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AI-powered tool helps Navy talk thousands of sailors out of leaving
The AI-powered program alerts commanders about sailors whose data indicates they are contemplating leaving the Navy.
Why is it taking so long to identify America’s unknown fallen heroes?
Forensic DNA experts say it should take the Pentagon years—not decades—to ID the remains of thousands of nameless service members in military cemeteries.
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Services ask defense secretary for exceptions to lax flu vaccine policy
The services sent a "robust set of exception" requests to a new Pentagon policy allowing personnel to decide whether to get the flu shot.
US Marines board and redirect Iranian-flagged tanker amid ongoing blockade
U.S. military forces have redirected 91 commercial ships and disabled four vessels during the Navy blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Toilet issues on USS Gerald R. Ford are ‘highly exaggerated,’ says CNO
Misuse by sailors was partly to blame for challenges with the USS Gerald R. Ford’s toilets, the Chief of Naval Operations said.
MQ-25A Stingray cleared for deployment, says Cao
The role of the MQ-25A is intended to provide the Carrier Air Wing with unmanned refueling, freeing up F/A-18E/F aircraft to focus on strike missions.
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Amid rising military suicides, services can’t tell if prevention training is effective
Despite higher military suicide rates since 2011, most services do not have accountability measures to ensure troops complete required prevention training.
Michael Bay slated to direct film on rescue of F-15 crew in Iran
Less than two months after U.S. forces rescued two crew members in Iran, director Michael Bay has confirmed he will be making a movie based on the mission.
‘Always push forward’: President Trump addresses Coast Guard Academy Class of 2026
President Trump spoke Wednesday in New London, Connecticut, to more than 230 commissioning officers.
Official trailer for Jimmy Stewart biopic released
A journal — discovered after Stewart's death — helped to shape the upcoming film.
In other news
Pentagon watchdog evaluating US military’s strikes on alleged drug boats
The Defense Department’s inspector general initiated an evaluation into the U.S. Southern Command's protocols when attacking suspected drug boats.
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DARPA eyes breakthrough with synthetic human blood | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.19.26
Pushing the biotech envelope, DARPA and researchers are on the cusp of a massive breakthrough in emergency battlefield medical care.
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Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
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MORE STORIES
Official trailer for Jimmy Stewart biopic released
A journal — discovered after Stewart's death — helped to shape the upcoming film.
Pentagon watchdog evaluating US military’s strikes on alleged drug boats
The Defense Department’s inspector general initiated an evaluation into the U.S. Southern Command's protocols when attacking suspected drug boats.
By Tanya Noury
Pentagon policy isn’t keeping pace with autonomous weapons, senators argue
As the Trump administration seeks a massive investment in AI-driven systems, the DoD's policies on their use "lag behind," one senator said.
By Michael Peck
Toilet issues on USS Gerald R. Ford are ‘highly exaggerated,’ says CNO
Misuse by sailors was partly to blame for challenges with the USS Gerald R. Ford’s toilets, the Chief of Naval Operations said.
By Riley Ceder
Trump edges toward new strikes on Iran
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper told lawmakers Tuesday he's ready to "execute a broad range of contingencies" depending on how negotiations go.
By Tanya Noury
MQ-25A Stingray cleared for deployment, says Cao
The role of the MQ-25A is intended to provide the Carrier Air Wing with unmanned refueling, freeing up F/A-18E/F aircraft to focus on strike missions.
More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Europe should "absolutely" expect additional U.S. troop withdrawals as NATO allies provide more of their own defense.
By Rudy Ruitenberg
F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots practice touch-and-go landings — on Iwo Jima
Since 1991, Iwo Jima, known today in Japan as Iwo To, has been the practice site of “touch-and-go” landings for pilots looking to hone their skills.
Hegseth campaigns for congressional race, breaking with Pentagon neutrality
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday campaigned for a congressional challenger endorsed by President Donald Trump in a move that has sparked outcry.
By Eve Sampson
Hegseth mulls benefits fix for veterans exposed to radiation at A-bomb test site
Civilians have received benefits for work at the Nevada test site, but Cold War-era regulations still do not allow veterans to prove they were there, too.
By Richard Sisk