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Watch the US Air Force load inert nuclear bombs in F-35 for tests
The unarmed nuclear bombs were dropped from an F-35A at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
What troops, military families need to know about Tricare open season
Military families have some decisions to make about their health care before Tricare open season ends Dec. 9.
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Netherlands WWII cemetery removes displays honoring Black soldiers
ABMC, however, told Dutch news outlets that one panel is “off display, though not out of rotation,” although a second panel was “retired.”
US aircraft carrier nears Venezuela in flex of American military power
It's a stark flex of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations.
Marine veteran wins battle for burn pit-related medical retirement
Kevin Lloyd, a Marine veteran who died of cancer on the eve of the Corps’ 250th birthday, won his battle for benefits for his surviving sons.
‘All for nothing’: Air Force trans troops sue over revoked retirement
Seventeen transgender service members filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for revoking the opportunity for early retirement.
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Military Culture
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 aims bigger, hits harder and delivers
Black Ops 7 returns to a grounded tone, drops most of the sci-fi spectacle and focuses again on the psychological impact of covert operations.
US 7th Fleet ushers in new commander
Vice Adm. Patrick J. Hannifin took over for Vice Adm. Fred W. Kacher as commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, which covers the Navy’s largest operations area.
This Korean War aviator was the first helicopter pilot to receive MOH
Even as a POW, John Koelsch fought for the men he rescued to the end.
Air Force eyes morale boost in revising dress, appearance guidance
Select personnel will be authorized to wear colored T-shirts with utility uniforms and can incorporate callsigns on name tags.
In other news
How Ahmed al-Sharaa ended up being welcomed to the White House
The question remains of what Trump and al-Sharaa want from each other.
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
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A look into the future of Army technology | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 11.8.25
Defense News gets the rare chance to talk to one of the top minds in the Army on technology and transformation. Plus, updates to Army missile defense policy.
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Work on annual defense authorization bill will wait until September
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 28, 2025.
CENTCOM strike kills ISIS leader in Syria amid US troop drawdown
American officials said that Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani posed a threat to U.S. and allied forces.
DOD trying to head off problems with troops’ household goods moves
PCS task force working to solve troops' real-time household goods moving problems.
By Karen Jowers
Trump pick to lead VA health care reopens fight over ‘choice’ for vets
John Bartrum, nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Health, said he wants more freedom for veterans to use medical care options outside the department.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
Over 20 million DOD users to get new online login verification process
The new myAuth system replaces the legacy DS Logon system, which authenticates users onto more than 200 Defense Department and Veterans Affairs websites.
By Karen Jowers
As lawmakers head to summer recess, threat of an autumn shutdown looms
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 22. 2025.
House advances $832 billion military budget plan for next fiscal year
Only a few Democrats broke ranks to support the House's spending plan for Defense Department operations in fiscal 2026.
VA’s #2 leader downplays political strife between Congress, department
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting.
Senators criticize CFPB for dropping action on troops’ overdraft fees
CFPB ordered Navy Federal in November 2024 to pay $80 million to service members unfairly charged overdraft fees. CFPB terminated that mandate this month.
By Karen Jowers