustain its counteroffensive as troops on the front lines face significant hurdles against a well-entrenched Russian defense. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

US to send $200 million in military aid to Ukraine

The Pentagon will provide Ukraine with $200 million in weapons and ammunition to help sustain its counteroffensive as troops on the front lines face significant hurdles against a well-entrenched Russian defense.

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington, July 18, 2023. Austin is warning that troop readiness and retention is at risk, as the Army's chief stepped down Friday leaving the military's two ground combat forces without Senate-confirmed leaders for the first time in history. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

Pentagon warns of disruptions as Army, Marines both lack confirmed leaders for first time

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is warning that troop readiness and retention is at risk as the Army’s chief recently stepped down, leaving the military’s two ground combat forces without Senate-confirmed leaders for the first time in history.

U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman for the Southern District of California, center, speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, in San Diego. Two U.S. Navy sailors have been arrested and accused of providing sensitive military information to China — including details on wartime exercises, Naval operations and critical technical material, federal officials said Thursday. (Meg McLaughlin/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)

2 US Navy sailors charged with providing sensitive military information to China

U.S. officials say two Navy sailors have been arrested on charges related to national security and ties to China.

In this handout photo from the U.S. Navy, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan travels through Atlantic Ocean on July 20, 2023. As thousands of Marines backed by the United States' top fighter jet, warships and other aircraft slowly building up in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. military is considering putting armed personnel on commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, four American officials told The Associated Press on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Danilo Reynoso/U.S. Navy, via AP)

US military may put armed troops on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz to stop Iran seizures

The U.S. military is considering putting armed personnel on commercial ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, in what would be an unheard of action aimed at stopping Iran from seizing and harassing civilian vessels.

FILE - President Joe Biden greats a group of Thunderbird pilots after arriving at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Biden has decided to keep U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, overturning a last-ditch decision by the Trump administration to move it to Alabama and ending months of politically fueled debate, according to senior U.S. officials. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

Biden decides to keep Space Command in Colorado, rejecting move to Alabama

President Joe Biden has decided to keep the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, overturning a last-ditch decision by the Trump administration to move it to Alabama.

A group of male U.S. Marine Corps recruits train with weighted ammo cans during a physical training exercise at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Parris Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

‘The Few, the Proud’ aren’t so few: Marines recruiting surges while other services struggle

Marine Corps leaders say they’ll make their recruiting goal this year, at a time when the active-duty Army, Navy and Air Force expect to fall short.

In this image from video provided by the U.S. Air Force, a Russian fighter jet flies close to a U.S. MQ-9 reaper drone over Syria on July 23, 2023. The White House says a Russian fighter jet fired flares at another U.S. drone over Syrian airspace Wednesday, July 26 in a continued string of harassing maneuvers that have ratcheted up tensions between the two countries. It’s the sixth reported incident this month, and the second in the last 24 hours.(U.S. Air Force via AP)

Russian fighter jet strikes another American drone over Syria in the sixth incident this month

The U.S. says a Russian fighter jet fired flares and struck another American drone over Syrian airspace on Wednesday, continuing a string of harassing maneuvers that have ratcheted up tensions between the global powers.

In this image from video released by the U.S. Air Force, a Russian fighter jet flies close to a U.S. drone over Syria, July 23, 2023. A Russian fighter jet flew within a few meters of a U.S. drone over Syria and fired flares at it, striking the American aircraft and damaging it, the U.S. military said Tuesday, the latest in a string of aggressive intercepts by Russia in the region. (U.S. Air Force via AP)

A Russian fighter jet fired flares at a US drone over Syria and damaged it, the US military says

The U.S. military says a Russian fighter jet flew close to a U.S. drone over Syria and fired flares at it, striking the American aircraft and damaging it.

FILE - Pallets of 155 mm shells and fuses are loaded, ultimately bound for Ukraine, April 29, 2022, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. U.S. officials say on July 24, 2023, the Biden administration is sending up to $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US to send up to $400 million in military aid to Ukraine

The Biden administration is sending up to $400 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, including a variety of munitions for advanced air defense systems and a number of small, surveillance Hornet drones.

FILE - In this photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps/3rd MAW, an MV-22B Osprey with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 transports ordnance during an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operation (EABO) exercise to Old Highway 101 near Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., on May 25, 2022. The deadly crash of a Marine V-22 Osprey, like the one shown, in California last year was caused by mechanical failure, according to an investigation that ruled out pilot and maintenance errors. (U.S. Marine Corps via AP, File)

Deadly crash of Marine Osprey last year was caused by mechanical failure, report says

An investigation has concluded that the deadly crash of a Marine V-22 Osprey in California last year was caused by mechanical failure. It ruled out pilot and maintenance errors.

In this image provided by the U.S. Navy, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti meets with leadership at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Nov. 17, 2022 in Kittery, Maine. A senior administration official says President Joe Biden has chosen Franchetti to lead the Navy. If confirmed, she would be the first woman to be a U.S. military service chief. (Jim Cleveland/U.S. Navy via AP)

Biden picks female admiral to lead Navy. She’d be first woman on Joint Chiefs of Staff

President Joe Biden has chosen Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy. If confirmed, she will be the first woman to be a Pentagon service chief and the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.