Top stories
Space Forces Southern activated amid Western Hemisphere focus
The U.S. Space Force officially activated the component in a ceremony on Wednesday, formalizing its role in space operations across the Western Hemisphere.
Qatar-gifted Air Force One plane delivery expected this summer
The administration's acceptance of a plane from Qatar to use as a short-term Air Force One has sparked concerns about cost and ethics.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Submit a FREE veteran obituary
Military Times has partnered with Legacy on a special online memorial where you can read through U.S. veterans’ obituaries and publish a FREE veteran obit
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 Air Force
VA leader’s policies delaying care, destroying work force, report says
The VA has lost 40,000 employees in the past year, 88% of whom worked in the Veterans Health Administration, according to the report.
AI-powered military neurotech: Mind enhancement or control?
AI's ability to monitor a warfighter’s mental state, visuals or inner dialog may outpace the ability to shield that data from misuse, some scientists say.
I used VR therapy to treat my PTSD. Here’s what happened next.
A firsthand look at how Neurova Labs is tackling PTSD — with just a headset.
‘Militarily stupid to insult your allies’ — and other advice from 1942
The pamphlet, issued to American GIs about to travel overseas to Britain, was intended to ease any friction between the young servicemen and the locals.
In other news
Air Force, Navy aircraft to take to the skies for 2026 Super Bowl
The flyover formation will incorporate aircraft from the two branches to symbolize the country’s independence and journey.
How fashion borrowed military aesthetics and lost the context
"What was once functional equipment tied to service, sacrifice and sometimes trauma is now treated as visual shorthand for toughness or rebellion."
Why most of military life rarely makes the screen
Between training and combat exists a long stretch of routine and waiting. Those experiences remain largely absent from military portrayals in film and TV.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
Don't miss
VIDEOS
How can Congress move the ‘Golden Dome’ forward? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 1.17.26
A futuristic missile defense shield that would protect the American homeland is a massive project. How are its supporters in Congress trying to make it real?
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
‘Militarily stupid to insult your allies’ — and other advice from 1942
The pamphlet, issued to American GIs about to travel overseas to Britain, was intended to ease any friction between the young servicemen and the locals.
Amid Greenland tensions, US forces prep for NATO’s ‘Cold Response 26′
The drills are slated to get underway against a backdrop of uncertainty about the future of relations between the U.S. and its longstanding allies.
By Tanya Noury
Air Force, Navy aircraft to take to the skies for 2026 Super Bowl
The flyover formation will incorporate aircraft from the two branches to symbolize the country’s independence and journey.
‘Hidden Figure’ Gladys West, GPS pioneer and Navy civilian, dies at 95
West’s genius secured her a position in 1956 at the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, then called Naval Proving Ground, where she worked for over 40 years.
US military transfers 150 Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq
The decision follows Syrian government forces taking control of camps with IS detainees after the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces withdrew.
Danish veterans of US wars say they feel betrayed by Greenland threats
Denmark has been a stalwart ally to America. Forty-four Danish troops were killed in Afghanistan, the highest per capita death toll among coalition forces.
US forces seize seventh sanctioned tanker linked to Venezuela
U.S. Southern Command said in a social media post that U.S. forces apprehended the Motor Vessel Sagitta on Tuesday “without incident.”
Archbishop says it’s ‘morally acceptable’ for troops to defy orders
The Catholic archbishop responsible for U.S. troops said it is “morally acceptable” for them to disobey an order if it is against their own conscience.
By Tanya Noury
After 8 attempts, airman earns commission
Chavis Kendrick’s commissioning shows value of perseverance and dedication, Air Force says.
US military to expand by more than 30,000 troops this year
Congress is backing increases to the size of the military, having passed and proposed final legislation that will raise and fund rises in end strength.
By Patricia Kime
No tax on troops’ $1,776 ‘warrior dividend,’ IRS says
Troops who received an unexpected $1,776 one-time payment in December won’t have to pay taxes on that money, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed.
By Karen Jowers
Space Force sets wear date for training gear, updates dress guidance
The mandatory wear date for physical training gear was announced by the force, but not for the new service dress uniform.
US lawmakers release $839B compromise defense spending bill
The conferenced defense spending bill would increase funding for both the Air Force and Navy's sixth-generation fighters.
Patients must be offered chaperones for ‘sensitive’ exams, DOD says
The announcement follows several prominent cases of Army doctors taking indecent liberties with patients behind closed doors.
By Patricia Kime
This Marine’s furious fight on Tarawa helped to seal the battle’s fate
During the ferocious battle, Alexander Bonnyman led a 21-man demolition team against the main bomb-proof shelter on Tarawa. And won.
By Jon Guttman
US completes withdrawal from al-Asad airbase, Iraq says
The move brings to a close more than two decades of American military presence in the western part of the country.
By Tanya Noury