Top stories
How the US has shifted military jets and ships in the Middle East
As America’s national security leaders discuss next steps, the Pentagon has moved to ensure that troops and bases in the region are protected.
Navy reaches fiscal 2025 recruiting goal 3 months early
After falling short of its recruiting goal for the first time ever in 2023, the Navy has now reached its recruiting goal two years in a row.
Latest
NCIS finds sailor nearly 2 weeks after disappearance
Culinary Specialist Seaman Sergio Valoura was discovered by NCIS and LAPD in Glendale, California, after he walked away from his duties May 30.
US troops, bases in Middle East could be targets in conflict with Iran
About 40,000 U.S. personnel are spread throughout the region, giving Iran a chance to strike back at American military forces.
USS Blue Ridge leaves Guam after port visit
The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship is patrolling the Indo-Pacific after leaving its station on Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, on April 3.
US helps defend Israel from Iranian missile attack
The attack follows Israel's airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program and military leadership Thursday.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Pentagon & Congress
Her Medal of Honor was once revoked. Now her base is being renamed.
Fort Walker, named in 2023 after Civil War Union surgeon Mary Walker, will revert back to Fort A.P. Hill. For her family, the retraction feels familiar.
Marines and sailors combat drone threats by digging trenches
In a recent exercise, U.S. Marines and sailors worked with Latvian Army troops to clear woods and build a warren of trenches designed for drone warfare.
The history of presidents activating US troops on American soil
U.S. presidents have rarely federalized the National Guard to intervene in protests on U.S. soil.
White House taps nominees for VA’s top benefits, technology roles
Karen Brazell currently works as a senior VA advisor and would serve as the department's next Under Secretary for Benefits.
In other news
DOD schools reorganize to target more support to military children
The school system is adding more psychologists and administrative officers, but there's concern about some positions being eliminated.
VIDEOS
Can this gun shoot enemies over a wall? New Marine weapons options
Colt displays a grenade launcher and anti-defilade gun it says can improve Marines’ deadliness. Plus, a foldable machete. Get details from Modern Day Marine.
Featured Videos
SPECIAL FEATURES
Sea-Air-Space 2025 Coverage
Defense News is reporting on the top headlines and news coming out of Navy League’s annual show.
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.
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
Why troops secretly relate to SpongeBob’s ‘I’m a Goofy Goober’ spiral
For all its absurdity, SpongeBob’s “Goofy Goober” breakdown in “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" has become an unlikely touchstone in military circles.
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MORE STORIES
US and North Korea still have ways to talk though no diplomatic ties
There are several channels the U.S. and the North could use to talk. A pink phone. A New York mission. Swedish diplomats. A North-South Korean hotline.
Still no response from North Korea about wayward US soldier
But North Korea’s defense minister threatened that the docking of a nuclear-armed U.S. sub in South Korea could be grounds for a nuclear attack.
‘Oppenheimer’ is a chilling look at mankind’s capacity for destruction
"Oppenheimer" hits theaters July 21.
By Sarah Sicard
Third night of Russian retaliatory strikes aimed at Odesa
Ukrainian officials say the strikes killed at least two people in Odesa. In Mykolaiv, a city close to the Black Sea, at least 19 people were injured.
Military academies’ diversity efforts draw GOP concerns, Dem support
The schools' inclusion programs are the latest military training work to draw the ire of conservative critics.
Lawmakers want to limit Chinese business in military quality of life
Lawmakers want to ban the sale of Chinese goods in military stores, and restrict online tutoring services provided by Chinese companies.
By Karen Jowers
Soldier held in North Korea faced discharge for fights, cop car damage
The soldier who crossed the North Korean border Tuesday had previously been arrested in South Korea for getting into fights and damaging a cop car.
Pentagon abortion policy talks fail to yield compromise on nominees
More than 250 military promotions and nominations have been stalled over objections to the military's abortion access rules.
Opinion
Leaders need to be more than allies and work to close the gender gap
Women in the military still face barriers as basic as uniforms that were designed for a man's body, despite decades of allies championing their service.
By Frances Castillo
Opinion
Playing politics with military promotions harms our service members
The Senate hold on military promotions impacts service members, families and the communities they call home.
By Karen Holt