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Senators question whether military pharmacy program is the best deal for beneficiaries
Senators raised concerns about the potential anti-competitive tactics of the military’s Tricare pharmacy program contractor, Express Scripts.
Panel to study Pentagon’s COVID vaccine mandate, troops dismissal
The panel will examine the processes regarding the Pentagon's COVID-19 policies and what led to the dismissal of those who refused the vaccine.
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Pentagon & Congress
Top House Democrat calls to split veterans omnibus, advance Major Richard Star Act
If Congress cannot reach agreement on the omnibus, lawmakers may face a choice: continue negotiating a single package or advance one bill at a time.
US launches new round of strikes against Iran
The U.S. conducted a new wave of strikes against Iranian military sites on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade of the Islamic Republic's ports.
VA, HHS to increase psychedelic therapy research for PTSD, military-related mental health issues
The agreement could help accelerate research into the use of MDMA, magic mushrooms and other psychedelics to address PTSD and other mental conditions.
The US military measures readiness. What about adaptability?
Many of the qualities defense experts say will matter most in future wars are difficult to define and even harder to quantify.
In other news
German-American veteran of the Battle of the Bulge dies at 100
Col. Frank Cohn, a veteran of the Second World War, Korea and Vietnam, died on July 4 at the age of 100.
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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VIDEOS
Manufacturing woes hamper US 155mm ammo production
A new report says artillery shell producers are far short of a goal to manufacture 100,000 Howitzer shells per month.
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MORE STORIES
US creates task force to prosecute leaks to news media, Hegseth says
The Justice Department and Pentagon created a joint task force to identify and prosecute leaks to news media.
US industrial base is becoming stronger for wartime production, study finds
As recent conflicts consume weapons at a ferocious rate, America’s defense industrial base is becoming more prepared to sustain a major war.
By Michael Peck
Retired Army officer tapped to lead military commissary system
Retired Army officer Bill Fitzhugh will take over leadership of the military's 235 grocery stores worldwide.
By Karen Jowers
US Marines successfully test-fire new medium-range air defense system
U.S. Marines on Guam successfully fired the service's new Medium-Range Intercept Capability system during Exercise Valiant Shield.
US transfers retired Marine Corps AAVs to allies defending Black Sea region
Retired U.S. Marine Corps AAVs will go to allied nations in defense of the Black Sea region.
By Eve Sampson
The Indiana forest that keeps the USS Constitution afloat
The USS Constitution is a symbol of durability and strength, and its longevity is thanks to a special 40 acres of land from Naval Support Activity Crane.
This US soldier tried to cover a retreat in Vietnam — and instead compelled the enemy to
Leonard Alvarado enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 and ultimately gave his life to save his platoon.
By Jon Guttman
Pentagon to explore cheaper replacements for the MQ-9 Reaper
The Massed Modular Aircraft project aims to develop a drone that can operate in such large numbers that it can absorb losses and still overwhelm defenses.
By Michael Peck
The Pentagon wants ‘decision advantage.’ Is that enough?
As the Pentagon modernizes for combat against technologically savvy adversaries, a question remains: Is it investing as heavily in honing human instincts?
By Natalie Oliverio
US launches new strikes on Iran after reinstating oil sanctions over shipping attacks
The U.S. military unleashed a new wave of strikes against Iran on Tuesday and revoked a license allowing the country to sell oil.
By Reuters
VA’s top health administrator departs post, temporary replacement named
Dr. Lee Payne, a retired Air Force major general and physician, will serve as acting under secretary, according to VA officials.
By Patricia Kime
Marine Corps creates new small drone training unit
The Corps's Robotics Integration Group will lead the service’s efforts to develop curriculum and integrate points of instruction for small drone warfare.
By Eve Sampson
Marines recognized for response during North Carolina nightclub shooting
Two Marines were recognized recently for their response in providing emergency aid during a fatal nightclub shooting on June 6.
By Brooke Griswold
Marine One helipad to be built on White House lawn, Trump says
The granite helipad is meant to accommodate the VH-92A Patriot Marine One helicopters and will be paid for by Sikorsky Aircraft.
Pentagon’s top new weapons programs are 12 years behind schedule: Watchdog
A new GAO report examined 104 of the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons programs.
By Michael Peck
Washington’s orders to troops after July 4: You’re fighting for a new nation
July 4 severed ties with Great Britain, but it was on July 5 that the former colonials got down to the nuts-and-bolts of governing and winning a war.
By Richard Sisk