Top stories
US Air Force wants 1,558 fighters for low-risk wars. Can it get there?
The Air Force warns that having a smaller fleet may increase the risk it won't be able to carry out all its missions.
Troops have been paid again, but what comes next?
The government pulled together funds to pay troops Oct. 15 and now Nov. 1, but officials said it’s doubtful they'll be paid again if the shutdown persists.
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Two drones swoop near Estonian base housing US troops, 1 shot down
Two drones raised alarms in the South Estonia region of Estonia on Oct. 17 when they appeared near the Reedo military barracks.
Colorado sues Trump administration over Space Command move to Alabama
Colorado officials say the relocation of U.S. Space Command was illegally motivated by Trump’s desire to punish the state for allowing mail-in voting.
US strikes on alleged drug boats ‘unacceptable’: UN human rights chief
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an investigation into the strikes in what appears to mark the first such UN condemnation.
National Guard told to create ‘quick reaction forces’ for civil unrest
Military leaders ordered the National Guard in every state to develop a “quick reaction force” of troops trained to deal with civil disturbances and riots.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Pentagon & Congress
GOP senator proposes commission to study VA disability ratings system
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville questioned whether the VBA needs subject matter experts to examine claims processes and recommend improvements.
Soldiers take new mobile 81mm mortar system for test drive
The system, when mounted on utility vehicles, is light enough to travel inside of a Chinook helicopter or sling-loaded under a Black Hawk helicopter.
After World War I, séances boomed – and dead soldiers ‘wrote’ home
In March 1915, Raymond Lodge was deployed to France. By September, he was dead. A few weeks later, however, he got in touch with his family.
This nurse jerry-rigged a trach tube to keep a wounded Marine alive
Mary Hawkins spent 13 months flying the wounded out of the Pacific Theater, becoming one of the few women to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In other news
US will share tech to let South Korea build nuclear submarine: Trump
Trump said the country would build its nuclear-powered submarine in the Philly Shipyard, which was bought last year by South Korea’s Hanwha Group.
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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VIDEOS
53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron plane flies into eye of Hurricane Melissa
A U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” flew through Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 27, 2025
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MORE STORIES
US strikes on alleged drug boats ‘unacceptable’: UN human rights chief
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an investigation into the strikes in what appears to mark the first such UN condemnation.
National Guard told to create ‘quick reaction forces’ for civil unrest
Military leaders ordered the National Guard in every state to develop a “quick reaction force” of troops trained to deal with civil disturbances and riots.
Hegseth orders military to detail lawyers to Justice Department
Hegseth has ordered the military to provide dozens of lawyers to the DOJ for temporary assignments in Memphis and near the U.S.-Mexico border.
After World War I, séances boomed – and dead soldiers ‘wrote’ home
In March 1915, Raymond Lodge was deployed to France. By September, he was dead. A few weeks later, however, he got in touch with his family.
By Alice Vernon, Aberystwyth University, The Conversation
Senate confirms Wilsbach as Air Force chief of staff
Wilsbach will be the 24th general to head the Air Force, following the early retirement of Gen. David Allvin.
Navy replaces admiral leading naval research with former DOGE staffer
The U.S. Navy has replaced the admiral in charge of the Office of Naval Research with a civilian who has reportedly worked as a DOGE staffer.
By Riley Ceder
Military medical facilities aim to woo back Medicare-eligible patients
21 military treatment facilities are prioritizing bringing back Tricare for Life patients.
By Karen Jowers
GOP senator proposes commission to study VA disability ratings system
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville questioned whether the VBA needs subject matter experts to examine claims processes and recommend improvements.
By Patricia Kime
In reversal, DOD says troops can wear uniforms at Veterans Day events
The Pentagon changed course Wednesday on a policy that would've restricted troops from appearing in uniform at Veterans Day events because of the shutdown.
Soldiers take new mobile 81mm mortar system for test drive
The system, when mounted on utility vehicles, is light enough to travel inside of a Chinook helicopter or sling-loaded under a Black Hawk helicopter.
By Eve Sampson