Jacqueline Klimas
Articles by Jacqueline Klimas
Philip Breedlove: Russia exploiting Ukraine cease-fire
The U.S. commander of NATO said Thursday that Russia and pro-Russia separatist forces exploited the recent cease-fire in eastern Ukraine to "reset and reposition themselves" and appear now to be preparing for a fresh offensive against Ukraine's military. Published April 30, 2015
Veterans more likely to volunteer, vote, serve community than civilians
Veterans are more likely than similar civilians to volunteer more hours, to vote consistently and to serve in civic organizations, according to a report released Thursday that advocates hope will counteract the perception of veterans as "broken heroes." Published April 30, 2015
Philip Breedlove: DoD considering more troops to deal with Russia, Islamic State
Gen. Philip Breedlove, the head of U.S. European Command, said Thursday that officials are reviewing the military's force structure in Europe now that Russia has proved it is not a friend of the West. Published April 30, 2015
Obama says 401(k) retirement plans for troops needs further consideration
The president announced on Thursday that he does not support implementing a blended military retirement plan right now, saying instead that the retirement proposal recommended by a commission of experts earlier this year needs further consideration. Published April 30, 2015
Iran standoff: Cargo crew being held over shipping disagreement
Maersk Line called Thursday for the crew of the cargo shop still being held by Iran to be released immediately and released details of the business conflict that likely caused the ship to be seized. Published April 30, 2015
House Armed Services Committee approves $612 billion defense bill after 18-hour debate
The House Armed Services Committee passed a $612 billion defense policy bill early Thursday morning after nearly 18 hours of debate, sending the bill to the full House for consideration. Published April 30, 2015
House committee keeps military retirement overhaul in defense bill
Lawmakers voted to move forward with reforms to the military retirement system Wednesday night, despite concerns from some that Congress was moving too fast and disregarding objections from veterans service organizations or concerns over implementation. Published April 29, 2015
Purple Heart for Oklahoma City bombing victims
Lawmakers approved an amendment on Wednesday to award the Purple Heart to members of the military killed or wounded in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, sending the proposal to the full House for consideration. Published April 29, 2015
VFW says CNN remarks blaming vets for Baltimore violence is ‘insulting’
One of the nation's leading veterans organizations is urging its members to contact CNN on Wednesday after one of its anchors accused military veterans of provoking violence in communities, like the riots in Baltimore. Published April 29, 2015
Effort to cut six F-35s fails in defense bill
An amendment to cut the number of F-35s in the 2016 defense authorization bill was defeated Wednesday, despite concerns that the program is not meeting standards and is moving too quickly. Published April 29, 2015
Iran fires at, boards Marshall Islands cargo ship; U.S. sending defense
Iranian troops boarded a cargo vessel early Tuesday morning after firing shots at the ship, prompting the U.S. to send assets to the ship's defense. Published April 28, 2015
Obama launches 2,800 strikes on Iraq, Syria without congressional approval
U.S. forces have now surpassed 2,800 strikes against targets in Iraq and Syria under President Obama's war against the Islamic State, all as part of a conflict Congress has yet to specifically authorize — and amid worries lawmakers won't ever act. Published April 27, 2015
Bill would withhold Defense funding until Congress gets answers on Bergdahl swap
Rep. Mac Thornberry's draft of the annual defense authorization bill released Monday would withhold a portion of Defense Department funding until the administration answers questions about the prisoner swap of Guantanamo Bay detainees in exchange for Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. Published April 27, 2015
New guidelines allow Japan to defend allies, be more involved in humanitarian missions
U.S. and Japanese leaders on Monday announced a new set of guidelines to enhance the alliance between the two countries, marking the first revision in the defense posture in 18 years. Published April 27, 2015
More U.S. military assets on the way to help Nepal earthquake relief
The Pentagon said more U.S. military assets are on the way to Nepal on Monday to assist in the aftermath of a massive earthquake that left thousands dead. Published April 27, 2015
U.S. military plane bound for Nepal to assist in earthquake aftermath
A U.S. military plane departed for Nepal on Sunday transporting personnel and gear to assist in the wake of a 7.9-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 2,000. Published April 26, 2015
8 women remain after first week of Army Ranger course
Of the 19 women who began the first integrated Ranger Course on Sunday, eight have survived the Ranger Assessment Phase and are continuing through one of the Army's most elite training programs. Published April 24, 2015
Ashton Carter’s recruitment push: ‘Give us a try’
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter urged innovators Thursday to just give a job at the Defense Department a try, knowing that they can return to the civilian sector after, as part of a new push to recruit the best cyber and tech staff. Published April 23, 2015
Ashton Carter: ‘Maybe’ all combat jobs will be open to women in January
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told cadets Wednesday morning that he's optimistic all combat positions may be open to women by January, though services are still finishing testing for some jobs. Published April 22, 2015
VA hospital prescribed older antipsychotics to save money: report
A Veterans Affairs hospital in West Virginia put patients at risk by substituting antipsychotic drugs with older medication to cut costs, the Office of Special Counsel said Wednesday. Published April 22, 2015