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Feds pay out $17M to families sickened by Navy’s fuel-contaminated water in Hawaii
Each of the 629 people received about $27,000. Affected service members have received nothing.
DoD scraps plan to privatize commissaries
DoD concluded “the potential cost savings of privatization are unlikely to be realized without severely degrading the benefits these programs provide."
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Debate over women in combat prompts NDAA battles
The amendments follow Hegseth’s order that all the services develop gender-neutral physical fitness standards for all troops in ground combat roles.
The Pentagon’s research infrastructure is ‘deteriorating,’ study finds
Pentagon research has been hampered by backlogged security clearances, limited funds to build or refurbish labs and a slow and difficult hiring process.
House vote on major veterans bill delayed amid controversy over voting legislation
A bill that encompasses two popular pieces of legislation — the Major Richard Star Act and the Love Lives On Act — has been stalled.
Seven sailors injured during fire aboard USS Indianapolis
The fire was extinguished, and the injured sailors were treated for minor injuries at local hospitals before being cleared to return.
In other news
Following reports of staff shortages and safety concerns, VA to centralize its police force
The VA police force has faced challenges with recruiting and retention, raising safety concerns at facilities.
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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F-35 program chief says growth has outpaced sustainability for joint fighters
"We didn't put enough parts and pieces on the shelf," Lt. Gen. Gregory L. Masiello told a Senate subcommittee in a recent hearing.
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VA could save millions by tracking medical gear better, study finds
Nearly 10% of reusable medical equipment in VA hospitals is either missing or unneeded, a department watchdog report says.
That’s not a real soldier: campaign warns troops, families of AI scams
Advocates are raising alarms about how easily criminals can fabricate faces and voices in their efforts to cheat veterans and active-duty troops.
White House officials to attend funeral of Afghan vet turned advocate
After Army Sgt. Michael Verardo was injured in Afghanistan in 2010, his family spent years pushing for better care for veterans and caregivers.
Another federal shutdown threat looms as Congress heads back to DC
Democratic leaders want answers on a path towards compromise on a host of federal budget fights before the end of next month.
Stretch your grocery dollars with bigger commissary deals in September
Sidewalk sale dates vary by commissary location, but some start as soon as Sept. 1.
By Karen Jowers
Tricare to end coverage of weight-loss meds for some military retirees
Advocates are pushing back against Tricare's plan to end its coverage of weight-loss drugs for Tricare for Life beneficiaries by Aug. 31.
By Karen Jowers
Military spouse paid fellowship program expanding, with more money
DOD will increase the stipend it pays during the 12-week fellowship. Current pilot program will close to new applications on Sept. 1.
By Karen Jowers
Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Trump, Hegseth float renaming Defense Department to Department of War
The military bureaucracy has used the Department of Defense name for 76 years, but President Trump said he doesn't like the title.
Tricare wants your feedback on its website experience
Got an opinion on the Tricare.mil website? Want to help improve it? Now’s your chance to provide feedback.
By Karen Jowers