Top stories
US strikes another alleged Venezuelan drug boat, killing 3, Trump says
The strike comes two weeks after another military strike on what the Trump administration says was a drug-carrying speedboat from Venezuela that killed 11.
Army imposes stricter grooming standards for hair, nails, makeup
The move rolls back looser standards published four years ago and seeks to maintain more conservative appearances for both men and women.
Latest
US Army reveals Typhon missile system in Japan
The move Monday comes as the U.S. and Japan increase their deterrence against China's growing assertiveness in the region.
Silent crashes: Hidden toll of brain trauma on naval aviators
Lawmakers are investigating whether the Navy ignored evidence of widespread traumatic brain injuries. For some pilots, the questions feel long overdue.
Venezuela says US Navy raided tuna boat in Caribbean as tensions rise
Personnel from a U.S. warship boarded a Venezuelan tuna boat while it was sailing in Venezuelan waters, Venezuela’s foreign minister said.
False threat led to Naval Academy lockdown and then mistaken shooting
A military official says a post on an anonymous chat platform triggered a lockdown at the U.S. Naval Academy this week.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Ending weight-loss med coverage for some military retirees is unlawful
DHA's decision to end the coverage violates the Pentagon's own regulations regarding Tricare for Life beneficiaries.
Marine vet eyes opening Tun Tavern replica in Philadelphia
Patrons may one day be able to visit a replica of the birthplace of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Opinion
Army undermines holistic health program with poor nutrition
Without measured improvement in food landscapes, the Army will continue to fund performance training while feeding a system that undermines it.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole’s life-changing legacy for caregivers
Sen. Elizabeth Dole is this year's recipient of the Military Times Chairman's Award.
In other news
Coast Guard team honored for response to DC air tragedy
A team from Station Washington were honored as the 2025 Coast Guardsmen of the Year for their work in the wake of a mid-air collision near the Pentagon.
‘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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
Back-to-school, military edition: why August is also admin hell
For civilians, August is a return to structure. For service members and veterans facing bureaucratic deadlines, it often feels like drowning in it.
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Honoring the 2025 Service Members of the Year | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.13.25
Selfless acts of bravery, grit and sacrifice are highlighted in a selection of profiles of the 2025 Service Members of the Year from Military Times.
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MORE STORIES
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
DOD educator unions sue Trump over collective bargaining rights
Unions representing DOD educators are challenging President Trump's executive order excluding federal workers from collective bargaining.
By Karen Jowers
DOD should fix parent notifications about alleged child abuse, IG says
DOD rules don't go far enough to ensure parents are aware of the specifics of allegations involving their children, the Inspector General found.
By Karen Jowers
Trump picks senior VA advisor to serve as top department watchdog
Cheryl Mason's shift from administration insider to department watchdog elicited concerns about her ability to be an independent voice on VA operations.
DOD working on recipe to improve food on military bases
The DOD is working on a coordinated attack to address food problems on bases.
By Karen Jowers
Dems blast Trump’s pick for military personnel policy as too combative
Nominee Anthony Tata offered a partial apology for past comments attacking Democrats and Trump critics as traitors.
VA shifts survivors assistance office in effort to speed up benefits
Officials hope to cut down on red tape for individuals seeking support and benefits after a veteran's death.
Controversial military personnel nominee faces Senate panel this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 5, 2025.
White House budget plan gives 4% boost for VA amid other agency cuts
VA would be one of only a few federal departments to see a funding increase under the president's $1.7 trillion budget plan.
Military families get another extension to ease Tricare West problems
But advocates question how much this move will help military families and medical providers.
By Karen Jowers