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Air Force identifies airman found dead at off-base housing in Italy
TSgt. Conner Wells, assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, served as a precision-guided munition production supervisor.
Boeing adds to big week with first full-rate Grey Wolf helicopter order
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a roughly $85 million contract for four more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, with the first under full-rate production.
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US forces exiting Iraq after 2 decades, leaving opening for Iran
U.S. forces are set to depart from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, a move celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies.
Texas man defrauded Tricare of $26 million to fund lavish lifestyle
A Texas man used money defrauded from Tricare for a casino-themed party and a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck, among other expenses.
Congress presses Oracle for answers on VA’s $17 billion EHR increase
Lawmakers are turning directly to Oracle for answers about why the VA increased the ceiling on its electronic health record contract by $17 billion.
Green Beret who survived an IED now clears Ukraine’s landmines
A Green Beret and Silver Star recipient who once survived an IED and now clears Ukraine's landmines is the subject of a new documentary, "Safe Ground."
In other news
Airmen discover body in charred vehicle near Eglin Air Force Base
Members of the 96th Security Forces Squadron found a burnt vehicle with a deceased individual inside while on a routine patrol Wednesday morning.
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Pentagon launches Office of Religious Affairs, will report directly to Hegseth
The Pentagon intends to address what Hegseth calls a loss of religious community within the military after an era of “political correctness.”
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TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
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.”
By J.D. Simkins
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.
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MORE STORIES
White House nominates next general to helm US Space Command
If confirmed, Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. would take over command from Gen. Stephen Whiting after his upcoming retirement.
Hegseth halts tenure appointments for civilian faculty at military academies
Military academies will no longer appoint civilian faculty to tenured positions as Hegseth says it can contribute to “academic stagnation.”
Pentagon chief set to announce additional cuts in senior officer positions
Hegseth is set to announce a 20% cut in the number of positions for generals and admirals.
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart, Reuters
Nearly 500,000 veterans to get 3-month break from paying life insurance premiums
Just in time for the holidays, veterans won't have to pay Veterans’ Group Life Insurance premiums for three months.
By Karen Jowers
Airmen, guardians to update religious affiliation to align with Pentagon policy
Active-duty service members have until Oct. 16, while Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard have until Nov. 9 to update their information in vMPF.
Pentagon awards Raytheon up to $20.7 billion to nearly double AMRAAM production
The Defense Department has awarded Raytheon a multiyear contract worth up to $20.7 billion to build Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, or AMRAAMs.
Pentagon directs cyber, intelligence agencies to counter foreign election threats
Hegseth ordered the agencies to "mobilize every authorized asset, capability and partnership under your command" to defend U.S. election infrastructure.
US forces exiting Iraq after 2 decades, leaving opening for Iran
U.S. forces are set to depart from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, a move celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies.
By Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters
Troops at Cannon AFB lost 5,000 duty days traveling for medical care: GAO
A new GAO report found that troops at Cannon AFB lost at least 5,000 duty days in 2025 because they had to travel long distances for medical care.
Texas man defrauded Tricare of $26 million to fund lavish lifestyle
A Texas man used money defrauded from Tricare for a casino-themed party and a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck, among other expenses.
By Patricia Kime
Heavy losses of MQ-9 Reaper to factor in future plans to divest, replace aircraft
Congress must weigh the MQ-9A Reaper's operational capability and its replacement's cost risks amid legislation proposed to halt the aircraft's divestment.
Air Force identifies airman found dead in burnt car near Florida base
The Air Force identified an airman found dead last week in a burnt vehicle near Eglin Air Force Base.
Terror suspects wanted to do ‘big damage’ to air base used by US, Trump says
British police on Sunday arrested five men on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offenses near an air base that hosts U.S. Air Force personnel.
By Toby Shepheard, Reuters
Airmen discover body in charred vehicle near Eglin Air Force Base
Members of the 96th Security Forces Squadron found a burnt vehicle with a deceased individual inside while on a routine patrol Wednesday morning.
‘Misaligned’ fan blades, loss of thrust caused Thunderbird F-16 crash
A late 2025 F-16 crash in California was caused by turned fan blades in the engine and a lost of thrust, forcing the pilot to eject and destroying the jet.
Desolate Arctic outpost likely to host US troops under new Greenland deal
Under a U.S. agreement signed this week, a small outpost at Mestersvig, Greenland, could soon become a key American military foothold in the Arctic.
By Stine Jacobsen, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Tom Little, Reuters