Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis has been approved by the Senate to lead US Central Command. Mattis will now oversee the US military’s efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, He fills the leadership void at CENTCOM left by Army Gen. David Petraeus’ departure at the end of June to take charge of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. As we reported Friday, Mattis’ nomination vote occurred on the evening of Aug. 5, prior to Congress adjourning for its August recess. Prior to this, Mattis led US Joint Forces Command for nearly three years.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III rebuffed criticism that the F-35 program has proved too costly and unreliable to serve as the viable backbone of America’s and allies' future fighter fleet on April 30. “I would not categorize the F-35 as a paperweight,” Austin said in response to questioning…