Top stories
White House eyes 8% cut to defense budget to boost Trump priorities
The move could reduce defense spending projections by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next five years.
US troops, Afghan allies say executive orders endanger their families
They hoped to see their families escape the Taliban and settle in the United States. But two executive orders put those dreams on hold.
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Your Army
Army reservist-turned-Marine officer finds strength in strongman sport
U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Jacqueline Sapitro discovered her passion for strength training while ascending the ranks of the Marine Corps.
VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DOGE is getting lists of military’s probationary workers from Pentagon
It is not clear whether all probationary personnel will be let go — instead, some might be exempted due to the critical nature of their work.
Judge questions motives for Trump’s order banning transgender troops
District Judge Ana Reyes isn’t expected to rule on whether Trump’s order illegally discriminates against trans troops before early March.
In other news
Russia, US agree to work towards improving ties and ending Ukraine war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wouldn’t accept any outcome from the talks since Kyiv didn’t take part.
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.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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MORE STORIES
Judge questions motives for Trump’s order banning transgender troops
District Judge Ana Reyes isn’t expected to rule on whether Trump’s order illegally discriminates against trans troops before early March.
By Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
Russia, US agree to work towards improving ties and ending Ukraine war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wouldn’t accept any outcome from the talks since Kyiv didn’t take part.
New director of Concerned Veterans for America aims for more influence
John Vick takes over the veterans advocacy group whose alumni include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Pentagon moves to take back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Under the directive, all service members who opt to return to the military will have to reenlist for at least two years.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Black Hawk crew in DC crash may have missed key air traffic messages
The Black Hawk that collided with an American Airlines jet in January may not have had accurate altitude readings, investigators said.
By Jen Judson
VA dismisses over 1,000 employees as part of probationary worker purge
Department leaders promised the dismissals will not hurt veterans' benefits or medical care and will save almost $100 million annually.
This Medal of Honor recipient became an ace pilot in a day
'Ace in a day' is a rare distinction. Among the earliest American pilots to do so, Jim Swett was credited with seven victories amid a WWII turning point.
By Jon Guttman
Corpsman receives medal for saving Marine from heat stroke
Hospital Corpsman Billy Bui said his sense of duty comes from his grandfather, who risked everything to help his family flee Vietnam.
By Riley Ceder
Protestors demand VA oppose Trump efforts to trim federal workforce
Several dozen union members and VA employees rallied outside the department headquarters amid fears of staff cuts and funding reductions for the agency.
Federal military spouse workers exempt from return-to-office rule
Military spouses employed by the federal government are "categorically exempt" from the Trump administration's return-to-office mandate.
By Karen Jowers
Air Force delays tech sergeant tests to remove DEI from study guides
Questions related to diversity, equity and inclusion will still be part of the actual tests, but those questions will not be scored, the Air Force said.
USS Harry S. Truman collides with merchant vessel in Mediterranean
The collision “did not endanger” the carrier, as no injuries or flooding were reported, officials said.
By Beth Sullivan
Watchdog agency’s closure could lead to more military financial scams
The White House moved to close the Consumer Financial Protection Board, which fielded 100,000 consumer complaints every month from veterans and troops.
Hawaii soldier to face trial in suspected death of pregnant wife
Mischa Johnson was last seen on July 31 at her home on Schofield Barracks, an Army installation on Oahu, when she was six months pregnant.
LGBTQ Pride flags banned at VA facilities under new policy
Only the American flag and other state and military-related banners will be allowed to be displayed under the new department policy.
How one GI’s sacrifice helped pave the Army’s way to Aachen, Germany
Jack Pendleton sacrificed all to eliminate a critically placed German machine gun nest.
By Jon Guttman