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US launches new strikes on Iran after helicopter downed
The U.S. launched strikes against Iran on Tuesday after Trump said Tehran had shot down a U.S. Apache helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz.
Marine Corps looks to equip armored vehicles with 360-degree cameras
The goal is to allow crews to operate their vehicles – and enjoy full situational awareness – even while buttoned up with the hatches closed.
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Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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‘Flashpoint Campaigns: Cold War’ is the ultimate OODA Loop wargame
Flashpoint Campaigns is an OODA Loop-anchored computer wargame that depicts a hypothetical Warsaw Pact invasion of West Germany in 1989.
Pentagon reveals preferred munitions for one-way attack drones
The list includes Northrop Grumman and several startups competing to supply low-cost payloads compatible with any drone design.
US soldiers rescued by drone after Apache helicopter goes down near the coast of Oman
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command's Task Force 59 and the Army's 82nd Airborne Division led the rescue, with Air Force assets assisting, as well.
Former sailor charged with attempting to finance ISIS attack on US troops
Seaman Bareen Dzayee attempted to pay an ISIS member to murder U.S. service members overseas with drones and RPGs.
In other news
US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet strikes, disables oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln fired a precision munition into the vessel's engineering and steering spaces.
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 new tech and gear from Modern Day Marine | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 6.9.26
A remote turret that keeps you on target in heavy seas, and lightweight belt-fed options. Plus, advice from MOAA.
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Federal budget plans still in limbo as Memorial Day approaches
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 19, 2025.
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disability claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Thousands in West Region being booted out of military’s Tricare
Those who want to reinstate their coverage must do so by June 30.
By Karen Jowers
Felon hid dead uncle in trash can to keep stealing his vets benefits
A Missouri man has been charged with fraud and theft for concealing the death of his veteran uncle to continue collecting his disability checks.
VA’s online legacy project adds names of 210,000 vets lost overseas
The expansion of the veterans online memorial includes the names of almost 93,000 veterans killed overseas during World War II.
DOD educator unions sue Trump over collective bargaining rights
Unions representing DOD educators are challenging President Trump's executive order excluding federal workers from collective bargaining.
By Karen Jowers
DOD should fix parent notifications about alleged child abuse, IG says
DOD rules don't go far enough to ensure parents are aware of the specifics of allegations involving their children, the Inspector General found.
By Karen Jowers