All three contributors to US Special Forces command are facing shortages in their ranks, as the Pentagon is pressing to significantly expand all manner of special operations forces over the next few years, reports USA Today. According to Today, the lure of higher paying civilian contractor jobs is taking its toll, not to mention the fact that it is tough to get through the intense training regimen. An earlier report by the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer noted that one Air Force squadron had half the combat controllers it was authorized. Today, which ran an article in May about Air Force recruiters frequenting thrill-seeking sports venues, now says the Air Force has 504 of the 616 combat controllers it needs.
We looked back on the past 12 months to find the stories that resonated the most with you, our audience, and these 10 topped the list. Maybe you missed one the first time around, or perhaps you’d like to revisit a favorite.