Top stories
Army major becomes first reservist to receive rare Astronaut Device
Maj. Kate Rubins joins the rare ranks of a handful of soldiers who have earned the right to wear the Army Aviation Badge with the Astronaut Device.
Senate stalls general’s promotion as Trump mulls Afghan exit probe
Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue’s promotion stalled Thursday when his name was left off a list of nearly 1,000 military promotions.
SPECIAL FEATURES
AUSA 2024 Coverage
Defense News, the official media partner of AUSA, is covering the top stories and headlines coming out of AUSA Annual 2024.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
Your 2024 Military Times Pay and Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024.
What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times' 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing
In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.
As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust
VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.
VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions
Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.
Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change
Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.
In other news
Female recruits now shipping equally to MCRDs Parris Island, San Diego
The Marine Corps has hit its goal of assigning women to its boot camps the same way it assigns men.
Featured Videos
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.
By Riley Ceder
Meal, Ready-to-Bulk? Pentagon urged to add creatine to MREs
The gains-based recommendation will now await a Senate decision in order to become law.
A personal account of a paratrooper who jumped into Normandy on D-Day
Lt. Col. Gerhard Bolland, an 82nd Airborne Division officer, described what it was really like to parachute during the invasion of Normandy.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
VA Secretary - veterans are not “broken” | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 11.23.24
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs pushes back on the idea that veterans are damaged, and laments the persistence of vets’ suicide. Plus: NATO’s arctic Marines.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Female recruits now shipping equally to MCRDs Parris Island, San Diego
The Marine Corps has hit its goal of assigning women to its boot camps the same way it assigns men.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Marines put new amphibious vehicle to the test in first at-sea drill
Nearly 200 Marines and 400 sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 conducted the drills off the coast of Camp Pendleton.
By Todd South
Pentagon to send Ukraine anti-personnel mines ‘soon,’ US says
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wouldn't say whether the mines are part of a new round of military aid announced this week.
Eligible veterans get easier access to military bases under new rules
New rules allow veterans and caregivers to enroll for streamlined access to military installations.
By Karen Jowers
US to send Ukraine $275M in new weapons to bolster Kyiv before Trump
The latest tranche of weapons comes as worries grow about an escalation in the conflict.
Two soldiers get prison time for creating child sexual abuse material
The pair also took explicit photos of other soldiers without their consent.
By Riley Ceder
Ukraine fires US-made longer-range missiles into Russia for first time
The use of the long-range missiles came as Russian President Vladimir Putin formally lowered the threshold for using nuclear weapons.
Soldier creates device that speeds up Apache missile system rearming
A wheelbarrow-like cart cut an 8-minute job to under a minute.
By Todd South
Army taps ‘Ghost Fleet’ authors to write novel on multi-domain warfare
The Army’s concept of future warfare is getting the Tom Clancy treatment.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Lawmakers advance plans to boost veteran caregiver support
Bipartisan legislation passed by the House would improve at-home care options for ailing vets and mandate protections for community care programs.
Veteran who killed Iraqi civilian sentenced to prison for Capitol riot
Edward Richmond Jr. attacked police officers with a metal baton during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
By Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
Chris Pratt-produced film on heroic military chaplains hits theaters
The film highlights the lesser-known stories of military chaplains, uniformed pastors and leaders who deploy to conflict without weapons.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Soldier sentenced to prison for trading child sexual abuse material
The soldier admitted in online messages to sexually abusing a child prior to being in the Army.
By Riley Ceder
Marines commended for lifesaving efforts in near-drowning incidents
A handful of Marines’ swimming skills were put to the test recently during incidents that required lifesaving measures.
By Todd South
Should women serve in combat? Trump’s defense pick reignites debate
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has made it clear that he believes men and women shouldn't serve together in combat units.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Last American soldier to leave Afghanistan to command US Army Europe
The general, whose career has been defined by special operations, has been tapped to lead a conventional deterrence mission.
By Todd South