Top stories
Helicopter crashes near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state
The Thurston County sheriff’s office reports that deputies were dispatched to the Summit Lake area after losing contact with a helicopter.
Experts debunk DOD claim about autism therapy, demand its availability
A new report urges the DOD to provide Applied Behavior Analysis as a basic benefit for the one in 28 military children diagnosed with autism.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Coverage: Paris Air Show 2025
Defense News is covering the top headlines and stories coming out of Paris Air Show.
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
Health Care
Sept. 30 deadline nears for Tricare West specialty care referrals
Certain referrals for specialty care for Tricare Prime beneficiaries will expire.
Veteran who burned US flag in DC pleads not guilty to federal charges
Army veteran Jan Carey set fire to an American flag near the White House to protest President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on flag burning.
Why Truman changed the ‘War Department’ to the ‘Department of Defense’
Just a few months after the conclusion of World War II, President Truman announced his goal to implement a new governing structure for the military.
Ocean isn’t free-fire zone for US military drug interdiction: Analysis
A Center for International and Strategic Studies analysis warns that the Trump administration's use of strikes on alleged drug vessels poses serious risks.
In other news
Senate Dems raise concerns over Pentagon plan for immigration judges
Some Democratic senators are concerned that allowing military lawyers to work as temporary immigration judges will violate the Posse Comitatus Act.
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
Country music no longer owns the troops, and that’s a good thing
Troops today are just as likely to share playlists filled with hip-hop, EDM or K-pop as they are with country music legends.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The National Guard, DC landscaping and the great pursuit of lethality
Few training methods guarantee a better fighting force than boredom-induced annoyance.
Back-to-school, military edition: why August is also admin hell
For civilians, August is a return to structure. For service members and veterans facing bureaucratic deadlines, it often feels like drowning in it.
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VIDEOS
Honoring the 2025 Service Members of the Year | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 9.13.25
Selfless acts of bravery, grit and sacrifice are highlighted in a selection of profiles of the 2025 Service Members of the Year from Military Times.
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MORE STORIES
House appropriators OK rebukes to recent DOD scandals in budget bill
Republicans inserted language restricting military actions on U.S. soil and blocking unsecure communications among senior officials in their 2026 budget.
Hegseth won’t rule out military actions against Greenland, Panama
The defense secretary dodged questions from lawmakers about possible Defense Department plans against the allied territories.
Retirement snafu affects thousands of Reserve, Guard members
More than 13,000 Guard and Reserve members haven't been receiving their earned government retirement contributions.
By Karen Jowers