Hegseth strips Milley of security detail, orders investigation
The former Joint Chiefs chairman had warned that Trump may seek revenge against him and other critics if re-elected to the White House.
Pentagon & Congress
VA benefits won’t be halted under White House funding freeze order
White House officials said VA financial assistance programs do not violate rules banning diversity and inclusion efforts.
F-35 crashes and explodes in Alaska; pilot ejects safely
An Air Force pilot ejected safely after experiencing an “inflight malfunction” during a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, officials said.
Service members file lawsuit challenging Trump’s trans troops order
President Trump’s executive order likely sets the stage for banning transgender service members in the armed forces.
Texas sends more than 400 Guardsmen to US-Mexico border
The troops, part of a unit called the Texas Tactical Border Force, will join those already deployed to the border through Texas' Operation Lone Star.
In 12 years, almost no takers for Marines’ career intermission program
After a dozen years, fewer than half of the spots available from the program's first year alone have been claimed.
Air Force triples funding for prototype sixth-gen fighter engine
The future of the NGAD sixth-generation fighter remains unclear, but billions in extra funding would keep work progressing on its prototype engine.
Cocaine or pre-workout? Airman fights drug conviction
An airman's legal team is arguing the drug bust that tanked his military career may have been the result of a questionable workout supplement.
Trump signs order to revise Pentagon’s policy on transgender troops
Trump on Monday also ordered troops to be reinstated who had left voluntarily or been booted for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, among other changes.
Army Ranger sacrifices life shielding wounded comrade and medevac unit
Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz was shot while shielding his comrades from enemy fire as they worked to save an injured Afghan ally.
Tricare lets patients bypass TriWest problems slowing specialty care
A temporary waiver allows beneficiaries to take their referral from a primary care manager directly to a specialist without waiting for approval.
Air Force needs more fighter pilots for more airpower, report says
The number of fighter pilots is decreasing. But a Washington think tank has an idea for how to stem the tide and bring seasoned airmen back into the fold.
VA, DOD oversight questioned after Trump inspector general firings
The top watchdogs for the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs were among the individuals dismissed by Trump.
Air Force reinstates course with Tuskegee Airmen video after outcry
The Air Force pulled the course for review last week following the Trump administration's sweeping order barring diversity programs.
No schedule yet for service secretary confirmation hearings
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 27, 2025.
Air Force pulls class with Tuskegee Airmen video after DEI order
The military and other agencies have scrambled to comply with President Trump's sweeping executive order barring DEI programs.
The real ‘Viper’: This Top Gun instructor notched a rare combat feat
Rear Adm. Kenneth W. “Pete” Pettigrew’s Vietnam success made him the only Top Gun instructor to put his training to practical use against an enemy plane.
