WASHINGTON — Military leaders are trying to fix the lengthy, inconsistent process for investigating senior officers accused of misconduct, The Associated Press has learned. They are seeking to change a hodgepodge system in which investigations can drag on for years while taxpayers pay six-figure salaries to officers relegated to mid-level administrative posts. Trust in the […]
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Posted inNation / World, sj-web
U.S. military tracks AWOL blimp
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon says U.S. fighter jets are tracking an unmanned Army surveillance blimp that tore loose from its ground tether in Maryland and is drifting north over Pennsylvania. Details are sketchy, but a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado says the blimp detached from its station at Aberdeen Proving […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Obama plans to keep 9,800 troops in Aghanistan
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is expected to announce a plan Thursday to keep 5,500 U.S. troops in Afghanistan into 2017, ending his ambitions to bring home most American forces from that war-torn country before he leaves office. The president’s decision came after an “extensive months-long review” that included regular discussions with Afghanistan’s leaders, his […]
Posted inMaine
Brakey wants to make state parks free for Maine military families
AUGUSTA — State Sen. Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, is hoping to pass a bill that would allow spouses and children of active-duty military personnel free access to Maine’s state parks. Brakey’s bill would expand a program that allows active-duty military members free access to the parks but doesn’t allow family members to have access without the […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
U.S. military ready to lift ban on transgender soldiers
WASHINGTON — Pentagon leaders are finalizing plans aimed at lifting the ban on transgender individuals in the military, with the goal of formally ending one of the last gender- or sexuality-based barriers to military service, senior U.S. officials told The Associated Press. An announcement is expected this week, and the services would have six months […]
Posted inRiver Valley
Collecting coupons for overseas military
MEXICO — For 90 minutes each Thursday, three women — Candace Casey, Judith Odyssey and Kelly Merriam — sit in the corner at the Northern Oxford County transfer station entrance and sift through a growing mound of recyclable newspapers. They are searching out Sunday coupons inserts to send to military personnel overseas. When asked if people are surprised when they […]
Posted inMaine
Maine bill allowing concealed guns without permits amended for veterans
AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate, without debate, Wednesday amended a bill that allows adults 21 years old or older to carry concealed handguns without permits. The amendments ensure veterans and active-duty military members who are at least 18 would also be able to pack heat. The bill, LD 652, sponsored by state Sen. Eric Brakey, […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
How ‘not to get eaten’ taught at Navy course near Rangeley
Location: Somewhere near Rangeley, Maine. Time: 0800 Instructors’ names have been changed to protect their identities. While most people think the Navy left Maine when Brunswick Naval Air Station closed, there’s a small contingent in the western Maine woods quietly working with one mission in mind: to make sure every sailor and Marine makes it […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
National Guard getting new headquarters in Maine
AUGUSTA — The Maine National Guard is getting $32 million in federal funding for a new headquarters in north Augusta. Construction on the 100,000-square-foot, two-story building and 230-space parking lot could begin as soon as this summer. About 200 people who presently work at Camp Keyes would work in the building. Capt. Norman Stickney, spokesman […]