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What troops need to know about Hegseth’s new memos for the force
Hegseth ordered more strict grooming and fitness standards and less training on subjects like the Privacy Act, cybersecurity and controlled information.
Trump taps Reserve and National Guard for temporary immigration judges
Both the Army and National Guard said they hope to fill the assignments with volunteers. About 100 Army Reserve lawyers will be in the first group.
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Coverage: Paris Air Show 2025
Defense News is covering the top headlines and stories coming out of Paris Air Show.
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
Military History
Head of Eisenhower library forced out after sword spat with Trump
The Army vet and historian declined Trump's request to gift Eisenhower's sword to King Charles out of obligation to preserve it for the American public.
Military families seek out food assistance amid shutdown anxiety
"We expected an increase, but didn't quite expect this," said Dorene Ocamb, Armed Services YMCA chief brand and development officer.
Trump declares drug cartels operating in Caribbean unlawful combatants
Trump has declared drug cartels operating in the Caribbean are unlawful combatants and says the U.S. is now in a “non-international armed conflict.”
Trump signs executive order vowing to defend Qatar
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar, including using U.S. military action if necessary.
In other news
Federal employee caused shooter hoax at NJ base to bond with coworkers
An active shooter hoax at a New Jersey military base Tuesday was caused by a civilian employee who wanted to “trauma bond” with coworkers, prosecutors say.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Country music no longer owns the troops, and that’s a good thing
Troops today are just as likely to share playlists filled with hip-hop, EDM or K-pop as they are with country music legends.
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
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VIDEOS
Defending the defense network from cyber threats: How does the US stack up?
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., discusses U.S. needs for countering cyber threats at the annual Defense News Conference.
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MORE STORIES
VA to resume new electronic health record rollout in mid-2026
The project was scheduled to take 10 years and cost $16 billion. Nearly eight years later, only six of VA’s 170-plus medical sites are using the software.
Suicides among veterans remain unchanged despite federal focus
The figures are the latest available from federal census data and suggest limited progress on the issue of suicide prevention by Veterans Affairs leaders.
Looming government shutdown could hurt military families, veterans
Plans to avert a partial government shutdown starting this weekend appeared scuttled after President-elect Donald Trump opposed the bipartisan deal.
Live in the Tricare West Region? Do this before Dec. 31.
Beneficiaries in the West Region who don't provide recurring payment information could risk losing Tricare coverage.
By Karen Jowers
Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025
Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.
Plan to avert government shutdown does not include extra VA funds
VA leaders had asked for roughly $6.6 billion in extra funding for FY25, and said they could face problems with hiring and programs without it.
Plan would cover all health care costs for thousands of vets overseas
Providing more health care coverage for disabled veterans living abroad could be a major focus of the next session of Congress.
Troops to get an average housing allowance boost of over 5% in 2025
The new rates take effect Jan. 1.
By Karen Jowers