J.D. Simkins
Executive Editor
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
Connect
All Stories By J.D.
Pensacola Marine arrested, named prime suspect in murder of escort
Willie Ellington, 20, was taken into custody Dec. 18 by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office on charges of first-degree premeditated murder.
A look into the remarkable life of Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart
Harry Stewart got all three of his aerial victories on one sortie.
Oculus founder wants to help troops ‘surpass the limits of human form’
Anduril, founded by Oculus Rift creator Palmer Luckey, is taking over the Army's $22 billion program to create an augmented-reality headset.
No plans to draw down US troops in Europe for now, Hegseth says
Top defense officials will conduct a reivew of U.S. troops deployed worldwide to determine future personnel levels overseas.
Ukraine’s rare earth elements could help keep US military aid flowing
Ukraine has offered to strike a deal with President Trump for continued U.S. military aid in exchange for developing Ukraine’s mineral industry.
DOD issues new rules limiting care, enlistment for transgender troops
Secretary Hegseth issued a memo to block transgender people from enlisting and cut off gender-related medical care for those who already serve.
Hegseth signs order to restore Fort Bragg name — but with new angle
In a video he posted on X announcing he was renaming the base, Hegseth said, “That’s right. Bragg is back!”
Coast Guard suspends search for crew member missing in Eastern Pacific
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for Seaman Bryan K. Lee “pending the development of new information,” the service said.
Trump fires service academy boards that oversee morale, academics
President Trump claimed the boards of visitors at four U.S. service academies had been “infiltrated by woke leftist ideologies.”
SOCOM wants new helmet goggle mount and oxygen-generating device
The portable oxygen device would cut down the need for oxygen cylinders.
