Top stories
US military assets flock to Middle East amid Iran standoff
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is set to soon become the keystone of the Pentagon’s naval armada in the region.
Vietnam vet, law firms file suit over new VA ruling on disability rating exams
A Vietnam veteran has filed suit over a VA rule that requires medical examiners to factor in a medication's effects when determining a disability rating.
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Navy seeks new anti-radar missile compatible with F-18, F-35 aircraft
The Navy is seeking a next-gen missile, compatible with F/A-18E/F, EA-18G and F-35 aircraft, for knocking out modern radar systems.
Gold PT uniform phaseout set as Navy streamlines sailors’ seabag
In an exclusive interview, Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture said the Navy would finally make a long-anticipated cutback to one PT uniform by next year.
VA to consider medical management of symptoms in determining disability ratings
If a medication or treatment lowers a veteran's disability level, the rating will be based on the lower level, according to a new VA regulation.
Sore throat? Tricare Prime now offers virtual option for urgent care
Nurses will decide whether the symptoms can be treated virtually, and set up the virtual appointments.
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Military History
The Medal of Honor recipient who became a ‘One-Man Regiment of Iwo Jima’
Pinned down and with casualties mounting, Pvt. Wilson Watson took matters into his own hands to savagely take out enemy entrenchments.
Robert Duvall, ‘Apocalypse Now’ actor and Army veteran, dead at 95
The Oscar-winning actor died at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia.
During WWI this sailor saved his fellow mate from noxious toilet fumes — earning him the Medal of Honor
The German emigre did not think twice when rescuing his fellow sailor from the gaseous byproduct of human waste.
US to send more missile launchers to the Philippines despite China’s alarm
The addition of missile launchers comes as treaty allies condemned what they called China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities.”
In other news
How chocolate became one of the US military’s most important WWII rations
In 1937, the Army approached the Hershey Company with a blunt request: Create a high-calorie chocolate bar that's intentionally unpleasant.
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Lifting more with lighter drones: DARPA’s challenge | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 2.17.26
To aid in logistics and resupply missions, DARPA wants to reimagine how drones lift and carry payloads. Check out the development agency’s Lift Challenge.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
Woo your significant other this Valentine’s Day with the help of some WWII acronyms
Let your partner know how you really feel with acronyms such as MALAYA: My Ardent Lips Await Your Arrival.
Why every day can feel like ‘Groundhog Day’ in the military
For troops, "Groundhog Day" captures something they immediately recognize: days repeat, routines harden and progress feels frozen.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The US Coast Guard’s newest weapon in border security: Jet Skis
In its ever-evolving fight on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Coast Guard has unveiled its latest fighting tool.
How fashion borrowed military aesthetics and lost the context
"What was once functional equipment tied to service, sacrifice and sometimes trauma is now treated as visual shorthand for toughness or rebellion."
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MORE STORIES
Coast Guard to work without pay during DHS shutdown
Coasties will likely not feel the effects until the next scheduled military payday Feb. 27, which they could miss if Congress can’t reach an agreement.
By Patricia Kime
Sore throat? Tricare Prime now offers virtual option for urgent care
Nurses will decide whether the symptoms can be treated virtually, and set up the virtual appointments.
By Karen Jowers
Navy fires commanding officer of destroyer USS Mason
Capt. Chavius Lewis was relieved of his duties due to a "loss in confidence" in his ability to command, the Navy said.
By Beth Sullivan
Judge dismisses deportation case for Mexican father of 3 US Marines
The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that it would appeal the judge’s decision.
Woo your significant other this Valentine’s Day with the help of some WWII acronyms
Let your partner know how you really feel with acronyms such as MALAYA: My Ardent Lips Await Your Arrival.
Pentagon to deploy roughly 200 troops to Nigeria
The 200 troops will supplement a small team of American military officers already embedded with Nigerian forces.
By Tanya Noury
USS Gerald Ford the second aircraft carrier sent to Middle East: Report
The USS Gerald Ford set out on deployment in late June 2025, which means the crew will have been deployed for eight months in two weeks time.
Fincantieri predicts strong growth despite ding to US warship business
By 2035, revenue will double, reaching €18 billion, the firm said.
By Tom Kington
2027 defense budget could double 2026 ship requests, US Navy secretary says
The 2026 defense budget set aside $27.2 billion dollars for the Navy to procure 17 ships.
By Riley Ceder
Health care access a top complaint among troops, top enlisted leaders tell lawmakers
A Democratic senator also questioned whether the services are doing everything they can to increase child care slots.
By Karen Jowers