Top stories
Air Force tests unarmed nuclear missile in pre-dawn video
The Air Force must continue maintaining Minuteman III nuclear missiles longer than expected, with the Sentinel successor requiring a major restructuring.
Space Force lacks ‘warfighting ethos,’ experts say
An October 2024 workshop highlighted gaps in how the general public, and even some in the Defense Department, perceive the role of the Space Force.
Latest
US troops, Afghan allies say executive orders endanger their families
They hoped to see their families escape the Taliban and settle in the United States. But two executive orders put those dreams on hold.
VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
DOGE is getting lists of military’s probationary workers from Pentagon
It is not clear whether all probationary personnel will be let go — instead, some might be exempted due to the critical nature of their work.
Coast Guard data breach impacts pay of 1,135 service members
The U.S. Coast Guard said it is working to expedite pay to impacted service members.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
Health Care
Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families
Military families are struggling to get medical appointments as some health care providers drop Tricare beneficiaries due to lack of payment.
Opinion
Spending, troops and Asia: three ideas for Europe to stabilize NATO
If Europe responds positively, it can place NATO on a new, healthy footing.
Opinion
What the Pentagon might learn from Ukraine about fielding new tech
The U.S. Defense Department might benefit from leveraging commercial technology more aggressively, argue RAND analysts Jon Schmid and Erik E. Mueller.
Federal military spouse workers exempt from return-to-office rule
Military spouses employed by the federal government are "categorically exempt" from the Trump administration's return-to-office mandate.
In other news
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.
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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How can Congress improve troops' quality of life? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 2.15.25
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MORE STORIES
This Marine endured five amphibious assaults — and survived Iwo Jima
Eighty years ago, Don Harris went ashore on Iwo Jima, where he and his fellow Marines faced one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War.
Coast Guard data breach impacts pay of 1,135 service members
The U.S. Coast Guard said it is working to expedite pay to impacted service members.
By Riley Ceder
Judge questions motives for Trump’s order banning transgender troops
District Judge Ana Reyes isn’t expected to rule on whether Trump’s order illegally discriminates against trans troops before early March.
By Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
Air Force reviewing four-day weekends amid civilian leave crackdown
Some airmen on social media responded negatively to the review of "Family Days" and worried the extra day off they provide might be canceled.
Russia, US agree to work towards improving ties and ending Ukraine war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wouldn’t accept any outcome from the talks since Kyiv didn’t take part.
New director of Concerned Veterans for America aims for more influence
John Vick takes over the veterans advocacy group whose alumni include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Pentagon moves to take back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Under the directive, all service members who opt to return to the military will have to reenlist for at least two years.
By Lolita C. Baldor, The Associated Press
Black Hawk crew in DC crash may have missed key air traffic messages
The Black Hawk that collided with an American Airlines jet in January may not have had accurate altitude readings, investigators said.
By Jen Judson
VA dismisses over 1,000 employees as part of probationary worker purge
Department leaders promised the dismissals will not hurt veterans' benefits or medical care and will save almost $100 million annually.
This Medal of Honor recipient became an ace pilot in a day
'Ace in a day' is a rare distinction. Among the earliest American pilots to do so, Jim Swett was credited with seven victories amid a WWII turning point.
By Jon Guttman