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US Army report cites systematic failures in 2025 helicopter and jet collision that killed 67
The key factor was two broken radio transmissions, resulting in the helicopter crew not receiving critical details from air traffic control.
Sig Sauer develops 25-round mag for Army’s next-gen rifle
Soldier feedback, from the constructive to the blistering, has been instrumental in guiding Sig Sauer in its development of the M8 carbine.
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Health Care
Planned DEERS outage could affect Tricare beneficiaries, DOD says
During the outage, pharmacies and healthcare providers may not be able to check a patient’s Tricare eligibility, officials said.
Pentagon recruits drone pilots from across services for upcoming competition
The Defense Innovation Unit is looking to recruit about 100 drone pilots and create a standing registry of operators across the military services.
German pilots prepare for CH‑47F fleet with US Army flight simulator
Ahead of the German Air Force receiving its CH‑47F Block II Chinook fleet, its pilots are utilizing the U.S. Army's flight-simulator complex.
US aircraft lost or damaged in Iran war nearly doubles in latest congressional report
81 U.S. military aircraft have been lost or damaged in Operation Epic Fury, according to the Congressional Research Service.
In other news
Inside the push for Agent Orange victims memorial in small-town Utah
Former Air Force Sgt. Larry Kerr served two tours in Vietnam and is working with officials of Sunset City, Utah, to honor those affected by Agent Orange.
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
US military orders 2-day pause on Okinawa following Marine’s arrest for alleged murder
All U.S. military operations on the island will cease for 48 hours for a standards training period, followed by a 30-day reflection period.
Fort Hood mass shooter Nidal Malik Hasan to die by US Army firing squad
Hasan, a former Army officer who killed 13 people and injured 32 others during a mass shooting at Fort Hood in 2009, will be executed by firing squad.
By J.D. Simkins
Has the Pentagon given up on AI polygraph analysis of loyalty?
AI-aided scanning of speech patterns, vocal stress or facial expressions to read minds lacks scientific backing and will compound errors, critics argue.
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.
By Patricia Kime
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.
By Mike Blake, Reuters
2 veterans battle in court and online over defamation, for-profit claims processing
A local government official alleges a for-profit company attacked VSOs as having a "monopoly" on helping veterans with disability claims.
By Karen Jowers
Veterans face SNAP barriers as USDA guidance delays policy changes, GAO finds
GAO found outdated USDA SNAP guidance for veterans and recommended better outreach and coordination to help veterans access food assistance.
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
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.”
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.
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
Army meets Reserve, Special Forces recruiting goals for first time in a decade, general confirms
Meeting recruiting goals allows the service to "firm up many of our operational units with the right talent," said USAREC Commander Lt. Gen. Johnny Davis.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Hegseth announces new four-star command for autonomous warfare
The new Autonomous Warfare Command, or AutoWarCom, aims to address an acquisition system that isn't keeping pace with the speed of technological change.
White House nominates next general to helm US Space Command
If confirmed, Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. would take over command from Gen. Stephen Whiting after his upcoming retirement.
Hegseth halts tenure appointments for civilian faculty at military academies
Military academies will no longer appoint civilian faculty to tenured positions as Hegseth says it can contribute to “academic stagnation.”
Pentagon chief set to announce additional cuts in senior officer positions
Hegseth is set to announce a 20% cut in the number of positions for generals and admirals.
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart, Reuters