Top stories
KC-46 vision system upgrade slips to 2027, 3 years behind schedule
The original vision system for the KC-46 was beset by troubles such as distorted images, but its replacement also has repeatedly fallen behind.
Supreme Court allows transgender military ban to take effect, for now
The high court moved to allow President Donald Trump's administration to enforce a ban on transgender troops while legal challenges proceed.
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Pentagon & Congress
DOD should fix parent notifications about alleged child abuse, IG says
DOD rules don't go far enough to ensure parents are aware of the specifics of allegations involving their children, the Inspector General found.
Trump picks senior VA advisor to serve as top department watchdog
Cheryl Mason's shift from administration insider to department watchdog elicited concerns about her ability to be an independent voice on VA operations.
Ill-fated Gaza pier mission lacked sufficient training, equipment: IG
The Defense Department's Gaza pier mission resulted in 62 personnel being injured and at least $31 million in damages, federal investigators found.
Special operators want electronic attack and firepower for watercraft
Officials want kinetic and nonkinetic weapons for a variety of vessels.
In other news
Sentinel nuclear missiles will need new silos, Air Force says
The Sentinel ICBM program is already alarmingly over budget, and trying to reuse 55-year-old Minuteman III silos would put it even further behind.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
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MORE STORIES
Sentinel nuclear missiles will need new silos, Air Force says
The Sentinel ICBM program is already alarmingly over budget, and trying to reuse 55-year-old Minuteman III silos would put it even further behind.
Supreme Court allows transgender military ban to take effect, for now
The high court moved to allow President Donald Trump's administration to enforce a ban on transgender troops while legal challenges proceed.
Collins, Dems spar over whether VA needs key fixes or full overhaul
Congressional fights over plans to cut tens of thousands of VA staffers hinge on lawmakers' views on just how dysfunctional the department is.
DOD working on recipe to improve food on military bases
The DOD is working on a coordinated attack to address food problems on bases.
By Karen Jowers
Dems blast Trump’s pick for military personnel policy as too combative
Nominee Anthony Tata offered a partial apology for past comments attacking Democrats and Trump critics as traitors.
Hegseth champions special operations as the force for today’s threats
There has been a 200% increase in SOF missions over the past three years, the defense secretary said.
By Todd South
Family sues over Florida deputy’s killing of US airman
Former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran shot and killed Senior Airman Roger Fortson at the door of Fortson’s apartment in May 2024.
The subtle genius of the ‘chess scene’ in ‘Saving Private Ryan’
Captain Miller’s revelation humanizes soldiers and exposes the tragic irony of war.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Hegseth directs 20% cut to top military leadership positions
In a memo dated Monday, Hegseth said the cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership.”
By Tara Copp, AP
Army pauses helicopter flights near DC airport after more close calls
The pause comes after 67 people died in January when a passenger jet collided in midair with a Black Hawk helicopter at Reagan airport.
By Tara Copp, AP
US Air Force sending ‘boneyard’ F-16s to Ukraine for spare parts
The F-16s being shipped to Ukraine lack critical components like an engine and radar, the Air Force said, meaning they cannot be used operationally.
WWII ship accidentally sinks before US-Philippine ship-sinking drill
The BRP Miguel Malvar took on water while being towed ahead of a live-fire drill in the South China Sea.
VA shifts survivors assistance office in effort to speed up benefits
Officials hope to cut down on red tape for individuals seeking support and benefits after a veteran's death.
Controversial military personnel nominee faces Senate panel this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 5, 2025.
Defense Department designates second military zone on southern border
Troops are authorized to take custody of migrants who illegally cross the border within the zone until they are transferred to civilian authorities.
Head Navy officer lists top tasks for service, eyes 2027
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James W. Kilby listed improved recruiting and the embrace of unmanned and manned systems as priorities.
By Riley Ceder