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Services ask defense secretary for exceptions to lax flu vaccine policy
The services sent a "robust set of exception" requests to a new Pentagon policy allowing personnel to decide whether to get the flu shot.
US Marines practice seizing remote islands in Philippine exercise
Based on Oahu, MADIS crews face limitations when live-firing at home, so Konien was enthusiastic about the opportunity to fire rounds and missiles abroad.
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Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon watchdog evaluating US military’s strikes on alleged drug boats
The Defense Department’s inspector general initiated an evaluation into the U.S. Southern Command's protocols when attacking suspected drug boats.
Pentagon policy isn’t keeping pace with autonomous weapons, senators argue
As the Trump administration seeks a massive investment in AI-driven systems, the DoD's policies on their use "lag behind," one senator said.
Trump edges toward new strikes on Iran
CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper told lawmakers Tuesday he's ready to "execute a broad range of contingencies" depending on how negotiations go.
More US troop withdrawals from Europe expected, NATO commander says
Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Europe should "absolutely" expect additional U.S. troop withdrawals as NATO allies provide more of their own defense.
In other news
After 7 years, Space Force’s first paratrooper takes to the skies
Lt. Col. Mark Natale jumped from a Marine Corps KC-130 Hercules into the Sullivan Drop Zone at Fort Carson, Colorado, on April 24.
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 STORIES
After delay, Senate confirms Sam Brown to lead VA memorial affairs
The combat-wounded veteran and former Senate hopeful will oversee operations at hundreds of VA cemeteries and memorial sites.
Longer assignments coming soon for troops heading to South Korea
Longer tours will bring more stability for military forces and improve readiness and service members' quality of life, officials said.
By Karen Jowers
Nonprofit helps expand child care for military families in five states
Summer camps and more care for school-aged children will help ease shortages in five locations.
By Karen Jowers
Advocates worry new White House order on homelessness could hurt vets
A White House plan would make it easier for local officials to force homeless veterans off the streets and into medical or criminal institutions.
Work on annual defense authorization bill will wait until September
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 28, 2025.
CENTCOM strike kills ISIS leader in Syria amid US troop drawdown
American officials said that Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani posed a threat to U.S. and allied forces.
DOD trying to head off problems with troops’ household goods moves
PCS task force working to solve troops' real-time household goods moving problems.
By Karen Jowers
Trump pick to lead VA health care reopens fight over ‘choice’ for vets
John Bartrum, nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Health, said he wants more freedom for veterans to use medical care options outside the department.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
Over 20 million DOD users to get new online login verification process
The new myAuth system replaces the legacy DS Logon system, which authenticates users onto more than 200 Defense Department and Veterans Affairs websites.
By Karen Jowers