Top stories
Veteran suicides declined in 2024 for second straight year
According to a new VA report, 17.7 veterans die by suicide each day.
Has the Pentagon given up on AI polygraph analysis of trustworthiness?
AI-aided scanning of speech patterns, vocal stress or facial expressions to read minds lacks scientific backing and will compound errors, critics argue.
Latest
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.
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.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Middle East
Saudis plan assault on Houthis to break Red Sea chokehold
More than 100,000 Yemeni troops could be mobilized in the offensive, depending on the scale, officials said.
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.
In other news
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.
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.
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MORE STORIES
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
Pentagon launches Office of Religious Affairs, will report directly to Hegseth
The Pentagon intends to address what Hegseth calls a loss of religious community within the military after an era of “political correctness.”
Boeing adds to big week with first full-rate Grey Wolf helicopter order
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a roughly $85 million contract for four more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, with the first under full-rate production.
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command rebranded to reflect warfare evolution
CNO Adm. Daryl Caudle announced that the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command will now be known as Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces.
By Riley Ceder
Pentagon spent millions on migrant detention supplies that were never used, watchdog says
The Pentagon spent $2.85 million assembling tents at Guantanamo Bay that were never used to house detained noncitizens, a government watchdog reported.
Taiwan takes a page from Ukraine’s playbook in steeling society for an invasion
Taiwan leaders are working to embed resistance against an occupying force into civilian life.
By Military Times staff
Neros, Perennial Autonomy lead in Pentagon’s drone competition
Two companies scored highest during the second phase of a Pentagon competition to find companies that can produce high-quality, low-cost commercial drones.
Citing knowledge gaps, Army rolls out barracks guidebook for NCOs
A new "NCO's Barracks Guidebook" includes responsibility checklists and advice for handling a variety of situations, like discovering drugs.
By Hope Hodge Seck