Top stories
New York deploys National Guard to state prisons amid labor strike
National Guard troops are being deployed to secure state-run prisons amid a wildcat strike by New York corrections workers.
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.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Ending military diversity efforts will cost us talent and readiness
In this op-ed, an active-duty service member argues the Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI in the military will undermine readiness.
Joint Chiefs chairman heads to border to assess military buildup
Gen. CQ Brown's visit comes as the Pentagon rapidly expands its border mission in line with President Trump’s efforts to combat illegal immigration.
Cuts to staff, budget will boost military strength, Hegseth says
Hegseth promised to reinvest budget savings in other military programs and jettison civilian workers who are not living up to expectations.
Confusion over VA worker dismissals irks advocates, lawmakers
Department leaders have declined to provide more information on recent layoffs amid rumors of looming additional staff cuts.
In other news
Navy relieves CO of USS Harry S. Truman following collision
Capt. Dave Snowden's relief comes one week after the carrier collided with a merchant vessel while operating in the Mediterranean Sea.
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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VIDEOS
Not even a bullet through the mouth could stop this soldier in Vietnam
2nd Lt. Walter Joseph Marm found himself outnumbered 7 to 1. “We thought we were in another Little Bighorn,” Marm recalled. “Surrounded and outnumbered.”
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MORE STORIES
Victim’s family files $250M claims against Army, FAA over DC crash
They are believed to be the first legal claims over the fatal collision of a Black Hawk and a passenger jet near Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Salvage effort gets underway in San Diego following Growler jet crash
The start of salvage and recovery operations was delayed several days due to a blustery winter storm that moved through the San Diego area.
By Hope Hodge Seck
US Army tank crew notches first win at international competition
Despite a slow start, a U.S. Army tank crew overtook the competition to win the U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge.
By Riley Ceder
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.
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.
By Riley Ceder
Air Force tests unarmed nuclear missile in pre-dawn video
The Air Force must continue maintaining Minuteman III nuclear missiles longer than expected, with the Sentinel successor requiring a major restructuring.
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.
By Riley Ceder
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.
By Tara Copp, AP
Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families
Military families are struggling to get medical appointments as some health care providers drop Tricare beneficiaries due to lack of payment.
By Karen Jowers
This Marine endured five amphibious assaults — and survived Iwo Jima
Eighty years ago, Don Harris went ashore on Iwo Jima, where he and his fellow Marines faced one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War.
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