Top stories
White House taps Global Strike head as next Air Force vice chief
The last Air Force vice chief, Gen. Jim Slife, was fired by President Trump in February without explanation as part of a broader purge of military leaders.
VA leaders push back deadline for caregiver program changes to 2028
Some families could have been disenrolled from the caregiver benefits program in late 2026, but will now get two more years of support.
Latest
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.
Navy pledges almost $300 million for new housing on Guam
In May, an independent government watchdog released a report on subpar barracks conditions on Andersen Air Force Base.
Senate panel backs plans for $456 billion VA budget next year
The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time.
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.
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Your Military
Next-generation destroyers to pack more missiles, energy weapons
The Navy is requesting $133.5 million to research and develop the new destroyer in fiscal 2026, with the goal of procuring the first in the early 2030s.
Marines to field rifle-mounted smart scope to help counter drones
The tool is expected to get to troops in the coming months.
Former Marine reservist charged in Texas ICE facility shooting
Benjamin Hanil Song is accused of participating in the July Fourth assault near the Prairieland Detention Center, where attackers opened fire.
Opinion
Why service members deserve the right to repair
Service members need the tools, parts and authority to make immediate fixes themselves, without having to navigate red tape
In other news
Opinion
The end of the trail for the Army’s ceremonial horse units
Opinion: For many soldiers, the Army's decision to transition away from most of its ceremonial cavalry units feels like the end of an era.
What combat units and Little League teams have in common
Peel back the layers, and you’ll find more in common than you think — especially when it comes to the parents.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
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VIDEOS
VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence: ‘Veterans issues are bipartisan’
Veterans Affairs second in command sees opportunity for compromise and cooperation between Democrats and administration leaders on VA issues.
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MORE STORIES
Army Secretary pick says pay boost isn’t enough to fix recruiting woes
Increasing pay and benefits alone won't be enough to attract young people to the service, Army Secertary nominee Daniel Driscoll said.
VA leaders dismiss directors of offices for women, minority veterans
Officials said the staff changes are not part of larger efforts to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs from the department.
Hegseth strips Milley of security detail, orders investigation
The former Joint Chiefs chairman had warned that Trump may seek revenge against him and other critics if re-elected to the White House.
VA benefits won’t be halted under White House funding freeze order
White House officials said VA financial assistance programs do not violate rules banning diversity and inclusion efforts.
Tricare lets patients bypass TriWest problems slowing specialty care
A temporary waiver allows beneficiaries to take their referral from a primary care manager directly to a specialist without waiting for approval.
By Karen Jowers
VA, DOD oversight questioned after Trump inspector general firings
The top watchdogs for the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs were among the individuals dismissed by Trump.
No schedule yet for service secretary confirmation hearings
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 27, 2025.
VA places 60 staff on leave after shutting down DEI offices
The moves come after a White House executive order mandating an end to federal equity and inclusion efforts.
Lawmaker: Tricare West problems ‘actively harming military readiness’
A Washington lawmaker wants answers from the Defense Health Agency about what it's doing to address problems plaguing the TriWest transition.
By Karen Jowers
Outgoing DOD family official: ‘Don’t forget who you’re working for’
Patricia Barron connected with – and listened to – military spouses during her four years as head of DOD family policy.
By Karen Jowers