Congress poised to pass annual defense authorization bill this week

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Dec. 11, 2023.

The Pentagon working group to combat extremism could be finished

The Countering Extremist Activity Working Group was established in 2021 to address an increase in concerning behavior among troops.

Defense bill calls for outside scrutiny of Marines’ modernization plan

A provision in Congress' not-yet-final annual defense authorization bill calls for "an independent review, assessment, and analysis" of Force Design 2030.

Services scramble to promote senior leaders after Tuberville hold

The services are working through a backlog of hundreds of promotions for senior military leaders.

Why more vets should work in shipyards, according to Marine leader

A dearth of workers is the biggest challenge for the U.S. shipbuilding industry, naval advocates say.

Army-Navy game inspires rivalry spirit videos

Some of this year's spirit videos heading into the annual Army-Navy game.

Officers whose nominations were blocked in Senate could get back pay

A Senate proposal would award retroactive pay and benefits to senior leaders who waited months for confirmation due to a political standoff.

Nearly half of Naval Academy football players become Marines

Since 2014, 46% of the team’s players have traded in their cleats for eagle, globe and anchor pins.

Opinion

Communication of intent and the importance of language to deterrence

The Biden administration’s rhetoric may be critical to deter not only escalation, but to stop persistent attacks in the Middle East.

More delays in improving the process for moving troops’ belongings

New information shows there are tens of thousands of service members and families who aren't satisfied with their moves.

Attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria have resumed, Pentagon says

Attacks have returned after a week-long pause in late November.

Jill Biden helps launch new employer challenge for military spouses

The spouse employment initiative is an effort to "stave off a national security crisis."

Defense bill drops disputed abortion provisions in final compromise

The annual defense authorization bill contains a 5.2% pay raise for troops and a host of other policy renewals needed for military operations.

Jill Biden tells military children, ‘You teach us how to be brave’

It was the first year Jill Biden has hosted her annual Toys for Tots event at the White House rather than at a local military base.

Political fights aren’t discouraging recruits, military recruiters say

Service officials said one of their biggest obstacles is explaining the basics of military service to teenagers who rarely interact with veterans.

Opinion

US troops can declare victory in 3M class action lawsuit

While the settlement can never restore the hearing loss suffered by the plaintiffs, it is a victory for the veterans who had the tenacity to file the suit.