Top stories
White House eyes 8% cut to defense budget to boost Trump priorities
The move could reduce defense spending projections by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next five years.
US troops, Afghan allies say executive orders endanger their families
They hoped to see their families escape the Taliban and settle in the United States. But two executive orders put those dreams on hold.
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Coast Guard data breach impacts pay of 1,135 service members
The U.S. Coast Guard said it is working to expedite pay to impacted service members.
This Marine endured five amphibious assaults — and survived Iwo Jima
Eighty years ago, Don Harris went ashore on Iwo Jima, where he and his fellow Marines faced one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War.
Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families
Military families are struggling to get medical appointments as some health care providers drop Tricare beneficiaries due to lack of payment.
Corpsman receives medal for saving Marine from heat stroke
Hospital Corpsman Billy Bui said his sense of duty comes from his grandfather, who risked everything to help his family flee Vietnam.
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Army reservist-turned-Marine officer finds strength in strongman sport
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jacqueline Sapitro discovered her passion for strength training while ascending the ranks of the Marine Corps.
VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DOGE is getting lists of military’s probationary workers from Pentagon
It is not clear whether all probationary personnel will be let go — instead, some might be exempted due to the critical nature of their work.
Judge questions motives for Trump’s order banning transgender troops
District Judge Ana Reyes isn’t expected to rule on whether Trump’s order illegally discriminates against trans troops before early March.
In other news
Russia, US agree to work towards improving ties and ending Ukraine war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wouldn’t accept any outcome from the talks since Kyiv didn’t take part.
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How can Congress improve troops' quality of life? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 2.15.25
A conversation with Rep. Pat Fallon, chairman of House Military Personnel Subcommittee, on troops’ quality of life, the recruiting crisis and more.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024.
What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times' 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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MORE STORIES
The George Washington returns to Japan in 2024, Reagan heads home
Yokosuka Naval Base previously hosted the George Washington from 2008 to 2015.
By Diana Stancy
Navy fires commanding officer of Electronic Attack Squadron 136
Cmdr. William Coulter was relieved due to “a loss of confidence in his ability to command," the Navy said Thursday.
By Diana Stancy
US troops in Iraq and Syria have faced over 100 attacks since October
The surge in attacks began Oct. 17.
Pentagon revamps how it prevents, handles collateral damage in strikes
The entire Defense Department has civilian harm reduction marching orders.
Santa’s elves are dropping into military communities everywhere
The Grinch, Santa and armies of others bring the holiday spirit into military communities.
By Karen Jowers
Just one promotion remains blocked due to officer’s views on diversity
Sen. Eric Schmitt is blocking the promotion of Col. Benjamin Jonsson out of concern for his stance on the military’s DEI programs.
DOD to study whether COVID-19 vaccine helped or hurt troops
A provision in the annual defense bill continues the controversy surrounding the vaccine.
Lawsuit alleges sexual assault by former USNS Carson City skipper
The alleged assault occurred just before Christmas in 2021.
When will we learn the findings of the Navy’s beard study?
Officials said a year ago that the study would finish in 2023.
USS Colorado returns from deployment, just in time for Christmas
While underway, the submarine steamed nearly 36,000 nautical miles and conducted port calls in Grøtsund, Norway, and Rota, Spain.
By Diana Stancy