Top stories
US strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program up to 2 years, DOD says
“We’re thinking probably closer to two years — like degraded their program by two years,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Wednesday.
Pentagon creates new military border zone in Arizona
The fourth national defense area created along the US-Mexico border will be an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in the Sonora Desert.
Latest
Chinese nationals charged with spying on US Navy
The DOJ said two Chinese nationals spied on Navy sailors and bases for China's intelligence agency and attempted to recruit service members as assets.
Senate passes Trump’s major policy bill with $150 billion for the DOD
Funding included in the bill would go toward shipbuilding, the Golden Dome homeland missile defense project, munitions and other key Pentagon priorities.
Pentagon awards $5 billion contract to speed up ship manufacturing
The Navy continues to be under immense pressure to hasten the process of shipbuilding and modernize methods of repair and manufacturing.
Navy destroyers intercepted Iranian missiles, service confirms
The U.S. 6th Fleet positioned five Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean to provide defense support to Israel.
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Veterans
Illinois veteran bestowed military honors nearly a decade after death
An extraordinary cold case investigation revealed a formerly unidentified ward of the state to be a Women's Army Corps veteran.
Honolulu water agency sues US Navy over Red Hill fuel spill damage
The suit estimates it is costing $1.2 billion for the Board of Water Supply to clean up and protect Oʻahu’s drinking water wells.
Ukraine arms freeze part of wider military aid review, Pentagon says
The decision to pause the delivery of some munitions to Ukraine "was made to put America's interest first," a White House spokesperson said.
Top enlisted Marine takes a swipe at Audie Murphy’s uniform regs
The top enlisted Marine faced a sea of roasters on Army and Marine Reddit pages after he took a swipe at WWII combat soldier Audie Murphy.
In other news
The toilet paper war: A submariner’s battle against bureaucracy
In 1942, Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack battled for his boat to receive what he deemed a basic necessity: toilet paper.
VIDEOS
Advanced Marine reconnaissance vehicles are on the way - here's what they look like
Check out the two designs competing to be the Marines new advance recon vehicle - and learn about what capabilities they offer on this edition of Gear Scout.
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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.
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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.
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.
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MORE STORIES
Tricare lets patients bypass TriWest problems slowing specialty care
A temporary waiver allows beneficiaries to take their referral from a primary care manager directly to a specialist without waiting for approval.
By Karen Jowers
VA, DOD oversight questioned after Trump inspector general firings
The top watchdogs for the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs were among the individuals dismissed by Trump.
No schedule yet for service secretary confirmation hearings
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 27, 2025.
VA places 60 staff on leave after shutting down DEI offices
The moves come after a White House executive order mandating an end to federal equity and inclusion efforts.
Lawmaker: Tricare West problems ‘actively harming military readiness’
A Washington lawmaker wants answers from the Defense Health Agency about what it's doing to address problems plaguing the TriWest transition.
By Karen Jowers
Outgoing DOD family official: ‘Don’t forget who you’re working for’
Patricia Barron connected with – and listened to – military spouses during her four years as head of DOD family policy.
By Karen Jowers