Top stories
Army plans for Trump birthday parade include 6,600 troops: Report
Plans for a potential military parade on President Trump’s birthday call for more than 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters.
SecDef wields axe to brass, HQs, formations to fashion leaner Army
Hegseth ordered the Army secretary to cut programs, reduce the number of general officers in the ranks and consolidate offices, commands and headquarters.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Coverage: Global Force Symposium
Explore the top headlines and news coming out of the annual Global Force Symposium.
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
Your Army
Head Navy officer lists top tasks for service, eyes 2027
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James W. Kilby listed improved recruiting and the embrace of unmanned and manned systems as priorities.
Defense Department designates second military zone on southern border
Troops are authorized to take custody of migrants who illegally cross the border within the zone until they are transferred to civilian authorities.
Pentagon keeps 2 aircraft carriers in Middle East for another week
The carrier Harry S. Truman is expected to head home to Norfolk, Virginia, after the week is up, according to officials.
Trump requests $892.6 billion base defense budget, a real-terms cut
The administration framed the budget as a 13% increase, but that includes a spending package Congress has yet to pass.
In other news
Controversial military personnel nominee faces Senate panel this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 5, 2025.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Securing sensitive facilities in modern times | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.3.25
In a world of swiftly-advancing tech, how do businesses and government agencies secure their facilities? Two experts talk through strategies.
Featured Videos
Trending Now
MORE STORIES
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Soldier charged with cocaine distribution after Colorado club raid
A staff sergeant assigned to Fort Carson allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover DEA agent days before a raid at an illegal club, court documents said.
By Colleen Slevin, The Associated Press
Hegseth backs Air Force three-star Grynkewich for top Europe job
On the Joint Staff, Grynkewich has helped direct U.S. forces around the world in a year marked by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and China’s rise.
SecDef wields axe to brass, HQs, formations to fashion leaner Army
Hegseth ordered the Army secretary to cut programs, reduce the number of general officers in the ranks and consolidate offices, commands and headquarters.
By Jen Judson
Service leaders laud quality-of-life improvements, but concerns linger
Officials worry that planned Defense Department civilian workforce cuts could hurt base services and military family support.
National security adviser Mike Waltz leaving Trump team
Waltz's exit comes just weeks after it was revealed he added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans.
By Zeke Miller, The Associated Press
Military sexual assault reports decreased 4% last fiscal year
Officials said they are encouraged by the drop in reports of sexual violence but warned the problem still poses a threat to force readiness.
10 books inspired by the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War inspired enduring literature, from both sides of the world.
12 TV shows influenced by the Vietnam War
If you wanted to find the Vietnam War in American television shows, you mostly had to wait until it was long over.
Viet Cong targeted US officers — they hadn’t counted on this sergeant
With all higher ranks out of the fight, Sgt. Matthew Leonard took command to save his fellow soldiers.
By Jon Guttman