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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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Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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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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DOD needs to shore up help for troops with gambling problems, GAO says
More clarity is needed to define who's responsible for certain steps to prevent and treat gambling disorder among troops, government auditors said.
By Karen Jowers
Here’s how looming government shutdown could affect troops, families
Lawmakers are pushing for military pay to continue. Some operations, like child care, may vary from base to base.
By Karen Jowers
Some Navy families see delays in child care assistance payments
Payments, normally made within 10 days, are taking up to 45 days in some cases.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon takes step toward potentially privatizing commissaries
Defense officials want to know if private grocers and investors could operate commissaries while maintaining the commissary benefit.
By Karen Jowers
Elmo and friends help military families build healthy habits
Military families asked for ways to incorporate habits into their busy lives to keep their young children healthy. Sesame Workshop delivered.
By Karen Jowers
Experts debunk DOD claim about autism therapy, demand its availability
A new report urges the DOD to provide Applied Behavior Analysis as a basic benefit for the one in 28 military children diagnosed with autism.
By Karen Jowers
DOD needs more feedback from troops in future PCS moves, GAO finds
More comprehensive feedback from troops and families can help DOD assess movers' performance, Government Accountability Office auditors said.
By Karen Jowers