Foreign Minister Says Libya Declaring Cease-Fire

Libya’s foreign minister announced an immediate cease-fire Friday, less than a day after the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution authorizing “all necessary measures” to protect the Libyan people.

Female soldiers’ suicide rate triples when at war

The suicide rate for female soldiers triples when they go to war, according to the first round of preliminary data from an Army study.

Marines use destruction to succeed in Afghanistan

SANGIN, Afghanistan (AP) — In a war where winning the hearts and minds of Afghans is the ultimate goal, damaging homes with powerful explosives and bulldozing a mosque and scores of other buildings may not sound like a wise idea.

Rifle-Stopping Helmet Fails Tests

The top general at Marine Corps Systems Command told lawmakers March 17 that a new combat helmet designed to stop some high-caliber rifle rounds failed to meet specifications during recent ballistic tests.

Iraq Weighs if US Troops Should Stay

BAGHDAD — The American invasion of Iraq was supposed to take only a few months: a quick blitz to depose dictator Saddam Hussein, find and dismantle weapons of mass destruction and go home.

U.S. military delivers 40 tons of supplies to hardest-hit areas

SEOUL — U.S. military personnel have delivered 40 tons of supplies to the hardest-hit areas of Japan, as humanitarian aid continues in the face of an ever-increasing threat from the failing Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant.

Major US Bases in Japan OK Family Evacuations

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The U.S. military began voluntary evacuations Thursday at four military bases in Japan following increasing worries over nuclear reactors damaged in the country’s largest recorded earthquake.

US Reverses Strategy on Libya

UNITED NATIONS — Supporters of a no-fly zone over Libya called for a vote Thursday on a U.N. resolution aimed at preventing Moammar Gadhafi’s planes from carrying out aerial attacks, while the United States, in a striking reversal, pushed for broader action to protect civilians from ground and sea attacks as well.

Petraeus Reveals Son Served in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — Challenged by a congressman to “be honest” about how long American troops might have to fight in Afghanistan, Army Gen. David Petraeus revealed that he has a personal stake in ensuring that the U.S. war objectives are met — his son, Stephen, whose recent combat tour was kept “very quiet.”

Veterans job fair promotes employment viability

Many veterans have the qualifications for new employment opportunities, but continue to struggle landing a job. However, servicemembers in Wisconsin may soon get some help with their job search.

Vet Student Experiences Mixed

With expanded GI Bill benefits and greater opportunities for government-subsidized education, servicemembers and veterans are a common sight on college campuses these days. But some warrior-students complain that they feel increasingly unwelcome as public support for the wars wanes, especially in the liberal circles that surround many American colleges and universities.

Base up and running, Misawa now faces off-base heating oil shortage

MISAWA AIR BASE — Just days after power was restored to the base and families were able to move back into their homes, officials are now faced with a heating oil shortage that might leave some military community members who live off base seeking shelter.

Mild brain injury could soon rate Purple Heart

More U.S. troops who sustain combat-related brain injuries could soon be eligible for the Purple Heart.

Petraeus to testify before HASC on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON — The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan insists the military can boost Afghan security forces to fight the Taliban, begin a troop drawdown this summer and fulfill President Obama’s goal of a long-term partnership with the Kabul government.

Marines, sailors hurt in Bragg explosion

Eight Marines and two Navy personnel were hospitalized Monday night with shrapnel wounds and lacerations following an explosion during artillery training at Fort Bragg, N.C.