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Only 1 in 4 F-35s is fully mission capable, GAO finds
The F-35’s readiness rates continued to decline through fiscal 2025, with the fleet’s full mission capable rate falling to 25%, according to a GAO report.
‘Sounds like a mutiny’: Secret recording exposes claims of toxic leadership after a Marine’s suicide
A War Horse investigation points to systemic failures before and after the death of Cpl. Drew Mobley, whose suicide was the unit's third in two years.
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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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Pentagon & Congress
Trump vows to seize Iran’s Kharg Island
Kharg Island, the linchpin of Iran’s oil industry, has once more come under focus amid a fraying ceasefire.
Air Force cites DEI ban in cancellation of wreath-laying honoring women vets
An Air Force spokesperson acknowledged that the service “declined participation in compliance with Executive Orders … and DoW guidance.”
Veterans face higher hurdles in military sexual trauma claims, report finds
Veterans filing disability claims for military sexual assault or harassment face barriers to receiving compensation for their service-connected conditions.
Pentagon to launch ‘Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay’ program
The initative, dubbed Cyber Mastery Incentive Pay, is slated to begin in early October.
In other news
VA introduces new electronic health records system to four additional sites
The VA continues to adopt a new electronic medical record system, rolling it out to hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky on Saturday.
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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Video shows aftermath of B-52 Stratofortress crash at Edwards Air Force Base
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed June 15 shortly after taking off from the Edwards Air Force Base in California, the base said.
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VA chief of staff stepping down from leadership post next month
Kimberly Jackson has served as the VA's top advisor since last fall, and will leave the post in mid-July.
Grand jury indicts CEO of military privatized housing company
The Michaels Organization CEO has taken a leave of absence to "focus on vigorously defending himself" against racketeering allegations, the company said.
By Karen Jowers
Chinese military’s rifle-toting robot dogs raise concerns in Congress
Lawmakers want U.S. military officials to examine the threat posed by new Chinese robot dogs armed with rifles.
Southern border mission has no military value, Guard chief warns
Gen. Daniel Hokanson said the ongoing southern border mission is not helping troops improve military readiness.
Americans want more intervention in foreign affairs: poll
A new survey found a significant increase in support for American involvement in international challenges.
Congress’ defense fight to focus on pay raises, total military spending
Here’s a look at the major differences in the House and Senate bills, and the debates ahead.
VA to add male breast cancer, two other conditions to presumptive list
The addition of three new cancers to the list of conditions presumed to be caused by military service will speed up disability benefits for some vets.
Marine training shifts may add tech, change officer assignments
The Corps is evaluating the "quality spread" policy for new officer job field assignments.
By Todd South
GOP green lights FY25 defense bill, but more social fights ahead
Abortion, diversity training and COVID prevention are again hot-button issues in the military appropriations plan for next year.
Breastfeeding troops can recoup cost of shipping milk during PCS moves
A new Pentagon policy allows troops to be reimbursed up to $1,000 to help cover the cost of shipping breast milk back to a baby during military moves.
By Karen Jowers