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Marine Corps may charter more commercial vessels amid experimentation efforts
The charter agreement, the Corps' second since 2021, allows the service to experiment without having to invest heavily in in-house shipbuilding.
He earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. Why did it take decades to receive it?
A June Medal of Honor ceremony concluded a 20-year struggle that profoundly shaped the latter decades of retired Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr.'s life.
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Pentagon & Congress
Billboard campaign in military cities connects Iran war to high prices
More than 1,000 billboards have gone up near military installations tying the Iran conflict to higher consumer prices.
Some military barracks ‘chronically neglected’ due to $285 billion in maintenance backlogs, GAO finds
A GAO report found that the department underperforms in funding maintenance needs as recommended by its Facilities Sustainment Model.
Opinion
Every combat medic is trained for the wound. We should train them for what comes next.
Every combat medic is trained to treat wounds. They should also be trained for the mental aspect that follows, an Army combat medic writes in this op-ed.
Pentagon dubs M18 handgun ‘safe and reliable’ after review
The Pentagon has dubbed the M18 handgun "safe and reliable," with officials blaming safety concerns on “public speculation and online misinformation.”
In other news
US judge orders release of woman accused of vandalism at World War II Memorial
A U.S. judge ordered the release of a Kentucky woman who was accused of vandalism at the World War II Memorial.
VIDEOS
Insight on the art of scaling up missile production | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 8.25.26
A panel of military and defense industry experts weigh the options for increasing U.S. missile production. Plus, military headlines from around the globe.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
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.”
By J.D. Simkins
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.
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MORE STORIES
VA could save millions by tracking medical gear better, study finds
Nearly 10% of reusable medical equipment in VA hospitals is either missing or unneeded, a department watchdog report says.
That’s not a real soldier: campaign warns troops, families of AI scams
Advocates are raising alarms about how easily criminals can fabricate faces and voices in their efforts to cheat veterans and active-duty troops.
White House officials to attend funeral of Afghan vet turned advocate
After Army Sgt. Michael Verardo was injured in Afghanistan in 2010, his family spent years pushing for better care for veterans and caregivers.
Another federal shutdown threat looms as Congress heads back to DC
Democratic leaders want answers on a path towards compromise on a host of federal budget fights before the end of next month.
Stretch your grocery dollars with bigger commissary deals in September
Sidewalk sale dates vary by commissary location, but some start as soon as Sept. 1.
By Karen Jowers
Tricare to end coverage of weight-loss meds for some military retirees
Advocates are pushing back against Tricare's plan to end its coverage of weight-loss drugs for Tricare for Life beneficiaries by Aug. 31.
By Karen Jowers
Military spouse paid fellowship program expanding, with more money
DOD will increase the stipend it pays during the 12-week fellowship. Current pilot program will close to new applications on Sept. 1.
By Karen Jowers
Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Trump, Hegseth float renaming Defense Department to Department of War
The military bureaucracy has used the Department of Defense name for 76 years, but President Trump said he doesn't like the title.
Tricare wants your feedback on its website experience
Got an opinion on the Tricare.mil website? Want to help improve it? Now’s your chance to provide feedback.
By Karen Jowers