Top stories
Troops request assistance at ‘unprecedented’ rate as shutdown persists
Due to processing time, Congress would need to act to ensure military pay Monday or earlier in order to avoid troops' checks being delayed, DFAS confirmed.
Tricare warns government shutdown could stall claims payments
“Tricare may not be able to process or pay medical claims for services received on or after October 1, 2025, until funding is restored," its website says.
Latest
National Guard troops seen on patrols in Memphis with local police
Guard members patrolling outside a Bass Pro Shops at the Memphis Pyramid were being escorted by a local police officer and posed for photos with visitors.
A new barracks task force aims to improve military living conditions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formed a new “barracks task force” to improve living conditions for U.S. service members in barracks across the globe.
Judge blocks National Guard deployment in Illinois for 2 weeks
A judge blocked the deployment of Guard troops in the Chicago area for two weeks, finding no substantial evidence that a “danger of rebellion” is brewing.
US sending about 200 troops to Israel to monitor Gaza ceasefire deal
Officials said CENTCOM is going to establish a coordination center in Israel that will help facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid, AP reported.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Register: Defense News Conference 2025
Military, government and industry leaders will gather to discuss the hot topic of "Deterring Threats from the Indo-Pacific"
Insurance Guide
Military Times has the latest 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
Military Movies & Video Games
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
FN to continue developing Army’s next-gen precision grenadier system
Creation of the next-gen system was influenced by real-time soldier feedback and battlefield priorities that continue to evolve in places like Ukraine.
Army expands MOS program that allows soldiers to skip certain training
Recruits who meet certain skill requirements are eligible to go into the service with modified training and at a higher rank than their peers.
Navy releases schedule of events for its 250th birthday
The service is commemorating its long history through a series of events taking place in Philadelphia and New Jersey from Oct. 9 to Oct. 16.
In other news
Opinion
Cruise missiles are the present and future of warfare
One need not wonder why the U.S., Russia and now China have invested so much in submarine-launched cruise missiles.
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
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."
By Clay Beyersdorfer
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
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.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Plotting the future of drone warfare | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.11.25
Can anything stop AI from evolving the nature of drone warfare? Plus, securing the Arctic amid an evolving threat landscape.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Transgender vet sues VA over decision to halt hormone therapy meds
VA officials in March announced plans to end all transgender-related health care programs, a move advocates say will hurt veterans.
Hegseth returns to Capitol Hill to defend Trump’s defense budget plan
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of June 8, 2025.
Advocates lament Pentagon policies targeting women’s military service
Veterans visited congressional offices this week to deliver messages of concern over recent Pentagon moves targeting the roles of women in the military.
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
Allvin calls Ukraine drone strikes a wake-up call for US air defense
The Air Force's top uniformed leader said that planners need to consider vulnerabilities at military sites once thought untouchable by enemy forces.
IAVA names former Marine Corps pilot Kyleanne Hunter as next CEO
Hunter becomes the second woman to lead the advocacy group's efforts in highlighting the challenges of young veterans.
Advocates push Senate to drop changes in 90/10 rule for vets benefits
A provision in the Republican-backed reconciliation bill would roll back restrictions on what federal funds for-profit colleges can receive.
Hegseth, Collins promise fixes to post-military transition programs
VA and Pentagon leaders plan to review veteran transition programs to ensure separating troops are getting the support they need.
Lingering cost worries cloud plans for veterans disability reform bill
Advocates hope to restart momentum in Congress this year on the Major Richard Star Act.
TSA trained to accept military IDs in lieu of REAL IDs, officials say
A military ID is an acceptable alternative to the REAL ID, which is now required for passengers boarding domestic flights in the United States.
By Karen Jowers