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Pentagon to request $848 billion in delayed base budget release
Defense officials argued the spending request should also include another spending bill in Congress, which would bring the total closer to $961 billion.
Hegseth defends Iran strike after initial report doubted its effect
In a fiery press conference, the defense secretary attacked media outlets that reported on a U.S. intelligence report about the attacks.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Opinion
Valor may not expire, but award recognition should have limits
Opinion: The Valor Has No Expiration Act ignores why limitations on valor awards like the Medal of Honor matter.
Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings
The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
In other news
Fort named after Gen. Robert E. Lee will now honor a Buffalo Soldier
Fort Gregg-Adams, formerly Fort Lee, was in 2023 the first Army base to be named for Black Americans. Now, it'll be the first named for a Buffalo Solider.
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
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VIDEOS
How do you recruit for a cyber army of the near future?
The military needs to create a next-gen cyber force. How will it go about doing it, and who will it recruit? Our panel weighs in.
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MORE STORIES
VA leaders working with DOGE but say veterans’ personal info is secure
An employee from the controversial new department will review VA contracts and IT system operations, VA officials confirmed.
Collins becomes first post-9/11 vet to be confirmed as VA secretary
The former Georgia congressman was easily confirmed to lead the nation's delivery of veterans benefits and health care.
VA will end remote work status for thousands of staffers this month
The move to end telework at VA follows instructions from the White House to return most federal employees to their pre-pandemic duty stations.
Vets group blasts Trump plane crash comments as ‘shameful’
The president on Thursday suggested that programs to hire workers with disabilities may have lead to the aircraft collision that killed 67 people.
Defense Department dumps travel policy for troops seeking abortions
Defense leaders had provided travel stipends to troops who needed to cross state lines to seek abortion counseling.
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