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Navy’s top officer and enlisted sailor visit troops in Guam
CNO Adm. Daryl Caudle and MCPON John Perryman discussed everything from housing to training during an all-hands call at Naval Base Guam.
US-Philippine task force to reestablish South China Sea ‘deterrence’
The U.S. and the Philippines announce a joint task force to deter what Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calls Beijing’s “coercion” in the South China Sea.
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Coast Guard reverses course, calls swastikas and nooses ‘hate symbols’
The change came on the same day media outlets discovered that the Coast Guard had unveiled a policy calling the same symbols "potentially divisive."
Judge orders Trump administration to end Guard deployment in DC
A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to end its monthslong deployment of National Guard troops to help police the nation’s capital.
New Coast Guard policy calls swastikas ‘potentially divisive’
The U.S. Coast Guard is poised to change some of its language and policies surrounding the display of hate symbols like swastikas and nooses.
Lawmakers urge troops to refuse illegal orders in video
President Trump called for lawmakers from the video to be arrested and put on trial in a Truth Social post.
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Military History
WWII Marine absorbed grenade blast to save his men on Tinian
While fighting on Tinian Pvt. Joseph Ozbourn sacrificed his life to save four fellow Marines.
Meet the youngest Medal of Honor recipient since the Civil War
At just 14 years old, Jacklyn "Jack" Lucas forged his mother’s signature to join the Marine Corps.
Army tests out first robotically-operated dining facility
After soldiers pick menu items using a touchscreen, the system automatically portions, cooks and distributes each meal.
Private housing companies let troops deck the halls early for holidays
Military housing providers are now allowing troops and their families to decorate for the holiday season early.
In other news
Selected Reserve Marines eligible for up to $20,000 retention bonus
In all, 100 MOSs are listed as eligible for the retention bonuses.
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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Insight into Marines’ experiences, and groups helping vets | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 11.15.
Defense News Weekly talks with Sebastian Junger about his latest military-centered project, and learn about two groups trying to help vets after service.
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MORE STORIES
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
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