Daily News Roundup

Officers whose nominations were blocked in Senate could get back pay

A Senate proposal would award retroactive pay and benefits to senior leaders who waited months for confirmation due to a political standoff.

Opinion

Communication of intent and the importance of language to deterrence

The Biden administration’s rhetoric may be critical to deter not only escalation, but to stop persistent attacks in the Middle East.

More delays in improving the process for moving troops’ belongings

New information shows there are tens of thousands of service members and families who aren't satisfied with their moves.

Ospreys had history of safety issues long before they were grounded

More than 50 troops have died in Osprey accidents since the early 1990s.

Attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria have resumed, Pentagon says

Attacks have returned after a week-long pause in late November.

Defense bill would let Air Force retire A-10s, F-15s — but not F-22s

Lawmakers want to see more detailed plans for collaborative combat aircraft and the Next Generation Air Dominance platform.

Pearl Harbor survivors return to honor those who died in attack

Pearl Harbor survivors, World War II veterans and their families gathered in Pearl Harbor to remember those who died 82 years ago.

Senate votes to keep US troops in Syria amid Iran-backed attacks

The Senate voted down a resolution to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria amid dozens of attacks from Iran-backed proxies in the war-torn country.

Jill Biden helps launch new employer challenge for military spouses

The spouse employment initiative is an effort to "stave off a national security crisis."

Defense bill drops disputed abortion provisions in final compromise

The annual defense authorization bill contains a 5.2% pay raise for troops and a host of other policy renewals needed for military operations.

Jill Biden tells military children, ‘You teach us how to be brave’

It was the first year Jill Biden has hosted her annual Toys for Tots event at the White House rather than at a local military base.

US military grounds entire fleet of Osprey aircraft

The announcement comes one week after eight Air Force Special Operations Command service members died in an Osprey crash off the coast of Japan.

DOD watchdog report warns of issues across military health care system

A lack of timely access to military health care plagues each of the services, according to a new Pentagon inspector general report.

Political fights aren’t discouraging recruits, military recruiters say

Service officials said one of their biggest obstacles is explaining the basics of military service to teenagers who rarely interact with veterans.

‘Up-or-out’ rule change will let enlisted stay in longer

The Air Force plans to formally announce the extension Friday.

Opinion

US troops can declare victory in 3M class action lawsuit

While the settlement can never restore the hearing loss suffered by the plaintiffs, it is a victory for the veterans who had the tenacity to file the suit.