Stars and Stripes Daily Headlines

	Security increased at German Christmas markets frequented by Americans Security was ratcheted up Tuesday at Christmas markets across Germany, where heavily armed police were on guard after a deadly attack in Berlin that has prompted U.S. military officials to urge vigilance among its members in Europe. Pentagon denies Trump's 'out of control' cost claim on F-35 "This program is not out of control," said Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, who heads the office responsible for developing and acquiring the fighter jet. "Since 2011 we have basically been on schedule. Since 2011 we have basically been on budget." Russia missing from Trump's top defense priorities, according to DOD memo A Pentagon memo outlining the incoming Trump administration's top "defense priorities" does not include any mention of Russia, which has been identified by senior military officials as the No. 1 threat to the United States. Bergdahl not on Obama’s December pardon list President Barack Obama has granted 78 people pre-Christmas pardons, more than doubling the amount allowed during his eight-year tenure. But accused Army deserter Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was not among them. Satellite images show North Korean submarine activity North Korea’s ballistic missile-launching submarine appears to have been out to sea recently, a Washington-based think tank says, though it’s unclear whether a test is imminent. Gallup poll: South Koreans confident about US support, Japan uncertain South Koreans are confident the American military would aid them in a conflict while the Japanese are far less certain, according to a Gallup poll released this week measuring confidence in U.S. intervention among Asian nations. Female, transgender servicemembers fear exclusion in Trump's Pentagon Women and transgender troops in the U.S. military, seeking to defend their hard-fought access to combat roles against attacks from conservatives in Congress, are worried President-elect Donald Trump will overturn revolutionary Defense Department policies as part of his declared war on so-called "political correctness." Future of Kaiserslautern Rod and Gun Club up in the air Despite chatter and speculation on social media by members that the facility is slated for closure early next year, Air Force officials at Ramstein Air Base say no decision has been made to shut down the Kaiserslautern Rod and Gun Club.