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Trump nominates new head of SOUTHCOM to lead strikes near Venezuela
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis L. Donovan is named to take over for Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired from his post as commander of SOUTHCOM on Dec. 12.
US launches operation to ‘eliminate’ ISIS fighters in Syria: Hegseth
A U.S. official said that the attack was conducted using F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
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US Navy to develop new class of smaller, more ‘agile’ combatant ships
The first hull is expected to hit the water in 2028 as a more nimble companion to the Navy’s larger warships, Navy Secretary John Phelan said.
Coasties to get $2,000 one-time ‘devotion to duty’ payment
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard will receive their own (taxed) version of President Donald Trump’s “Warrior Dividend” this month.
CNO dishes on sailor wellbeing, US Navy success in era of competition
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle sat down with Military Times to discuss his ambitions for maritime dominance in 2026 and beyond.
Sailors to see $375 million in barracks improvements
Plans include major projects for more urgent renovations and improvements at six bases, as well as smaller projects across 50 bases.
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Military Culture
Six wargames to add to your holiday gift list
Some wargames aren't available to the public. Fortunately, there are games out there that can be obtained without needing a security clearance.
Over $13 billion in US military aid to Israel improperly tracked: IG
Investigators warned that such lapses increase the risk of sensitive U.S. weapons technology falling into the hands of hostile actors.
Ham, turkey and cigars? A look at Christmas festivities during WWII
It's not too late to put Snowflake potatoes on one's Christmas day menu.
At least 2 killed in Mexican Navy plane crash near Galveston, Texas
A small Mexican Navy plane transporting a 1-year-old medical patient along with seven others crashed Monday near Galveston, Texas.
In other news
How did the US patrol the Caribbean for drug smuggling before strikes?
Coast Guard crews have seized about half a million pounds of drugs this year. But instead of killing "enemy combatants," they’re sending them back home.
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The state of US hypersonic capabilities | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 12.13.25
As China and other U.S. rivals claim to field operational hypersonic missiles, where does the U.S. stand in developing its own weapons? An expert weighs in.
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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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Coast Guard clarifies hate symbol policy
The Senate confirmed Adm. Kevin Lunday as the Coast Guard’s new commandant Thursday night.
Jordan says its air force joined US strikes on Islamic State in Syria
Jordan confirmed that its air force took part in strikes launched by the United States on Islamic State group targets in Syria.
US launches operation to ‘eliminate’ ISIS fighters in Syria: Hegseth
A U.S. official said that the attack was conducted using F-15 Eagle jets, A-10 Thunderbolt ground attack aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Pentagon fails financial audit for 8th year in a row
DOD is the only one of the government’s 24 major agencies never to pass.
By Tanya Noury
US military to stop shooting pigs and goats for medic training
The move ends a practice that had been made obsolete by simulators that mimic battlefield injuries.
Military lawyer swiftly fired after defying Trump deportation push
An Army Reserve lawyer detailed as a federal immigration judge has been fired after granting asylum at a high rate.
Coasties to get $2,000 one-time ‘devotion to duty’ payment
Members of the U.S. Coast Guard will receive their own (taxed) version of President Donald Trump’s “Warrior Dividend” this month.
By Patricia Kime
US Navy to develop new class of smaller, more ‘agile’ combatant ships
The first hull is expected to hit the water in 2028 as a more nimble companion to the Navy’s larger warships, Navy Secretary John Phelan said.
By J.D. Simkins
Navy launches suicide drone from ship at sea for first time
A LUCAS drone was successfully launched from the flight deck of the USS Santa Barbara, a littoral combat ship currently operating in the Arabian Gulf.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Corps updates physical fitness test standards for combat MOS Marines
Updates include sex-neutral requirements for all combat MOS Marines to score a minimum of 210 out of a possible 300.
By Bridget Craig