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US Air Force wants 1,558 fighters for low-risk wars. Can it get there?
The Air Force warns that having a smaller fleet may increase the risk it won't be able to carry out all its missions.
Troops have been paid again, but what comes next?
The government pulled together funds to pay troops Oct. 15 and now Nov. 1, but officials said it’s doubtful they'll be paid again if the shutdown persists.
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.
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Pentagon & Congress
In reversal, DOD says troops can wear uniforms at Veterans Day events
The Pentagon changed course Wednesday on a policy that would've restricted troops from appearing in uniform at Veterans Day events because of the shutdown.
GOP senator proposes commission to study VA disability ratings system
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville questioned whether the VBA needs subject matter experts to examine claims processes and recommend improvements.
After World War I, séances boomed – and dead soldiers ‘wrote’ home
In March 1915, Raymond Lodge was deployed to France. By September, he was dead. A few weeks later, however, he got in touch with his family.
This nurse jerry-rigged a trach tube to keep a wounded Marine alive
Mary Hawkins spent 13 months flying the wounded out of the Pacific Theater, becoming one of the few women to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In other news
China’s military may discard its rigid command structure, report warns
A new Rand report explores the prospect of China embracing the more flexible Western concept of mission command and what that means for U.S. strategy.
An enduring symbol: why troops keep naming things after reptiles
From cobras to gators, reptilian mascots and call signs appear on patches, aircraft and unit logos across every branch. Why?
Battlefield 6 review: the return of a war game worth fighting for
After the rocky reception of Battlefield 2042, game developer DICE needed a strong comeback. The new Battlefield 6 mostly delivers, our reviewer writes.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
The next military shooter showdown: ‘Call of Duty’ vs. ‘Battlefield’
This fall, two video game franchises are going head-to-head, with the upcoming releases of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 7" and "Battlefield 6."
‘The Terminal List: Dark Wolf’ cements dominance of military thrillers
The success of "Dark Wolf" reflects broader audience demand for military and espionage dramas.
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VIDEOS
53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron plane flies into eye of Hurricane Melissa
A U.S. Air Force Reserve crew from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” flew through Hurricane Melissa on Oct. 27, 2025
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MORE STORIES
National Guard told to create ‘quick reaction forces’ for civil unrest
Military leaders ordered the National Guard in every state to develop a “quick reaction force” of troops trained to deal with civil disturbances and riots.
Hegseth orders military to detail lawyers to Justice Department
Hegseth has ordered the military to provide dozens of lawyers to the DOJ for temporary assignments in Memphis and near the U.S.-Mexico border.
After World War I, séances boomed – and dead soldiers ‘wrote’ home
In March 1915, Raymond Lodge was deployed to France. By September, he was dead. A few weeks later, however, he got in touch with his family.
By Alice Vernon, Aberystwyth University, The Conversation
Senate confirms Wilsbach as Air Force chief of staff
Wilsbach will be the 24th general to head the Air Force, following the early retirement of Gen. David Allvin.
Military medical facilities aim to woo back Medicare-eligible patients
21 military treatment facilities are prioritizing bringing back Tricare for Life patients.
By Karen Jowers
GOP senator proposes commission to study VA disability ratings system
At a Senate hearing, Sen. Tommy Tuberville questioned whether the VBA needs subject matter experts to examine claims processes and recommend improvements.
By Patricia Kime
In reversal, DOD says troops can wear uniforms at Veterans Day events
The Pentagon changed course Wednesday on a policy that would've restricted troops from appearing in uniform at Veterans Day events because of the shutdown.
This nurse jerry-rigged a trach tube to keep a wounded Marine alive
Mary Hawkins spent 13 months flying the wounded out of the Pacific Theater, becoming one of the few women to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Research on veterans is broken. This tool aims to fix it.
As the population of U.S. veterans becomes more diverse and vets’ needs continue to evolve, the demographic remains among the most difficult to survey.
Vance says troops will be paid as pressure builds to end shutdown
The vice president said he believes troops will be paid at the end of the week, though he did not specify how the administration will reconfigure funding.
Tricare to increase pharmacy copayments, add new benefits in 2026
The new rates reflect a 12% to 15.8% rise over current copays for medications purchased at retail pharmacies and through the Tricare mail-order pharmacy.
By Patricia Kime
‘Nuremberg’ to capture cat-and-mouse game between Göring, captors
The film follows the true story of Hermann Göring's incarceration and trial following his capture in the final days of WWII.
Hurricane Hunter aircraft forced back to base by Melissa’s fury
Melissa is a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 185 miles per hour.
Shutdown causes turmoil for some military families’ food assistance
In the most recent DOD survey of active-duty military spouses, about 7% said they were using WIC benefits and 1% said they were using SNAP.
By Karen Jowers
To coordinate strikes from space, US needs space JTACs, experts argue
Soon after planes were first used in war, there were specialists on the ground coordinating strikes. Space-based weapons could one day yield new observers.
By Michael Peck