Top stories
DOD leadership firings spark concerns over support for female officers
President Trump's administration has removed most of the military's top-ranking female leaders from their posts in recent weeks.
DC helicopter route permanently closed after fatal Black Hawk crash
The move follows federal investigators's call for a ban on helo flights on the route, citing a string of near misses in recent years.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Veterans
VA leaders announce end to all transgender-related care for vets
Department leaders promised to continue to provide necessary care to transgender veterans even after the rule changes.
Senate passes six-month funding bill to avoid government shutdown
The Senate passed the bill hours before a government shutdown, overcoming Democratic opposition to the measure and sending it to President Trump's desk.
This Philippine Scout fired his rifle with one hand to save his squad
In 1911, Pvt. José Nisperos became the first Filipino and Asian recipient of the Medal of Honor.
Meet Lt. Preston, one of the only PT crewmen to be awarded the MOH
Lt. Arthur Preston and his PT boat crews did whatever it took to save a downed Navy airman in the South Pacific.
In other news
Islamic State leader for Iraq and Syria killed, Iraq says
Al-Rifai was killed in an operation by members of the Iraqi national intelligence service and U.S.-led coalition forces, Iraqi officials said.
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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MORE STORIES
DOD schools allowed to resume athletic events this weekend after pause
Sporting events had been postponed in response to President Trump's executive order restricting government-funded travel.
By Karen Jowers
Military families face four key health care deadlines by March 31
Deadlines are looming for these health care-related tasks.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira pleads guilty to obstructing justice
In his address to the judge, Teixeira called himself a “proud patriot” and claimed he had exposed President Biden's "lies" about the war in Ukraine.
Hegseth orders review of military grooming and fitness standards
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered senior Pentagon leadership to review how and why grooming standards, including beards, have changed since 2015.
By Riley Ceder
Judge orders return of dismissed probationary workers at VA, DOD
Thousands of federal employees could be reinstated to their government jobs following the ruling.
CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan vets group to step down later this spring
Allison Jaslow has served in the top role at IAVA for the last two years.
Navy body composition study may finally settle tape test debate
The two-year test may bring the Navy — and perhaps the other services — closer to scientific consensus on the best way to measure body fat.
By Hope Hodge Seck
US, allies rush to refit their big guns with GPS protections
Russian jamming and spoofing had previously rendered some Western weapons ineffective in Ukraine.
By Linus Höller
Judge hopes to rule next week on Trump order banning trans troops
A federal judge likened the DOD's new policy to the military's former "don't ask, don't tell" policy that barred LGBTQ service members from openly serving.
By Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
US veterans, military contractors among those freed from Kuwait jail
Kuwait has released a group of American prisoners, including veterans and military contractors jailed for years on drug-related charges.
By Jon Gambrell, The Associated Press
Democrats to focus on women, minorities in military personnel debates
Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said she'll push for better access to abortion services for troops despite slim chances of progress this year.
3D printing barracks? Military eyes new ways to cut construction costs
Top military engineers met with lawmakers this week to discuss cost-efficient methods for supporting future military construction.
By Riley Ceder
Marine Corps will receive first anti-ship missile battery in Okinawa
The 12th Littoral Combat Team will receive the Navy/Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, or NMESIS, in fiscal 2026.
By Riley Ceder
Key defense policy voice for Senate Democrats won’t seek reelection
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., serves on the armed services committee and was the first-ever woman to chair the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Military medical system unprepared for future conflict, experts say
Only about 10% of military general surgeons experience the patient volume and level of acute cases necessary to remain designated "combat ready."
By Karen Jowers
Safety board calls to end helo flights on route of fatal DC crash
The National Transportation and Safety Board is recommending helicopters no longer fly along the route when planes are landing on specific runways at DCA.
By Jen Judson