Afghan security forces still have a “capability gap” in aviation and close air support capabilities, which will require them to receive continued US assistance over the next few years, Army Brig. Gen. Wilson Shoffner, deputy chief of staff for communications for NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, said at a Pentagon briefing Aug. 13. While Afghan forces have held their own in battles this year, they have been much less effective when they do not coordinate with air and fire support, Shoffner said. While US and coalition activity has decreased, Afghan forces have been actively engaged against Taliban and other insurgent forces, seeing 46 percent more casualties this year compared to last. This comes as the Afghan troops are carrying their biggest share of the war, with total coalition forces at 10 percent the amount that was there three years ago, Shoffner said. This year there have been more improved explosive device and high-profile attacks in Kabul, such as the Aug. 7 assault on Camp Integrity that killed Army MSgt. Andrew McKenna.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
