Latest from Armed Forces

Venezuela's descent into violence

Neither protesters nor the Government ready to back down, the crisis is likely to worsen.

NZ Navy sends Hawea to Fiji for six months

Defence ministers announce new chapter in defence cooperation.

10 criticisms of Afghanistan mission

For three years the NZ Defence Force resisted releasing the report.

Crash pilot tribute: 'A much loved member of our team'

Three investigations are underway into how a helicopter pilot and war hero died fighting a fire, as Army chief Major General Peter Kelly pays tribute.

Why the jersey won't be All Black this weekend

The All Blacks will wear poppies when they play Italy on Sunday.

Soldier died from league match head injury

There was no wrongdoing in the death of a soldier injured in a rugby league match, a coroner has found.

Jolie calls for end to empty promises

Angelina Jolie has called for a "new way" of peacekeeping focused on justice and inclusion of women during a surprise visit to a UN

Whanganui officer cadet in British navy

Whanganui 21-year-old Patrick Richardson has celebrated his formal commissioning as a Royal Navy Officer on parade at Britannia Royal

Bombs away

New Zealand Defence Force conduct bomb training at the Kaipara Range north of Auckland testing Mark 82 depth bombs dropped from a P-3K2 Orion. New Zealand Herald photographer Doug Sherring kept his head down and shot the pictures

Alexander Gillespie: Defence spend hangs on our Pacific role

COMMENT: To increase military budgets as a justification to stir the pot in this region which needs to be demilitarised is questionable.

Now at rest but still in service

Julia gives the all clear and we drop over the side, following the white mooring line down to the comms tower on top of the bridge.

John Key: No SAS to Iraq

Prime Minister rules out sending the SAS to join New Zealand's contribution to the fight against Isis.

Drones an option to replace Orions

The military is considering using unmanned drones to patrol waters surrounding New Zealand.

Drones could take the place of boots

A makeover of the New Zealand Defence Force should reinstate airstrike capability and include armed drones, says New Zealand First deputy leader Ron Mark.

Anzac spirit and banter to fore on duty

Australian army Colonel Gavin Keating faced a curious quandary as he prepared to depart for Iraq - what about the rugby?

Iraqi troops find their inner warrior

New Zealand soldiers training Iraqi troops have turned to a rudimentary fighting weapon - the bayonet.

Turnbull visits Anzac troop camp

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called on European countries to "step up" with stronger help to defeat the Islamic State during a brief, unannounced visit to Australian troops in Iraq.

Paul G. Buchanan: Why Kiwi SAS troops must join fight against Isis

It will raise NZ's target profile amongst Islamists and could invite attack at home. But it is a necessary, justifiable and ultimately right thing to do, writes Paul Buchanan.