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Thousands of Marines, sailors back in Japan after deploying for Iran war
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is back in Okinawa after helping to enforce a Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Pentagon to roll out new test to assess troops’ cognitive performance
The Pentagon will transition from ANAM to an "improved capability" to further protect service members' brain health and test for TBIs.
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Cost of Iran war rises to $37.5 billion, Pentagon requests $67.1 billion more
The Iran war has cost the DoD $37.5 billion to date, Hegseth told senators Tuesday, as he requested $67.1 billion more in emergency funding.
USS Charlotte crew that reportedly sank Iranian frigate awarded Navy Unit Commendation
The crew of the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Charlotte, which reportedly participated in Operation Epic Fury, received the Navy Unit Commendation award.
Pentagon identifies soldier killed in controlled detonation of Iranian drone
Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, was killed Saturday during the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian one-way attack drone.
Coast Guard monitors Chinese research vessel as it cuts through sovereign-US waters to the Arctic
The U.S. Coast Guard tracked a Chinese research vessel last week as it transited through the U.S. exclusive economic zone toward the Arctic.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
America cannot surge experience
Fighter pilot retention is no longer simply a military personnel issue. It is a strategic imperative, writes congresswoman and Navy veteran Jen Kiggans.
Pentagon identifies third American soldier killed in Iranian attack in Jordan
Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, is believed to be the third active-duty soldier killed in action in an Iranian attack in Jordan, the DoD said.
Iran warns Bulgaria against aiding US military operations
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman warned Bulgaria on Tuesday against allowing the U.S. to use its territory for military operations against Iran.
Hanwha Philly Shipyard awarded $2 billion to build 2 missile-tracking vessels
The Hanwha Philly Shipyard was awarded $2 billion to build the missile-tracking vessels set to replace the aging Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector.
In other news
‘Our veterans deserve better’: Inside the VA nursing shortage
"Our veterans deserve better": One Department of Veterans Affairs nurse describes how clinical staffing shortages affect employees and patients.
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Are changes coming to veterans’ benefits? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 7.21.26
A leader at the center of Congress’ efforts to revamp some veterans’ benefits weighs in on the changes. Plus, testosterone tests for troops.
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Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
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MORE STORIES
Former CENTCOM head denies Abbey Gate attack warnings were ignored
Gen. Frank McKenzie pushed back on reports that U.S. forces had clear intelligence about the Afghan bomber who killed 13 U.S. troops in August 2021.
Navy gets new (acting) Air Boss
An ongoing blockade of military confirmations in the Senate means Rear Adm. George Wikoff will temporarily serve as commander of the aviation community.
Military pay could be a casualty of looming government shutdown
Lawmakers are warning that a political budget fight could have severe financial consequences for troops and their dependents.
Coast Guard arrests Florida man running on seafaring hamster wheel
The Coast Guard rescued and then arrested Reza Ray Baluchi for this stunt, and now he is facing federal charges.
By Sarah Sicard
Opinion
Pentagon’s suicide prevention blueprint lacks focus on brain injuries
Brain injuries are widespread among post-9/11 service members and veterans.
By Frank Larkin
Opinion
Justice is long overdue for LGBTQ+ veterans
Tens of thousands of veterans who were discharged due to their sexual orientation did not receive an honorable discharge.
By Jules Sohn
Some in Sioux City bristle at namesake ship’s early retirement
The littoral combat ship Sioux City cost $460 million and was retired after less than five years of service.
Navy fires commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic
Capt. Paul Choate was one of at least seven Navy commanding officers relieved in 2023.
By Diana Stancy
The best reasons to marry military
Goodbye barracks, hello house (black mold included).
By Sarah Sicard
Graphic novel tells story of Alwyn Cashe’s long-awaited Medal of Honor
Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on Dec. 16, 2021.
By Sarah Sicard