Leadership changes, the battle against ISIS, camouflage pattern controversy and combat roles for women make the list
McLean, Va – Military.com released their picks for the top Military stories of 2014 this week.
The collection features 16 stories that put the military and defense industry in the spotlight and includes everything from a transition to a new Secretary of Defense, to controversies over veteran healthcare to sexual assault, to new global dynamics and regional conflicts.
Greg Smith, President of Military.com and retired Navy Admiral said, "2014 was a year that surprised everyone. It made sense that the major stories would be the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the ongoing budget issues. But the emerging threat of ISIS in Iraq, threats in the Ukraine and shakeups at the senior level in the department of defense leapt into the spotlight and grabbed the public's attention."
The full list includes the top 16 stories of 2014, and an accompanying video , but a peek at the top 10 stories are below:
Ashton Carter Takes over From Hagel as SecDef
Chuck Hagel's run as the U.S. Secretary of Defense came to an unexpected end after the nation's mid-term elections.
Army Introduces New Camouflage Pattern
New camouflage, or the emperor's new clothes? The new patterns debuted by the Army this year certainly sparked a reaction.
The US Joins the Battle against ISIS
As the radical Islamic ISIS movement threatens Iraq and Syria, the U.S. is slowly getting involved in the action - but how far will it get involved?
Russia Annexes Crimea and Threatens Rest of Ukraine
Eastern Europe once again became a hotbed of unrest as pro-Russian separatists seized control of part of the Ukraine.
Bowe Bergdahl's Release Triggers Controversy amongst Troops
The Army sergeant came home after being held for five years by the Taliban, but troubling questions about whether he deserted remain.
Services and Special Forces Open Combat Roles to Women
Military leaders are ready to begin tearing down the remaining walls that have prevented women from holding thousands of combat and special operations jobs near the front lines.
Missile Officers Caught in Cheating Scandal
Ninety-two Air Force officers were suspended in a cheating scandal at Malmstrom Air Force Base which eventually led to the firing of nine officers.
Sexual Assault Cases Rock the Military
Sexual assault in the military was a major issue throughout the year, with multiple high-ranking officials facing sexual assault cases, including Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair.
VA Scandal Over Wait Times Costs Shinseki His Job
VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned in May after it was discovered that multiple VA administrators had deliberately manipulated patient appointment schedules, leaving veterans without proper medical care.
The Battle to Save the A-10 Thunderbolt
Is the A-10 old and outdated? Not according to Congress, who has argued that the aircraft is still relevant, although the Air Force is trying to phase it out of its inventory.