The DoD is investigating whether 80 wounded American service members in Iraq were improperly used as subjects in drug studies. And al-Qaida plants another flag as US exits Baghdad.

Pentagon questions drug study on troops

WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense is investigating whether 80 wounded American service members in Iraq were improperly used as subjects in a test of a possible treatment for brain injuries, according to the Pentagon’s Office of Inspector General.

DoD’s Quest for a Malaria Vaccine

This month we profile the United States Military Malaria Vaccine Program, which hopes to unravel the major complexities of the malaria parasite to develop a vaccine that will control, and someday eradicate, malaria.

Heroism in ambush may yield top valor awards

With no air or artillery support, the Marines of Embedded Training Team 2-8 were trapped deep in a kill zone in eastern Afghanistan. Their radios worked only sporadically, and dozens of insurgents fired on them repeatedly from three sides.

Al-Qaida Plants Another Flag as US Exits

BAGHDAD — Suspected al-Qaida militants killed 5 Iraqi soldiers in a brazen dawn attack Tuesday at a western Baghdad checkpoint and planted the terror group’s black banner before fleeing the scene, officials said.

Supreme Court Asked to Stop Gitmo Trial

WASHINGTON — The Army lawyer defending the last Western captive at Guantanamo turned to the U.S. Supreme Court Monday in a last-ditch bid to stop the upcoming war crimes trial of alleged Canadian terrorist Omar Khadr.

Destroyer collides with civilian vessel

SAN DIEGO — The destroyer Shoup collided with a civilian craft in the waters off Southern California late Sunday night, causing “minor” damage to both vessels, 3rd Fleet officials said Monday morning. No one was injured.

NY Jury Convicts 2 in JFK Fuel-Tank Plot

NEW YORK — Two men were convicted Monday of plotting to blow up jet fuel tanks at John F. Kennedy International Airport, a plan that authorities said was meant to outdo the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and avenge perceived U.S. oppression of Muslims around the world.

The journey home from the frontlines of war

Capt. Katherine Gardener leans over a wounded soldier to murmur words of comfort.

This quiet 29-year-old Air Force trauma nurse is watching over several young wounded soldiers lying on stretchers in front of her.

But we are not in a hospital. We are on a C-17 cargo aircraft at 40,000 feet in the middle of the night.

Distressed soldiers treated at combat site

FORWARD OPERATING BASE BOSTICK, Afghanistan — Sgt. Thomas Riordan didn’t want to return to Afghanistan after home leave. He had just fought through a battle that killed eight soldiers, and when he arrived home his wife said she was leaving. He almost killed himself that night.

Obama Lists Modest War Goals in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — As the war in Afghanistan faces a loss of public and congressional support and U.S. casualties rise sharply, the Obama administration is painting its goals for the war as humble and achievable while warning there is no quick fix.

Humanitarian medal approved for Samoa, Chile

The Humanitarian Service Medal has been approved for soldiers who participated in the earthquake and tsunami relief operations in Samoa last fall and Chile this spring.

July Deadliest Month of Afghan War for US

KABUL, Afghanistan — Three U.S. service members were killed in blasts in Afghanistan, bringing the toll for July to at least 63 and making it the deadliest month for American forces in the nearly 9-year-war.