Top stories
Helicopter crashes near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state
The Thurston County sheriff’s office reports that deputies were dispatched to the Summit Lake area after losing contact with a helicopter.
Experts debunk DOD claim about autism therapy, demand its availability
A new report urges the DOD to provide Applied Behavior Analysis as a basic benefit for the one in 28 military children diagnosed with autism.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Coverage: LANDEURO 2025
Defense News is covering the top headlines and stories coming out of the LANDEURO event.
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
Health Care
Sept. 30 deadline nears for Tricare West specialty care referrals
Certain referrals for specialty care for Tricare Prime beneficiaries will expire.
Veteran who burned US flag in DC pleads not guilty to federal charges
Army veteran Jan Carey set fire to an American flag near the White House to protest President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on flag burning.
Why Truman changed the ‘War Department’ to the ‘Department of Defense’
Just a few months after the conclusion of World War II, President Truman announced his goal to implement a new governing structure for the military.
Ocean isn’t free-fire zone for US military drug interdiction: Analysis
A Center for International and Strategic Studies analysis warns that the Trump administration's use of strikes on alleged drug vessels poses serious risks.
In other news
Senate Dems raise concerns over Pentagon plan for immigration judges
Some Democratic senators are concerned that allowing military lawyers to work as temporary immigration judges will violate the Posse Comitatus Act.
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
Country music no longer owns the troops, and that’s a good thing
Troops today are just as likely to share playlists filled with hip-hop, EDM or K-pop as they are with country music legends.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
Back-to-school, military edition: why August is also admin hell
For civilians, August is a return to structure. For service members and veterans facing bureaucratic deadlines, it often feels like drowning in it.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Honoring the 2025 Service Members of the Year | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.13.25
Selfless acts of bravery, grit and sacrifice are highlighted in a selection of profiles of the 2025 Service Members of the Year from Military Times.
Featured Videos
Trending Now
MORE STORIES
23 things veterans carry with them for life
Tinnitus, knee pain, an old pair of combat boots.
By Sarah Sicard
This ‘Puerto Rican Rambo’ went on 200 combat missions in Vietnam
He would deploy five times to Vietnam between 1961 and 1970.
By J.D. Simkins
How World War II necessitated the invention of super glue
Though discovered by accident, super glue has become a staple of American households.
By Caitlin O'Brien
This WWII bunker used fake air vent to return grenade to sender
It's a nasty surprise for any enemy tossing a grenade.
By Sarah Sicard
5 veteran personalities to adopt once you get your DD-214
If you can’t carve out your own post-service personality, there are few tried-and-true veteran identities you can slide right into.
By Sarah Sicard
How the US Army invented the world’s toughest sandwich
Try the Army's indestructible sandwich.
By Sarah Sicard
6 World War II documentaries you need to watch
Numerous documentaries have ventured to convey the immense sacrifices of WWII.
By Sarah Sicard
Opinion
The Pentagon’s new opportunity to boost readiness among female troops
The White House initiative on Women’s Health Research provides an opportunity to improve health and performance outcomes for women in the military.
By Katherine Kuzminski
What was the military doing at the Anime NYC convention?
The Army and Marine Corps were cosplaying as recruiters.
By Sarah Sicard
Iranian-backed group vows to expand conflict if US airstrikes continue
U.S. fighter jets struck a Kataib Hezbollah operations center and a command-and-control node south of Baghdad on Tuesday, two defense officials said.
By Tara Copp, AP and Kareem Chehayeb, AP