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Lawmakers move to further restrict cellphones in DOD schools
Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue, says DODEA.
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.
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US admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America retires
Adm. Alvin Holsey's retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October, over a month into the Trump administration’s strikes on suspected drug boats.
V-22 Osprey at risk of more ‘catastrophic’ mishaps, Navy review finds
Following major mishaps, the military’s first tiltrotor aircraft program must take “immediate and decisive action” to avoid more loss, a review found.
These Army-Navy game players would go on to receive the Medal of Honor
Eleven cadets and midshipmen who played for their service academies would go on to receive the nation's highest award for valor.
House passes defense policy bill that pushes boat strike video release
The NDAA would withhold 25% of Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth's travel budget until he sends lawmakers videos of controversial strikes on alleged drug boats.
In other news
A drone ‘war is more silent and more deadly’ — and America is behind
If the U.S. is ever dragged into a large-scale war against an adversary like China or Iran, it will be ill-equipped for a drone-heavy background.
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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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
VA fires 1,400 more staffers in second round of workforce reductions
About 2,500 VA workers have been forced out of their jobs in the last few weeks.
VA secretary emphasizes reforms, accountability for federal workforce
In his first public address to a veterans group, Doug Collins outlined plans to broaden VA benefits and cut back bureaucracy.
Nominees for Navy secretary, No. 2 Pentagon post to face lawmakers
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Feb. 24, 2025.
Lawmakers warn Hegseth against political firings of generals
A bipartisan group of lawmakers asked Hegseth for justifications and transparency before any decisions to dismiss senior uniformed leaders.
Cuts to staff, budget will boost military strength, Hegseth says
Hegseth promised to reinvest budget savings in other military programs and jettison civilian workers who are not living up to expectations.
White House eyes 8% cut to defense budget to boost Trump priorities
The move could reduce defense spending projections by hundreds of billions of dollars over the next five years.
VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families
Military families are struggling to get medical appointments as some health care providers drop Tricare beneficiaries due to lack of payment.
By Karen Jowers