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US plans major cut to jets, warships for NATO operations in Europe, NYT reports
The United States reportedly plans to significantly reduce the aircraft and warships it makes available for NATO operations in Europe.
Senate committee backs Department of War name change
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved the Department of War rebrand in their version of the fiscal 2027 NDAA, moving the name closer to law.
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Air Force cites DEI ban in cancellation of wreath-laying honoring women vets
An Air Force spokesperson acknowledged that the service “declined participation in compliance with Executive Orders … and DoW guidance.”
Veterans face higher hurdles in military sexual trauma claims, report finds
Veterans filing disability claims for military sexual assault or harassment face barriers to receiving compensation for their service-connected conditions.
Pentagon to launch ‘Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay’ program
The initative, dubbed Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay, is slated to begin in early October.
First look at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial design in Washington
If the design is approved, the foundation is aiming for a 2027 groundbreaking and a project completion date of late 2028.
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‘Sounds like a mutiny’: Secret recording exposes claims of toxic leadership after a Marine’s suicide
A War Horse investigation points to systemic failures before and after the death of Cpl. Drew Mobley, whose suicide was the unit's third in two years.
Navy to reevaluate religious accommodations for facial hair
The DoD released a memorandum in March calling for service members to provide proof of their religious beliefs to qualify for facial hair waivers.
US Army commissions second cohort of tech executives into innovation unit
This week, the Army added three more technology executives to Detachment 201, a unit intended to bridge the gap between the commercial sector and military.
Ukraine’s defense AI chief predicts ‘new paradigm’ of warfare
“The system that possesses more data and better understands that data, proposes solutions — that system will gain the advantage over the other."
In other news
Trump vows to seize Iran’s Kharg Island
Kharg Island, the linchpin of Iran’s oil industry, has once more come under focus amid a fraying ceasefire.
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 new tech and gear from Modern Day Marine | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 6.9.26
A remote turret that keeps you on target in heavy seas, and lightweight belt-fed options. Plus, advice from MOAA.
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In US Air Force first, commandos complete grueling Argentine mountain warfare course
Over several weeks, the airmen mastered advanced rock climbing, rope safety techniques and the use of single-rope bridges to cross mountain rivers.
Air Force cites DEI ban in cancellation of wreath-laying honoring women vets
An Air Force spokesperson acknowledged that the service “declined participation in compliance with Executive Orders … and DoW guidance.”
By Hope Hodge Seck
Army recruiter pleads guilty to stealing the identities of potential recruits for bank fraud
A New Jersey Army recruiter admitted to stealing the identities of seven potential recruits in a bank fraud scheme.
By Eve Sampson
Veterans face higher hurdles in military sexual trauma claims, report finds
Veterans filing disability claims for military sexual assault or harassment face barriers to receiving compensation for their service-connected conditions.
By Patricia Kime
Opinion
Defense secretary’s Navy flag board actions are unprecedented and deeply troubling
The actions of a single individual, taken without justification or explanation, demonstrate a stark rebuke of Navy leadership and the promotion process.
By Capt. John Cordle (ret.)
First look at the Global War on Terrorism Memorial design in Washington
If the design is approved, the foundation is aiming for a 2027 groundbreaking and a project completion date of late 2028.
By J.D. Simkins
Pentagon to launch ‘Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay’ program
The initative, dubbed Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay, is slated to begin in early October.
‘They got very lucky,’ Trump says of downed Apache helicopter’s crew
After a U.S. Army Apache helicopter was downed by an Iranian drone, President Donald Trump said the rescued aviators “got very lucky.”
By Tanya Noury
US Navy stands up naval support activity in Western Australia
As part of the AUKUS security pact, NSA Stirling will provide support for personnel assigned to Submarine Rotational Force-West.
By J.D. Simkins
US Army astronaut tapped for NASA’s Artemis III mission
The U.S. Army is launching into space again by way of Col. Frank Rubio, who will be part of the 2027 Artemis III mission, NASA announced Tuesday.
By Eve Sampson