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Pentagon creates new military border zone in Arizona
The fourth national defense area created along the US-Mexico border will be an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in the Sonora Desert.
Top enlisted Marine takes a swipe at Audie Murphy’s uniform regs
The top enlisted Marine faced a sea of roasters on Army and Marine Reddit pages after he took a swipe at WWII combat soldier Audie Murphy.
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Honolulu water agency sues US Navy over Red Hill fuel spill damage
The suit estimates it is costing $1.2 billion for the Board of Water Supply to clean up and protect Oʻahu’s drinking water wells.
Veteran gets life sentence for plotting FBI attack after Jan. 6 arrest
Marine veteran Edward Kelley was one of the first rioters to breach the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Ukraine arms freeze part of wider military aid review, Pentagon says
The decision to pause the delivery of some munitions to Ukraine "was made to put America's interest first," a White House spokesperson said.
The toilet paper war: A submariner’s battle against bureaucracy
In 1942, Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack battled for his boat to receive what he deemed a basic necessity: toilet paper.
In other news
All US military boots should be made in America, lawmakers contend
The bill requires all combat boots worn by U.S. service members, including optional boots, to be American-made.
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.
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
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Advanced Marine reconnaissance vehicles are on the way - here's what they look like
Check out the two designs competing to be the Marines new advance recon vehicle - and learn about what capabilities they offer on this edition of Gear Scout.
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Senate passes Trump’s major policy bill with $150 billion for the DOD
Funding included in the bill would go toward shipbuilding, the Golden Dome homeland missile defense project, munitions and other key Pentagon priorities.
This US paratrooper faced down 100 Nazis and 2 tanks... and won
Pvt. John Towle who, faced with a company-size enemy force with armor support and comported himself like a one-man anti-tank unit.
By Jon Guttman
No ‘significant’ mover capacity problems expected for troops, DOD says
The DOD says a new task force is "fully engaged" in overseeing the process of troops' household goods moves during this peak season.
By Karen Jowers
Lawmaker proposes Iranian Campaign Medal for strikes on nuclear sites
Pilots and supporting service members involved in the complex airstrikes would be eligible for the new military medal.
Thousands of LGBTQ+ vets were promised pardons. Only 4 have succeeded.
Former President Joe Biden pledged to use his clemency powers to right ‘an historic wrong.’ Why did it fall so short of its promise?
By Leah Rosenbaum
Pentagon to request $848 billion in delayed base budget release
Defense officials argued the spending request should also include another spending bill in Congress, which would bring the total closer to $961 billion.
Iran’s supreme leader resurfaces to warn against future US attacks
Khamenei's speech, which went on for more than 10 minutes Thursday, was filled with warnings and threats directed toward the United States and Israel.
Hegseth defends Iran strike after initial report doubted its effect
In a fiery press conference, the defense secretary attacked media outlets that reported on a U.S. intelligence report about the attacks.
House passes $435 billion spending plan for VA in fiscal 2026
Republicans approved plans for an 18% boost in total Veterans Affairs spending next year, but the measure is far from becoming law.
Advocates recruit vets to attend Afghan allies’ immigration hearings
The effort is designed to show support for legal immigration of more Afghans who worked alongside American forces during the war overseas.
Lawmakers press VA for details on DOGE access to vets records
Democrats want promises from department leaders that sensitive medical and financial information is being handled securely.
Trump nominates Marine to be Navy’s new head lawyer
Maj. Gen. David Bligh would be the second Marine in the Navy's history to serve as the Navy JAG.
By Riley Ceder
Fort named after Gen. Robert E. Lee will now honor a Buffalo Soldier
Fort Gregg-Adams, formerly Fort Lee, was in 2023 the first Army base to be named for Black Americans. Now, it'll be the first named for a Buffalo Solider.
Strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months, US report says
A report by the Defense Intelligence Agency found that while the US strikes did significant damage, the Iranian nuclear sites were not totally destroyed.
By Stephanie Liechtenstein, The Associated Press and Sam McNeil, The Associated Press
USS Tripoli arrives in Japan for new Indo-Pacific duties
The amphibious assault ship arrived at its new homeport in Sasebo on Monday as part of a regularly scheduled rotation of forces.
By Riley Ceder