Top Military News Headlines | December 15, 2010

Top Marine Corps officer states he cannot endorse the repeal of DADT. And, U.S. embraces more firepower on Afghanistan.

Marine Chief: DADT Repeal Could Cost Lives

ARLINGTON, Va. — The nation’s top Marine Corps officer said he could not endorse a change in the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law that could cause distractions or endanger the lives of Marines in combat.

US Embraces More Firepower on Taliban

The U.S. military has dramatically stepped up airstrikes and manhunts in Afghanistan in a bid to weaken the Taliban, reflecting a return to “counter-terrorism” tactics.

Air Force blocks media sites that post WikiLeaks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Air Force is blocking computer access to The New York Times and other media sites that published sensitive diplomatic documents released by the Internet site WikiLeaks, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.

New showdown: House plans vote on military gay ban

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a new showdown, the House this week will take up a bill that would overturn the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays, Democratic leader Steny Hoyer said Tuesday.

U.S., South Korea to plan more exercises, respond to North as necessary, top commander says

SEOUL — The U.S. and South Korea will meet future North Korean attacks with the “utmost response” available that “the laws of land warfare permit,” the top U.S. military officer in the country said Wednesday night.