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Lawmakers move to further restrict cellphones in DOD schools
Overall, cellphone use is not a systemic issue, says DODEA.
Troops will see an average 4.2% boost in 2026 housing allowance
Service members will see a 4.2% bump, on average, in their monthly Basic Allowance for Housing as of Jan. 1, defense officials announced Thursday.
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US admiral overseeing military operations in Latin America retires
Adm. Alvin Holsey's retirement was announced by the Pentagon in October, over a month into the Trump administration’s strikes on suspected drug boats.
V-22 Osprey at risk of more ‘catastrophic’ mishaps, Navy review finds
Following major mishaps, the military’s first tiltrotor aircraft program must take “immediate and decisive action” to avoid more loss, a review found.
These Army-Navy game players would go on to receive the Medal of Honor
Eleven cadets and midshipmen who played for their service academies would go on to receive the nation's highest award for valor.
House passes defense policy bill that pushes boat strike video release
The NDAA would withhold 25% of Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth's travel budget until he sends lawmakers videos of controversial strikes on alleged drug boats.
In other news
A drone ‘war is more silent and more deadly’ — and America is behind
If the U.S. is ever dragged into a large-scale war against an adversary like China or Iran, it will be ill-equipped for a drone-heavy background.
Review: ‘In Waves and War’ shows promise of psychedelics to treat PTSD
The documentary, streaming Monday, follows a group of veterans undergoing experimental treatments currently not approved for clinical use in the U.S.
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
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."
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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
Here’s how a government shutdown would affect VA services
Veterans' health care and benefits processing won't be affected, but other services would stop during a government shutdown.
By Karen Jowers
Senator ‘alarmed’ about barracks privatization, seeks answers from DOD
Given the Defense Department's history with family housing privatization, the Pentagon should "move cautiously," one senator said.
By Karen Jowers
DOD needs to shore up help for troops with gambling problems, GAO says
More clarity is needed to define who's responsible for certain steps to prevent and treat gambling disorder among troops, government auditors said.
By Karen Jowers
Here’s how looming government shutdown could affect troops, families
Lawmakers are pushing for military pay to continue. Some operations, like child care, may vary from base to base.
By Karen Jowers
Some Navy families see delays in child care assistance payments
Payments, normally made within 10 days, are taking up to 45 days in some cases.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon takes step toward potentially privatizing commissaries
Defense officials want to know if private grocers and investors could operate commissaries while maintaining the commissary benefit.
By Karen Jowers
Elmo and friends help military families build healthy habits
Military families asked for ways to incorporate habits into their busy lives to keep their young children healthy. Sesame Workshop delivered.
By Karen Jowers
Experts debunk DOD claim about autism therapy, demand its availability
A new report urges the DOD to provide Applied Behavior Analysis as a basic benefit for the one in 28 military children diagnosed with autism.
By Karen Jowers
DOD needs more feedback from troops in future PCS moves, GAO finds
More comprehensive feedback from troops and families can help DOD assess movers' performance, Government Accountability Office auditors said.
By Karen Jowers