Top stories
Supreme Court hears incarcerated veteran’s case challenging process for VA claims appeals
The case involves a veteran who is receiving reduced disability benefits while serving up to 40 years in prison.
US Marine arrested, suspected of robbing, murdering woman in Okinawa
LCpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, assigned to the III MEF, was arrested by local authorities after allegedly murdering and robbing Okinawa resident Anna Yagi.
Latest
US Army tests counter-drone tech at Mexican border as cartel drone use rises
The service is seeking to sharpen its defenses against the growing threat of drone use by cartels.
Aboard the USS George Washington, young sailors adjust to war with Iran
Sailors must maintain a state of alert and readiness, heightened in the case of the George Washington due to the threat of Iranian attacks.
US Marine Corps anti-ship weaponry to see exercise action on remote Japan island near Taiwan
The U.S. Marine Corps will deploy its ground-based anti-ship and air-defense systems to Japan’s southwesternmost island for exercises this month.
US removes B-1 bombers from UK base amid security concerns
The United States removed its B-1 bombers from a U.K. air base one week after several men were arrested there on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Apply for Best for Vets: Trusted Brands
Military Times is now accepting submissions from companies that offer verifiable value to the military community through programs and benefits.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has the latest 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.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
The Army’s most dangerous logistics problem is hiding behind motor pools
The Army must establish company-level asset management chiefs before the next major conflict, an active-duty officer writes.
Green Beret who survived an IED now clears Ukraine’s landmines
A Green Beret and Silver Star recipient who once survived an IED and now clears Ukraine's landmines is the subject of a new documentary, "Safe Ground."
Opinion
The Military Spouse Commission: viable solution or classic bureaucratic dog-and-pony show?
Military families don't need another forum that acknowledges their struggles without confronting the policies that cause them, this military spouse writes.
Opinion
As Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day approaches, words matter
The sacrifice represented by the Gold Star must never be diluted into something it was never intended to mean, this Gold Star father writes.
In other news
Opinion
Why the last tactical mile is crucial to acquisition reform
If acquisition reform is to succeed, it must migrate to the warfighter's last tactical mile, the president and chief executive officer of CNA writes.
VIDEOS
Ukraine’s ‘Army of Robots’ idea presents fearsome future | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.6.26
A former Ukrainian defense official launches a futuristic robotic army initiative. Plus — a retired Green Beret turns to mine clearing as a new mission.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
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.”
By J.D. Simkins
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.
Don't miss
MORE STORIES
Navy selects 3 companies to develop mine countermeasure technology
BeeX, BlackSea Technologies and Vatn Systems were selected as prize winners after successfully completing a mine countermeasures modernization challenge.
By Riley Ceder
Air, Space forces hit recruitment goals, set higher 2027 targets
The Department of the Air Force set larger goals for 2027 after recruiting 31,950 airmen and 730 guardians in fiscal 2026.
Can you hear me now? 90% of Navy unaccompanied housing now has free Wi-Fi
Since the rollout began in November 2025, the Navy has sought to provide free, high-speed Wi-Fi to all Navy-owned and -operated unaccompanied housing.
Marine Corps plans new warfighter test for future generals
Following Pentagon guidelines, the Marine Corps is developing and testing its own Joint Warfighter Evaluation.
US Navy awards RTX’s Raytheon $24.4B for SM-6 missiles amid stockpile concerns
The deal for the SM-6 interceptors comes as the Pentagon pushes to replenish munitions stockpiles depleted by conflicts in the Middle East.
By Mike Stone, Reuters
Marines head to the Baltic to safeguard undersea infrastructure
The U.S. is rerouting a team of “specialized” Marines from Europe to the Baltic Sea to bolster NATO-led security efforts.
By Eve Sampson
Air Force identifies airman found dead at off-base housing in Italy
TSgt. Conner Wells, assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, served as a precision-guided munition production supervisor.
Troops get first increase in 24 years for hostile fire, danger pays
Pentagon raises danger pay for troops for the first time since 2002, increasing hostile fire pay to $450 and imminent danger pay to $275 per month.
By Hope Hodge Seck
GAO calls on Coast Guard, Congress to step up marine firefighting
GAO found 886 marine fires over a decade and recommends changes to improve Coast Guard response and require more vessel response plans.
By Ellen Ioanes
Navy exceeds recruiting goal with over 45,000 new sailors
The Navy surpassed its fiscal 2026 recruitment goal of 45,000 sailors, marking three years in a row that it's met its accession target.
By Riley Ceder