Military

The Pentagon recently launched a formal review of women in ground-combat positions. On today's episode, what lead to this review, and how could it impact the United States Armed Forces? Amy Rutenberg, an ISU historian, summarizes the long arc of women's service in the U.S. Military. Then, guests offer competing perspectives on combat effectiveness and standards.

The Iowa National Guard released the names of the two soldiers killed in an attack in Syria on Saturday. A U.S. civilian interpreter was also killed in the attack that wounded three other Iowa Guard members.

Scott Detrow, host of All Things Considered on NPR, discusses the effects of federal funding cuts to public media. Then, we revisit a conversation with Green Beret John Paluska.

An update from a retired Green Beret from Ottumwa on his efforts to help his former Afghan Special Forces counterpart. Then, what the travel ban means for Afghan refugees.

Five speakers shared their stories of grappling with gender and masculinity at a live event hosted by Investigate Midwest.

More than 1,000 Black soldiers trained to become officers at Fort Des Moines during WWI. This year, the Iowa Historical Society will honor their service with a commemorative marker.

Caleb Sinnwell, a junior at Nashua-Plainfield Jr.-Sr. High School played a pivotal role in getting the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to living and deceased members of the Ghost Army, a World War II deception unit that was kept secret for half a century after the war.

Governors from Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota met on Wednesday to discuss issues impacting the tri-state area of Siouxland. Local leaders want to ensure the community’s Air Guard unit stays put.

The USS Iowa, a nuclear attack submarine, is the first of its kind that includes accommodations built for women. Its christening took place in Connecticut on June 17.

West Maui has begun a slow recovery after the deadliest U.S. fire in a century left a death toll of more than 100.