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Soldiers 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches, study finds
Nearly one-fourth of Fort Liberty soldiers surveyed in new research study reported using nicotine pouches.
Army wants ‘modern’ dining halls to feature delivery, healthy food
The dining hall updates will target five Army bases, beginning with Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
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Your Army
Pentagon report backs quality-of-life tweaks, not major pay changes
The periodic review of military compensation called troops' pay "strongly competitive" when compared to civilian wages.
Navy names aircraft carriers after former presidents Bush and Clinton
The Navy vessels will be the first to bear the names of former presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush.
Hegseth promises to reinstate, repay troops who refused COVID vaccine
About 8,000 troops were kicked out of the military for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
In other news
1,800 California National Guardsmen activated for LA fire response
California Governor Gavin Newsom increased the number of Guardsmen over the weekend, as the death toll for the wildfires climbed to 24.
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.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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Navy surface warfare director: No more big, expensive drones — the future is one affordable design
"We have got to get real here," a top Navy leader said in a speech recently. No more large, "exquisite" sea drones — he's looking for one affordable design.
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In quiet shift, Marines allow mixed-gender DI teams to train recruits
A typical integrated team will have three DIs of one gender and a fourth of the opposite gender, with most featuring three male instructors and one female.
By Hope Hodge Seck
New Senate Vet Affairs chair plans focus on care access, mental health
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time.
Blitz of confirmation hearings includes VA, DOD secretary picks
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 13, 2025.
US Army wants spy drones to launch from high-altitude motherships
The Army wants launched effects that could deploy from high-speed, higher-altitude business jets as it expands its pursuit of unmanned capabilities.
By Jen Judson
Trump picks Senate candidate Sam Brown to head VA memorial affairs
The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role.
Soldiers 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches, study finds
Nearly one-fourth of Fort Liberty soldiers surveyed in new research study reported using nicotine pouches.
By Todd South
New Tricare contracts bring health care changes
Beneficiaries can expect easier transfer of medical referrals when they move, among other things, with the new Tricare contracts.
By Karen Jowers
Biden administration temporarily blocks 9/11 plea deal
It's the latest development in the U.S. military's struggle to bring to justice the man charged with planning the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.
Army wants ‘modern’ dining halls to feature delivery, healthy food
The dining hall updates will target five Army bases, beginning with Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
By Riley Ceder
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
By Karen Jowers
Senate hearing could decide whether Hegseth becomes defense secretary
The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Trump's defense secretary pick next Tuesday.
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
By Karen Jowers
Vets won’t see disruptions in VA services amid White House changes
VA leaders have pledged to keep services operating normally, even as several senior staffers depart office.
US troops need to stay in Syria to counter ISIS, Pentagon chief says
U.S forces are still needed in Syria to prevent ISIS from reconstituting as a major threat following Assad's ouster, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
By Tara Copp, AP
College students charged in ‘Catch a Predator’ style ambush on soldier
Six Massachusetts students are accused of assaulting a soldier after luring him to campus as part of a TikTok trend.
By Todd South
Army doctor pleads guilty to sexually abusing dozens of soldiers
Maj. Michael Stockin faces nearly 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to abusive sexual contact of patients he treated at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
By Todd South