Top stories
US Navy aviators seen piloting Air Force F-35A Lightning II
Unit insignia of U.S. Navy Air and Test Evaluation Squadron 9, based out of China Lake, California, was recently spotted on an F-35A Lightning II variant.
Veterans health shake-up, reforms to get underway in coming months
The reorganization of the VA health system should result in improvements to medical facilities, increased oversight and better access, officials said.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Submit a FREE veteran obituary
Military Times has partnered with Legacy on a special online memorial where you can read through U.S. veterans’ obituaries and publish a FREE veteran obit
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
Pentagon & Congress
Senate approves Donovan as US Southern Command head
Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan assumes the post as the Trump administration seeks to reassert U.S. military dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump urges House to vote quickly to end partial government shutdown
Voting could begin as soon as Tuesday, which would be day four of the partial shutdown. The Pentagon, among other agencies, saw its funding lapse Saturday.
Iraq veteran, long-time GOP appointee named VA chief of staff
Curt Cashour, the VA’s assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs, will step into the top advisory role to VA Secretary Doug Collins.
Space Force activates northern component focused on homeland defense
U.S. Space Forces Northern is tasked with progressing space capabilities that empower “lethality” for homeland defense, the service said.
In other news
Why every day can feel like ‘Groundhog Day’ in the military
For troops, "Groundhog Day" captures something they immediately recognize: days repeat, routines harden and progress feels frozen.
Why every day can feel like ‘Groundhog Day’ in the military
For troops, "Groundhog Day" captures something they immediately recognize: days repeat, routines harden and progress feels frozen.
The US Coast Guard’s newest weapon in border security: Jet Skis
In its ever-evolving fight on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Coast Guard has unveiled its latest fighting tool.
How fashion borrowed military aesthetics and lost the context
"What was once functional equipment tied to service, sacrifice and sometimes trauma is now treated as visual shorthand for toughness or rebellion."
Why most of military life rarely makes the screen
Between training and combat exists a long stretch of routine and waiting. Those experiences remain largely absent from military portrayals in film and TV.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Inside a new submarine engine production plant | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 2.3.26
Leonardo DRS cuts the ribbon on a new plant to make engines for forthcoming Columbia-class submarines. Plus, highlights from SHOT Show 2026.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Senate passes government funding deal despite GOP backlash
The Senate voted to fund most of the government through the end of September after Trump made a deal with Democrats to carve out Homeland Security funding.
By Karen Jowers
US Air Force eyes improved comms with bombers after Midnight Hammer
If the Air Force doesn't improve communications with bombers during critical operations, Lt. Gen. Armagost said, "that is a foul on all of us."
Navy crew helped rescue F-16 pilot after ejection over California
A U.S. Navy search-and-rescue team known as the “Dust Devils” played a pivotal part in the rescue of an Air Force pilot who safely ejected from an F-16.
By Riley Ceder
DOD ordered to study mental health impacts among military drone pilots
Studies suggest remote warfare requires a level of intimacy with a prospective strike target that conventional air warfare may not.
By Hope Hodge Seck
Iran puts ‘fingers on trigger’ as US armada arrives in Middle East
Iranian officials asserted that the nation's armed forces stand ready “to immediately and powerfully” counter any aggression by U.S. forces.
By Tanya Noury
Military families will see slight increases in Tricare dental premiums
Increases take effect March 1.
By Karen Jowers
Army general tapped to lead NSA vows to follow the law if confirmed
Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd assured lawmakers Thursday that he will follow the Constitution and the law when it comes to using the NSA’s surveillance tools.
By David Klepper, The Associated Press
US Air Force looking for contractors to train foreign pilots
The U.S. Air Force is looking for contractors who can train foreign pilots receiving American military aid, according to an Air Force solicitation.
By Michael Peck
Air Force ‘battle lab’ to focus on protecting bases from small drones
The 319th Reconnaissance Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, will spearhead efforts to counter small-drone threats at U.S. bases.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Utilities billing resumes for some military housing residents
Mock billing for at least three months will allow residents time to adjust before any charges or rebates start.
By Karen Jowers
Guard deployments to US cities cost $496 million in 2025, CBO says
The Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday that maintaining current troop levels could add $93 million per month to the total.
By Tanya Noury
SWORD training platform key to US space superiority, program head says
The U.S. Space Force is positioning its Space Warfighter Operational Readiness Domain as a cornerstone for maintaining space superiority.
By Michael Scanlon
The first soldier awarded the Medal of Honor during the War on Terror
Paul Ray Smith saved over 100 lives defending a critical position near the Baghdad airport during the early days of the Iraq War.
By Jon Guttman