Top stories
Hegseth promises to reinstate, repay troops who refused COVID vaccine
About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
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.
Latest
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.
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.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024.
What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024
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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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VIDEOS
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
Russian shelling in east kills 17 as US Secretary of State visits Kyiv
The attack came as U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ukraine’s capital, where he was expected to announce more than $1 billion in new aid.
More technical problems found with VA’s disability claims system
Nearly 90,000 cases filed through VA.gov have been delayed because of glitches in the department's system.
QAnon-embraced film pulled from screening on-base at SOUTHCOM
SOUTHCOM planned and then canceled screenings of Christian-faith-based thriller "Sound of Freedom" to military service members.
Navy sends medical supplies to Guam to support Indo-Pacific operations
Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System crews conduct surgery in a self-sustaining environment ashore, afloat and undersea.
By Diana Stancy
Former VA leaders ask public to call vets to help prevent suicide
The effort is part of a national campaign set for November to help increase awareness of veterans mental health struggles.
New tool helps military parents with firearm storage, safety issues
'We really need to be focused on access to firearms' by young children.
By Karen Jowers
Air Force eases restrictions on airmen taking HIV-prevention pills
The changes aim to keep more service members in the air and in uniform, the service said.
A corporal gave a speech in front of the top Marine — and got promoted
Then-Cpl. Peyton Nott also received an award for taking on a billet typically reserved for gunnery sergeants, enlisted Marines with years' more experience.
Ukraine’s defense minister resigns after Zelenskyy announces new one
Reznikov’s removal follows a scandal around the defense ministry’s procurement of military jackets.
Rates for Tricare premium plans on the rise again
Increase in rates for Tricare Young Adult Prime is especially stunning, one advocate says.
By Karen Jowers