Commentary

Opinions on war, Pentagon policy, pay and benefits, deployments, uniforms, weapons and more.

Voting rights activists hold signs near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 19, 2022.

Passing Electoral Count Act reforms is vital to national security

Nine senior former defense officials and military leaders warn about national security threats America faces due to weaknesses in the Electoral Count Act.

10 days ago

‘Made in China’ exclusion policy at exchanges would hurt families

An amendment in the fiscal 2023 defense policy bill would prohibit military exchanges and commissaries from selling items that were made in China.

2 weeks ago

Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough visited the Veterans Row encampment in Los Angeles in 2021.

Commentary

Drop in veteran homelessness proves we can end homelessness

New data shows that veteran homelessness in the U.S. has decreased by 11% since 2020, the last year for which we have complete data.

At VA, we stand tall to hurricanes Fiona and Ian

"Thanks to preparation and quick response, most of VA’s clinics remained online or were fully operational within a day or two."

4 weeks ago

We need to increase research into psychedelics for veterans with PTSD

In the past few years, new treatment options have emerged from the often-stigmatized source of psychedelics.

4 weeks ago

The aircraft carrier John C. Stennis conducts operations in the North Arabian Sea, Feb. 23, 2007.

Renaming the USS John C. Stennis is not in line with American values

By renaming bases and warships, we as a nation are teaching society to push obstacles to the side, to become victims, the author of this commentary writes.

5 weeks ago

The Coast Guard Cutter Douglas Munro is pictured during its last Bering Sea patrol in March 2021. The Douglas Munro was decommissioned on April 24, 2021.

To deter Arctic aggression, build the polar fleet we need

America should make substantial investments in its icebreaker industrial base and overall defense industrial base to help preserve its Arctic interest.

5 weeks ago

Department of Defense civilians and active duty service members attend a Traumatic Brain Injury Open House event March 20, 2014, at Tripler Army Medical Center located in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Outrage over NFL brain injuries; silence over military brain injuries

The NFL is doing the right thing on concussions. The Department of Defense lacks the urgency and a similar aggressive approach.

5 weeks ago

A student draws on a piece of paper during the second to last day of school as New York City public schools prepare to wrap up the 2021/2022 school year on June 24, 2022 in New York City.

What we can do to ensure a quality education for military children

Military leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about the quality of K-12 public schools around military installations.

6 weeks ago

An airman loads chaff and flare countermeasure mods on a trailer at Ali Al Salem Air Force Base, Kuwait, Jan. 26, 2022.

Cannibalizing the arsenal of democracy in turbulent times

The Pentagon should consider cutting back on research and development funding and ramping up procurement to protect the arsenal of democracy.

7 weeks ago

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier John C. Stennis transits the San Diego bay Aug. 10, 2016, after completing a seven-month Western Pacific deployment.

Now is the time to rename the carrier John C. Stennis

The USS John C. Stennis honors a noted racist, the author argues. It is time for the Navy and Congress to rename it and send a message of inclusion.

7 weeks ago

Legal loophole: Some contracts skirt protections for service members

Special protections afforded to service members are being undermined by a legal trap buried in the fine print of contracts and click-through agreements.

7 weeks ago

Addressing military families’ needs: a ‘to-do list’ not a ‘wish list’

Defense and service officials have struggled for decades to address the problems military families face.

8 weeks ago

A line of flags is placed in remembrance of each member of the Department of Defense who was lost to suicide in 2021 at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 1, 2022.

We can all ‘Be the One’ to save the life of a veteran

It is National Suicide Prevention Month, but the work to prevent suicides must be at the front of our minds far beyond September.

2 months ago

Women rights activists hold up signs as they gather at Freedom Plaza for a pre-march rally of the annual Womens March October 2, 2021 in Washington, DC.

It’s time for equitable reproductive rights for women veterans

The VA recently said it will start providing abortions in certain circumstances, even in states where it's illegal or restricted.

2 months ago

‘Extraordinary circumstances’ facing hungry military families

Congress and the Defense Department can take action to help bring relief to struggling military families and service members experiencing food insecurity.

2 months ago

Abbey Gate, heroism, heartbreak, a baby named ‘Joy’ and a life saved

An Air Force flight nurse deployed to Kabul during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021 recalls her story.

2 months ago

The Office of Naval Intelligence held a wreath laying remembrance ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, to honor the eight ONI shipmates who lost their lives during the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

Navy intel will never stop carrying on the mission of our 9/11 fallen

Eight Office of Navy Intelligence shipmates lost their lives during the terrorist attack at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

3 months ago

Combat boots and yellow flowers representing those who lost their lives are displayed during the Khobar Towers 25th Annual Memorial Ceremony, June 25, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Frozen Afghan funds should go to all terrorism victims

President Joe Biden’s executive order to direct frozen Afghan funds to terror victims leaves military victims behind, this veteran writes.

3 months ago

Paratroopers of 1st Platoon, A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, Task Force Spartan Steel conduct security combat patrols in Khost province.

We saluted under the night sky. Each new loss felt harder than the one before.

The images of desperate Afghans swarming to flee Kabul at the end of the mission filled me with a painful sense of loss.

3 months ago