Top stories
Troops to get 3.8% pay raise under proposed defense bill
The proposed NDAA also includes a boost in family separation allowance, among other policy alterations designed to improve troops’ quality of life.
Don’t miss these Tricare and other health benefits deadlines
It's time for Tricare beneficiaries to review health care plans and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care.
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IG finds Hegseth risked endangering Houthi mission with Signal use
The Pentagon pointed to the IG's conclusion that Hegseth had the authority to declassify the strike information as an exoneration.
Navy releases ‘catastrophic’ findings involving USS Harry S. Truman
The USS Harry S. Truman collided with a merchant vessel and three F/A-18 Super Hornets were lost in a six month span between December 2024 and May 2025.
Admiral says there was no ‘kill them all’ order in boat attack
Democrats who were also briefed and saw video of the survivors being killed questioned the Trump administration’s rationale.
Navy admiral who oversaw strike on boat survivors to brief lawmakers
Discussions with Adm. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, comes as Congress looks into the actions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Pentagon & Congress
Hegseth defends strikes on alleged cartel boats
Hegseth has defended U.S. military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, saying Trump has the right to take military action “as he sees fit.”
Corps IDs Marine killed in tactical vehicle accident
Pfc. Tanner F. Rubio, 21, died Dec. 3 following a tactical training vehicle mishap.
The 101st Airborne and the history of the real ‘screaming eagle’
While the bald eagle is a national emblem, the 101st’s screaming eagle insignia pays homage to a genuine war bird from the Civil War.
US raid allegedly killed undercover agent instead of IS official
A raid by U.S. forces and a Syrian group aiming to capture an Islamic State official instead reportedly killed a local man who was working to gather intel.
In other news
Don’t miss these Tricare and other health benefits deadlines
It's time for Tricare beneficiaries to review health care plans and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care.
VIDEOS
New ways for vets to connect and protect | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 12.6.25
New, innovative services for vets with a range of interests are on tap at MCON 2025. Plus, the latest in defense contracting. That and more in this episode.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Submit a FREE veteran obituary
Military Times has partnered with Legacy on a special online memorial where you can read through U.S. veterans’ obituaries and publish a FREE veteran obit
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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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MORE STORIES
The 101st Airborne and the history of the real ‘screaming eagle’
While the bald eagle is a national emblem, the 101st’s screaming eagle insignia pays homage to a genuine war bird from the Civil War.
US raid allegedly killed undercover agent instead of IS official
A raid by U.S. forces and a Syrian group aiming to capture an Islamic State official instead reportedly killed a local man who was working to gather intel.
Don’t miss these Tricare and other health benefits deadlines
It's time for Tricare beneficiaries to review health care plans and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care.
By Karen Jowers
IG finds Hegseth risked endangering Houthi mission with Signal use
The Pentagon pointed to the IG's conclusion that Hegseth had the authority to declassify the strike information as an exoneration.
Navy releases ‘catastrophic’ findings involving USS Harry S. Truman
The USS Harry S. Truman collided with a merchant vessel and three F/A-18 Super Hornets were lost in a six month span between December 2024 and May 2025.
By Riley Ceder
Admiral says there was no ‘kill them all’ order in boat attack
Democrats who were also briefed and saw video of the survivors being killed questioned the Trump administration’s rationale.
Navy admiral who oversaw strike on boat survivors to brief lawmakers
Discussions with Adm. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, comes as Congress looks into the actions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Camp Pendleton Marine killed in tactical training vehicle mishap
The incident occurred during routine training aboard the base, the service announced.
By J.D. Simkins
Family of man killed in US strike files human rights challenge
The family of a Colombian man has filed a formal challenge to U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats.
By Regina Garcia Cano, The Associated Press
Medal of Honor recipients to receive larger stipends under new law
Living Medal of Honor recipients will now receive around $67,500 in annual honorarium under a new law signed Monday by President Donald Trump.
By Patricia Kime