Top stories
Sailors aboard USS Gerald R. Ford reportedly lost their beds amid fire
Some sailors are sleeping on floors and tables because of the damage.
Top Trump official resigns over Iran, blaming Israel for march to war
"I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people," the official said.
Latest
An Afghan man who worked with the US military dies in ICE custody
A cause of death is still pending from the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office. But the man's family said he was not ill.
Number of US troops wounded in war against Iran rises to about 200
The U.S. military’s Central Command said the vast majority of those wounded had suffered minor injuries and 180 troops had already returned to duty.
The US has several options to counter Iranian mines. These are some key assets.
The U.S. Navy decommissioned its only four minesweepers in the Middle East last year, but still maintains other countermine capabilities it can deploy.
As allies resist US call to help in Strait of Hormuz, Trump says it was a loyalty test
Trump's calls for help to other countries was a loyalty test, rather than a strategic necessity, he said. "We don't need anybody."
SPECIAL FEATURES
Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has the latest information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Tesla’s Cybertruck may be wrong for some. Could it be right for the battlefield?
The author of this op-ed discusses how the Tesla Cybertruck could offer a unique platform to carry anti-drone systems.
The US has several options to counter Iranian mines. These are some key assets.
The U.S. Navy decommissioned its only four minesweepers in the Middle East last year, but still maintains other countermine capabilities it can deploy.
‘Radiant’ mother from Kentucky was among 6 US service members killed in air crash in Iraq
The KC-135 was supporting operations against Iran on Thursday in “friendly” airspace when an unspecified incident involving another aircraft occurred.
SEAL influencer David Goggins, 51, in Air Force special ops training
Goggins, who retired from active duty in the Navy SEALs in 2016, has reenlisted and is now assigned to the Special Warfare Training Wing.
In other news
Navy unmanned vessel operators are now earning specialized badges
Unmanned warfare specialists can now earn the Craftmaster Insignia, a distinctive and rare device featuring a ship’s wheel and crossed anchors.
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?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
When veterans take the pen, war stories start to change
Hollywood has never lacked war stories. But it has often lacked veteran storytellers telling them.
How MREs inspired today’s meal-delivery industry
The MRE has to survive heat, cold, impact and time. And it has to do all of that at scale. Sound familiar?
Don't miss
VIDEOS
The impact of US interceptors on the Iran war | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 3.17.26
Since the beginning, part of the war in Iran has been a contest of Iranian missiles and drones versus U.S. interceptors. How is the matchup shaking out?
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
VA wants $6.6B in extra funding for FY25, down from $12B request
Officials revised their initial ask downward after criticism from lawmakers over previous inaccurate estimates.
Months after this commissary closed, customers still seek answers
Officials haven't determined when the Mitchel Field, New York, store will reopen.
By Karen Jowers
Navy removes CO of Airborne Command & Control Squadron 115
Cmdr. Charles Diehl is the third commanding officer the Navy has fired in November.
By Diana Stancy
As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust
VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.
Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs
Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."
Opinion
Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing
In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.
By Ken Falke
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.
By Diana Stancy
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.
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.
By Karen Jowers