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Troops to get 3.8% pay raise under proposed defense bill
The proposed NDAA also includes a boost in family separation allowance, among other policy alterations designed to improve troops’ quality of life.
Corps IDs Marine killed in tactical vehicle accident
Pfc. Tanner F. Rubio, 21, died Dec. 3 following a tactical training vehicle mishap.
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Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon taps Google Gemini, launches new site to boost AI use
Hegseth said the U.S. must stay ahead of adversaries who are working to take advantage of rapid technology advancements, like the development of AI.
Navy report on Truman crash cites fatigue, poor seamanship as factors
The 65-page report details the specific errors that led to the USS Harry S. Truman's collision with a merchant vessel on Feb. 12 near Port Said, Egypt.
Is carrier Wi-Fi distracting sailors? Jet mishap probe raises concerns
The arrival of readily accessible Wi-Fi onboard ships is reducing crews’ commitment to professional excellence, the investigation found.
Lawmakers move to block effort to privatize military commissaries
Lawmakers have moved to prevent the Defense Department from privatizing military commissaries as part of Congress’ proposed compromise defense policy bill.
In other news
Proposed defense bill would fund Golden Dome, next-gen fighters
The proposed NDAA would authorize $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending in fiscal 2026, an $8 billion increase over DOD's budget request.
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.
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?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
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.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
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MORE STORIES
How one Japanese vessel spectacularly failed at Pearl Harbor
Even before the first Japanese bomb fell, the HA-19 and four other Type A midget submarines were meant to deal the first blow to the “sleeping giant."
The pajama pilot over Pearl Harbor
Philip M. Rasmussen was one of the few American pilots to get into the air in the skies on Dec. 7, 1941. He was still in his pajamas.
By Philip M. Rasmussen
In plain sight: The Pearl Harbor spy
Using simple observation, a Japanese spy in Pearl Harbor collected crucial information. His full story, however, remains hidden.
By Brian Walsh
Hegseth defends strikes on alleged cartel boats
Hegseth has defended U.S. military strikes on alleged drug cartel boats, saying Trump has the right to take military action “as he sees fit.”
By David Klepper, The Associated Press
Corps IDs Marine killed in tactical vehicle accident
Pfc. Tanner F. Rubio, 21, died Dec. 3 following a tactical training vehicle mishap.
By J.D. Simkins
The 101st Airborne and the history of the real ‘screaming eagle’
While the bald eagle is a national emblem, the 101st’s screaming eagle insignia pays homage to a genuine war bird from the Civil War.
US raid allegedly killed undercover agent instead of IS official
A raid by U.S. forces and a Syrian group aiming to capture an Islamic State official instead reportedly killed a local man who was working to gather intel.
Don’t miss these Tricare and other health benefits deadlines
It's time for Tricare beneficiaries to review health care plans and flexible spending accounts for health care and child care.
By Karen Jowers
IG finds Hegseth risked endangering Houthi mission with Signal use
The Pentagon pointed to the IG's conclusion that Hegseth had the authority to declassify the strike information as an exoneration.
Admiral says there was no ‘kill them all’ order in boat attack
Democrats who were also briefed and saw video of the survivors being killed questioned the Trump administration’s rationale.
Navy admiral who oversaw strike on boat survivors to brief lawmakers
Discussions with Adm. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, comes as Congress looks into the actions of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Camp Pendleton Marine killed in tactical training vehicle mishap
The incident occurred during routine training aboard the base, the service announced.
By J.D. Simkins
Family of man killed in US strike files human rights challenge
The family of a Colombian man has filed a formal challenge to U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats.
By Regina Garcia Cano, The Associated Press
Medal of Honor recipients to receive larger stipends under new law
Living Medal of Honor recipients will now receive around $67,500 in annual honorarium under a new law signed Monday by President Donald Trump.
By Patricia Kime
The Japanese American ‘draft dodgers’ of WWII
In 1944, a few hundred U.S.-born Japanese Americans defied their draft orders, citing the constitutional rights of the interned Nisei.
Bill would raise VA compensation for severely injured vets, survivors
A congressional bill would raise VA compensation for survivors and severely injured veterans, but lawmakers are sparring over its estimated cost.
By Patricia Kime