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Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
Images show shredded KC-46 boom that led to emergency landing
Photographs that leaked online showed extensive damage to the KC-46's refueling boom, with its metal ripped and twisted and a chain hanging down.
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
Pentagon taps four commercial tech firms to expand military use of AI
The four firms — Google, Anthropic, OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI — will help the DOD develop AI workflows for key national security missions.
Ukrainians welcome US aid, concerned over Trump’s ultimatum to Putin
Trump delayed “very severe” sanctions on Russia for 50 days, sparking criticism from Ukrainians and European leaders who see the delay as too long.
Australia hosts largest-ever Talisman Sabre military exercise
The event began with live-fire exercises, including Australia’s first use of U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket systems.
Pentagon yanks speakers from Aspen Security Forum, blasts its values
Nearly a dozen top generals and defense officials were scheduled to speak at the forum, which begins Tuesday.
In other news
Trump threatens Russia with tariffs and boosts US weapons for Ukraine
Trump said European allies would buy “billions and billions” of dollars of U.S. military equipment to be transferred to Ukraine.
‘A new challenge’: Air Force vet becomes two-time living organ donor
Air Force veteran Lindsay Gutierrez is a two-time living organ donor after giving a kidney to a fellow veteran and part of her liver to another recipient.
An ode to Dwight Schrute, The Office’s best squad leader
He'd rub people the wrong way in a real squad. But he'd also make sure you had water, ammo and a working red lens flashlight on the night of land nav.
By Clay Beyersdorfer
Why Despicable Me’s Gru is just a warrant officer with better branding
If Gru wore a uniform, it wouldn’t have stars or stripes. It would have a coffee stain and rank that no one really understands.
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.
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Get a look at Elbit’s enhanced binocular night vision goggles
Looking to see thermal and intensified imagery at the same time? Want real-time data in your eye instead of checking a map? Check out Elbit America’s new NVGs.
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MORE STORIES
Soldier indicted for lying about involvement in insurrectionist groups
Authorities allege a Fort Liberty soldier lied when he said he didn't belong to a group dedicated to overthrowing the U.S. government.
Biden takes first ride in new Marine One as Sikorsky wraps delivery
The Sikorsky-made VH-92A Patriot helicopter will replace older presidential transportation helicopters as part of a phased transition.
Vets may see only a small cost-of-living boost in benefits next year
An outside watchdog estimates the benefits adjustment will be less than 3% in 2025.
NASCAR partners with Vet the Vote to recruit vets as election workers
NASCAR is joining other big brands, including the National Football League, Microsoft and Walmart, to help a campaign to enlist veterans as poll workers.
Trump belittles Medal of Honor award in campaign speech
“They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they’re dead,” Trump said of Medal of Honor recipients.
Opportunities for veterans are abundant in skilled trades
America has a trade career problem — and veterans can help solve it.
By Dave Lubach
Lawmakers push Pentagon for clarity on domestic military deployments
Democratic lawmakers are asking military leadership for clearer guidance on when American troops can deploy on American soil.
DOD reveals strengths, problems in special needs family member program
A first-ever survey of troops enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program has sparked criticism in some circles.
By Karen Jowers