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Here’s the 2026 cost-of-living boost for veterans, military retirees
The Cost of Living Adjustment takes effect in January and is set based on the rate of inflation.
Why Army logistics need to think like combat units to survive drones
On a drone battlefield, supply units must train for survivability and move like maneuver formations, an Army officer argues.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Veterans
Judges reject VA secretary’s request to pause veterans’ claims appeals
Secretary Collins asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to stop its work during the government shutdown. Judges called the request "extreme."
US to deploy USS Gerald R. Ford to Latin America
The U.S. military is sending an aircraft carrier to the waters off South America, in the latest escalation and buildup of military forces in the region.
Shots fired after truck rams into California Coast Guard base
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says the driver was wounded in the stomach Thursday night and was being held for a mental health evaluation.
Latest US strike on alleged drug-running boat kills 6, Hegseth says
It's the 10th strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs, with Hegseth blaming the Tren de Aragua gang for operating the vessel in the Caribbean.
In other news
The GWOT Memorial must be purpose-built to evolve
While laudable, if the Global War on Terrorism Memorial is to have lasting meaning, it cannot be built as a static shrine, the author of this op-ed argues.
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?
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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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."
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
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Bringing world-class broadband inside the military fence line
Boldyn Networks expands fiber service across U.S. bases—beginning with Fort Gordon, the first recipient of the Connected Base Award.
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MORE STORIES
How the Army could customize tanks for future urban warfare
Is it time for the U.S. Army to develop a specialized tank for urban warfare?
By Michael Peck
Soldier enlistments to be extended by 45 days because of shutdown
Soldiers scheduled to transition out of the Army during the government shutdown will now see their service extended for 45 days.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Judge orders ‘immediate’ return of books removed from 5 DOD schools
The censored items included materials about slavery, Native American history, women’s history, LGBTQ history, and preventing sexual harassment and abuse.
By Karen Jowers
The Army yearns for the mines, reopens WWII-era critical mineral site
A gold mine in Idaho that once churned out critical minerals for the U.S. “Arsenal of Democracy” during WWII has been resurrected in a new Army initiative.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Should the Army bring back the Pentomic Division?
Decades after the Army abandoned the Pentomic concept, a defense expert argues such a concept may provide a solution to the battlefield problems of today.
By Michael Peck
Army sergeant dies from wounds in vehicle training accident
The sergeant enlisted in the Army in 2021 and was a graduate of the Army Basic Leader Course.
By Todd South
Army scales back eligibility for Future Soldier Prep Course
The Future Soldier Preparatory Course, a cornerstone of the Army’s recent recruiting gains, is set to narrow its eligibility criteria.
By Eve Sampson
Hegseth changes policy on how Pentagon officials speak with Congress
The change appears to be part of a broader effort by Hegseth to exert tighter control over what the department communicates to the outside world.
Army Southern European Task Force, Africa turns to AI for wargaming
The wargame, part of a deployment readiness exercise at Vicenza, Italy, took advantage of Maven, the Pentagon’s flagship AI project.
By Michael Peck
Trump taps Hegseth’s top military aide for Army vice chief of staff
Gen. James Mingus is currently vice chief of staff and has not publicly said he plans to step aside.
Soldiers now equipped with next-gen navigation system
MAPS GEN II provides troops with increased abilities to navigate and communicate in environments where GPS is denied or degraded.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
The WWII origins of the (now demolished) East Wing of the White House
The White House’s many reconstruction and remodeling efforts since 1792 have drawn media, congressional and public ire. This one has been no different.
Coast Guard spends $200 million on private jets for DHS leaders
DHS previously requested $50 million for a new U.S. Coast Guard plane, a figure that has since quadrupled, according to congressional Democrats.
By Riley Ceder
Army to downplay bonuses, ramp up job flexibility in retention efforts
Army officials said the service is trying to adapt to the priorities of a younger generation.
By Hope Hodge Seck
In a war, the US Army could destroy China’s ports. Should it?
If America were to go to war with China, damaging Chinese ports or seizing economic facilities would be a strategic blunder, one officer argues.
By Michael Peck
Army, Marine Corps vehicles not ready for combat, watchdog finds
Industry challenges and reductions in vehicle overhauls have kneecapped vehicle combat readiness in the Army and Marine Corps, the GAO report said.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher