Top stories
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
1,800 California National Guardsmen activated for LA fire response
California Governor Gavin Newsom increased the number of Guardsmen over the weekend, as the death toll for the wildfires climbed to 24.
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Opinion
Hegseth’s track record falls short of military standards: Dem senators
In this op-ed, Sens. Kelly and Duckworth argue Pete Hegseth falls short of the standards expected of those he would oversee as defense secretary.
Confirmation hearing for Trump’s VA Sec pick delayed over FBI check
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
Kendall floats F-35 successor, casts 2050 vision for Air Force
The Air Force and Space Force "need to go through a transformation" by 2050, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said on the eve of his departure.
In quiet shift, Marines allow mixed-gender DI teams to train recruits
A typical integrated team will have three DIs of one gender and a fourth of the opposite gender, with most featuring three male instructors and one female.
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Health Care
New Tricare contracts bring health care changes
Beneficiaries can expect easier transfer of medical referrals when they move, among other things, with the new Tricare contracts.
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
Opinion
Ukraine is determined, but tired
"Left unsaid was that the West could risk resentment if it pressed Ukraine into a negotiation likely to fail," writes RAND analyst William Courtney.
In other news
Tricare West beneficiaries granted more time for payment updates
Tricare beneficiaries in the West Region have more time to set up recurring payments with the new regional contractor.
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.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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Can the Pentagon’s China stance last under Trump? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 1.11.25
During the Biden administration, the Pentagon shifted the way it views - and opposes - China and its influence. Will that posture change under President Trump?
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MORE STORIES
Small-drone defense is next in Pentagon’s Replicator buying push
The Pentagon will request funding for Replicator 2 in its FY26 budget proposal.
VA leaders in New York accused of delaying critical medical visits
In one case, a veteran with esophageal cancer had radiation therapy incorrectly denied for several months before dying from the illness.
Fewer vets will be on the November ballot for Congress this year
Of the 75 congressional candidates this cycle with a combat zone deployment, 62 of them served in Iraq, Afghanistan or both.
Here are all the veterans running for Congress in 2024
More than 180 candidates with military backgrounds are vying for seats in the House and Senate.
How your military stores will be affected by a looming port strike
How would commissaries, exchanges and overseas shipments of household goods be affected by potentially massive American port strikes?
By Karen Jowers
Lawmakers demand answers over reports of faulty Navy ship welding
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed concern over the safety of sailors and ships due to faulty welding in a shipyard.
Navy fires the head of recruiting for San Antonio, Texas
Cmdr. Stacey O'Neal was a regular presence on Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio's social media pages.
VA unveils national over-the-phone emergency care option for veterans
Of the more than 61,000 callers so far this year, about 59% had medical questions resolved without having to travel to an urgent care clinic or hospital.
Absentee voting deadlines loom for troops and their families
Here's what you need to know about voting when you're away from home.
By Karen Jowers
Navy decommissions cruiser Leyte Gulf after nearly 40 years of service
Have a nice retirement, Leyte Gulf.
By Diana Stancy