J.D. Simkins
Executive Editor
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
All Stories By J.D.
China-Russia cooperation poses rising threat in Arctic, Pentagon warns
A surge in collaboration between China and Russia in the Arctic is heightening the Pentagon's urgency to devote resources to the region.
Marine gunner has AWOL charges tossed, gets reprimand for statements
In an unusual moment for court proceedings, the defendant's Marine Corps attorney used a recess to have the gunner preside over his promotion to captain.
Special Episode - The Nature of Courage | Defense News Weekly Full Episode
In this special episode, we ask Medal of Honor recipients about the nature of bravery, and how everyday people can exhibit it in their own lives.
Soldiers will soon get more financial help for emergency travel
Soldiers will get more help paying for airfare, the most expensive part of emergency travel.
China says US ‘playing with fire’ after latest military aid for Taiwan
The Chinese government continues to claim Taiwan as its territory and says it must come under its control.
Two US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in ‘friendly fire’ incident
"The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18."
Government funding bill clears Congress, averting a shutdown
The plan now goes to President Joe Biden, who is expected to quickly sign it into law.
Opinion
America must ‘honor the contract’ on veterans’ benefits
In this opinion piece, Al Lipphardt of VFW responds to a recent Economist article that labeled veterans' benefits as "absurdly generous."
New report on Navy spending
US Navy ‘wasted’ $1.8 billion on cruiser modernization program: Report
The Fight Back - one Marine's journey through war, addiction and revival
Jon Basara wanted to be the perfect Marine, but mental and physical trauma from war put him on a different path. View our full series on his story.
