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Marine Corps issues updated guidance on religious accommodations
Commanders will weigh the sincerity of a Marine’s religious belief against operational requirements.
Marine boots fail in the Arctic amid push for US manufacturing: Report
A new report revealed glaring quality-control issues with Marine Corps-issued cold-weather boots, highlighting potential limitations of U.S. suppliers.
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Pentagon & Congress
The Pentagon asked industry how fast it could make more weapons. The numbers remain private.
The Pentagon remains mum about defense contractors' plans to boost weapons production and delivery following a 21-day deadline for companies to send ideas.
Hegseth to chair Pentagon’s new Homeland Defense advisory board
The newly established Homeland Defense Board aims to fill a gap Pentagon leaders see in providing military guidance to homeland security missions.
Triumphal arch in Washington to serve as military complex, Trump says
President Donald Trump said on Sunday the triumphal arch he plans to build near Arlington National Cemetery would double as a “military complex."
Long deployments overwhelm a strained Navy mental health system, personnel say
Navy therapists and sailors cited long wait times and inadequate services as hurdles to getting mental health help aboard deployed ships.
In other news
AI military targeting may move faster than humans can authenticate, critics warn
AI military targeting may move faster than humans can authenticate, critics warned during a Wednesday hearing in Washington.
VIDEOS
Looking into the future of the Air Force | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.22.26
At a major annual conference outside Washington, D.C., the Air and Space Forces contemplate how to fight and defend in a world of drones and AI weapons.
Featured Videos
TSA stops Alabama traveler for Civil War-era cannonballs in luggage
An Alabama traveler was stopped recently by TSA after checking luggage containing five Civil War-era cannonballs. Roll Tide.
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.”
By J.D. Simkins
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.
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MORE STORIES
Study finds ‘forever chemicals’ levels higher in younger vets than general population
From 2003 to 2018, 13 million veterans had PFAS chemicals in their blood streams at levels higher than a threshold set by the National Academies.
By Patricia Kime
Iranian strikes damaged hundreds of US military buildings, dozens of aircraft
Iranian strikes have damaged hundreds of U.S. military and diplomatic buildings, as well as dozens of aircraft, a Pentagon watchdog said.
By Michael Peck
US Marine Stand-In Forces in the Pacific worry China, report details
The Marine Corps' plan to reorganize for small-unit expeditionary warfare has sparked concern among some Chinese naval officers, a recent report details.
By Michael Peck
Proposed VA loan fee hike could make refinancing more expensive for some borrowers
Veterans who refinance their homes through a VA-backed loan could face significantly higher fees under a proposal in Congress.
Hegseth made the fitness test harder for women in combat roles. Most female Marines are passing.
New from The War Horse: Hegseth made fitness tests harder for women in combat roles. Service data show that more than 9 in 10 female Marines are passing.
By Sonner Kehrt, The War Horse
McChrystal, Hayden join other flag officers to promote trust in American elections
Seven prominent retired general officers are imploring the U.S. electorate to have faith in the election process.
By Patricia Kime
Navy families evacuated from Bahrain are still trying to retrieve their belongings
Months after the evacuation of 1,300 dependents from NSA Bahrain, some families remain separated from household goods, vehicles and pets.
Organizers break ground on education center at Pentagon 9/11 memorial
Organizers broke ground Saturday on a new visitor education center at the Pentagon's 9/11 memorial.
By Patricia Kime
The US military’s next significant challenge: Hiding
Iranian attacks on U.S. bases across the Middle East have exposed war strategies that are growing increasingly outdated, one senior officer says.
By Eve Sampson
Pentagon looks to AI to identify space and missile threats
The Pentagon is seeking artificial intelligence that can cut through the confusion of missile defense.
By Michael Peck
Americans mark 25 years since September 11 attacks amid enduring grief, reflection
Twenty-five years after the deadliest attack on U.S. soil, Americans paused to remember those killed and wrestle with the reverberating consequences.
By Maria Tsvetkova, Idrees Ali and Joseph Ax, Reuters
VA to mark 9/11 anniversary with volunteer opportunities at national cemeteries
The VA will mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks by hosting volunteer events on Saturday, Sept. 12, at more than 144 locations.
By Patricia Kime
Pentagon codifies fitness standards across branches
The new regulations spell out testing timelines, standards for troops in combat arms specialties and guidelines for pregnancy and postpartum fitness.
By Eve Sampson
They served through America’s post-9/11 wars. 25 years later, what did that service mean?
Nearly 3 million Americans served in the wars that followed Sept. 11. Three veterans reflect in The War Horse about what they saw, lost and still carry.
By David Roza, The War Horse
Iran and US hit tankers in biggest wave of attacks on shipping since war began
Recent attacks by the U.S. and Iran have shattered a month of relative calm, with both hitting military, shipping and energy assets.
By Enas Alashray, Idrees Ali and Jana Choukeir, Reuters