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VA reduces improper payments for private health care by 98% since 2020, GAO finds
The VA has slashed improper payments to private companies that provide medical care to veterans by 98% in the past five years, the GAO determined.
Pentagon to roll out new test to assess troops’ cognitive performance
The Pentagon will transition from ANAM to an "improved capability" to further protect service members' brain health and test for TBIs.
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How a $10 billion veterans bill became a $78 billion debate
What changed between the 2023 and 2025 versions of the Richard Star Act to increase the projected cost so dramatically?
4 US soldiers killed in Iran war return to American soil
Four U.S. service members returned to American soil in flag-draped caskets on Wednesday after being killed in Iranian attacks in the Middle East.
Pentagon identifies third American soldier killed in Iranian attack in Jordan
Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, is believed to be the third active-duty soldier killed in action in an Iranian attack in Jordan, the DoD said.
Cost of Iran war rises to $37.5 billion, Pentagon requests $67.1 billion more
The Iran war has cost the DoD $37.5 billion to date, Hegseth told senators Tuesday, as he requested $67.1 billion more in emergency funding.
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Two Wyoming Air National Guard commanders relieved of duty
153rd Airlift Wing Commander Col. Brian Diehl and 153rd Operations Group Commander Col. Lawrence Sullivan were relieved from their posts on July 17.
Thousands of Marines, sailors back in Japan after deploying for Iran war
The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is back in Okinawa after helping to enforce a Navy blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Military’s largest supercomputer is now live at Navy base
Naval Support Activity Monterey, California, received a DGX GB300 computer — billed as the highest-performing AI processing system available.
Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat makes Farnborough Airshow debut
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat recently became the first collaborative combat aircraft to participate in a multinational, joint operational exercise.
In other news
Marines release updated heat, cold injury safety guidance
The guidelines require leadership to develop response plans and report cases, so prepare to drink more water, Marines.
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.”
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.
‘War Machine’ review: Finally, a training scenario with aliens
The sci-fi flick raises the premise: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection suddenly involved fighting a giant alien robot?
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Are changes coming to veterans’ benefits? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 7.21.26
A leader at the center of Congress’ efforts to revamp some veterans’ benefits weighs in on the changes. Plus, testosterone tests for troops.
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Danish veterans of US wars say they feel betrayed by Greenland threats
Denmark has been a stalwart ally to America. Forty-four Danish troops were killed in Afghanistan, the highest per capita death toll among coalition forces.
No tax on troops’ $1,776 ‘warrior dividend,’ IRS says
Troops who received an unexpected $1,776 one-time payment in December won’t have to pay taxes on that money, the Internal Revenue Service confirmed.
By Karen Jowers
Space Force sets wear date for training gear, updates dress guidance
The mandatory wear date for physical training gear was announced by the force, but not for the new service dress uniform.
Army Corps of Engineers commander in Little Rock fired
The leadership change follows tension between Army Corps of Engineers and Missouri residents over measures taken by the Corps at Table Rock Lake.
By Eve Sampson
Feds remind states about law protecting military spouse job licenses
But there's a wrinkle for spouses in Justice Department's new interpretation of the law.
By Karen Jowers
Dozens of military commissaries now offering doorstep delivery
Customers within a 20-mile radius of the stores have the option of doorstep delivery.
By Karen Jowers
Boosting soldier ingenuity the focus of new Army-commissioned study
A recently begun two-year study by the University of Texas at Arlington aims to provide insights on the value of SJTs for soldier development.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Retired Navy officer takes helm of DOD’s military health care
Bass' top priorities include improving medical readiness and stabilizing the Military Health System.
By Karen Jowers
Lawmakers introduce bill to broaden brain injury treatment for vets
Under the legislation, a TBI Innovation Grant Program would award up to $30 million in grants through 2028 to non-VA health care providers, among others.
By Patricia Kime
Army unveils a sneak peek of the Abrams tank prototype, M1E3
For 46 years, the Abrams tank has been a workhorse for the Army, but in the past decade there have been calls for an overhaul and modernization.
By Eve Sampson