Recent study shows brain trauma can mimic symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s disease. And, officials say Karzai blindsided U.S. Embassy with the contractor-ban announcement.

US Opposes Use of Force in S. China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — The U.S. military opposes the use of force by countries locked in a dispute over territory in the South China Sea and will maintain its presence in the strategic region for years to come, an American commander said Wednesday.

Officials question readiness of Iraqi forces

A suicide bombing that killed 61 Iraqi army recruits in Baghdad on Tuesday is raising fears about whether the Iraqis can handle their own security as the U.S. military prepares to end combat operations in two weeks.

Study Says Brain Trauma Can Mimic A.L.S

In the 71 years since the Yankees slugger Lou Gehrig declared himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” despite dying from a disease that would soon bear his name, he has stood as America’s leading icon of athletic valor struck down by random, inexplicable fate.

Officials: Karzai Blindsided U.S. Embassy With Contractor-Ban Announcement

Afghan President Hamid Karzai failed to give the American Embassy in Kabul advance notice that he was about to issue an edict ordering private security companies operating in Afghanistan to fold up shop within four months. Two senior U.S. officials, who asked for anonymity when discussing sensitive information, tell Declassified that embassy officials had been talking for months with Karzai about what his government could do to clean up corruption problems involving such contractors, particularly contractors operating in the south of the country, whose important duties include providing security for official and private supply convoys. But the officials say that Karzai gave no advance notice to the embassy or other U.S. officials that he would attempt to address the problem with the radical step of trying to outlaw such contractors with the stroke of a pen.

Court again strikes down Stolen Valor Act

PASADENA, Calif. — A federal appeals court panel ruled Tuesday that people have a right to lie about receiving military medals, the second federal court decision in a month to go against the Stolen Valor Act.

Pakistani floods could further hurt unstable nation as military focuses on aid

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Staggered by the scale of destruction from this summer’s catastrophic floods, Pakistani officials have begun to acknowledge that the country’s security could be gravely affected if more international aid does not arrive soon.

Afghan president to issue order on private security firms

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is expected to issue an order Tuesday demanding that all private security companies in Afghanistan cease operation within four months.

48 killed, many hurt in suicide attack outside Iraq recruitment center

At least 48 people were killed and scores were wounded Tuesday morning when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden vest in central Baghdad as men were queuing up outside an Iraqi army recruitment center, the interior ministry said.

Wounds of Iraq war: US struggles with surge of returning veterans

In the spring of 2005, Marine Lt. Col. Mike Zacchea returned from the Iraq war to his Long Island, N.Y., home both a hero and a shattered man.

Rising pay, benefits drive growth in military towns

Rapidly rising pay and benefits in the armed forces have lifted many military towns into the ranks of the nation’s most affluent communities, a USA TODAY analysis finds.

Who gets discharged under ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’?

The military threw out hundreds of service members in 2009 for violating its “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, including disproportionate numbers of women and minorities and dozens of service members in “mission critical” positions, according to a new analysis of military data.

Judge Overturns Protest Ban Aimed at Westboro

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A federal judge Monday ruled that Missouri laws restricting protests near funerals are unconstitutional.