Top stories
VA’s review of disability claims for fraud won’t include past filings, officials say
Using a Microsoft data analytics program, the VA program will use information gleaned from DBQ forms to identify patterns that could indicate fraud.
Sailors aboard USS Gerald R. Ford reportedly lost their beds amid fire
Some sailors are sleeping on floors and tables because of the damage.
Latest
Top Trump official resigns over Iran, blaming Israel for march to war
"I cannot support sending the next generation off to fight and die in a war that serves no benefit to the American people," the official said.
An Afghan man who worked with the US military dies in ICE custody
A cause of death is still pending from the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office. But the man's family said he was not ill.
Number of US troops wounded in war against Iran rises to about 200
The U.S. military’s Central Command said the vast majority of those wounded had suffered minor injuries and 180 troops had already returned to duty.
The US has several options to counter Iranian mines. These are some key assets.
The U.S. Navy decommissioned its only four minesweepers in the Middle East last year, but still maintains other countermine capabilities it can deploy.
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Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
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Military Times has the latest information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
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Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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MilTech
US Navy taps Gecko Robotics to help remedy maintenance headaches
Gecko deploys AI and robotics on 18 ships assigned to the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet
Patriot air defense interception is costly: Here’s how it works
The system has become a key tool for protecting bases and infrastructure from aerial attacks, but at a high cost.
VA’s review of disability claims for fraud won’t include past filings, officials say
Using a Microsoft data analytics program, the VA program will use information gleaned from DBQ forms to identify patterns that could indicate fraud.
Marines approve red dot optics for pistol qualification — under one condition
The Marine Corps is embracing pistol-mounted optics, but only if your unit picks up the tab.
In other news
Opinion
Tesla’s Cybertruck may be wrong for some. Could it be right for the battlefield?
The author of this op-ed discusses how the Tesla Cybertruck could offer a unique platform to carry anti-drone systems.
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.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
When veterans take the pen, war stories start to change
Hollywood has never lacked war stories. But it has often lacked veteran storytellers telling them.
How MREs inspired today’s meal-delivery industry
The MRE has to survive heat, cold, impact and time. And it has to do all of that at scale. Sound familiar?
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VIDEOS
The impact of US interceptors on the Iran war | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 3.17.26
Since the beginning, part of the war in Iran has been a contest of Iranian missiles and drones versus U.S. interceptors. How is the matchup shaking out?
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MORE STORIES
Santa’s elves have been busy bringing cheer to military families
Santa takes time for train rides with military families through Alaska, and to attend parties with gifts and treats.
By Karen Jowers
Military recruiting off to ‘strong start’ for fiscal 2026, DOD says
Overall, the services met an average of 103% of their active-duty recruiting goals for fiscal 2025, according to the Defense Department.
By Karen Jowers
Military lawyer swiftly fired after defying Trump deportation push
An Army Reserve lawyer detailed as a federal immigration judge has been fired after granting asylum at a high rate.
Raw sewage, broken AC, bugs: Report reveals squalor at border mission
The visits uncovered “unsanitary conditions in bathroom facilities,” specifically “leaking raw sewage, non-functional toilets, and general disrepair..."
By Eve Sampson
‘Warrior dividend’ is on the way to troops, Trump says
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, troops will receive $1,776 before Christmas, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday.
By Karen Jowers
Trump pays tribute to 2 Iowa Guard soldiers, vows retaliation
A gray C-17 transport plane landed on U.S. soil with the remains of Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres Tovar and Ayad Mansoor Sakat.
By Tanya Noury
Hegseth orders overhaul of Chaplain Corps
In a Tuesday video message, Hegseth said he intends to “make the Chaplain Corps great again,” by restoring its focus on religious ministry.
By Eve Sampson
Air Force amends medical shaving guidelines to fit Hegseth’s standards
A Monday memo outlines new medical guidance for airmen and guardians shaving profiles ahead of the new year.
More troops may soon get access to expanded food options
Services will be testing programs that allow troops to use their common access cards outside of standard dining facilities.
By Karen Jowers