Top stories
It’s official: US Army’s improved M8 rifle to begin fielding in December
The U.S. Army will begin fielding Sig Sauer’s M8 rifle in December, replacing the M7 with a lighter, shorter carbine based on soldier feedback.
Latest AH-64 Apache grounding likely to last months, officials say
An order to ground hundreds of the Army’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters is likely to affect every squadron and is expected to be in place for months.
Latest
Army sets date, location for execution of Nidal Malik Hasan
The execution by firing squad of Hasan is scheduled for Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, the same location where the former Army officer killed 13 and wounded 32.
USS Abraham Lincoln to return home after 321 days
The USS Abraham Lincoln will return to its homeport in San Diego, California, on Thursday after 321 days at sea.
US military orders 2-day pause on Okinawa following Marine’s arrest for alleged murder
All U.S. military operations on the island will cease for 48 hours for a standards training period, followed by a 30-day reflection period.
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower returns to port after aircraft mishap
The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower returned to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, after an E/A-18G Growler mishap injured eight service members aboard the ship.
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EDITOR'S PICKS
MilTech
Pentagon names 4 directed-energy weapons for counter-drone program at US bases
The Pentagon named four directed energy weapons for a homeland counter-drone program, the first systems to be fielded and tested at U.S. bases.
Opinion
The Army’s most dangerous logistics problem is hiding behind motor pools
The Army must establish company-level asset management chiefs before the next major conflict, an active-duty officer writes.
Green Beret who survived an IED now clears Ukraine’s landmines
A Green Beret and Silver Star recipient who once survived an IED and now clears Ukraine's landmines is the subject of a new documentary, "Safe Ground."
Opinion
The Military Spouse Commission: viable solution or classic bureaucratic dog-and-pony show?
Military families don't need another forum that acknowledges their struggles without confronting the policies that cause them, this military spouse writes.
In other news
Opinion
As Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day approaches, words matter
The sacrifice represented by the Gold Star must never be diluted into something it was never intended to mean, this Gold Star father writes.
VIDEOS
Ukraine’s ‘Army of Robots’ idea presents fearsome future | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.6.26
A former Ukrainian defense official launches a futuristic robotic army initiative. Plus — a retired Green Beret turns to mine clearing as a new mission.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
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.”
By J.D. Simkins
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.
Don't miss
MORE STORIES
Fort Hood mass shooter Nidal Malik Hasan to die by US Army firing squad
Hasan, a former Army officer who killed 13 people and injured 32 others during a mass shooting at Fort Hood in 2009, will be executed by firing squad.
By J.D. Simkins
Boeing locks in 7-year deal to triple PAC-3 MSE seeker output
The agreement follows a framework deal that was announced in April. Production will span seven years and be completed at Boeing’s Huntsville facility.
Has the Pentagon given up on AI polygraph analysis of loyalty?
AI-aided scanning of speech patterns, vocal stress or facial expressions to read minds lacks scientific backing and will compound errors, critics argue.
Supreme Court hears incarcerated veteran’s case challenging process for VA claims appeals
The case involves a veteran who is receiving reduced disability benefits while serving up to 40 years in prison.
By Patricia Kime
Air Force explosive ordnance technicians to sport new rust-colored beret
Air Force EOD technicians will wear a rust-colored beret with a metallic emblem in addition to their uniform to recognize their combat arms mission.
US Marine arrested, suspected of robbing, murdering woman in Okinawa
LCpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, assigned to the III MEF, was arrested by local authorities after allegedly murdering and robbing Okinawa resident Anna Yagi.
US Army tests counter-drone tech at Mexican border as cartel drone use rises
The service is seeking to sharpen its defenses against the growing threat of drone use by cartels.
By Mike Blake, Reuters
Aboard the USS George Washington, young sailors adjust to war with Iran
Sailors must maintain a state of alert and readiness, heightened in the case of the George Washington due to the threat of Iranian attacks.
By Ed Ou, Reuters
US Marine Corps anti-ship weaponry to see exercise action on remote Japan island near Taiwan
The U.S. Marine Corps will deploy its ground-based anti-ship and air-defense systems to Japan’s southwesternmost island for exercises this month.
US removes B-1 bombers from UK base amid security concerns
The United States removed its B-1 bombers from a U.K. air base one week after several men were arrested there on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss, Reuters