

In the wake of Hegseth’s software memo, experts eye further change
Many view the guidance as a first step toward broader reforms to how software is funded and tested and how the workforce is equipped to leverage it.

Veterans
Some VA employees’ overtime pay will be delayed by software problems
Software handling timecards for VA employees has been malfunctioning for nearly a week, prompting concerns about paycheck delays.

Military moves are improving some under new contract, general claims
After months' of problems, officials are seeing fewer claims tied to delays in shipments.

US allies alarmed by leaked group chat about Houthi attack plans
For some U.S. allies, the leaked group chat about a planned Yemen attack casts doubt on intelligence-sharing with Washington.

Lawmaker aims to protect troops from squatters
Homeowners, including some service members, have faced extensive, expensive legal processes to get trespassers removed.

White House, DOD deny that Hegseth leaked military secrets in chat app
Administration officials acknowledged that top leaders used a non-government group chat to coordinate ahead of military airstrikes in Yemen.

Senate confirms Phelan as next Navy Secretary
The Navy's new top civilian leader has said the service is in desperate need of reform and innovation.

Top Trump officials accidentally shared war plans with media
Hegseth reportedly assured chat participants that “we are currently clean on OPSEC” despite the accidental inclusion of a journalist.

Senate Democrats plan ‘shadow hearings’ on controversial VA cuts
The move comes as VA Secretary Doug Collins has accused Democrats of creating panic over planned department reforms.

With FY2025 spending settled, lawmakers shift focus to FY2026 budget
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of March 24, 2025.

Pentagon chief to visit Philippines for security talks, envoy says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines, the first stop in his first trip to the Indo-Pacific next week.

Hegseth beefs up Middle East warship presence with 2 aircraft carriers
The defense secretary has ordered the carriers Carl Vinson and Harry S. Truman to be in the region as the U.S. increases strikes on Houthi rebels.

Child care, teaching positions safe from DOD civilian hiring freeze
Some key positions in military quality-of-life programs are exempt from the department's hiring freeze.

GOP lawmakers suggest DOD cut climate change initiatives from budget
Republican leaders in Congress are recommending the Pentagon cut $377.35 million worth of climate change initiatives and allocate that money elsewhere.

Pentagon reviewing plans to cut troops handling migrants at Guantanamo
Officials are considering cutting troops deployed to the base by up to half, as no migrants are detained there and the program has faced legal challenges.

GOP leaders warn Trump not to abandon NATO post, Pacific buildup plans
Republican leaders are concerned about rumored plans to scale back American military involvement in Europe and Japan.

Almost 21,000 DOD employees approved to resign amid workforce cuts
The number is less than half of the 5-8% cut in civilian employees the Pentagon is pursuing.
