Top stories
DOD stops offering rape kits to most overseas civilian workers
DOD civilian workers and contractors overseas who are ineligible for the Military Health System will no longer be provided sexual assault forensic exams.
Navy petty officer awarded for showdown with Somali pirates
The boatswain’s mate, who grew up in Egypt, was awarded for his gutsy role in responding to a pirate attack on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden.
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Two troops killed, one seriously injured in vehicle accident at border
The service members were deployed in support of ongoing security operations at the southern border.
USS Carl Vinson in Mideast ahead of Iran-US nuclear talks
The operation comes as U.S. officials have linked the U.S.′ monthlong campaign against the Houthis as a means to pressure Iran in the negotiations.
Trump signs shipbuilding order as Navy leaders call for 381-ship fleet
The new policy aims to revitalize a U.S. shipbuilding industry that has fallen well behind production levels of its rivals from Beijing.
Navy fires leaders of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4
Cmdr. Brett Robblee and Command Master Chief Felix Phillips were relieved “due to a loss of confidence" in their ability to lead, the Navy said.
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Pentagon & Congress
Since early 2024, DOD has cut nearly 200 DEI-related jobs: Report
Forty-one diversity-related positions were abolished or restructured following President Trump's crackdown on federal DEI efforts.
Former Pentagon spokesman tied to DEI purge asked to resign: Official
John Ullyot oversaw the Pentagon's edict to strip away online military images considered promoting DEI. Ullyot told Politico that he decided to resign.
Nurses rally outside VA hospitals to highlight staff cuts, vacancies
VA nurses across the U.S. are protesting Trump administration moves that they say endanger the health of veterans and federal workers.
WWI Museum resurrects Great War participants in new high-tech exhibit
“Stations” boast recreated virtual scenes from WWI replete with interactive soundscape tech found in just one other U.S. location — the Las Vegas Sphere.
In other news
House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
Rep. Mike Bost said he trusts that administration plans to dramatically reduce the VA workforce will not cut into veterans benefits and care.
VIDEOS
VA's plans for staffing cuts won't endanger veterans' services, House Veterans' Chairman says
Rep. Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, backs VA's staff reduction goals but promises close oversight of the moves.
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This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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.
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MORE STORIES
WWI Museum resurrects Great War participants in new high-tech exhibit
“Stations” boast recreated virtual scenes from WWI replete with interactive soundscape tech found in just one other U.S. location — the Las Vegas Sphere.
Marine Corps relieves Air Station Beaufort commander of duties
The decision came after the service lost confidence in the commander's ability to lead, according to the Marine Corps.
By Riley Ceder
House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
Rep. Mike Bost said he trusts that administration plans to dramatically reduce the VA workforce will not cut into veterans benefits and care.
Navy petty officer awarded for showdown with Somali pirates
The boatswain’s mate, who grew up in Egypt, was awarded for his gutsy role in responding to a pirate attack on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Students sue Defense Department over book bans in military schools
The case involves 12 students from six families who attend military-run schools in Virginia, Kentucky, Italy and Japan.
Two troops killed, one seriously injured in vehicle accident at border
The service members were deployed in support of ongoing security operations at the southern border.
By Tara Copp, AP
Pentagon senior adviser Dan Caldwell ousted in probe into leaks
Officials said Caldwell’s sudden downfall is tied to an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosure of department information.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
VA plans to cut hundreds of payroll jobs at regional medical sites
The decision to cut about 300 medical center payroll jobs and move about 300 more are part of broader efforts to reduce the size of the VA workforce.
USS Carl Vinson in Mideast ahead of Iran-US nuclear talks
The operation comes as U.S. officials have linked the U.S.′ monthlong campaign against the Houthis as a means to pressure Iran in the negotiations.
By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press