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Veteran suicides declined in 2024 for second straight year
According to a new VA report, 17.7 veterans die by suicide each day.
US Marine arrested, suspected of robbing, murdering woman in Okinawa
LCpl. Devin Jacob Ballard, assigned to the III MEF, was arrested by local authorities after allegedly murdering and robbing Okinawa resident Anna Yagi.
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Veterans
2 veterans battle in court and online over defamation, for-profit claims processing
A local government official alleges a for-profit company attacked VSOs as having a "monopoly" on helping veterans with disability claims.
Unemployment rate for post-9/11 vets up as job market slumps
The unemployment rate for the nation’s post-9/11 generation of veterans rose from 3.5% in August to 4.1% in September.
Veterans face SNAP barriers as USDA guidance delays policy changes, GAO finds
GAO found outdated USDA SNAP guidance for veterans and recommended better outreach and coordination to help veterans access food assistance.
Pentagon spent millions on migrant detention supplies that were never used, watchdog says
The Pentagon spent $2.85 million assembling tents at Guantanamo Bay that were never used to house detained noncitizens, a government watchdog reported.
In other news
Nearly 500,000 veterans to get 3-month break from paying life insurance premiums
Just in time for the holidays, veterans won't have to pay Veterans’ Group Life Insurance premiums for three months.
VIDEOS
Ukraine’s ‘Army of Robots’ idea presents fearsome future | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 10.6.26
A former Ukrainian defense official launches a futuristic robotic army initiative. Plus — a retired Green Beret turns to mine clearing as a new mission.
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
Pentagon spent millions on migrant detention supplies that were never used, watchdog says
The Pentagon spent $2.85 million assembling tents at Guantanamo Bay that were never used to house detained noncitizens, a government watchdog reported.
Hegseth announces new four-star command for autonomous warfare
The new Autonomous Warfare Command, or AutoWarCom, aims to address an acquisition system that isn't keeping pace with the speed of technological change.
White House nominates next general to helm US Space Command
If confirmed, Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. would take over command from Gen. Stephen Whiting after his upcoming retirement.
Operation Atlantic City ushers Marines on rare trip to ... remote Arctic island
U.S. Marines participated in a NATO exercise on a remote Arctic island as the alliance increases its focus on the region amid worries about Russia.
By Christopher Woody
Hegseth halts tenure appointments for civilian faculty at military academies
Military academies will no longer appoint civilian faculty to tenured positions as Hegseth says it can contribute to “academic stagnation.”
Pentagon chief set to announce additional cuts in senior officer positions
Hegseth is set to announce a 20% cut in the number of positions for generals and admirals.
By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart, Reuters
Nearly 500,000 veterans to get 3-month break from paying life insurance premiums
Just in time for the holidays, veterans won't have to pay Veterans’ Group Life Insurance premiums for three months.
By Karen Jowers
Pentagon directs cyber, intelligence agencies to counter foreign election threats
Hegseth ordered the agencies to "mobilize every authorized asset, capability and partnership under your command" to defend U.S. election infrastructure.
US forces exiting Iraq after 2 decades, leaving opening for Iran
U.S. forces are set to depart from their last bases in Iraq by Wednesday, a move celebrated as a victory by Iran and its allies.
By Ahmed Rasheed, Reuters
Texas man defrauded Tricare of $26 million to fund lavish lifestyle
A Texas man used money defrauded from Tricare for a casino-themed party and a gold-plated Tesla Cybertruck, among other expenses.
By Patricia Kime
Corps offers incentives for Marines willing to extend overseas tours
The Marine Corps announced several incentives for personnel who are willing to extend their overseas tours by a year or longer.
By Christopher Woody
Separate engine fires in 3 Navy, Marine Corps aircraft force emergency landings
In the span of two months this summer, U.S. naval aviation recorded three separate in-flight engine fires that caused millions in damage.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Terror suspects wanted to do ‘big damage’ to air base used by US, Trump says
British police on Sunday arrested five men on suspicion of explosive and terrorism offenses near an air base that hosts U.S. Air Force personnel.
By Toby Shepheard, Reuters
‘Genetic tolerance to the heat and humidity’: Marines search for next Parris Island mascot
The puppy should be of “sound and stable temperament” and possess “genetic tolerance to the heat and humidity” of Parris Island, the solicitation read.
Desolate Arctic outpost likely to host US troops under new Greenland deal
Under a U.S. agreement signed this week, a small outpost at Mestersvig, Greenland, could soon become a key American military foothold in the Arctic.
By Stine Jacobsen, Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Tom Little, Reuters