FROM MILITARY DOT COM

MILITARY UPDATE | DOD plan would ‘destroy’ commissaries, industry representatives say A panel created by Congress recommended sweeping changes Thursday to pensions and health care following its two-year review of the military’s compensation and retirement systems.   Germany's army used broomsticks instead of guns during NATO exercise The German army has faced a shortage of equipment for years, but the situation has recently become so precarious that some soldiers took matters into their own hands. On Tuesday, German broadcaster ARD revealed that German soldiers tried to hide the lack of arms by replacing heavy machine guns with broomsticks during a NATO exercise last year.   Freedom’s Sentinel now qualifying operation for Afghanistan Campaign Medal Troops who have participated in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel now qualify for the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Pentagon announced Thursday.   NBC’s Brian Williams resigns from Medal of Honor foundation Suspended NBC news anchor Brian Williams has resigned his long-time position on the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation board of directors, the group announced on its website.   AP's top photos of the week Here's your look at highlights from the weekly AP photo report, a gallery featuring a mix of front-page photography, the odd image you might have missed and lasting moments our editors think you should see.