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‘A beans and rice diet’: Government watchdog finds issues with military cost of living pay
The Government Accountability Office found the DoD used a mix of unsound sampling practices and inconsistent processes to set cost of living payments.
US Marine Corps replaces Basic Reconnaissance Course with expanded training
The new Ground Reconnaissance Course is one of two programs replacing the service’s Basic Reconnaissance Course.
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Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
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Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
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
US withdrawing 5,000 troops from Germany, US officials say
The move comes as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.
US to close its flagship Gaza mission as Trump plan stalls
The U.S. military-run body tasked with monitoring the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and boosting aid to Gaza is set to be shut down, seven diplomats told Reuters.
Pentagon freezes out Anthropic as it signs deals with AI rivals
The Department of Defense announced on Friday that it had struck deals with seven leading artificial intelligence companies.
A history of the War Powers Resolution and what it means for the Iran war
This case of executive overreach by Nixon in Cambodia during the Vietnam War led to the passage of the War Powers Act on Nov. 7, 1973.
In other news
Hegseth supports bill eliminating offsets for combat-disabled military retirees
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he supports the Richard Star Act to give medically retired veterans full compensation.
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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Trump speech to Congress expected to key on Ukraine, national security
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of March 3, 2025.
Defense Health Agency director retires abruptly
Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland has retired as director of the Defense Health Agency, officials announced Friday.
By Karen Jowers
DOD civilians ordered to respond to ‘what did you do last week?’ email
In a memo, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that all employees will receive a new request for a five-point summation of their weekly accomplishments.
Trump berates Ukrainian president, says he’s ‘not ready for peace’
The U.S. president appeared to pull all support for Ukraine in its fight with Russia after an argumentative meeting in the Oval Office on Friday.
Trump names special ops vet Hung Cao as Navy Under Secretary
The former Virginia Senate candidate will serve the second-ranking civilian leader for the service.
Troops, veterans to see drop in life insurance costs
Troops and veterans will pay less for life insurance starting July 1.
By Karen Jowers
Navy secretary nominee blasts ‘systemic failures’ plaguing the fleet
John Phelan acknowledged his lack of military experience but insisted his business background makes him the right pick to lead the Navy and Marine Corps.
Disabled vets continue to struggle finding post-military employment
The latest survey by Wounded Warrior Project shows a higher unemployment rate for disabled veterans than their civilian peers.
Military spouses still face confusion in federal return-to-office rule
Democratic lawmakers are demanding immediate action to make clear that federally employed military spouses are exempt from the rule.
By Karen Jowers