Top stories
DOD stops offering rape kits to most overseas civilian workers
DOD civilian workers and contractors overseas who are ineligible for the Military Health System will no longer be provided sexual assault forensic exams.
Navy petty officer awarded for showdown with Somali pirates
The boatswain’s mate, who grew up in Egypt, was awarded for his gutsy role in responding to a pirate attack on a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden.
Latest
Two troops killed, one seriously injured in vehicle accident at border
The service members were deployed in support of ongoing security operations at the southern border.
USS Carl Vinson in Mideast ahead of Iran-US nuclear talks
The operation comes as U.S. officials have linked the U.S.′ monthlong campaign against the Houthis as a means to pressure Iran in the negotiations.
Trump signs shipbuilding order as Navy leaders call for 381-ship fleet
The new policy aims to revitalize a U.S. shipbuilding industry that has fallen well behind production levels of its rivals from Beijing.
Navy fires leaders of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 4
Cmdr. Brett Robblee and Command Master Chief Felix Phillips were relieved “due to a loss of confidence" in their ability to lead, the Navy said.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Pentagon & Congress
Since early 2024, DOD has cut nearly 200 DEI-related jobs: Report
Forty-one diversity-related positions were abolished or restructured following President Trump's crackdown on federal DEI efforts.
Former Pentagon spokesman tied to DEI purge asked to resign: Official
John Ullyot oversaw the Pentagon's edict to strip away online military images considered promoting DEI. Ullyot told Politico that he decided to resign.
Nurses rally outside VA hospitals to highlight staff cuts, vacancies
VA nurses across the U.S. are protesting Trump administration moves that they say endanger the health of veterans and federal workers.
WWI Museum resurrects Great War participants in new high-tech exhibit
“Stations” boast recreated virtual scenes from WWI replete with interactive soundscape tech found in just one other U.S. location — the Las Vegas Sphere.
In other news
House vets chairman backs VA staffing cuts but promises oversight
Rep. Mike Bost said he trusts that administration plans to dramatically reduce the VA workforce will not cut into veterans benefits and care.
VIDEOS
VA's plans for staffing cuts won't endanger veterans' services, House Veterans' Chairman says
Rep. Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, backs VA's staff reduction goals but promises close oversight of the moves.
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This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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.
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MORE STORIES
Congress will open next session with more veterans than two years ago
Advocates say the surprise increase in lawmakers with military backgrounds is a positve sign for the veteran community.
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