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Retired Navy officer takes helm of DOD’s military health care
Bass' top priorities include improving medical readiness and stabilizing the Military Health System.
The ace of aces: This Marine Corps aviator shot down 23 enemy planes
As a member of Guadalcanal's "Cactus Air Force," Joe Foss made an enduring mark.
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Veterans
‘One chance to get it right’: VA secretary pledges VHA improvements
A planned overhaul of the Veterans Health Administration will improve veterans care, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said Monday.
Pentagon is embracing Musk’s Grok AI chatbot as it draws global outcry
Hegseth announced that Grok will soon go live in DOD and that “all appropriate data” from military IT systems would be available for "AI exploitation."
Pentagon clarifies Hegseth’s ‘putting hands on recruits’ statement
The Defense Department has added more context to provocative comments Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made about aggressive troop training.
Kelly sues Pentagon over attempts to punish him
Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly sued the Pentagon on Monday over attempts to punish him for his warnings about illegal orders.
In other news
Lawmakers introduce bill to broaden brain injury treatment for vets
Under the legislation, a TBI Innovation Grant Program would award up to $30 million in grants through 2028 to non-VA health care providers, among others.
Why most of military life rarely makes the screen
Between training and combat exists a long stretch of routine and waiting. Those experiences remain largely absent from military portrayals in film and TV.
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
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.
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VIDEOS
Military action in Venezuela: details and analysis | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 1.9.26
A remarkable operation by U.S. forces to capture the president of Venezuela grabs the world’s attention. Defense News looks at how the mission unfolded.
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MORE STORIES
The storied ship that almost sank — with the Unknown Soldier on it
Lashed to the bow of the USS Olympia, the Unknown Soldier and his detachment of Marines battled a storm that threatened to sink them.
Navy F-35 pilots train to wield drones with touchscreen tablets
These autonomous unmanned systems, operating with artificial intelligence, can be used as “loyal wingmen” by aviators.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
How a Marine lost over 100 pounds ahead of basic training enrollment
A recent Marine Corps basic training graduate who once weighed 290 pounds lost more than 100 pounds over two years to meet Marine enlistment standards.
US intercepts fifth sanctioned tanker
The U.S. military says U.S. forces have boarded another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea as the Trump administration continues to target sanctioned tankers.
This gunner is the only sailor buried at sea — inside his plane
Loyce Edward Deen survived the battle of Leyte Gulf only to be cut down in a mop-up effort a week later.
Senate advances resolution to limit Trump’s war powers after Venezuela
The Senate advanced a resolution Thursday that would limit President Donald Trump’s ability to conduct further attacks against Venezuela.
Trump proposes massive increase in 2027 defense spending to $1.5T
President Donald Trump is proposing setting U.S. military spending at $1.5 trillion in 2027, citing “troubled and dangerous times.”
US seizes 2 oil tankers linked to Venezuela
The Trump administration intends to control the distribution of Venezuela’s oil products globally following its ouster of Maduro in a surprise raid.
By Josh Boak, The Associated Press
During his 78th mission, this pilot came up against an unexpected foe
Merlyn Dethlefsen was dubbed “taciturn, a born-again Christian, and not at all the typical fighter pilot," yet his exploits proved otherwise.
By Jon Guttman
DOD launches review of ‘effectiveness’ of women in ground combat roles
Army and Marine Corp leaders will submit data on readiness, training, performance, casualties and command climate of ground combat units and personnel.
By Tanya Noury
‘This was surgical’: The tactics behind the Maduro mission
The entire mission hinged on a narrow break in Venezuela’s weather. When that window opened, the U.S. military moved fast.
By Eve Sampson
He turned down a trip home from the Korean War, then earned the MOH
Lloyd Burke's 13-month tour in Korea was at an end when he decided to turn back — and received the Medal of Honor in the process.
By Jon Guttman