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More shutdown assistance offered through military stores
Extended period of interest-free commissary purchases and reduced-price meals for DOD school students affected by the government shutdown are available.
VA tech glitch halts GI Bill payments to thousands, advocates say
Up to 75,000 GI Bill recipients have been left without their anticipated payments for school and housing.
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Pentagon & Congress
Senate votes down measure to limit Trump’s ability to strike Venezuela
Senate Republicans have rejected legislation that would have put a check on President Donald Trump’s ability to launch an attack against Venezuela.
Dick Cheney, former vice president and defense secretary, dies at 84
Cheney led the armed forces as defense chief during the Persian Gulf War and later was a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq.
Supreme Court weighs if contractor can be sued for wartime negligence
Justices were skeptical Monday that the case was an exception to other lawsuits against defense contractors, which usually get immunity in such litigation.
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.
In other news
Citing Christian persecution, Trump hints at military use in Nigeria
Discussion of military action comes as the president ramped up allegations that Nigeria is failing to rein in persecution of its Christian population.
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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Army aviation changes and AI developments | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 11.1.25
What changes are coming to the Army’s aviation wing? Plus, the challenges of developing AI-powered ground systems. That and more from AUSA 2025.
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MORE STORIES
Congress readies troop pay protections as federal shutdown looms again
If lawmakers do not pass a new budget bill by March 14, funding for most federal programs and serives will run out.
VA to speed up health records system rollout, with new sites this year
A previous plan to deploy the controversial health records system to more VA hospitals in mid-2026 was short-sighted and slow, the new VA secretary said.
VA secretary insists massive staff cuts needed to refocus department
Secretary Doug Collins confirmed leaders are looking at trimming 80,000 workers to slim down the growing VA bureaucracy.
Trump to launch new White House office focused on shipbuilding
The president said the new effort will focus on ways to "resurrect the American shipbuilding industry."
First Black officer to earn Medal of Honor sacrificed all in Vietnam
Many of Pitts’ soldiers believed they would not have made it through the ordeal had it not been for the leadership of their CO.
By Jon Guttman
Senator invites fired VA inspector general as guest for Trump speech
Michael Missal served as the VA's top watchdog for eight years, during which he identified $45 billion in potential savings and questionable expenditures.
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