US defense secretary in Japan reaffirms alliance amid regional threats
The Pentagon chief also stressed trilateral cooperation with Tokyo and Seoul is crucial for regional stability even as South Korea is in political turmoil.
Pentagon & Congress
Defense bill for 2025 would delay F-35 deliveries
Key lawmakers grew frustrated with the F-35 program earlier this year, as critical upgrades stalled and jets piled up at Lockheed Martin's Texas factory.
Medical care limits for transgender minors complicate defense bill
A provision in the must-pass defense measure would block certain military medical care options for transgender youth.
Lawmakers call for in-depth VA study on blast pressure injuries
The 10-year research plan would examine blast injuries among veterans and offer suggestions for treatments.
Will senior enlisted troops see a targeted pay boost in 2026?
After lawmakers agreed to plans to boost pay for junior enlisted troops, they are now shifting focus to more senior enlisted members.
Congress to boost junior enlisted pay by thousands of dollars in 2025
Troops E-4 and below will see a 14.5% pay raise under a deal reached by congressional negotiators this week.
VA plans to expand caregiver benefits, postpone program discharges
Rules surrounding VA's caregiver support have been in limbo for more than two years after families complained about harsh eligibility guidelines.
Trust in the military on the rise, but still below pre-pandemic levels
More than half of the individuals polled said they have a great deal of trust in the U.S. armed forces.
Donald Trump taps JD Vance adviser as next Army secretary
Driscoll, who served in the Army and deployed to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division, brings a background in venture capital and private equity firms.
Bill would push VA to expand outside medical care options for vets
The Complete the Mission Act serves as a focal point of debate over the size of VA and availability of community care for veteran patients.
VA awards $1.5 million to study using psychedelics for PTSD treatment
The move is the first time Veterans Affairs leaders have funded a study into psychedelic benefits since the 1960s.
Last soldier to leave Afghanistan confirmed as new Army Europe leader
Army Lt. Gen. Chris Donahue's promotion had been delayed for several weeks for unspecified reasons.
Congress will open next session with more veterans than two years ago
Advocates say the surprise increase in lawmakers with military backgrounds is a positve sign for the veteran community.
Pentagon-funded study on extremism in the military relied on old data
As a result, the report grossly undercounted the number of military and veterans arrested for the Jan. 6 attack, The Associated found in an investigation.
Trump taps businessman John Phelan to be Navy secretary
Phelan is the first service secretary pick announced by the president-elect for his second term in the White House.
Vets can opt for ‘green’ burials at VA cemeteries through new pilot
Three cemeteries will begin offering environmentally friendly burial options immediately.
Lawmakers press Pentagon to re-ground Ospreys over safety issues
The Osprey has been in more than 21 major accidents, many of which can be tied back to choices made in its design.
