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US strikes set back Iran’s nuclear program up to 2 years, DOD says
“We’re thinking probably closer to two years — like degraded their program by two years,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Wednesday.
Pentagon creates new military border zone in Arizona
The fourth national defense area created along the US-Mexico border will be an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in the Sonora Desert.
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Military History
Explore the depths of Ironbottom Sound with Bob Ballard’s team, live
Audiences will be able to embark on a real-time exploration of the waters surrounding Guadalcanal and the naval battles that changed the course of history.
Why it’s hard to know the damage the US did to Iran’s nuclear program
Opinion: Analysts will need more intelligence from more sources to make a confident judgment about the effects on Fordo and Iran’s broader nuclear efforts.
House passes Trump megabill with $150 billion in military funding
The bill includes $150 billion for the Pentagon, earmarked for shipbuilding, the Golden Dome and restocking precision weapons, among other priorities.
Illinois veteran bestowed military honors nearly a decade after death
An extraordinary cold case investigation revealed a formerly unidentified ward of the state to be a Women's Army Corps veteran.
In other news
Honolulu water agency sues US Navy over Red Hill fuel spill damage
The suit estimates it is costing $1.2 billion for the Board of Water Supply to clean up and protect Oʻahu’s drinking water wells.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
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.
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What’s in the Pentagon budget for 2026?
In a year without a large-scale DOD budget rollout, our reporters decipher what programs will receive Pentagon funding in fiscal 2026.
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The toilet paper war: A submariner’s battle against bureaucracy
In 1942, Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack battled for his boat to receive what he deemed a basic necessity: toilet paper.
All US military boots should be made in America, lawmakers contend
The bill requires all combat boots worn by U.S. service members, including optional boots, to be American-made.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Former Green Berets seek justice in Texas killing of Afghan teammate
Two months after Abdul Rahman Waziri was shot and killed outside his Houston home, authorities have yet to make an arrest despite identifying the shooter.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Senate passes Trump’s major policy bill with $150 billion for the DOD
Funding included in the bill would go toward shipbuilding, the Golden Dome homeland missile defense project, munitions and other key Pentagon priorities.
This US paratrooper faced down 100 Nazis and 2 tanks... and won
Pvt. John Towle who, faced with a company-size enemy force with armor support and comported himself like a one-man anti-tank unit.
By Jon Guttman
No ‘significant’ mover capacity problems expected for troops, DOD says
The DOD says a new task force is "fully engaged" in overseeing the process of troops' household goods moves during this peak season.
By Karen Jowers
Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites
Pilots and supporting service members involved in the complex airstrikes would be eligible for the new military medal.
Thousands of LGBTQ+ vets were promised pardons. Only 4 have succeeded.
Former President Joe Biden pledged to use his clemency powers to right ‘an historic wrong.’ Why did it fall so short of its promise?
By Leah Rosenbaum
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.
Iran’s supreme leader resurfaces to warn against future US attacks
Khamenei's speech, which went on for more than 10 minutes Thursday, was filled with warnings and threats directed toward the United States and Israel.
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.
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.
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.
Trump nominates Marine to be Navy’s new head lawyer
Maj. Gen. David Bligh would be the second Marine in the Navy's history to serve as the Navy JAG.
By Riley Ceder