Top stories
Army makes combat arms fitness test sex-neutral, drops ball throw
Combat arms job holders must hit a minimum score of 350.
Army continues 7-year streak, hitting retention goals early
The service reenlisted 15,600 soldiers since March 2024, 800 more than its goal.
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
Experimental civilian plane crashes at Virginia military base
Authorities said they are investigating the crash of an experimental MX Aircraft MXS near Hampton, Virginia.
More than two-thirds of reserve troops are overweight: Report
The new study on weight problems among Guardsmen and reservists comes as military officials look to update force standards.
Navy suspends search for missing Nimitz sailor
The U.S. military and Guam emergency response teams logged 120 hours and traversed 11,000 square nautical miles in an effort to find the missing sailor.
Hegseth changes Pentagon green room into impromptu makeup studio
The space has long been used as a green room for visiting officials and spokespersons, the Pentagon said.
In other news
Nationwide doorstep delivery getting closer for commissary customers
Commissary customers want and need the delivery service, officials said.
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
Republican leader talks VA staffing cuts and vets’ care | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.19.25
Illinois Rep. Mike Bost, Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, lays out how he sees changes coming to the VA under the new administration.
Featured Videos
Trending Now
MORE STORIES
US Army ups ammo output with new 155mm loading, packing plant
The service can produce 40,000 monthly. The goal is 100,000.
By Todd South
Army makes combat arms fitness test sex-neutral, drops ball throw
Combat arms job holders must hit a minimum score of 350.
By Todd South
Army continues 7-year streak, hitting retention goals early
The service reenlisted 15,600 soldiers since March 2024, 800 more than its goal.
By Todd South
Officials launch task force to root out ‘anti-Christian bias’ in VA
The move follows an order by President Donald Trump to look for evidence of discrimination against Christians throughout the federal government.
Hegseth pulled info from secure channel for Signal chats: Report
Details about U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen were pulled from secure U.S. Central Command communications, according to reports.
By Tara Copp, AP
Army to replace athletic trainers with strength coaches on H2F teams
Teams will now have 11 strength and conditioning coaches, with a requirement nixed for instructors overseen by the Defense Health Agency.
By Todd South
Thousands of military families use child care app devised by airman
The app allows parents to sublet their child care spaces when they’re temporarily away, connecting them to other eligible DOD families who need the care.
By Karen Jowers
US, Philippines to simulate ‘full-scale battle’ in Balikatan drills
Thousands of allied American and Filipino forces have opened annual combat drills that will include simulating the defense of the Philippines.
White House defends Hegseth amid new Signal accusation, staff overhaul
President Donald Trump on Monday defended his embattled defense secretary, saying he's pleased with his leadership thus far.
Senate leaders set May 7 hearing to review VA budget, reform plans
VA Secretary Dog Collins will face sharp questions about his department overhaul efforts from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee next month.
Hegseth had second Signal chat with details of Yemen strike: Report
Pete Hegseth reportedly created another Signal chat that included his wife and brother in which he shared details of a military strike on Houthis in Yemen.
By Tara Copp, AP
US to reduce military footprint in Syria to fewer than 1,000 troops
The departure would return force levels to where they had been for years, after the U.S. and its allies waged a multiyear campaign to defeat ISIS.
By Tara Copp, AP and Beth Sullivan
Marines killed in vehicle crash during border deployment identified
Lance Cpls. Albert Aguilera and Marcelino Gamino died in a vehicle crash while supporting border operations. A third Marine remains in critical condition.
By Beth Sullivan
Military families challenge Trump’s stricter federal voting rules
An organization that advocates for military voters argues a new executive order would add barriers for troops and families who vote by absentee ballot.
By Karen Jowers