Daily News Roundup

Could a fighter jet software upgrade have saved this pilot’s life?

The Navy has declined to answer questions about a fatal Super Hornet crash, and whether a safety system could have saved the pilot's life.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Female recruits now shipping equally to MCRDs Parris Island, San Diego

The Marine Corps has hit its goal of assigning women to its boot camps the same way it assigns men.

Eligible veterans get easier access to military bases under new rules

New rules allow veterans and caregivers to enroll for streamlined access to military installations.

US to send Ukraine $275M in new weapons to bolster Kyiv before Trump

The latest tranche of weapons comes as worries grow about an escalation in the conflict.

Ukraine fires US-made longer-range missiles into Russia for first time

The use of the long-range missiles came as Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons.

France, Germany, UK, US make Norway’s billion-dollar frigate shortlist

The envisioned frigate buy will represent Norway’s biggest defense investment ever, surpassing the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets.

Army taps ‘Ghost Fleet’ authors to write novel on multi-domain warfare

The Army’s concept of future warfare is getting the Tom Clancy treatment.

Lawmakers advance plans to boost veteran caregiver support

Bipartisan legislation passed by the House would improve at-home care options for ailing vets and mandate protections for community care programs.

Veteran who killed Iraqi civilian sentenced to prison for Capitol riot

Edward Richmond Jr. attacked police officers with a metal baton during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Chris Pratt-produced film on heroic military chaplains hits theaters

The film highlights the lesser-known stories of military chaplains, uniformed pastors and leaders who deploy to conflict without weapons.

Should women serve in combat? Trump’s defense pick reignites debate

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has made it clear that he believes men and women shouldn't serve together in combat units.

Veterans involved in Jan. 6 riot expect Trump to keep pardon promise

Some Jan. 6 defendants, including veterans, are asking the courts to delay their cases as they wait for President-Elect Trump to grant them pardons.

Navy wife found guilty in baby’s death in Hawaii military housing

Sentencing is set for Feb. 26, six years and two days after 7-month-old Abigail Lobisch died.

Opinion

Military kids deserve to stay on their parents’ Tricare plan until 26

In this opinion piece, a Virginia lawmaker argues for extending Tricare coverage for dependents until they hit 26, as it is in the civilian world.