Tricare warns government shutdown could stall claims payments
“Tricare may not be able to process or pay medical claims for services received on or after October 1, 2025, until funding is restored," its website says.
Pentagon & Congress
Troops request assistance at ‘unprecedented’ rate as shutdown persists
Due to processing time, Congress would need to act to ensure military pay Monday or earlier in order to avoid troops' checks being delayed, DFAS confirmed.
AUSA donates more than $1 million for conference travel amid shutdown
The donation, which comes as troops may miss paychecks amid the government shutdown, will allow soldiers to attend the association's annual conference.
National Guard troops seen on patrols in Memphis with local police
Guard members patrolling outside a Bass Pro Shops at the Memphis Pyramid were being escorted by a local police officer and posed for photos with visitors.
A new barracks task force aims to improve military living conditions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formed a new “barracks task force” to improve living conditions for U.S. service members in barracks across the globe.
Texas National Guard deploying to Chicago on Monday
About 200 Texas National Guard troops are set to deploy to Chicago Monday night unless a judge blocks the order, a Pentagon official told Military Times.
Government shutdown forces Army to cancel ‘Best Squad’ competition
The service said the 2025 "Best Squad" competition would not take place “due to a lapse in appropriations."
Hegseth fires Navy chief of staff
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Navy chief of staff in a sudden shakeup following the confirmation this week of a new Navy Under Secretary.
Shutdown halts funding for military spouse tuition assistance program
No new requests for military spouse MyCAA financial assistance have been approved since Sept. 30.
Fourth deadly US strike in Trump’s war on cartels
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new strike on an alleged drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean on Friday, killing four people.
What troops need to know about Hegseth’s new memos for the force
Hegseth ordered more strict grooming and fitness standards and less training on subjects like the Privacy Act, cybersecurity and controlled information.
Military families seek out food assistance amid shutdown anxiety
"We expected an increase, but didn't quite expect this," said Dorene Ocamb, Armed Services YMCA chief brand and development officer.
Pentagon downgrades leadership role for Air Forces-Europe to 3-star
The lowering of the rank associated with commanding Air Force units in Europe comes after Hegseth ordered a 20% cut to four-star general positions.
Trump declares drug cartels operating in Caribbean unlawful combatants
Trump has declared drug cartels operating in the Caribbean are unlawful combatants and says the U.S. is now in a “non-international armed conflict.”
Trump signs executive order vowing to defend Qatar
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar, including using U.S. military action if necessary.
How the government shutdown is affecting troops, families
The current effects of the shutdown on installation programs and services vary from base to base.
US military starts drawing down mission in Iraq, officials say
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday that the U.S. will scale back its military presence, reflecting “our combined success in fighting ISIS.”
