Opinion

Editorials, guest commentaries, Medals and Misfires. Active-duty, reserve, Guard, veterans, Capitol Hill and the Pentagon.

The three-headed monster we must now defeat: mental illness, stigma, and suicide

In looking back, I have often wondered, how was my bipolar missed for so many years by me, my family, and the Army?

64 minutes ago

10th anniversary of DADT repeal a good time to reflect on victory of facts over fear

It is easy to forget the weight of emotional, aggressive misinformation that had to be overcome.

14 hours ago

Commentary

On 9/11 at the Pentagon, ‘horrible, senseless loss’ brought people together

Reflections on Sept. 11, 2001

A U.S. Marine, a curious Afghan boy, an unfathomable moment

"This is a story about a curious boy with no name — at least, no name that I ever came to know." Read Marine veteran and reporter James LaPorta's commentary about a harrowing moment when he was in Afghanistan.

11 days ago

Growing up in the shadow of 9/11: What military kids want you to know

It is vital to pause and reflect upon how we, as a nation, can best support military children, particularly those with a parent who is a wounded, ill, or fallen servicemember.

12 days ago

Fired Marine’s question about leader accountability should not be dismissed

But let’s not conflate Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller's story with the questions that he asked, which were not unreasonable, this retired Marine colonel writes.

3 weeks ago

As Afghanistan unravels, lawmakers can lead a new push to save vets, service members from suicide

Nov. 21 would mark a coast-to-coast call to action to connect with vets and service members.

3 weeks ago

Here’s how Biden could mitigate damage done by the Afghan withdrawal

The effort will need to start in Afghanistan but must be global in nature.

4 weeks ago

Breaking hearts and minds: The strategy of surrender

This is more than just an issue of international credibility, it is also one of national security.

4 weeks ago

Troop, family sacrifices in Afghanistan not in vain

We must remind them gently and respectfully that the answer is no — that the value of their deeds over the last 20 years can never be diminished.

4 weeks ago

Volunteers rescuing Afghans helpful, but ultimately inefficient substitute for government action

Despite ramped-up evacuation efforts, there is still a sense of frustration among people who have someone in country and are worried they will run out of time.

4 weeks ago

Flawed assumptions led to tragic outcomes in Afghanistan

All planners know that assumptions are warranted when there is a lack of information to continue planning.

4 weeks ago