Top stories
Pentagon creates new military border zone in Arizona
The fourth national defense area created along the US-Mexico border will be an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in the Sonora Desert.
Pilots who bombed Iran sites invited to White House for July Fourth
The U.S. pilots who carried out Operation Midnight Hammer last month were invited to the White House for July Fourth.
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
Veterans
Illinois veteran bestowed military honors nearly a decade after death
An extraordinary cold case investigation revealed a formerly unidentified ward of the state to be a Women's Army Corps veteran.
Honolulu water agency sues US Navy over Red Hill fuel spill damage
The suit estimates it is costing $1.2 billion for the Board of Water Supply to clean up and protect Oʻahu’s drinking water wells.
Ukraine arms freeze part of wider military aid review, Pentagon says
The decision to pause the delivery of some munitions to Ukraine "was made to put America's interest first," a White House spokesperson said.
Top enlisted Marine takes a swipe at Audie Murphy’s uniform regs
The top enlisted Marine faced a sea of roasters on Army and Marine Reddit pages after he took a swipe at WWII combat soldier Audie Murphy.
In other news
The toilet paper war: A submariner’s battle against bureaucracy
In 1942, Lt. Cmdr. James Coe of the submarine Skipjack battled for his boat to receive what he deemed a basic necessity: toilet paper.
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.
How a good PAO could spin Peter Griffin’s unapologetic havoc
The military, to be sure, has managed to explain away far worse than Peter Griffin.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Homer Simpson is a government fixture familiar to all troops
If you’ve spent time in the armed forces, you’ve had a Homer in your unit. He's not a comedic exaggeration. He’s a federal fixture.
Why Master Chief shunned the red tape of realistic military promotions
Halo's Master Chief has single-handedly turned the tide of interstellar wars. Yet despite his legendary exploits, his rank has remained static.
Don't miss
VIDEOS
Advanced Marine reconnaissance vehicles are on the way - here's what they look like
Check out the two designs competing to be the Marines new advance recon vehicle - and learn about what capabilities they offer on this edition of Gear Scout.
Featured Videos
MORE STORIES
Trump plans to change Veterans Day into ‘Victory Day for World War I’
Veterans Day has been a federal holiday since 1938, honoring the contributions of American military personnel.
Service leaders laud quality-of-life improvements, but concerns linger
Officials worry that planned Defense Department civilian workforce cuts could hurt base services and military family support.
Military sexual assault reports decreased 4% last fiscal year
Officials said they are encouraged by the drop in reports of sexual violence but warned the problem still poses a threat to force readiness.
GOP bill repeals rule on how for-profit schools count vets benefits
Veterans advocates said the move to reopen the 90/10 loophole could once again allow predatory institutions to prey upon student veterans.
House chairman asks Attorney General to investigate former VA leaders
House Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost suggested former department leaders could face criminal charges for past budget mistakes.
Defense budget debate devolves into fight over Hegseth’s controversies
Objections over Republican plans to boost defense spending by $150 billion focused largely on the defense secretary's leadership.
Hegseth cancels women’s leadership program despite past Trump support
The Women, Peace & Security program was signed into law by Trump and had received backing from numerous Republican leaders.
Commissary director sees opportunity for stores amid DOD upheaval
'We're going to be more like a commercial grocery chain than ever before," John Hall, director of the Defense Commissary Agency, said.
By Karen Jowers