Alcohol abuse continues to trouble the U.S. Marine Corps despite efforts to promote treatment, a Pentagon report indicates. And, the newest war veterans are becoming homeless at alarming rates.

Veteran crisis: Newest war vets become homeless at alarming rate

EAGLE MOUNTAIN — The house that Jordan Sanford now calls home sits on a barren hilltop near Eagle Mountain, in a secluded, partially developed subdivision. Inside, there are tall ceilings and polished wood floors, and the natural light pours in from the windows. It’s a big improvement from the tent Sanford called home two years ago while deployed in Iraq.

US commander in Afghanistan: Tough fight in 2011

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan said Tuesday that coalition forces face a tough fight in 2011 as they push to extend security gains in the Taliban’s southern strongholds and reverse insurgent advances in others.

Red Cross educates veterans

The South Central Region of the American Red Cross program is holding informational nights throughout the year to educate military members about veterans benefits and services they are eligible for, reported New York news station WBNG TV.

Karzai accepts lawmakers’ plan to end standoff

Afghanistan’s parliament will be inaugurated Wednesday, ending a political standoff, President Hamid Karzai’s office said Monday.

Experts: DOD malaria drug policy for detainees is malpractice

WASHINGTON — The rules governing medicine for detainees at Guantanamo are strict and specific: Minor aches get no more than 650 mg of Tylenol every six hours, sore throats get no more than one lozenge every four hours, itchy scalps mandate anti-dandruff shampoo for 15 minutes no more than twice a week.

No link between Bradley Manning and Julian Assange, say military sources

US investigators have been unable to find evidence directly linking WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and Bradley Manning, the army private suspected of passing on confidential documents to the whistleblowing website, according to a report last night.

Air Force Chief Pleads Guilty to Sexual Misconduct

MASCOUTAH, Ill. – A senior Ohio Air Force base official pleaded guilty on Monday to sexual misconduct and adultery, blaming extramarital affairs he had with married female subordinates and inappropriate sexual advances he made toward others on getting “caught up in a cycle of sin.”

Marines Wrestle with Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse continues to trouble the U.S. Marine Corps despite efforts to promote treatment, a Pentagon report indicates.

U.S. eyes Canadian de-stress program

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A Canadian program that sends battle-weary troops to a sunny seaside resort to wind down after a tough tour of duty is being eyed as a model for a pilot project in the U.S.

Colin Powell: ‘Defense budget can’t be sacrosanct’ if Congress serious about fixing budgetary woes

As Republicans ratchet up calls to cut arts programs, former Sec. of State Colin Powell says the real solution to reduce the budget deficit is to cut military spending.

White House to Unveil Military Family Plan

The White House and Pentagon are scheduled today to roll out an ambitious, administration-wide policy to improve the lives of military families by tackling everything from child-care and financial problems to veteran homelessness and job opportunities for spouses.

Former GI Awarded DSC for Afghan Ambush

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Michael Takes, 27, has a difficult time putting into words the brotherhood that forms between Soldiers deployed overseas.

GAO: Gay ban cost military $53,000 per dismissal

WASHINGTON — Enforcing the controversial “don’t ask, don’t tell” law cost the Defense Department nearly $200 million in administrative, recruiting and retraining costs over six years, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.