Top stories
Sentinel nuclear missiles will need new silos, Air Force says
The Sentinel ICBM program is already alarmingly over budget, and trying to reuse 55-year-old Minuteman III silos would put it even further behind.
Supreme Court allows transgender military ban to take effect, for now
The high court moved to allow President Donald Trump's administration to enforce a ban on transgender troops while legal challenges proceed.
Latest
Collins, Dems spar over whether VA needs key fixes or full overhaul
Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is.
US Marine dies, another rescued while hiking in northern Japan
Deteriorating weather conditions were likely a factor in the Marines going missing, the Marine Corps said.
DOD working on recipe to improve food on military bases
The DOD is working on a coordinated attack to address food problems on bases.
Dems blast Trump’s pick for military personnel policy as too combative
Nominee Anthony Tata offered a partial apology for past comments attacking Democrats and Trump critics as traitors.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Ditching the standing power throw strengthens the Army fitness test
The removal of the standing power throw from the ACFT represents a smarter, more combat-relevant assessment of soldiers, the authors of this op-ed argue.
Opinion
Vets deserve to stay in their homes — VA is about to put that at risk
With VA set to end its mortgage rescue program, leaders must devise a solution that keeps veterans in their homes, the author of this op-ed argues.
Commissary director sees opportunity for stores amid DOD upheaval
'We're going to be more like a commercial grocery chain than ever before," John Hall, director of the Defense Commissary Agency, said.
New Arctic search and rescue watch adds durable features
Prices run from $1,000 to $2,500.
In other news
Nationwide doorstep delivery getting closer for commissary customers
Commissary customers want and need the delivery service, officials said.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
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Securing sensitive facilities in modern times | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.3.25
In a world of swiftly-advancing tech, how do businesses and government agencies secure their facilities? Two experts talk through strategies.
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MORE STORIES
Breaking down the number of veterans in the 119th Congress
This Congress begins with more members who are military veterans than any session in the last eight years.
Major leadership shakeup, new budget battles coming to VA in 2025
The major Veterans Affairs stories we're keeping an eye on in 2025.
Rollback of DOD anti-extremism efforts coming in 2025, experts predict
The piecemeal progress of extremism-prevention efforts during the past four years is more than can be expected out of the Pentagon in 2025, experts said.
From Grinch greetings to Santa sightings, the holidays come to troops
Holiday helpers have been busy, as plenty of organizations and individuals have been working to make the days a bit brighter for troops and their families.
By Karen Jowers
Will most troops move under new household goods program in 2025?
More than half of installations in the continental United States are moving troops' shipments under the new system.
By Karen Jowers
VA to resume new electronic health record rollout in mid-2026
The project was scheduled to take 10 years and cost $16 billion. Nearly eight years later, only six of VA’s 170-plus medical sites are using the software.
Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus
The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.
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