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.
Polish general fired after anti-tank mines found in Ikea warehouse
An Ikea warehouse representative reportedly telephoned military officials and inquired about “when they would collect their mines.” As one does.
Meet the kids taking care of wounded veterans
More than 2 million kids live with a disabled veteran at home. Calls are growing to extend more support to these ‘hidden helpers.'
Pentagon chief to visit Philippines for security talks, envoy says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines, the first stop in his first trip to the Indo-Pacific next week.
Marines save injured motorcyclist stranded in California desert
A man had been stranded for nearly two days after flipping his off-road motorcycle when a Marine helicopter crew spotted him.
Hegseth beefs up Middle East warship presence with 2 aircraft carriers
The defense secretary has ordered the carriers Carl Vinson and Harry S. Truman to be in the region as the U.S. increases strikes on Houthi rebels.
Child care, teaching positions safe from DOD civilian hiring freeze
Some key positions in military quality-of-life programs are exempt from the department's hiring freeze.
Why Navy destroyers are being sent to the southern border mission
The Pentagon made waves Monday when it announced the deployment of the Arleigh-Burke class destroyer Gravely to patrol near the southern border.
GOP lawmakers suggest DOD cut climate change initiatives from budget
Republican leaders in Congress are recommending the Pentagon cut $377.35 million worth of climate change initiatives and allocate that money elsewhere.
Despite being gravely wounded, this Ranger refused to leave his men in the Vietnamese jungle
Capt. Paris D. Davis was twice nominated for his actions in South Vietnam in June 1965. He was finally awarded the Medal of Honor on Feb. 14, 2023.
Pentagon reviewing plans to cut troops handling migrants at Guantanamo
Officials are considering cutting troops deployed to the base by up to half, as no migrants are detained there and the program has faced legal challenges.
