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DOD commits $9.8 million to study psychedelics for active-duty troops
During one study, physicians at Walter Reed plan to give the psychedelic drug MDMA to active-duty soldiers with mild to moderate PTSD.
DOD leadership firings spark concerns over support for female officers
President Trump's administration has removed most of the military's top-ranking female leaders from their posts in recent weeks.
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Navy details separation process for transgender personnel
Transgender service members have until March 28 to submit a voluntary separation request from the military and receive an honorable discharge.
Uncertainty is the only constant in the Pentagon’s budget outlook
“It’s going to be kind of a disaster,” one military official said about the lack of a full budget, which means more limits on how the Pentagon spends.
Hegseth orders review of military grooming and fitness standards
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered senior Pentagon leadership to review how and why grooming standards, including beards, have changed since 2015.
Navy body composition study may finally settle tape test debate
The two-year test may bring the Navy — and perhaps the other services — closer to scientific consensus on the best way to measure body fat.
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Pentagon & Congress
Senate passes six-month funding bill to avoid government shutdown
The Senate passed the bill hours before a government shutdown, overcoming Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Trump's desk.
This Philippine Scout fired his rifle with one hand to save his squad
In 1911, Pvt. José Nisperos became the first Filipino and Asian recipient of the Medal of Honor.
DC helicopter route permanently closed after fatal Black Hawk crash
The move follows federal investigators's call for a ban on helo flights on the route, citing a string of near misses in recent years.
Meet Lt. Preston, one of the only PT crewmen to be awarded the MOH
Lt. Arthur Preston and his PT boat crews did whatever it took to save a downed Navy airman in the South Pacific.
In other news
Islamic State leader for Iraq and Syria killed, Iraq says
Al-Rifai was killed in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces, Iraqi officials said.
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Troops’ quality of life improvements? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 3.15.25
House Armed Services Committee ranking Democrat Rep. Chrissy Houlahan talks about priorities for her panel in the coming year. Plus: voice controlled drones.
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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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MORE STORIES
In a service first, Navy taps Black civil engineer for admiral
Tobias has been the commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington since June 2023.
By Diana Stancy
DOD civilians can shop at these 16 commissaries during expansion test
The Defense Department is testing whether to expand the commissary benefit to stateside military civilian employees.
By Karen Jowers
VA plans to expand caregiver benefits, postpone program discharges
Rules surrounding VA's caregiver support have been in limbo for more than two years after families complained about harsh eligibility guidelines.
Trust in the military on the rise, but still below pre-pandemic levels
More than half of the individuals polled said they have a great deal of trust in the U.S. armed forces.
Donald Trump taps JD Vance adviser as next Army secretary
Driscoll, who served in the Army and deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division, brings a background in venture capital and private equity firms.
Bill would push VA to expand outside medical care options for vets
The Complete the Mission Act serves as a focal point of debate over the size of VA and availability of community care for veteran patients.
VA awards $1.5 million to study using psychedelics for PTSD treatment
The move is the first time Veterans Affairs leaders have funded a study into psychedelic benefits since the 1960s.
Last soldier to leave Afghanistan confirmed as new Army Europe leader
Army Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue's promotion had been delayed for several weeks for unspecified reasons.
Analysis shows troops financially stronger in 2023 than pre-pandemic
The USAA analysis found that surveyed troops' bank accounts also showed signs of the effects of inflation.
By Karen Jowers