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Under new Trump rules, US troops sound the alarm on border crossings
U.S. troop deployments at the border have tripled to 7,600 and include every branch of the military — even as the number of attempted crossings plummet.
DOD trying to head off problems with troops’ household goods moves
PCS task force working to solve troops' real-time household goods moving problems.
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Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon shifts $200 million to seal off border bombing range
The Pentagon is seeking to reallocate $200 million in funding for barriers to seal off areas surrounding Arizona’s Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range.
The etymology of genocide and the myth of ‘never again’
Raphael Lemkin ushered in a new era in which the crimes of the past, present and future finally had a name.
These wargames explored drone attacks on US military bases
Many of the details of these wargames are classified, but one key finding is that protecting domestic U.S. bases can’t be just the military’s job.
Work on annual defense authorization bill will wait until September
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 28, 2025.
In other news
CENTCOM strike kills ISIS leader in Syria amid US troop drawdown
American officials said that Dhiya’ Zawba Muslih al-Hardani posed a threat to U.S. and allied forces.
The evolution of military tattoos, from Sailor Jerry to skull logos
For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite of passage and a record of service for members of the military.
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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
‘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.
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.
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The U.S. shift towards drone warfare | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 7.26.25
The often ponderously slow U.S. defense system tries to adapt to the rapidly advancing world of drone warfare. What are its latest moves to keep up?
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MORE STORIES
DOD trying to head off problems with troops’ household goods moves
PCS task force working to solve troops' real-time household goods moving problems.
By Karen Jowers
Trump pick to lead VA health care reopens fight over ‘choice’ for vets
John Bartrum, nominee to be VA Under Secretary for Health, said he wants more freedom for veterans to use medical care options outside the department.
State Department OKs $322 million in proposed weapons sales to Ukraine
The potential sales include $150 million for the supply and overhaul of U.S. armored vehicles, and $172 million for surface-to-air missile systems.
Letters on display from the mastermind of Pearl Harbor attack
Donated by the naval officer’s descendants, the two letters are now on display at the Fukushima Museum in Japan to mark the 80th anniversary of V-J Day.
Republican lawmakers take aim at VA bonuses amid staffing cuts
GOP lawmakers are pushing reforms for a host of department employee financial incentives, but Democrats worry the moves will hurt recruiting efforts.
USS Gerald R. Ford transits Strait of Gibraltar
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group departed Virginia in June for the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
By Riley Ceder
Over 20 million DOD users to get new online login verification process
The new myAuth system replaces the legacy DS Logon system, which authenticates users onto more than 200 Defense Department and Veterans Affairs websites.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon tightens rules on getting medical waivers to join military
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the change will help ensure the physical and mental capabilities of service members.
Pentagon withdraws 700 Marines from Los Angeles
The decision to pull back the Marines comes after half of the National Guard troops were ordered to leave the city last week.
The evolution of military tattoos, from Sailor Jerry to skull logos
For generations, tattoos have served as both a rite of passage and a record of service for members of the military.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Research offers link between burn pit smoke and serious brain injuries
The findings suggest potential new reasons for mental health challenges of veterans exposed to toxic chemicals while in the ranks.
This ‘Doc’ jumped on a grenade — and lived to tell the tale
Without hesitation, Donald Ballard warned his Marines, then jumped on the grenade.
By Jon Guttman
Marine veteran creates searchable database of global battles
After noticing that the practice of documenting war was fading, the veteran aimed to capture insights from battles and make them available to scholars.
By Hope Hodge Seck
As lawmakers head to summer recess, threat of an autumn shutdown looms
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 22. 2025.
Hegseth tells lawmakers of plan to detain immigrants at 2 US bases
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says bases in Indiana and New Jersey can house detained immigrants without affecting military readiness.
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.
By Clay Beyersdorfer