Top stories
Pentagon reportedly preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran
The report comes as U.S. military assets — most recently the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 31st MEU — continue to flood the region.
USS Tripoli, embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrive in Middle East
The Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit entered CENTCOM waters Friday.
Latest
SPECIAL FEATURES
Iran Coverage
Defense News is covering the evolving military, strategic, and regional implications of tensions and operations involving Iran.
Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Your Marine Corps
Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Croatia for repairs
The warship has been deployed for nine months and also took part in operations against Venezuela in the Caribbean prior to arriving in the Middle East.
Hegseth reportedly removes 2 Black, 2 female Army officers from 1-star promotion list
Hegset has blocked promotions of four Army officers — two Black men and two women — to the rank of brigadier general, the New York Times reported Friday.
A war zone, minus the war: One year later, has the military really secured the US-Mexico border?
An investigation into how Trump’s emergency declaration expanded military power, blurred legal lines and helped spread the use of military-grade tech.
The Nationals honor baseball players turned citizen soldiers in Arlington tribute
Arlington National Cemetery placed official MLB baseballs — courtesy of the Nationals — on the gravesites of six men, all former baseball players.
In other news
US deploys uncrewed drone boats in conflict with Iran
The deployment of the vessels marks the first time Washington has confirmed using such vessels in an active conflict, according to Reuters.
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?
By Clay Beyersdorfer
When veterans take the pen, war stories start to change
Hollywood has never lacked war stories. But it has often lacked veteran storytellers telling them.
How MREs inspired today’s meal-delivery industry
The MRE has to survive heat, cold, impact and time. And it has to do all of that at scale. Sound familiar?
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Staying ahead in the space domain | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 3.31.26
At the crux of modern military capabilities is a crucial element — sending information to and from space. How can the U.S. stay ahead? A top official weighs in.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
Confirmation hearing for Trump’s VA Sec pick delayed over FBI check
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
New Senate Vet Affairs chair plans focus on care access, mental health
Kansas Republican Sen. Jerry Moran will lead the chamber's veterans policy committee for the second time.
Trump picks Senate candidate Sam Brown to head VA memorial affairs
The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role.
New Tricare contracts bring health care changes
Beneficiaries can expect easier transfer of medical referrals when they move, among other things, with the new Tricare contracts.
By Karen Jowers
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
By Karen Jowers
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
By Karen Jowers
Vets won’t see disruptions in VA services amid White House changes
VA leaders have pledged to keep services operating normally, even as several senior staffers depart office.
VA eases benefits rules for cancers from Post-9/11 service, K2 tours
Gulf War veterans and Post-9/11 vets suffereing from leukemia and bladder cancer will get presumptive benefits status under a new decision by VA.
Military’s Tricare transition to TriWest a ‘fiasco,’ some say
Some beneficiaries in the West Region are complaining of website glitches and overloaded call centers.
By Karen Jowers