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US Army tests counter-drone tech at Mexican border as cartel drone use rises
The service is seeking to sharpen its defenses against the growing threat of drone use by cartels.
Troops get first increase in 24 years for hostile fire, danger pays
Pentagon raises danger pay for troops for the first time since 2002, increasing hostile fire pay to $450 and imminent danger pay to $275 per month.
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Veterans
Unemployment rate for post-9/11 vets up as job market slumps
The unemployment rate for the nation’s post-9/11 generation of veterans rose from 3.5% in August to 4.1% in September.
Veterans face SNAP barriers as USDA guidance delays policy changes, GAO finds
GAO found outdated USDA SNAP guidance for veterans and recommended better outreach and coordination to help veterans access food assistance.
Veteran suicides declined in 2024 for second straight year
According to a new VA report, 17.7 veterans die by suicide each day.
Nearly 500,000 veterans to get 3-month break from paying life insurance premiums
Just in time for the holidays, veterans won't have to pay Veterans’ Group Life Insurance premiums for three months.
In other news
Congress presses Oracle for answers on VA’s $17 billion EHR increase
Lawmakers are turning directly to Oracle for answers about why the VA increased the ceiling on its electronic health record contract by $17 billion.
VIDEOS
Ukraine’s ‘Army of Robots’ idea presents fearsome future | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.6.26
A former Ukrainian defense official launches a futuristic robotic army initiative. Plus — a retired Green Beret turns to mine clearing as a new mission.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
Sailor reportedly finds dead rat in finished energy drink
The sailor said medical personnel informed him, “with the chemicals that are in Monster, that it should be OK.”
By J.D. Simkins
That time the Air Force proposed making a ‘gay bomb’
The Air Force once explored the idea of a chemical weapon that would make enemy soldiers sexually irresistible to one another — striking a blow to morale.
Master Chief actor condemns use of character in White House’s Iran war hype video
“I demand that the producers of this disgusting and juvenile war porn remove my voice immediately,” Steve Downes wrote in a post on X.
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MORE STORIES
Pentagon chief set to announce additional cuts in senior officer positions
Hegseth is set to announce a 20% cut in the number of positions for generals and admirals.
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart, Reuters
Nearly 500,000 veterans to get 3-month break from paying life insurance premiums
Just in time for the holidays, veterans won't have to pay Veterans’ Group Life Insurance premiums for three months.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon directs cyber, intelligence agencies to counter foreign election threats
Hegseth ordered the agencies to "mobilize every authorized asset, capability and partnership under your command" to defend U.S. election infrastructure.
US forces exiting Iraq after 2 decades, leaving opening for Iran
U.S. forces are set to depart from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, a move celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies.
By Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters
Texas man defrauded Tricare of $26 million to fund lavish lifestyle
A Texas man used money defrauded from Tricare for a casino-themed party and a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck, among other expenses.
By Patricia Kime
Soldier charged in shooting death of infant
Spc. Peyton D. Creel is facing a court-martial after his child was shot in the head with a rifle.
By Eve Sampson
Meet Axel, the deaf rescue dog now set to deploy
“Axel is not a tactical asset; he is a force multiplier by means of mental health and soldier readiness,” Sgt. Mollie Karazim told Military Times.
Army launches ‘night court’ review of weapons systems
The Army has kicked off an “M9s to Strykers” comprehensive evaluation of its weapons platforms as it pushes for greater organic repair capability.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Special operations soldier dies after airborne training exercise
A U.S. Army special operations soldier died Sept. 22 from injuries he sustained during an airborne training event.
By Eve Sampson
Army leaders wary of ‘data fatigue’ as fitness management system rolls out
The H2F Management System is designed to provide soldiers, leaders and human performance staff with “data-driven insights."
By Hope Hodge Seck
Terror suspects wanted to do ‘big damage’ to air base used by US, Trump says
British police on Sunday arrested five men on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offenses near an air base that hosts U.S. Air Force personnel.
By Toby Shepheard, Reuters
Idaho National Guard carries out 3 isolated rescues over 4 days
The Idaho Army National Guard supported three successful search-and-rescue missions last week, rescuing four people.
By Ellen Ioanes
Desolate Arctic outpost likely to host US troops under new Greenland deal
Under a U.S. agreement signed this week, a small outpost at Mestersvig, Greenland, could soon become a key American military foothold in the Arctic.
By Stine Jacobsen, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Tom Little, Reuters