Top stories
‘Utter chaos’: Amid confusing ban rollout, trans troops fight to serve
Amid court battles and ambiguity over voluntary separations, transgender service members told Military Times they just want to do their jobs.
US sends F-35s to Middle East as strikes on Houthis continue
The U.S. continues to strike Houthi militants, who have targeted Israel and American ships in the region.
Latest
How the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal escalated into an all-out slugfest
Both Norman Scott and Daniel J. Callaghan would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the intense naval battle.
Thousands of sailors get access to trendy weight-loss app in new deal
According to Navy data, nearly 25,000 sailors, most of them from the junior enlisted ranks, were in a weight management program as of the end of 2024.
Trump pardons Navy veteran convicted in Capitol riot
Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer, was tried alongside Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes but acquitted of seditious conspiracy.
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.
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Pentagon & Congress
Plan would make military enlistment, retention bonuses tax exempt
A bill introduced in the House this week proposes to end federal taxes on bonuses given to troops for joining or re-enlisting in the military.
Army IDs 3 of 4 soldiers killed in Lithuania training accident
Sgt. Jose Duenez, Sgt. Edvin Franco and Pfc. Dante Taitano were recovered Monday from a peat bog. The fourth soldier's identity has not yet been released.
Downed in enemy territory, this Vietnam pilot refused to be captured
Maj. Robert Lodge chose death over the prospect of giving up information to enemy forces.
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
In other news
Fourth missing US soldier found deceased in Lithuanian bog
The recovery of the fourth soldier ends a weeklong search for four U.S. soldiers whose armored vehicle was found submerged in a Lithuanian peat bog.
VIDEOS
Sen. Ruben Gallego to block VA nominations until plans to cut staff are dropped
Marine Corps vet lawmaker says Trump administration is harming veterans' benefits with plans to change VA.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024.
What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times' 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
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.
By J.D. Simkins
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
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.
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MORE STORIES
Navy promotes first female mortician to senior chief petty officer
Senior Chief Jessica Zugzda is only the second Navy mortician to ever become a senior chief petty officer.
By Diana Stancy
Lawmakers seek promotions for troops killed in Afghan airport bombing
Only one of the 13 troops killed has received the honor since the 2021 terrorist attack.
Opinion
Restrictive abortion laws threaten our national security
Laws that restrict abortion access within the U.S. could impact military recruiting and retention.
By Rep. Jason Crow and Allison Jaslow
US troops in Middle East brace for ‘significant escalation’ of attacks
The Pentagon is increasing force protection amid repeated drone attacks in Iraq and Syria.
US, South Korea conduct anti-submarine warfare exercise near Guam
The Silent Shark exercise comes as the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan completed a port visit to Busan this month.
By Diana Stancy
US warns it will defend Philippines after Chinese vessels incidents
The U.S. renewed a warning that it would defend the Philippines after Chinese ships blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels in the South China Sea.
By Simina Mistreanu