Official says if government shut down, troops pay would be withheld until resolution is reached. And, U.S. Army deserter denied asylum in Germany.

U.S. Army deserter denied asylum by Germany

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — The U.S. soldier who asked the German government for political asylum in November 2008 has been rebuffed by the German Interior Ministry.

Is Obama ready for Pentagon leadership turnover?

Adm. Mike Mullen, now serving as the Pentagon’s top officer as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is expected to retire after his term ends in September, and Gen. David Petraeus, commander of all U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, is under serious consideration to become the next head of the CIA when he leaves the military behind.

Official: Troops’ pay would be withheld until shutdown is resolved

Troops worldwide would remain on duty if the federal government shuts down Friday, but would only receive pay through April 8 until the crisis was resolved, a government official with knowledge of Pentagon plans said.

U.S. ready to resume Libya strikes if needed

NATO has command of the no-fly zone over Libya, but an array of American airframes fly daily and the U.S. retains the possibility of launching a unilateral mission if necessary, the commander of U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday.

Libyan Rebels: NATO Isn’t Doing Enough

BENGHAZI, Libya — A rebel military leader lashed out at NATO, saying it was falling short in its mission to protect Libyan civilians. The alliance said ruler Moammar Gadhafi’s forces position heavy weapons in populated areas, preventing some airstrikes.

NATO Base Repels Afghan Insurgent Attack

KABUL, Afghanistan — NATO forces killed seven insurgents who tried to storm their way onto a base in eastern Afghanistan, the coalition said Wednesday.

Military, NGOs teaming up to deliver aid to earthquake victims

ISHINOMAKI, Japan – The U.S. military and private charities have been joining forces to distribute aid to tsunami-battered communities in northern Japan.

U.S. troops making best of situation at Sendai Airport

SENDAI, Japan — The orderly rows of tents, vehicles, port-a-johns, and pallets of equipment, food and water at Sendai Airport stand in stark contrast to the surrounding sea of tsunami debris that engulfed the airport and nearby land on March 11.

Massive search by U.S., Japanese troops wraps up with 339 bodies found

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — U.S. and Japanese troops recovered 339 bodies during a massive three-day search for the thousands of people still missing after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Japanese officials said Monday.

Why the sexual assault of males in the service is finally being confronted

When men in the military rape other men in the ranks, no one wants to talk about it. Why the sexual assault of males in the service is finally being confronted.

A fake Medal of Honor or Purple Heart: Is it free speech?

Manners, decency, even morality are one thing – free speech is another. So the federal court of appeals March 21 ruling that lying about one’s military record is protected free speech, rankles many who respect the special currency of a military medal, badge, or honor.

US Extends Libya Airstrike Role Through Monday

WASHINGTON — The U.S. agreed to NATO’s request for a 48-hour extension of American participation in coalition airstrikes against targets in Libya and U.S. lawmakers cautioned Sunday the allies need to know more about the rebels fighting Moammar Gadhafi’s forces before providing them with weapons.

Quran Protests Spread in Afghanistan

JALALABAD, Afghanistan — Demonstrators battled police in southern Afghanistan’s main city on Sunday and took to the streets in the turbulent east for the first time as Western pleas failed to halt a third day of rage over a Florida pastor’s burning of the Quran. Protests continued Monday, marking the fourth straight day.