Nov 20th, 2008 · Washington Post reporter Steve Fainaru has extensively covered the "parallel army" of private security contractors. His book Big Boy Rules: America's Mercenaries Fighting In Iraq, details the tens of thousands of "mercs" who arrived in Iraq in the absence of sufficient levels of U.S. troops.
Nov 19th, 2008 · You'll soon be seeing volunteers for The Salvation Army out with their red kettles, asking for donations. They've had trouble before because so many people only have plastic on hand. Now, five bell-ringers in El Paso County, Colo., will be the first to accept credit and debit cards along with coins and bills. So if you just never seem to have any spare change on hand — consider that excuse a ghost of Christmas past.
Nov 18th, 2008 · In the three months since the conflict between Georgia and Russia over the breakaway province of South Ossetia, details have come to light about how and why Georgia ended up going head-to-head against the much larger Russian army.
Nov 16th, 2008 · The Army now has the first woman four-star general in the history of the American armed forces. Gen. Ann Dunwoody grew up in an Army family — her father served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Now, his daughter will lead the Army Materiel Command.
Nov 11th, 2008 · Gen. Jack Keane, former Army vice chief of staff, oversaw military operations in Iraq during the U.S. invasion. He talks about president-elect Barack Obama's plan to end the war. Keane says the focus now should be on achieving the goal of the mission, not getting out.
Nov 1st, 2008 · A rebel army outside the eastern capital of Goma is pushing for direct talks with the government. But despite major territorial gains this week, they have yet to reach the bargaining table. NPR's Gwen Thompkins joins guest host Alison Stewart from a rebel-controlled area.
Oct 30th, 2008 · Congo's army has retreated from a rebel advance. The U.N., which has been blamed for not doing enough, has evacuated most of its civilian staff from its regional headquarters in Goma. Jeffrey Gettleman, East Africa Bureau chief for The New York Times, offers his insight.
Oct 29th, 2008 · Generals have been publicly criticized for their handling of the conflict with Kurd separatists, and at least three former officials have been accused of ties to a group accused of plotting to overthrow the government. The army has long been considered a sacred institution.