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US troops, families adjust to new normal of Iran war
“To maintain this constant state of ‘Level 10’ alert vigilance, to be ready to go at the drop of a hat, is a very stressful ... operational mission."
House panel votes to reinstate non-Confederate base names and adopt ‘Department of War’
The House advanced a measure to return the names of nine U.S. military bases to those recommended by a congressional commission in 2023.
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Pentagon & Congress
House panel quashes attempt to stop integration of US, Israel defense tech sectors
"Only the United States Congress would dream up at this moment, ‘Let’s actually do more for Israel,’ not less," argued Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.
US strikes Iranian sites after Iran launches drones, in latest Gulf flare-up
U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Saturday after shooting down drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. military said.
Joint Chiefs head makes first official visit to post-Maduro Venezuela
The visit comes five months after the high-risk U.S. military operation to remove Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Unemployment rate for veterans drops to 3.2%, women vets surge on jobs market
The improvement was bolstered by a strong showing from women veterans on the jobs market and came despite growing fears of AI-triggered layoffs.
In other news
Lawmakers move to require chaperones for ‘sensitive’ appointments in military health system
Under the provision, a trained third party would have to be present for exams conducted by obstetrician-gynecologists at military treatment facilities.
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.”
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.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
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Hidden chemical weapons sites emerge in Syria amid fragile security transition
Over a decade after Syria agreed to dismantle its arsenal, international inspectors have uncovered scores of previously hidden chemical weapons materials.
By Eve Sampson
Army identifies soldier who died in training accident in Iraq
U.S. Army Sgt. Devin A. Seibel, 26, died on May 31 at Erbil Air Base. British Lance Corporal James Freeman was also killed in the incident.
By J.D. Simkins
DoD should review special needs health care programs to ensure they’re helping military families, watchdog says
The coverage amounts for Tricare ECHO services haven't increased since 2009.
By Karen Jowers
Creating a separate Cyber Force would require $10 billion and a minimum of 1 year, report says
Two D.C. think tanks examined a proposed implementation plan for an independent U.S. Cyber Force as some lawmakers push for its creation.
Experts warn terrorism threat is rising in Africa as US pulls back
A jihadist front is gaining ground across Africa, the Center for Strategic and International Studies warned in its annual risk analysis.
By Tanya Noury
Troops attending White House UFC event must meet physical standards, pay for travel
The hundreds of active-duty service members selected for the "high visibility" event must meet military waist-to-height standards and fund their travel.
Army seeks US manufacturer to supply boots
The Army is looking for companies ready to supply troops with high-quality boots made in America.
By Michael Peck
Lawmakers quarrel over effort to boost defense tech integration between US and Israel
A new measure aims to "expand and accelerate bilateral defense technology research ... and industrial cooperation" between the U.S. and Israel.
By Ellen Ioanes
SOCOM wants to revive legacy M4 carbine with ‘hypervelocity’ cartridge
The elite command asked vendors to double the effective range of the M4 platform with the Hypervelocity Improved Carbine program.
Army consolidates air and missile defense roles into new MOS
The service hopes to recruit approximately 300 soldiers before the new MOS officially launches on Oct. 1.
National Guard’s DC deployment has had no ‘measurable effect’ on violent crime: Report
The report, which the White House called "out of touch," asserted that Guard troops have been deployed in “the wrong places for the wrong types of crime.”
By Tanya Noury
The US military wants to showcase battle-ready laser weapons by 2028
A directed energy demonstration is expected to occur during the summer of 2028, as part of a series of planned Golden Dome-related events.
By Jared Keller
Rubio faces lawmakers as Iran ceasefire hangs in the balance
The U.S. has been "highly successful" in achieving its military objectives in Iran, but the country continues to field a robust drone arsenal, Rubio said.
By Tanya Noury
Immigration concerns and the ‘very typical’ impact on military recruiting
Recruiters, attorneys and advocates say immigration questions continue to arise in conversations about military service.
By Natalie Oliverio
Medal of Honor recipient Bruce Crandall, whose heroism was chronicled in ‘We Were Soldiers Once,’ dies at 93
Ret. Col. Bruce Crandall received the Medal of Honor for repeatedly flying his helicopter into intense enemy fire to evacuate dozens of wounded troops.
US court blocks Pentagon from removing transgender troops, for now
The court ruled that the Trump administration could, for now, bar transgender people from enlisting, but blocked the discharge of current service members.
By Daniel Wiessner, Reuters