Top stories
Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
Children of Fort Bliss soldier die in New Mexico floods
The children, ages four and seven, were swept downstream by a flash flood after the Rio Ruidoso river rose to a record-setting 20 feet.
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Pentagon & Congress
Mike Waltz pledges to make UN ‘great again’ in confirmation hearing
Tuesday was the first time Waltz faced lawmakers since mistakenly adding a journalist to a private Signal chat used to discuss sensitive military plans.
Pentagon taps four commercial tech firms to expand military use of AI
The four firms — Google, Anthropic, OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI — will help the DOD develop AI workflows for key national security missions.
Ukrainians welcome US aid, concerned over Trump’s ultimatum to Putin
Trump delayed “very severe” sanctions on Russia for 50 days, sparking criticism from Ukrainians and European leaders who see the delay as too long.
Australia hosts largest-ever Talisman Sabre military exercise
The event began with live-fire exercises, including Australia’s first use of U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems.
In other news
Pentagon yanks speakers from Aspen Security Forum, blasts its values
Nearly a dozen top generals and defense officials were scheduled to speak at the forum, which begins Tuesday.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
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MORE STORIES
House panel to mark up annual defense authorization bill this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 14, 2025.
Iran hit dome on US air base in Qatar in June attack: Report
The Pentagon has acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile hit Al Udeid Air Base in June during an Iranian attack after Trump downplayed the assault.
By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press
US soldier killed in Germany during logistics operation
Spc. Jaylin Perez died Tuesday after receiving treatment for severe electrical burns sustained last week while on duty in Germany, the Army said.
Appeals court throws out plea deal for alleged 9/11 mastermind
Friday's decision undoes an attempt to wrap up more than two decades of military prosecution beset by legal and logistical troubles.
Proposed Senate defense bill would add $500M in long-term Ukraine aid
The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative is one of two main ways the Pentagon has provided military support to Ukraine over the last three years.
Children of Fort Bliss soldier die in New Mexico floods
The children, ages four and seven, were swept downstream by a flash flood after the Rio Ruidoso river rose to a record-setting 20 feet.
By Riley Ceder
US is selling weapons to NATO allies to give to Ukraine, Trump says
After a pause in some weapons shipment, U.S. officials said this week that 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets were on their way.
By Illia Novikov, AP
Hegseth calls for extensive reforms to Pentagon drone-buying practices
The memo directs the military services to create active duty formations by September, built for the sole purpose of scaling the use of drones across DOD.
Sergeant’s quick action results in receiving Soldier’s Medal
Sgt. Robert Cruz saved a man from a burning car, resulting in Soldier’s Medal — the highest U.S. Army award for acts of heroism in a non-combat situation.
By Todd South
US resumes sending some weapons to Ukraine after Pentagon pause
The defense secretary directed the pause last week to allow DOD to assess its weapons stockpiles, in a move that caught the White House by surprise.
By Tara Copp, AP
Navy spouse sues base officials over free speech after Facebook ban
A military spouse alleges his First Amendment rights were violated when officials banned him from the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay’s Facebook page.
By Karen Jowers
Trump’s tariffs may overshadow Rubio’s first official trip to Asia
Rubio is visiting Malaysia as the U.S. seeks to boost relations with Indo-Pacific nations to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
Army major faced retaliation for advocacy on water contamination
The officer is now part of a lawsuit representing active duty servicemembers subject to the water contamination.
By Todd South
Army will end most of its ceremonial horse programs
The Army, however, will keep operating the Old Guard ceremonial caisson units at Joint Base San Antonio and Arlington National Cemetery for burial honors.
By Tara Copp, AP
Trump caught off guard by DOD pause on Ukraine arms deliveries: Report
Trump’s decision to send more defensive weapons to Ukraine came after he privately expressed frustration over DOD's pause, The Associated Press reported.
By Tara Copp, AP
Army updates facial hair policy, requires exemptions and shaving plan
Soldiers who cannot comply within a reasonable timeframe may be administratively separated.
By Todd South