J.D. Simkins
Executive Editor
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
All Stories By J.D.
China-Russia cooperation poses rising threat in Arctic, Pentagon warns
A surge in collaboration between China and Russia in the Arctic is heightening the Pentagon's urgency to devote resources to the region.
Junior enlisted pay boost for 2025
Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025
Air Force expands waivers for recruits with asthma, food allergies
The waivers are part of an effort to boost recruitment numbers after the service failed to meet its recruiting goals in 2023.
Live in the Tricare West Region? Do this before Dec. 31.
Beneficiaries in the West Region who don't provide recurring payment information could risk losing Tricare coverage.
US Navy ‘wasted’ $1.8 billion on cruiser modernization program: Report
The report found that the Navy’s cruiser rehab program has had “weak oversight” and been “plagued with ... delays, wasted costs and poor-quality work.”
Special ops leaders eye alarming levels of adversary collaboration
China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are all finding ways to antagonize U.S. efforts.
Senate finalizes plans for a massive junior enlisted pay boost in 2025
Troops ranked E-4 and below would see a 14.5% raise and all other troops a 4.5% raise under legislation headed to the White House.
Plan to avert government shutdown does not include extra VA funds
VA leaders had asked for roughly $6.6 billion in extra funding for FY25, and said they could face problems with hiring and programs without it.
This Marine unit now has its own tool to blast drones out of the sky
The system replaces a cumbersome legacy platform Marines have long used to defend the skies: The Man-Portable Air Defense System, or MANPADs.
Cruise awarded Navy's top civilian honor
Tom Cruise awarded top Navy honor for military movie roles
