James Mattis
FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2019, file photo, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper talks to the media with Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Khalid Al Attiyah at the Pentagon in Washington. Barely four months into his tenure, Esper is making his second trek across the Pacific. And yet it is the Middle East – most recently a near-war with Iran and an actual war in Syria – that in Washington commands more attention and demands more American troops. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)
US military academy athletes can now delay service, go pro

By Lolita C. Baldor Nov. 14, 2019 06:32 PM EST

President Donald Trump speaks during the presentation of the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point football team, in the Rose Garden of the White House, Monday, May 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Trump wants to restore waiver for service academy athletes

By Kevin Freking May. 06, 2019 03:46 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2017, file photo, Air Force wide receiver Jalen Robinette takes part in a drill to prepare for the NFL Combine at a workout facility in Centennial, Colo. Two years after the U.S. Defense Department thwarted his plans of going straight from the Air Force Academy to the NFL, Robinette is determined to turn that detour into a dream delayed as he approaches the fulfillment of his two-year commitment of active duty. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Former Air Force receiver hoping NFL is a dream delayed

By Arnie Stapleton Apr. 05, 2019 03:42 PM EDT