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Unemployment rate for veterans drops to 3.2%, women vets surge on jobs market
The improvement was bolstered by a strong showing from women veterans on the jobs market and came despite growing fears of AI-triggered layoffs.
Lawmakers move to require chaperones for ‘sensitive’ appointments in military health system
Under the provision, a trained third party would have to be present for exams conducted by obstetrician-gynecologists at military treatment facilities.
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House panel votes to reinstate non-Confederate base names and adopt ‘Department of War’
The House advanced a measure to return the names of nine U.S. military bases to those recommended by a congressional commission in 2023.
AI companies have a responsibility to safeguard models against exploitation, Pentagon chief technology officer says
After Trump's recent executive order on AI, Emil Michael said that the weaponization of models is concerning.
Pentagon must divulge cost of Iran war under House proposal
A measure advanced Friday would require the DoD to report on the total financial cost of operations in Iran, including damaged or destroyed U.S. property.
Military pay raises, changes to housing allowance included in House-passed $1.15 trillion defense budget
After controversial amendment votes, a House committee advanced a bill early Friday morning that would authorize the largest defense budget in history.
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Your Military
US forces board sanctioned tanker in Indian Ocean, Pentagon says
U.S. forces have intercepted multiple commercial and oil tankers in the Indian Ocean in recent months.
The US Army wants thousands of air defense missiles to replace the Stinger
A new Army Request for Information seeks to identify companies that can deliver 11,000 next-gen, short range interceptors beginning in Fiscal Year 2028.
House rejects attempt to get answers about Army flyby of Kid Rock’s mansion
Rep. Pat Ryan described the Army flyby as “inappropriate,” “dangerous” and “a massive waste of money. ... Not to mention, it’s in the middle of a war.”
Navy fires leadership trio of ship repair facility in Japan
The service did not specify the reason for the firings.
In other news
Navy eliminates regular performance, fitness reports for select paygrades
"Personnel in these paygrades have demonstrated a sustained history of superior performance ... that negate the requirement for annual periodic reporting."
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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Game-changing new tech emerges for troops and commands | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 6.2.26
A box that makes drinkable water out of the air and hydrofoil drone tech have emerged at defense shows. Plus, an interview with a top executive at Lockheed.
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MORE STORIES
House rejects attempt to get answers about Army flyby of Kid Rock’s mansion
Rep. Pat Ryan described the Army flyby as “inappropriate,” “dangerous” and “a massive waste of money. ... Not to mention, it’s in the middle of a war.”
Pentagon balks at court order allowing HIV-positive persons to serve
The Pentagon is fighting a court ruling that lifted a ban on potential recruits with controlled HIV from joining the military.
By Patricia Kime
Navy fires leadership trio of ship repair facility in Japan
The service did not specify the reason for the firings.
By Riley Ceder
Navy eliminates regular performance, fitness reports for select paygrades
"Personnel in these paygrades have demonstrated a sustained history of superior performance ... that negate the requirement for annual periodic reporting."
By J.D. Simkins
Navy recognizes USS Carl Vinson with Battle ‘E’ award
The aircraft carrier returned to port in August 2025 after a nine-month deployment covering over 275,000 nautical miles.
Hidden chemical weapons sites emerge in Syria amid fragile security transition
Over a decade after Syria agreed to dismantle its arsenal, international inspectors have uncovered scores of previously hidden chemical weapons materials.
By Eve Sampson
Army identifies soldier who died in training accident in Iraq
U.S. Army Sgt. Devin A. Seibel, 26, died on May 31 at Erbil Air Base. British Lance Corporal James Freeman was also killed in the incident.
By J.D. Simkins
Grab-and-go food stations will be open all day by end of 2026
In 2025, there were only a few grab-and-go food stations across all shore-based galleys. By the end of June, a majority will have them.
By Riley Ceder
DoD should review special needs health care programs to ensure they’re helping military families, watchdog says
The coverage amounts for Tricare ECHO services haven't increased since 2009.
By Karen Jowers