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Services ask defense secretary for exceptions to lax flu vaccine policy
The services sent a "robust set of exception" requests to a new Pentagon policy allowing personnel to decide whether to get the flu shot.
US Marines practice seizing remote islands in Philippine exercise
Based on Oahu, MADIS crews face limitations when live-firing at home, so Konien was enthusiastic about the opportunity to fire rounds and missiles abroad.
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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
Pentagon watchdog evaluating US military’s strikes on alleged drug boats
The Defense Department’s inspector general initiated an evaluation into the U.S. Southern Command's protocols when attacking suspected drug boats.
Pentagon policy isn’t keeping pace with autonomous weapons, senators argue
As the Trump administration seeks a massive investment in AI-driven systems, the DoD's policies on their use "lag behind," one senator said.
Trump edges toward new strikes on Iran
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper told lawmakers Tuesday he's ready to "execute a broad range of contingencies" depending on how negotiations go.
More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Europe should "absolutely" expect additional U.S. troop withdrawals as NATO allies provide more of their own defense.
In other news
After 7 years, Space Force’s first paratrooper takes to the skies
Lt. Col. Mark Natale jumped from a Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules into the Sullivan Drop Zone at Fort Carson, Colorado, on April 24.
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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More troops may soon get access to expanded food options
Services will be testing programs that allow troops to use their common access cards outside of standard dining facilities.
By Karen Jowers
Lawmakers move to further restrict cellphones in DOD schools
Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue, says DODEA.
By Karen Jowers
Troops will see an average 4.2% boost in 2026 housing allowance
Service members will see a 4.2% bump, on average, in their monthly Basic Allowance for Housing as of Jan. 1, defense officials announced Thursday.
By Karen Jowers
70 commissaries will offer customers doorstep delivery within a month
Here's the list of 70 commissaries that will have doorstep delivery service by Jan. 11.
By Karen Jowers
Army OB-GYN charged with secretly filming dozens at Fort Hood
Maj. Blaine McGraw has been charged with four counts and 61 specifications for allegedly secretly filming women during medical exams.
By Eve Sampson
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.
By Hope Hodge Seck
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.
By Karen Jowers
Five minutes of chaos: How the Navy shot down its own jet
A long pattern of rushed training and failed equipment contributed to the embarrassing and costly error, a recently published command investigation found.
By Hope Hodge Seck
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
Penny for your thoughts: Military stores to modify change policies
After the U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies, various stores, including military shops, are running out of the coins.
By Karen Jowers