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Soldier enlistments to be extended by 45 days because of shutdown
Soldiers scheduled to transition out of the Army during the government shutdown will now see their service extended for 45 days.
Judge orders ‘immediate’ return of books removed from 5 DOD schools
The censored items included materials about slavery, Native American history, women’s history, LGBTQ history, and preventing sexual harassment and abuse.
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Pentagon announces strike on alleged drug boat in the Pacific Ocean
The strike marks the eighth against an alleged drug-carrying vessel and the first in the Pacific Ocean.
Should the Army bring back the Pentomic Division?
Decades after the Army abandoned the Pentomic concept, a defense expert argues such a concept may provide a solution to the battlefield problems of today.
Hegseth changes policy on how Pentagon officials speak with Congress
The change appears to be part of a broader effort by Hegseth to exert tighter control over what the department communicates to the outside world.
Trump taps Hegseth’s top military aide for Army vice chief of staff
Gen. James Mingus is currently vice chief of staff and has not publicly said he plans to step aside.
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US, Europe fly the same jets, but can’t always fix each other’s: Rand
Variants within the same plane model, incompatible support equipment and a lack of shared data create barriers to interoperability, a Rand report warns.
Trump’s National Guard deployments reignite 200-year-old legal debate
"If you’re confused about what the law does and doesn’t allow the president to do with the National Guard, that’s understandable," writes Andrea Katz.
Army, Marine Corps vehicles not ready for combat, watchdog finds
Industry challenges and reductions in vehicle overhauls have kneecapped vehicle combat readiness in the Army and Marine Corps, the GAO report said.
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?
In other news
Why the Army may need a specialized counter-drone MOS
Should counter-drone skills be taught across the U.S. Army? Or should C-UAS be assigned to specialists? One Army officer argues the Army needs a C-UAS MOS.
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?
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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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."
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
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Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans
Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.
Live in the Tricare West Region? Do this before Dec. 31.
Beneficiaries in the West Region who don't provide recurring payment information could risk losing Tricare coverage.
By Karen Jowers
Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025
Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.
Plan to avert government shutdown does not include extra VA funds
VA leaders had asked for roughly $6.6 billion in extra funding for FY25, and said they could face problems with hiring and programs without it.
Plan would cover all health care costs for thousands of vets overseas
Providing more health care coverage for disabled veterans living abroad could be a major focus of the next session of Congress.
Troops to get an average housing allowance boost of over 5% in 2025
The new rates take effect Jan. 1.
By Karen Jowers
Trump says he’ll begin Jan. 6 pardons ‘the first hour’ in office
Trump said he would look at each individual case, rather than issue a blanket pardon for all Jan. 6 defendants.
Navy to cut boot camp from 10 weeks to nine
The Navy is revamping its curriculum to “eliminate redundant training."
By Diana Stancy