US Army Orders Mind-Reading Helmets

Staff Sgt. Ahmed Kousay al-Taie was kidnapped at gunpoint

(NEWSER) - The US military has identified the remains of America's last service member missing in Iraq—an Army interpreter who was kidnapped at gunpoint in 2006, the AP reports. Staff Sgt. Ahmed Kousay al-Taie, a native of Iraq who lived in Michigan, had sneaked off base by motorcycle to visit his Iraqi wife. Today the Army said his remains had been positively identified at the military mortuary in Dover, Delaware. But officials released no other information about his death or the finding of his remains. More»

1 in 9 medical discharges attributed to PTSD, related ailments

(NEWSER) - News that the Pentagon is making it easier for soldiers to qualify for disability payments because of post-traumatic stress disorder comes at a good time: The number of cases is rising steadily, reports USA Today . Army stats show that the number of soldiers who left the service solely because of a mental disorder such as PTSD increased 64% from 2005 to 2009. Last year, 1,224 soldiers did so, accounting for 1 in 9 medical discharges. More»

Malik Nadal Hasan, about 40, was being sent to Iraq

(NEWSER) - The shooter in today's rampage at the Fort Hood Army base has been identified as Major Malik Nadal Hasan. He is described as an Army psychiatrist, 39, who was to be sent to Iraq on Nov. 28, reports ABC . Hasan was reported killed after opening fire at a soldier processing center, killing 11 others and wounding about 30—but since said to be in custody. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison says Hasan was "upset" at the prospect of being deployed to Iraq, notes NBC . Two soldiers remain in custody as suspects, and their role, if any, is unclear. More»

(NEWSER) - The Taliban says it will execute a captured American soldier if the US does not withdraw from two districts in southeastern Afghanistan, the Voice of America reports. A Taliban rep said today the soldier is healthy but will be killed if operations in Paktika and Ghazni continue. The fate of the soldier, whom the military has classified as "believed captured," will be decided by Taliban leader Mullah Omar, the AP adds. More»

Reservist says he shouldn't have to serve since Obama isn't a citizen

(NEWSER) - An Army reservist has devised a creative way to try to avoid going to Afghanistan: He says he isn’t obligated to follow the commander-in-chief’s orders because Barack Obama isn’t a citizen and therefore can’t legally be president, reports the Ledger-Enquirer of Columbus, Ga. His attorney, who has represented others who have challenged Obama’s citizenship, filed a request to award Maj. Stefan Frederick Cook conscientious objector status. A hearing takes place later this week. More»