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Trump declares drug cartels operating in Caribbean unlawful combatants
Trump has declared drug cartels operating in the Caribbean are unlawful combatants and says the U.S. is now in a “non-international armed conflict.”
Hegseth and Bondi rally federal agents and troops in Memphis
The Memphis task force is part of a larger effort by Trump to use National Guard troops and surge federal law enforcement in U.S. cities.
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Navy hits historic recruiting numbers with more ads, tattoo approvals
Fiscal 2025 was the best recruiting year for the Navy since 2002. The head of Navy recruiting credited the feat, in part, to streamlining tattoo approvals.
US Air Force revamps pilot training as T-7 era nears
Air Education and Training Command is preparing to teach instructor pilots on the T-7 and revamping its flying syllabus for the fifth-gen trainer.
Trump signs executive order vowing to defend Qatar
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pledging to defend Qatar, including using U.S. military action if necessary.
How the government shutdown is affecting troops, families
The current effects of the shutdown on installation programs and services vary from base to base.
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Gen. Wilsbach tapped to replace Allvin as Air Force chief
Wilsbach, an experienced fighter pilot with 40 years in uniform, was slated to retire before being tapped as the Air Force's next top general.
Pentagon awards contract for newest F-35s
When combined with another F-35 deal from December 2024, the Pentagon will pay Lockheed Martin about $24.3 billion for the 18th and 19th lots of the jets.
Hegseth’s style counters military’s history as engine of social change
Professors of military history say Hegseth’s actions — and plans for more — are a reversal of the role the American military has often played.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
In other news
Muhammad Ali’s unsigned Vietnam draft card heads to auction
Muhammad Ali's refusal to sign his Vietnam-era military draft card upended the boxing champ's life and added a powerful voice to the anti-war movement.
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Country music no longer owns the troops, and that’s a good thing
Troops today are just as likely to share playlists filled with hip-hop, EDM or K-pop as they are with country music legends.
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
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Federal employee arrested after ‘active shooter hoax’ at NJ base
“This kind of senseless fear-mongering and disruption will not be tolerated in my state,” said New Jersey's acting U.S. attorney, Alina Habba.
By Bruce Shipkowski, The Associated Press
US military starts drawing down mission in Iraq, officials say
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday that the U.S. will scale back its military presence, reflecting “our combined success in fighting ISIS.”
Government headed to a shutdown after last-ditch vote fails in Senate
Senate Democrats have voted down a Republican bill to keep funding the government, putting it on a path to a shutdown after midnight Wednesday.
Wounded Knee medals decision sparks outrage in Native communities
Indigenous leaders on Tuesday called the move part of a culture war against racial and ethnic minorities and women’s rights.
Every Venezuelan drug boat leads to 25,000 deaths, Trump claims
The U.S. has carried out at least three strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug carrying vessels since the beginning of September.
By Riley Ceder
Trump suggests using US cities as ‘training grounds’ for military
Trump told a gathering of military leaders they should use American cities as “training grounds” to fight against what he called a “war from within.”
By Carla Babb
Airman’s cocaine bust conviction overturned on workout powder appeal
A judge decided government prosecutors did not adequately consider the airman's defense that the flagged substance could've been tainted pre-workout power.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Marines say they hit recruiting goals
Data provided by the Corps shows that it has recruited 30,536 active duty and reserve enlisted Marines — just one person over its annual goal.
WWII-era squadron reactivated as MQ-9 Reaper drone unit
The 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron will be a tenant unit of the 8th Fighter Wing based at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Financial resources for troops if the government shutdown stops pay
From banks and credit unions to the military relief societies, help will be available.
By Karen Jowers