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
North Korea launches cruise missiles as US, South Korea launch drills
The tests came three days after U.S., South Korea and Japanese leaders met and agreed to increase cooperation on their ballistic missile defenses.
New Be All You Can Be ads arrive amid Army marketing leadership change
Watch the Army's new "Be All You Can Be" advertisements here.
By Davis Winkie
Navy relieves commanding officer of USS Howard
Cmdr. Kenji Igawa was relieved “due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,” the Navy said.
By Diana Stancy
Corps identifies Marine who died at California infantry school
Lance Cpl. Joseph D. Whaley died Thursday during nighttime live-fire training.
Here’s how the Air Force’s new pilot retention bonuses will work
Pilots whose initial contracts expire in fiscal 2024 or 2025 can sign new agreements to serve for another four to 12 years.
Special warfare chief warrant officers eligible for $90,000 bonus
The Navy has stressed the value of retention bonuses in keeping experienced sailors.
By Diana Stancy
Army announces two aviation brigade deployments
Two active duty aviation brigades are heading overseas this fall.
By Davis Winkie
Guard general put on admin leave following misconduct investigation
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced Maj. Gen. Michael Turley’s suspension on Thursday.
By Zamone Perez
Marine dies during live-fire training at West Coast infantry school
A Marine training at School of Infantry-West died Thursday during “a night live-fire training event," according to the Marine Corps.
US, Japan and South Korea boost security ties over China’s objections
Details about the new “duty to consult” commitment emerged as President Joe Biden prepared to welcome South Korean and Japanese leaders to Camp David.
By Aamer Madhani and Darlene Superville, AP