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Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
Lejeune Marines run first live munition drop from fielded drone
The July 3 live-fire exercise included the drop, followed by mortar fire and a Javelin missile strike in a simulated company-level assault.
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Pentagon & Congress
House panel advances DOD policy bill with sweeping acquisition reforms
Both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have now approved their initial drafts of the annual defense authorization bill.
Pentagon ends deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles
The 2,000 National Guardsmen account for nearly half of the soldiers sent to the city to deal with protests over Trump's immigration crackdown.
Trump downplays possibility of sending Ukraine long-range weapons
Trump on Tuesday offered a more cautious tone on what to expect after he threatened Russia a day earlier with steep tariffs.
Senate confirms controversial vet to lead Pentagon personnel office
Retired Army Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata has made inflammatory comments about Democratic leaders and former President Barack Obama.
In other news
Pope Leo XIV is the son of a D-Day veteran
The first American to ever be elected pope is the son of D-Day veteran.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
Why Patrick Star is the blue falcon of Bikini Bottom
Patrick Star is every lovable mess-up squadmate who cost you a weekend because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut during formation.
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VIDEOS
Get a look at Elbit’s enhanced binocular night vision goggles
Looking to see thermal and intensified imagery at the same time? Want real-time data in your eye instead of checking a map? Check out Elbit America’s new NVGs.
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MORE STORIES
Last soldier to leave Afghanistan confirmed as new Army Europe leader
Army Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue's promotion had been delayed for several weeks for unspecified reasons.
Analysis shows troops financially stronger in 2023 than pre-pandemic
The USAA analysis found that surveyed troops' bank accounts also showed signs of the effects of inflation.
By Karen Jowers
Congress will open next session with more veterans than two years ago
Advocates say the surprise increase in lawmakers with military backgrounds is a positve sign for the veteran community.
Trump taps businessman John Phelan to be Navy secretary
Phelan is the first service secretary pick announced by the president-elect for his second term in the White House.
VA wants $6.6B in extra funding for FY25, down from $12B request
Officials revised their initial ask downward after criticism from lawmakers over previous inaccurate estimates.
Months after this commissary closed, customers still seek answers
Officials haven't determined when the Mitchel Field, New York, store will reopen.
By Karen Jowers
As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust
VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.
Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs
Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."
Opinion
Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing
In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.
By Ken Falke