Top stories
Army stands up Western Hemisphere Command in major force restructure
The new command, headquartered at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will combine U.S. Army North, U.S. Army South and Army Forces Command.
Don’t miss these Tricare and other health benefits deadlines
It's time for Tricare beneficiaries to review health care plans and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Submit a FREE veteran obituary
Military Times has partnered with Legacy on a special online memorial where you can read through U.S. veterans’ obituaries and publish a FREE veteran obit
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful 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
Pentagon & Congress
Hegseth defends strikes on alleged cartel boats
Hegseth has defended U.S. military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, saying Trump has the right to take military action “as he sees fit.”
Army doctor accused of secretly recording patients in Texas jail
Maj. Blaine McGraw is being held in a Texas county jail “after apparently violating conditions of liberty imposed by his commander,” officials said.
The 101st Airborne and the history of the real ‘screaming eagle’
While the bald eagle is a national emblem, the 101st’s screaming eagle insignia pays homage to a genuine war bird from the Civil War.
US raid allegedly killed undercover agent instead of IS official
A raid by U.S. forces and a Syrian group aiming to capture an Islamic State official instead reportedly killed a local man who was working to gather intel.
In other news
Soon no Pearl Harbor survivors will be alive
As survivors fade, their descendants and the public are increasingly turning to other ways of learning about the bombing.
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
Don't miss
VIDEOS
New ways for vets to connect and protect | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 12.6.25
New, innovative services for vets with a range of interests are on tap at MCON 2025. Plus, the latest in defense contracting. That and more in this episode.
Trending Now
MORE STORIES
Don’t miss these Tricare and other health benefits deadlines
It's time for Tricare beneficiaries to review health care plans and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care.
By Karen Jowers
IG finds Hegseth risked endangering Houthi mission with Signal use
The Pentagon pointed to the IG's conclusion that Hegseth had the authority to declassify the strike information as an exoneration.
Admiral says there was no ‘kill them all’ order in boat attack
Democrats who were also briefed and saw video of the survivors being killed questioned the Trump administration’s rationale.
Navy admiral who oversaw strike on boat survivors to brief lawmakers
Discussions with Adm. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, comes as Congress looks into the actions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Family of man killed in US strike files human rights challenge
The family of a Colombian man has filed a formal challenge to U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats.
By Regina Garcia Cano, The Associated Press
Medal of Honor recipients to receive larger stipends under new law
Living Medal of Honor recipients will now receive around $67,500 in annual honorarium under a new law signed Monday by President Donald Trump.
By Patricia Kime
Pentagon seeks to acquire, rapidly field over 300,000 small drones
The $1 billion initiative aims to have the one-way attack drones in the hands of service members by 2028.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
The Japanese American ‘draft dodgers’ of WWII
In 1944, a few hundred U.S.-born Japanese Americans defied their draft orders, citing the constitutional rights of the interned Nisei.
Bill would raise VA compensation for severely injured vets, survivors
A congressional bill would raise VA compensation for survivors and severely injured veterans, but lawmakers are sparring over its estimated cost.
By Patricia Kime
Hegseth put US troops, mission at risk with Signal use, AP sources say
The Pentagon's watchdog found that Pete Hegseth put U.S. troops and their mission at risk when he used the Signal app to convey sensitive information.
US Army Recruiting Command now a 3-star level headquarters under T2COM
The command will now control everything from the initial Army brochure a new recruit sees to their completion of their basic training.
By Eve Sampson
D-Day veteran who saved lives on Omaha Beach, dies at 101 in Normandy
Shay was awarded the Silver Star for repeatedly plunging into the sea and carrying critically wounded soldiers to relative safety.
Pete Hegseth faces deepening scrutiny from Congress over boat strikes
Hegseth on Tuesday cited the “fog of war” in defending the follow-up strike, saying he could not see survivors.
VA kills ‘Boondoggle’ Biden plan to put EV chargers at medical centers
The VA scrapped a $77 million leftover green energy program that would have put solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicle at various locations.
By Richard Sisk
Penny for your thoughts: Military stores to modify change policies
After the U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies, various stores, including military shops, are running out of the coins.
By Karen Jowers