Todd South
Todd South served in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying to Iraq during the Iraq War in 2003. He then attended the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism. He later worked at the Red & Black, the Anniston Star, the Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Record and Military Times. Todd earned his MFA in nonfiction writing from Goucher College and was named a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2014 for local reporting.
Recent stories by Todd South
B-1 Bomber Buildup at UK Base Hits Unprecedented Levels
About a dozen B-1 bombers are now at RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom as a base from which to launch strikes on Iran, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine—potentially representing more than half of the U.S. Air Force’s mission-capable ...
New X-Plane Promises Jet-Like Speed Without the Need for Runways
Bell Textron is now building a new vertical takeoff and landing X-plane, the X-76, that can achieve jet-like speeds, aimed at special operations missions and cutting ties to traditional runway-based aircraft.
B-1s and B-52s Pour into Europe for ‘More Bomber Pulses’ over Iran
As many as 11 U.S. Air Force bombers—plus additional support aircraft—have arrived at bases in Europe as Pentagon leaders promise to ramp up bombing runs over Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury.
Air Force Seeks More Companies to Build the Stand-in Attack Weapon
The Air Force wants more companies able to produce its new, multi-use, anti-radar missile that one expert says will prove vital in any future peer conflict and would be in high demand for the war in Iran if stocks were available now.
Air Force Test Launches Unarmed ICBM with Two Reentry Vehicles
The Air Force conducted its first test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in 2026 on March 3, launching an unarmed missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., equipped with two test reentry vehicles at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time.
Promotion Rate for Senior Master Sergeant Dips for First Time in Five Years
The Air Force will promote 11.07 percent of eligible master sergeants to senior master sergeant this year, a decline from last cycle that snaps a four-year streak of increases. Out of a pool of 13,315 eligible individuals, 1,474 new E-8s were selected.
Iran War Boosts Defense Stocks, at Least for Now
Defense specialists’ stock prices jumped March 2, the first day of trading since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, led by the makers of munitions, high-tech defense specialists, and major prime contractors.
Retired Air Force Pilot Arrested for Illegally Training Chinese Military
Retired Air Force officer and former pilot Maj. Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. was arrested Feb. 25 in Jeffersonville, Ind., charged in a federal complaint for “providing and conspiring to provide defense services to Chinese military pilots without authorization.”
Space Force’s Top Guardians Share Their Stories
Winners of the Space Force’s fourth annual, service-wide Polaris Awards had the chance to discuss the actions that led to their awards from the main stage here at AFA’s Warfare Symposium on Feb. 24, in a panel discussion moderated by Chief Master Sergeant of the ...
Equal Benefits for Equal Work: New Policy, Pending Bill, Aim to Close Gaps for Reservists
The Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are working to equalize their members' status and benefits with those of Active-Duty members when both serve in the same missions.
Space Force Moving to Upgrade Its Elements of Long-Range Kill Chains
The Space Force is moving to bolster its contributions to the long-range kill chains that industry and government officials agree the U.S. will need in a large-scale conflict, leaders said Feb. 24 at AFA’s Warfare Symposium.
Air Guard Cuts Tactical Air Control Units, Adds Cyber Operators
The Air National Guard will deactivate an air control squadron in Georgia and dozens of similar billets in Iowa, converting the unit and positions to do cyber operations.
Last A-10 to Leave Depot, Maintenance Squadron to Deactivate
The Air Force will send off its final A-10 Thunderbolt II from depot maintenance this month and deactivate the unit that performs overhauls, upgrades, and rebuilds on the venerable close air support jet.
Air Force Delays F-15EX Deliveries to Kadena, Continues Rotational Deployments
The Air Force has delayed delivery of permanently stationed F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Kadena Air Base in Japan. A spokesperson said the Air Force expects to provide an updated schedule in the spring. The previous plan had been for the 18th Wing at Kadena ...
Can DOD Limit Retirees’ Speech? Hegseth-Kelly Case Could Yield Answer
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to punish Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over a video in which the Senator and retired Navy captain advised military members they have a duty to disregard unlawful orders ran into a federal court injunction earlier this month. The case, which ...
