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US Air Force KC-135 goes down in Iraq, CENTCOM says
“The incident was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire,” the release said, adding that rescue efforts are ongoing.
Price tag for Epic Fury tops $11 billion in first six days, Pentagon tells Congress
The figure omitted a range of war-related expenses and is likely to rise.
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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.
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Health Care
Military hospitals, clinics resume billing civilians following 3-year pause
An estimated 137,000 civilians are expected to receive bills for medical care they received at military hospitals and clinics since 2023.
B-21 Raider completed ‘close-proximity flight’ with KC-135 tanker, US Air Force confirms
The event represents a precursor step toward validating capabilities essential for the B-21’s long-range, penetrating strike role.
Facing death 275 feet beneath the sea, this pioneering naval diver earned the Medal of Honor
For more than two hours, Frank Crilley struggled to save his entangled shipmate below the sea.
Lawmakers seek coverage for expedited fertility care under PACT Act
New legislation would speed coverage for fertility treatments without requiring veterans to prove their infertility was directly tied to military service.
In other news
Ukraine’s top drone units to bring frontline lessons to Washington this month
Some of Ukraine’s best-known drone military commanders and experts will be visiting Washington later this month to brief policymakers and defense leaders.
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?
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VIDEOS
CENTCOM says US destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels
Military officials say they targeted ships threatening traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
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MORE STORIES
DOD to study whether COVID-19 vaccine helped or hurt troops
A provision in the annual defense bill continues the controversy surrounding the vaccine.
Many military families to get a break on child care fees in 2024
With restructuring and reductions in fees, some military families will see a cut of more than 40%.
By Karen Jowers
Defense bill grants Native American veterans more paths to advocacy
A congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans organization passed as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.
Financial troubles cloud enlisted retirement home’s future
Without financial fixes, the enlisted retirement home may not be able to serve its veteran residents in the future, a new watchdog report warns.
By Karen Jowers
Senate OKs 11 four-star nominees, ending ongoing nomination fight
The senior officials were the last remaining individuals involved in the protest by a Republican senator over the Pentagon's abortion access policy.
Air Force general to face court-martial for sex assault, other crimes
Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart is the third general officer in the Air Force’s 76-year history — and the second in the past three years — to face court-martial.
Military families will see a boost in separation pay in 2024
Troops forced to serve apart from their dependents will now get up to $400 a month in extra financial help.
Some men are having plastic surgery to get chiseled ‘GI Joe’ jawlines
A designer jaw of steel can be yours for a couple grand.
By Sarah Sicard
Disability payouts help some vets earn more than healthy peers
Veterans with low disability ratings see higher income than non-disabled peers, but individuals with significant health issues lag far behind.
First-ever provision for psychedelic studies included in defense bill
Any member of the military with either post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury can take part in a clinical study.
By Zamone Perez