Top stories
VA leaders push back deadline for caregiver program changes to 2028
Some families could have been disenrolled from the caregiver benefits program in late 2026, but will now get two more years of support.
House advances $832 billion military budget plan for next fiscal year
Only a few Democrats broke ranks to support the House's spending plan for Defense Department operations in fiscal 2026.
Latest
Navy pledges almost $300 million for new housing on Guam
In May, an independent government watchdog released a report on subpar barracks conditions on Andersen Air Force Base.
Senate panel backs plans for $456 billion VA budget next year
The proposed appropriations package would push total VA spending about $400 billion for the first time.
Senators criticize CFPB for dropping action on troops’ overdraft fees
CFPB ordered Navy Federal in November 2024 to pay $80 million to service members unfairly charged overdraft fees. CFPB terminated that mandate this month.
VA’s #2 leader downplays political strife between Congress, department
Veterans Affairs Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence said his relationship with congressional Democrats is strong, despite public fighting.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Register: Defense News Conference 2025
Military, government and industry leaders will gather to discuss the hot topic of "Deterring Threats from the Indo-Pacific"
Insurance Guide
Military Times has the latest information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Your Military
Next-generation destroyers to pack more missiles, energy weapons
The Navy is requesting $133.5 million to research and develop the new destroyer in fiscal 2026, with the goal of procuring the first in the early 2030s.
Marines to field rifle-mounted smart scope to help counter drones
The tool is expected to get to troops in the coming months.
Former Marine reservist charged in Texas ICE facility shooting
Benjamin Hanil Song is accused of participating in the July Fourth assault near the Prairieland Detention Center, where attackers opened fire.
Australia hosts largest-ever Talisman Sabre military exercise
The event began with live-fire exercises, including Australia’s first use of U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems.
In other news
Retired Army officer pleads guilty to sharing secrets on dating site
David Slater, who worked as a civilian Air Force employee, admitted to conspiring to transmit classified Russia-Ukraine war info on a foreign dating site.
What combat units and Little League teams have in common
Peel back the layers, and you’ll find more in common than you think — especially when it comes to the parents.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence: ‘Veterans issues are bipartisan’
Veterans Affairs second in command sees opportunity for compromise and cooperation between Democrats and administration leaders on VA issues.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Military families get another extension to ease Tricare West problems
But advocates question how much this move will help military families and medical providers.
By Karen Jowers
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Service leaders laud quality-of-life improvements, but concerns linger
Officials worry that planned Defense Department civilian workforce cuts could hurt base services and military family support.
Military sexual assault reports decreased 4% last fiscal year
Officials said they are encouraged by the drop in reports of sexual violence but warned the problem still poses a threat to force readiness.
GOP bill repeals rule on how for-profit schools count vets benefits
Veterans advocates said the move to reopen the 90/10 loophole could once again allow predatory institutions to prey upon student veterans.
House chairman asks Attorney General to investigate former VA leaders
House Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost suggested former department leaders could face criminal charges for past budget mistakes.
Defense budget debate devolves into fight over Hegseth’s controversies
Objections over Republican plans to boost defense spending by $150 billion focused largely on the defense secretary's leadership.
Hegseth cancels women’s leadership program despite past Trump support
The Women, Peace & Security program was signed into law by Trump and had received backing from numerous Republican leaders.
Commissary director sees opportunity for stores amid DOD upheaval
'We're going to be more like a commercial grocery chain than ever before," John Hall, director of the Defense Commissary Agency, said.
By Karen Jowers