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Price tag for Epic Fury tops $11 billion in first six days, Pentagon tells Congress
The figure omitted a range of war-related expenses and is likely to rise.
Navy to commission ship named after Medal of Honor recipient
USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will honor a Marine Corps veteran for his service during the Vietnam War.
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MilTech
US Marine Corps pursues thermal cloaks to hide troops from heat sensors
The U.S. Marine Corps is looking for camouflage cloaks that shield wearers from prying eyes and infrared cameras.
Ukraine’s top drone units to bring frontline lessons to Washington this month
Some of Ukraine’s best-known drone military commanders and experts will be visiting Washington later this month to brief policymakers and defense leaders.
Engineer acquitted of charges in probe into fatal 2017 Marine plane crash
A former Air Force engineer charged with making false statements and obstructing justice during a criminal investigation into the crash was acquitted.
Ecuador readies major offensive on criminal groups with US support
The announcement came days after Ecuador and the U.S. began joint military operations against organized crime groups in the South American country.
In other news
Former VA secretary to head national hunger relief organization
Denis McDonough’s appointment will follow the retirement of Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, who has served as Feeding America’s CEO since 2018.
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
CENTCOM says US destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels
Military officials say they targeted ships threatening traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
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MORE STORIES
Army Secretary pick says pay boost isn’t enough to fix recruiting woes
Increasing pay and benefits alone won't be enough to attract young people to the service, Army Secertary nominee Daniel Driscoll said.
VA leaders dismiss directors of offices for women, minority veterans
Officials said the staff changes are not part of larger efforts to eliminate diversity and inclusion programs from the department.
Hegseth strips Milley of security detail, orders investigation
The former Joint Chiefs chairman had warned that Trump may seek revenge against him and other critics if re-elected to the White House.
VA benefits won’t be halted under White House funding freeze order
White House officials said VA financial assistance programs do not violate rules banning diversity and inclusion efforts.
Tricare lets patients bypass TriWest problems slowing specialty care
A temporary waiver allows beneficiaries to take their referral from a primary care manager directly to a specialist without waiting for approval.
By Karen Jowers
VA, DOD oversight questioned after Trump inspector general firings
The top watchdogs for the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs were among the individuals dismissed by Trump.
No schedule yet for service secretary confirmation hearings
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 27, 2025.
VA places 60 staff on leave after shutting down DEI offices
The moves come after a White House executive order mandating an end to federal equity and inclusion efforts.
Lawmaker: Tricare West problems ‘actively harming military readiness’
A Washington lawmaker wants answers from the Defense Health Agency about what it's doing to address problems plaguing the TriWest transition.
By Karen Jowers
Outgoing DOD family official: ‘Don’t forget who you’re working for’
Patricia Barron connected with – and listened to – military spouses during her four years as head of DOD family policy.
By Karen Jowers