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US Army wants a surface-to-air missile that can destroy small drones
The U.S. Army wants new surface-to-air missiles, costing less than $150,000 apiece, that can destroy small drones.
Risk of developing ALS varies by service, study finds
Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy veterans had the highest rates of ALS diagnosis in an analysis of more than 14,400 cases.
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Pentagon & Congress
Trump’s new commission will target quality of life for military spouses
The new President's Military Spouse Commission, chaired by Jennifer Hegseth, is tasked with addressing persistent problems for military spouses.
Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial slated for October unveiling
Thirty-five years after the U.S.-led military coalition wrested Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, a memorial to honor those service members has found its home.
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.
‘Good Samaritans’ beware: Scammers ramp up targeting of troops’ goodwill
The father of a sailor is out to warn others in the military community about a “Good Samaritan” scam that cost his son thousands of dollars.
In other news
Senate Democrats press Pentagon over medical care for troops wounded in Kuwait drone strike
House and Senate Democrats requested answers by Aug. 12 to questions concerning medical care, casualty reporting and force protection, among others.
VIDEOS
Navy Reserve retention bonuses on the rise | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 8.7.26
The Navy ups the ante for recruiting and retaining Reserve sailors, and a service medal is revived by the Pentagon. Plus, a tour of a military museum.
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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
‘Good Samaritans’ beware: Scammers ramp up targeting of troops’ goodwill
The father of a sailor is out to warn others in the military community about a “Good Samaritan” scam that cost his son thousands of dollars.
By Karen Jowers
Senate Democrats press Pentagon over medical care for troops wounded in Kuwait drone strike
House and Senate Democrats requested answers by Aug. 12 to questions concerning medical care, casualty reporting and force protection, among others.
The arms race for cheaper anti-ballistic weapons is underway
After years of a Patriot monopoly, new anti-ballistic alternatives are emerging. Officials hope to see some of them on the battlefield by the end of 2026.
Soldiers give feedback, drive MV-75 Cheyenne cockpit changes
The Army is putting pilots in the cockpit of its new assault aircraft before it enters the force, simulating flight to gather aviator’s feedback.
By Eve Sampson
Average VA disability payments rose nearly 40% in past 14 years, study finds
Average VA disability payments climbed nearly 40% in the past 14 years, a study found, with the authors acknowledging high deployment rates over that span.
By Patricia Kime
Iran war depleted US Patriot missile stockpiles, creating readiness challenges, experts say
The U.S. has depleted roughly two-thirds of its pre-war Patriot missile interceptor inventory during the conflict with Iran, new analysis says.
Space food for soldiers: Advanced military rations promoted in NDAA
The House defense budget bill calls on the Pentagon to create MREs of the future.
By Hope Hodge Seck
US strikes $58.6 billion Patriot missile deal amid rising stockpile concerns
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion to produce Patriot interceptor missiles.
By Mike Stone, Reuters
National Guard officer pleads guilty to sham double marriage, government theft of $54,000
A D.C. National Guard officer admitted Tuesday to an international sham marriage, false immigration documents and theft $54,000 from the government.
By Eve Sampson
Pentagon has ‘kicked off’ review of US force posture in Europe
The review follows repeated calls by Trump administration officials for European allies to assume greater responsibility for NATO’s conventional defense.
Program offering free food to moving military families expands to four more states
Military families relocating to four more areas can sign up for $125 worth of groceries and essentials.
By Karen Jowers
US military may require some troops in Mideast to surrender cell phones, sources say
The top U.S. commander for the Middle East has warned troops that cellphone videos shared online can help Iran target American bases.
By Phil Stewart, Reuters
Military heatstroke cases still on the rise as units push tech, awareness
For a second year, cases of military heatstroke increased in 2025, according to new data published by the Defense Health Agency.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Ford, GM Defense, BC Customs to compete for US Army’s new infantry squad vehicle
Ford, GM Defense and BC Customs will build competing prototypes of the U.S. Army's future infantry squad vehicle.
By Eve Sampson