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NPR People: Tom Bowman

If you ask NPR reporter Tom Bowman about his career aspirations, he'd probably tell you he already has the best job possible: covering the Pentagon for NPR.

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Morning Edition

WWII Combat Cameraman: 'The Public Had To Know'

Published March 21, 2010 12:00 AM

During Word War II, Norman Hatch was a combat cameraman who witnessed — and filmed — some of the most bitter fighting in the Pacific theater. His efforts ended with, of all things, an Academy Award — for footage so brutal that it took special permission from President Franklin Roosevelt to allow the film to be shown as a newsreel.

All Things Considered

In Marjah, Rooting Out The Taliban Is Only The Start

Published March 15, 2010 2:48 PM

U.S. and Afghan forces are continuing an offensive to clear insurgents from Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. But the most difficult part of the operation — paving the way for Afghans to take the reins and establish effective local governance — has only begun.

All Things Considered

Veterans Say Exaggerations Abound In 'Hurt Locker'

Published March 5, 2010 12:04 PM

The Hurt Locker has been hailed by critics for its gritty portrayal of Army bomb disposal troops. But veterans say the film — nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Picture — is riddled with inaccuracies.

Morning Edition

Marjah Effort Shows Values, Flaws Of Afghan Forces

Published March 2, 2010 12:00 AM

Afghan security forces are working alongside U.S. Marines in the offensive in Marjah, a Taliban stronghold in the south. But U.S. and Afghan officials still face huge problems recruiting, training and retaining Afghan soldiers. And that could jeopardize President Obama's plan to begin removing U.S. troops next year.

All Things Considered

Pentagon Moves To Lift Ban On Women In Subs

Published February 23, 2010 3:00 PM

A longstanding ban on women serving on submarines is being lifted. Defense Secretary Robert Gates notified Congress in a letter that the Navy intends to repeal the ban.

Fort Hood Report Backs Discipline For Officers

Published February 19, 2010 1:17 PM

The just-completed report recommends several officers be reprimanded or admonished for their failures in overseeing Maj. Nidal Hasan, NPR has learned. Hasan is charged with killing 13 people in a November shooting rampage.

All Things Considered

Offensive Launched Against Taliban Stronghold

Published February 12, 2010 5:04 PM

Thousands of NATO troops and Afghan soldiers began an offensive Saturday against the Taliban stronghold of Marjah. The operation is an attempt to establish Afghan government control over the area.

All Things Considered

Joint Chiefs Chair Backs End To Military Gay Ban

Published February 2, 2010 3:00 PM

The nation's top military officer told senators Tuesday he supports overturning the law barring gays from serving openly in the ranks. Adm. Mike Mullen's comments were the first time a senior active-duty officer has called for ending what's known as don't ask don't tell, which has forced thousands of gay servicemen from the ranks since it was enacted in 1993.

Morning Edition

Congress To Hear Testimony On Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Published February 2, 2010 4:00 AM

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Admiral Mike Mullen, the top military officer, testify before Congress on Tuesday about the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. They are expected to discuss what the Pentagon would need to do if Congress chose to abolish the federal law that prohibits homosexuals from serving openly in the military.

All Things Considered

Karzai's Brother Tied To Corrupt Afghan Land Deals

Published February 1, 2010 4:44 PM

In Afghanistan, the theft of public and private land is a growing form of corruption. President Hamid Karzai has vowed to tackle the vexing issue. But one obstacle to his vision is his own brother, who is allegedly at the center of land grabs in Kandahar province.

All Things Considered

Ending 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Will Mean A Fight

Published January 28, 2010 10:02 AM

President Obama has vowed to end a policy that discourages openly gay individuals from serving openly in the military. Since it was passed in 1993, thousands of gay service members have been kicked out. But support in Congress is lukewarm and the reaction from the Joint Chiefs has been decidedly cool.

Morning Edition

Military Gets More Boots On The Ground In Haiti

Published January 20, 2010 4:00 AM

There is some criticism that the U.S. military is moving too slowly to relieve the suffering in Haiti after last week's earthquake. It took days to get Marines and a brigade of the Army's 82nd Airborne to start relief efforts. Meanwhile, there are worries that the U.S. military could become an occupying force.

Morning Edition

Haiti Relief Operation: Who Should Be In Charge?

Published January 19, 2010 4:00 AM

The Pentagon is moving troops, planes and ships to take part in the Haitian relief effort. That effort is slower than expected. One reason: the military is coping with the same challenges as civilian aid groups — a small airport and a demolished port. But one U.S. general says the White House made a mistake by putting the State Department's Agency for International Development in charge of the effort instead of the U.S. military.

Morning Edition

Pentagon To Issue Fort Hood Review

Published January 15, 2010 4:00 AM

Military officials release an internal review of the Fort Hood shooting Friday. The report will examine why the military failed to recognize that Major Nidal Hasan might be a threat to fellow soldiers.

Morning Edition

Pentagon Begins All-Out Humanitarian Effort In Haiti

Published January 14, 2010 4:00 AM

The U.S. military is sending ships and planes to help the relief effort in Haiti, and preparing to send thousands of soldiers and Marines there as well. The question is whether the response will be fast enough because it will take days to move all those people and all that equipment.

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