Military resists calls to intervene in Syria

America is working to remove the Assad regime through diplomatic pressure, the Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said Wednesday, but warned against U.S. military intervention. (Watch the hearing live on CNN.com)

Survey Confirms Soldiers Getting Bigger, Heavier

The president may be talking about downsizing the military, but the size of the average soldier is growing.

Obama: Time Has Come to Wind Down Afghan War

WASHINGTON — Amid fresh concerns over the safety of American forces, President Barack Obama on Tuesday said the accidental burning of Qurans in Afghanistan and the retaliatory killings of U.S. troops gave new credence to the need to end the war.

Suspicion rises between Western advisers, Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — “Shoulder to shoulder” is the mantra of the NATO-Afghan military partnership. Now, after Afghan soldiers and police turned their guns on their foreign partners during outrage over the Quran burnings, even Western advisers – not just combat troops – are looking over their shoulders.

Obama defends Iran policy, charges Republican rivals of politicizing issue

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama ripped his Republican presidential rivals Tuesday in his first election-year press conference, accusing them of politicizing worries over Iran’s nuclear aspirations and “beating the drums of war.”

Navy report says gross negligence led to death of Essex sailor

SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — A breakdown of safety procedures, protocol violations and gross negligence led to the death of a sailor aboard the USS Essex in November, according to a Navy report released last week.

Obama to announce new mortgage relief for servicemembers

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will detail new protections and payouts for troops victimized by questionable mortgage practices at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, according to a senior administration official.

War Vets Saddle Up and Ride Against PTSD

YELM, Wash. — After six tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. Aaron Heliker’s luck ran out.

Navy Targets Problem Drinkers

Navy leaders have mandated that promotion boards must consider candidates’ alcohol-related incidents, top leaders said here Monday, a move that could help curtail problem drinkers in the fleet.