Better armored vehicles, armored vests and helmets are saving lives and reducing the severity of combat wounds for troops in Iraq, according to a Marine commander.

Several hundred Fort Bragg paratroopers are expected to begin leaving for Afghanistan today to help with that country's elections.

The 82nd Airborne Division announced Monday that the 1st Brigade Combat Team will be sent to Afghanistan, its third deployment since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A small, unarmed plane is the latest weapon in the arsenal of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Army paratroopers are now learning how to respond to what's become a frequent danger in Afghanistan and Iraq -- roadside bombs -- before they deploy.

Rates recall those of Vietnam vets.

As many as 8,000 could go this fall.

Goal is to preserve combat units.

Leader discusses testing of Marines.

A Morrisville-based battalion of the N.C. National Guard will return next week from a nine-month tour in Afghanistan. The 1st Battalion of the 130th Aviation Regiment, whose approximately 325 members fly and maintain Apache attack helicopters, was called to active duty in January 2003. The unit spent several months at Fort Bragg and at Fort Hood in Texas before heading to Afghanistan in July.

Insurgents have released nine hostages of various nationalities, said a spokesman for Islamic clerics who appealed for the releases.

One year ago, soldiers from North Carolina's 82nd Airborne Division fired some of the first shots in the long, bitter battle to subdue Fallujah.