Top stories
Thousands of sailors get access to trendy weight-loss app in new deal
According to Navy data, nearly 25,000 sailors, most of them from the junior enlisted ranks, were in a weight management program as of the end of 2024.
Trump pardons Navy veteran convicted in Capitol riot
Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer, was tried alongside Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes but acquitted of seditious conspiracy.
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Hegseth orders review of physical standards for military combat roles
Women already must pass gender-neutral physical fitness requirements for combat posts, but Hegseth contends the standards for women are lower.
US Naval Academy ends affirmative action in admissions
The change was made in response to Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating DEI initiatives from the military, including service academies.
US, Japan, Philippines stage naval drills in disputed South China Sea
A Chinese military ship monitored the maneuvers off the Scarborough Shoal from a distance.
Navy divers, Polish forces to aid in recovery of missing US soldiers
Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, said it would be a “long and difficult recovery operation.”
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Military History
The WWI aviators who gave their lives to help the ‘Lost Battalion’
With his final breaths, one of the aviators provided information to give Allied artillery accurate coordinates to target German forces.
Trump’s pick to lead Joint Chiefs denies MAGA hat story in hearing
President Donald Trump has said Caine wore the hat and expressed political support during a 2018 visit to Iraq.
Senator vows to hold all VA nominees over planned staff cuts
Plans to cut more than 80,000 staffers from VA offices would severely hurt benefits delivery, said Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps vet.
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
In other news
Pentagon to offer new round of voluntary resignations, retirements
The Defense Department is going to offer a new round of voluntary resignations and retirements to the civilian workforce, but details are slim.
VIDEOS
Sen. Ruben Gallego to block VA nominations until plans to cut staff are dropped
Marine Corps vet lawmaker says Trump administration is harming veterans' benefits with plans to change VA.
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Your 2024 Military Times Pay and Benefits Guide
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.
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
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.
By J.D. Simkins
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
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.
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MORE STORIES
Man wanted on Jan. 6 charges arrested with weapons near Obama DC home
37-year-old Taylor Taranto was seen a few blocks from the former president’s home and fled, as he was chased by U.S. Secret Service agents.
Abortion debate could snarl Congress’ work on the defense budget
The issue will be a key point of friction in the upcoming work on defense appropriations and authorization bills.
USS Nimitz concludes seven-month-long deployment to Indo-Pacific
The carrier and its strike group headed to the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet area of operations in December.
By Diana Stancy
Here are the rules to get reimbursed for shipping a pet in 2024
DoD reimbursement for the costs of shipping a pet doesn't start until Jan. 1. In the meantime, military relief societies may be able to help.
By Karen Jowers
Opinion
Why US agencies buy personal info and what it means in the age of AI
The government faces legal restrictions on gathering personal information on citizens, but the law is largely silent on agencies purchasing the data.
By Anne Toomey McKenna, University of Richmond
DoD: Chinese spy balloon did not collect, transmit data over the US
Defense officials had previously said the spy balloon did not transmit data back to Beijing.
By Zamone Perez
Navy crafts new cyber rating, designator to streamline roles
The new rating and designator will predominantly be assigned to shore billets such as staff positions and leadership positions, and instructor billets.
By Diana Stancy
Navy forcing its recruiters to work six days a week
In email to recruiters this week, Navy brass said the ball was in their court regarding when they can go back to a normal work schedule.
Service academies exempt from Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
"The potentially distinct interests" of service academies was a reason Chief Justice John Roberts cited as to not yet address their admissions practices.
Former education CEO sentenced in largest GI Bill fraud case yet
The Department of Justice said it is the largest Post-9/11 GI Bill fraud case.
By Zamone Perez