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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.
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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.
‘Warrior dividend’ is on the way to troops, Trump says
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, troops will receive $1,776 before Christmas, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.
Vietnam nears completion of militarized South China Sea outposts
Vietnam has revved up South China Sea land reclamation efforts this year, beginning construction on eight previously untouched Spratly Islands features.
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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.
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.
We pined for the comforts of home. We got socks for Christmas instead.
"Do they think we’re deployed, or homeless?" Care packages reveal Americans have little idea what modern soldiers need.
In other news
Trump order would allow more VA research on medical marijuana
It does not, however, give Veterans Affairs doctors leeway to prescribe the drug.
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Honoring accomplishment and courage: profiles of the 2023 Service Members of the Year
Highlighting achievements and acts of selflessness and bravery from each branch of the military these are the stories of the 2023 Service members of the Year.
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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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Senator vows to hold all VA nominees over planned staff cuts
Plans to cut more than 80,000 staffers from VA offices would severely hurt benefits delivery, said Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps vet.
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
Hegseth orders review of physical standards for military combat roles
Women already must pass gender-neutral physical fitness requirements for combat posts, but Hegseth contends the standards for women are lower.
Confirmation hearing set on Trump’s pick for Joint Chiefs chairman
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of March 31, 2025.
Lawmaker warns government ‘savings’ could cost vets critical services
Democrats must highlight the dangers of planned VA cuts to both veterans and the public, House Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano said.
Military stores prepare for tariffs, aiming to keep costs down
Military store officials expect tariffs to affect exchanges, including the availability and cost of certain items.
By Karen Jowers