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US Marines help gun down beach invaders in simulated Philippines defense
Afterwards, as the repulsed “enemy” withdrew in disorder, a coup de grace was delivered by an explosive-laden, first-person-view drone.
Pentagon asks Congress to codify ‘Department of War,’ estimates $52 million cost
Only Congress has the authority to permanently rename executive department names, and it has not yet changed the title of the Department of Defense.
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Pentagon & Congress
Iran war has cost $25 billion so far, Pentagon official says
Acting comptroller Jules Hurst III, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, said that the bulk of the figure has been devoted to ordnance.
Trump showcases US military in King Charles White House visit
Hundreds of U.S. service members took part in welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House on Tuesday.
How a band of Marines staved off the British and helped save the Declaration of Independence
Despite the military disaster at Bladensburg, the Marines gave the men and women of the capital precious time to flee.
Pentagon’s FY27 budget seeks 85 F-35s, but most ride on reconciliation
The Pentagon’s fiscal 2027 budget request seeks 85 F-35 Lightning II fighters across the joint force, up from 47 in fiscal 2026.
In other news
What we know about the US military’s new joint laser weapon system
The Army-Navy effort aims to produce a containerized 150-kilowatt high-energy laser weapon to counter incoming cruise missiles.
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.”
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.
‘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?
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The Navy absorbs lessons from Epic Fury | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 4.28.26
At the Navy League of the United States’ recent conference, Navy leaders digest lessons from the U.S. campaign in the Middle East and look to the future.
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MORE STORIES
Troops have been paid again, but what comes next?
The government pulled together funds to pay troops Oct. 15 and now Nov. 1, but officials said it’s doubtful they'll be paid again if the shutdown persists.
By Karen Jowers
Military medical facilities aim to woo back Medicare-eligible patients
21 military treatment facilities are prioritizing bringing back Tricare for Life patients.
By Karen Jowers
Shutdown causes turmoil for some military families’ food assistance
In the most recent DOD survey of active-duty military spouses, about 7% said they were using WIC benefits and 1% said they were using SNAP.
By Karen Jowers
How long can military commissaries stay open if shutdown continues?
Commissary officials expect to be able to "sprint through Thanksgiving."
By Karen Jowers
Latest US strike on alleged drug-running boat kills 6, Hegseth says
It's the 10th strike on a vessel suspected of carrying drugs, with Hegseth blaming the Tren de Aragua gang for operating the vessel in the Caribbean.
Here’s the 2026 cost-of-living boost for veterans, military retirees
The Cost of Living Adjustment takes effect in January and is set based on the rate of inflation.
By Karen Jowers
Judge orders ‘immediate’ return of books removed from 5 DOD schools
The censored items included materials about slavery, Native American history, women’s history, LGBTQ history, and preventing sexual harassment and abuse.
By Karen Jowers
Netflix drops trailer for upcoming ‘Marines’ documentary
All four episodes are set to air on the service’s 250th birthday on Nov. 10.
He was awarded a Silver Star for a battle the US said never happened
On Aug. 11, 2025, 57 years after the battle, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced the recovery of James Henry Calfee from Lima Site 85.
By Richard Sisk
Troops and families: How has the shutdown affected you?
Military Times wants to hear about your experience during the federal government shutdown.
By Karen Jowers