J.D. Simkins
Executive Editor
J.D. Simkins is the executive editor of Military Times and Defense News, and a Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War.
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All Stories By J.D.
‘Warfare’ brings realistic carnage of Iraq War to theaters
Alex Garland and SEAL veteran Ray Mendoza's "Warfare" is as realistic and detailed a portrayal of Iraq War combat as anything that’s ever been created.
DHS ends deportation protections for Afghans
Refugees from Afghanistan previously granted temporary protected status may now be forced to return to a region many feel is unsafe.
Experts: Qatar-gifted Air Force One may be security, upgrade disaster
Upgrading a Qatar-donated 747 into a new Air Force One would take a large sum of money and years to complete, aviation experts said.
Army jailbreak foiled at Fort Leavenworth
Two prisoners who attempted to escape the Fort Leavenworth Army Corrections Brigade were stopped by correctional officers on April 29.
The future of Marines’ weapons tech? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.10.25
Upgraded grenade launchers, anti-defilade rifles and new vehicles with novel designs - we look at emerging tech at Modern Day Marine 2025.
Sunken USS Yorktown leaves researchers ‘flabbergasted’ in latest dive
Eighty-three years after sinking during the Battle of Midway, the USS Yorktown is still revealing secrets.
Quantico EOD called to remove WWII-era mortar from Virginia home
In Virginia, it’s not uncommon to unearth relics from the Civil War, but finding a 50mm French mortar dating to WWII is something else entirely.
Breaking down Trump’s executive order mandating multiple VA reforms
The president signed an executive order Friday calling for several sweeping changes in VA operations and construction goals.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard outline FY26 budget needs this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 12, 2025.
How a soldier’s relentless charge broke Japan’s line on Okinawa
The enemy positions that Pfc. Clarence Craft took out one by one added up to victory on Hen Hill.
