Top stories
DOD commits $9.8 million to study psychedelics for active-duty troops
During one study, physicians at Walter Reed plan to give the psychedelic drug MDMA to active-duty soldiers with mild to moderate PTSD.
DOD leadership firings spark concerns over support for female officers
President Trump's administration has removed most of the military's top-ranking female leaders from their posts in recent weeks.
Latest
Navy details separation process for transgender personnel
Transgender service members have until March 28 to submit a voluntary separation request from the military and receive an honorable discharge.
Uncertainty is the only constant in the Pentagon’s budget outlook
“It’s going to be kind of a disaster,” one military official said about the lack of a full budget, which means more limits on how the Pentagon spends.
Hegseth orders review of military grooming and fitness standards
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered senior Pentagon leadership to review how and why grooming standards, including beards, have changed since 2015.
Navy body composition study may finally settle tape test debate
The two-year test may bring the Navy — and perhaps the other services — closer to scientific consensus on the best way to measure body fat.
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Pentagon & Congress
Senate passes six-month funding bill to avoid government shutdown
The Senate passed the bill hours before a government shutdown, overcoming Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Trump's desk.
This Philippine Scout fired his rifle with one hand to save his squad
In 1911, Pvt. José Nisperos became the first Filipino and Asian recipient of the Medal of Honor.
DC helicopter route permanently closed after fatal Black Hawk crash
The move follows federal investigators's call for a ban on helo flights on the route, citing a string of near misses in recent years.
Meet Lt. Preston, one of the only PT crewmen to be awarded the MOH
Lt. Arthur Preston and his PT boat crews did whatever it took to save a downed Navy airman in the South Pacific.
In other news
Islamic State leader for Iraq and Syria killed, Iraq says
Al-Rifai was killed in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces, Iraqi officials said.
VIDEOS
Troops’ quality of life improvements? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 3.15.25
House Armed Services Committee ranking Democrat Rep. Chrissy Houlahan talks about priorities for her panel in the coming year. Plus: voice controlled drones.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024.
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Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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MORE STORIES
Navy updates exercise standards for Fitness Enhancement Program
“The purpose of this exemption is to recognize that some sailors who do not meet the BCA standard are still able to maintain operational readiness."
By Diana Stancy
Trump taps businessman John Phelan to be Navy secretary
Phelan is the first service secretary pick announced by the president-elect for his second term in the White House.
VA wants $6.6B in extra funding for FY25, down from $12B request
Officials revised their initial ask downward after criticism from lawmakers over previous inaccurate estimates.
Months after this commissary closed, customers still seek answers
Officials haven't determined when the Mitchel Field, New York, store will reopen.
By Karen Jowers
Navy removes CO of Airborne Command & Control Squadron 115
Cmdr. Charles Diehl is the third commanding officer the Navy has fired in November.
By Diana Stancy
As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust
VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.
Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs
Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."
Opinion
Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing
In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.
By Ken Falke