Top stories
Here’s how looming government shutdown could affect troops, families
Lawmakers are pushing for military pay to continue. Some operations, like child care, may vary from base to base.
Army Secretary in ‘holy war’ with Congress over budget flexibility
Secretary Driscoll is pressing Congress to grant more budget flexibility for electronic warfare, drones and counter-drone efforts.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Coverage: LANDEURO 2025
Defense News is covering the top headlines and stories coming out of the LANDEURO event.
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
Pentagon & Congress
New Pentagon strategy to focus on homeland, Western Hemisphere
The Pentagon’s top national security focus will mirror that of President Trump’s “America First” agenda to defend the homeland, with China a key focus.
Former Guardsman charged with trying to provide weapons to al-Qaida
A 25-year-old former Army National Guardsman faces federal charges that he attempted to provide al-Qaida with 3D-printed weapons.
Pentagon adds exemptions to requirement for all troops to get flu shot
The Pentagon has introduced exemptions for reservists and proclaimed that the shot is only necessary in some circumstances for all service members.
Veterans who lack citizenship fear being swept up in deportations
As President Donald Trump pursues a mass deportation agenda, some veterans fear they may not be allowed to remain in the United States.
In other news
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Country music no longer owns the troops, and that’s a good thing
Troops today are just as likely to share playlists filled with hip-hop, EDM or K-pop as they are with country music legends.
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Boot Camp for Your Wallet: Financial Tips for New Recruits — Money Minute
Jeanette Mack from Navy Federal Credit Union is back with tips for new recruits to help navigate your finances as you begin your military career.
Featured Videos
Trending Now
MORE STORIES
Hegseth terminates women’s advisory group, slams ‘divisive agenda’
A Sept. 17 memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directs the “formal disestablishment” of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Army Secretary in ‘holy war’ with Congress over budget flexibility
Secretary Driscoll is pressing Congress to grant more budget flexibility for electronic warfare, drones and counter-drone efforts.
By Jen Judson
Who is John Frum? Inside the ‘cargo cult’ that worships American GIs
The theology is simple enough: The practice of the cult centers on the worship of cargo. American cargo.
China and Russia conduct joint sub patrols — should America worry?
While the exercise only involved two subs, the warning was clear: America should contemplate the prospect of confronting a China-Russia alliance.
By Michael Peck
West Point violating First Amendment with professor crackdown: Lawsuit
A West Point professor has filed a lawsuit against the school, arguing it violates the First Amendment by banning professors' opinions in the classroom.
Taliban rejects Trump’s bid to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid urged the U.S. to follow a policy of "realism and rationality."
Army identifies four soldiers killed in helicopter crash
The cause of the crash, which occurred near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on Wednesday, remains under investigation.
By Todd South
This Korean War hero was awarded the Medal of Honor after 72 years
During action in the hotly embattled area called the Iron Triangle, Pvt. Charles R. Johnson is credited with saving the lives of at least 10 soldiers
By Jon Guttman
Soldier sacrificed to save troops from being buried alive in WWII
Pfc. David Gonzales saved his squad mates one by one.
The Navy officer who became a legend among the 6th Marines
Joel Boone became the stuff of legend among Marines and ultimately became the most decorated medical officer in the U.S. Armed Services.
By Jon Guttman
US carries out fatal strike targeting alleged drug boat, Trump says
President Donald Trump says the U.S. military has carried out its third fatal strike against an alleged drug smuggling vessel this month.
Trump administration plans nearly $6B in arms sales to Israel: Report
It includes a $3.8 billion sale for 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters and a $1.9 billion sale for 3,200 infantry assault vehicles, the AP reported.
Pentagon takes step toward potentially privatizing commissaries
Defense officials want to know if private grocers and investors could operate commissaries while maintaining the commissary benefit.
By Karen Jowers
Four soldiers killed in Washington state helicopter crash, Army says
Four special operations soldiers died when the MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter they were aboard crashed near JBLM earlier this week, officials said.
Army to cut 6,500 active-duty aviation jobs over next 2 years
The move aims to realign the force toward the use of unmanned drones instead of manned aviation platforms and will occur over fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
By Todd South
Virginia National Guard begins ICE logistics support
The Virginia National Guard mobilized 40 troops this week to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with non-law enforcement duties.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher