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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 recruiting off to ‘strong start’ for fiscal 2026, DOD says
Overall, the services met an average of 103% of their active-duty recruiting goals for fiscal 2025, according to the Defense Department.
DOD needs more consistent Indo-Pacific deterrence funding, GAO says
An annual assessment of how DOD funds deterrence efforts in the Indo-Pacific revealed problematic inconsistencies, according to a GAO report.
Ira ‘Ike’ Schab, one of last Pearl Harbor survivors, dies at 105
There remain only about a dozen survivors of the 1941 surprise attack, which killed just over 2,400 troops and propelled the U.S. into World War II.
The American who was held in Ireland’s WWII internment camp — twice
Guards at the Curragh had blanks in their weapons and the internees, allied and German, were allowed to visit local pubs and join fishing and golf trips.
In other news
Coast Guard clarifies hate symbol policy
The Senate confirmed Adm. Kevin Lunday as the Coast Guard’s new commandant Thursday night.
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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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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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Navy rolls out confidential sexual harassment reporting option
The new option was announced in a naval administrative message released Wednesday.
40 militants killed in strikes on Iraq and Syria, Pentagon says
The U.S. struck more than 85 Iran-backed targets on Feb. 2 in retaliation for the deaths of three American soldiers in January.
Vet the Vote tackles election misinformation with Super Bowl launch
During a time when misinformation is eroding trust in U.S. elections, the group believes veterans are the key to restoring confidence.
Fired CO of USS Howard got in hot water after ‘unprofessional’ remarks
Cmdr. Cameron Dennis’ ouster came after a command investigation substantiated allegations that he made “unprofessional comments."
By Diana Stancy
Navy ‘urgently’ needs to fix new Hawaii water issues, lawmaker says
Officials are trying to determine why there's an oily sheen and chemical taste in tap water.
By Karen Jowers
Troops are still waiting weeks for off-base mental health appointments
A new government watchdog report found troops waited more than two weeks for an urgent appointment off base.
USNS Brunswick is back in the US after seven years in the West Pacific
Military Sealift Command's expeditionary fast transport vessel was recently based out of the Saipan in the Northern Mariana islands.
Military experience a valuable asset for veterans in nursing careers
Veterans in nursing careers say their time in the service helps them navigate the challenges of the medical field.
By Dave Lubach