Top Stories
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Air Force unit halts rappelling, ropes training after airman dies during public demonstration
After Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died from injuries sustained during a public demonstration, his squadron ceased all rappel and rope training events.
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US Air Force wants AI to assist aerial refueling
The goal is for AI to automatically analyze refueling operations from cameras mounted on the tankers and provide “hot wash” feedback to the tanker crews.
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Pentagon, Lockheed agree to 10-year deal for 850 F-35 jets
The decade-long framework guarantees at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighters for the U.S. military, pending congressional approval and funding.
In Other News
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Trump, Putin negotiate release of US Air Force veteran from Russian prison
Stephen Hubbard, a retired teacher and U.S. Air Force veteran, was released from Russian custody on Wednesday after spending over four years in prison.
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Pentagon AI oversight office struggles to keep pace with department’s ambitions, GAO finds
The Pentagon office tapped in 2022 to oversee the military’s responsible use of AI had filled just three of 10 authorized positions as of February 2026.
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US Air Force F-22 pilot controls unmanned FQ-44 in flight
The fighter jet’s pilot served as an airborne “quarterback” and gave high-level directives to an Anduril-made Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
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Academic institutions sever foreign research ties to comply with Pentagon order
The Pentagon ordered 30 universities to review their ties with foreign institutions or risk losing their federal funding.
SPECIAL FEATURES
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Apply for Best for Vets: Trusted Brands
Military Times is now accepting submissions from companies that offer verifiable value to the military community through programs and benefits.
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Insurance Guide
Military Times has outlined helpful information about car insurance, renters insurance, and life insurance for troops.
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2025 PCS Guide
Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times’ 2025 Permanent Change of Station Guide.
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2025 Benefits Guide
Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
EDITOR’S PICKS
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The flight nurses of the Pacific who saved thousands of Marines
In 1945, a dozen U.S. Navy nurses evacuated 2,393 men from Iwo Jima on 125 flights — more than 13% of everyone evacuated from the island.
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Military takeover of New Mexico borderlands challenged in court
The lawsuit argues that the government unlawfully expanded the scope and duration of its “national defense area” designation.
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Virginia man arrested after Quantico Iwo Jima statue defaced with sledgehammer
A Virginia man was arrested after allegedly using a sledgehammer to decapitate one of the figures from the Iwo Jima statue at Quantico.
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Errors in disability cases for ‘painful scars’ resulted in overpayment: VA watchdog
During a review period from June 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, the VA made at least one error in 17,900 cases regarding disability decisions.
In other news
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The Pentagon wants ketamine wafers as a battlefield medicine option
The Pentagon awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to the Singapore-based iX Biopharma to develop a small, ketamine-packed wafer.
VIDEOS
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Hegseth appoints Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer to Barracks Task Force
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth taps the Marine reservist to serve as a senior advisor for the Pentagon’s effort to improve troops’ living conditions.
Featured Videos
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Hegseth put US troops, mission at risk with Signal use, AP sources say
The Pentagon’s watchdog found that Pete Hegseth put U.S. troops and their mission at risk when he used the Signal app to convey sensitive information.
ByandLisa Mascaro, The Associated Press
Ben Finley, The Associated Press
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D-Day veteran who saved lives on Omaha Beach, dies at 101 in Normandy
Shay was awarded the Silver Star for repeatedly plunging into the sea and carrying critically wounded soldiers to relative safety.
ByandSylvie Corbet, The Associated Press
Jeffrey Schaeffer, The Associated Press
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Pete Hegseth faces deepening scrutiny from Congress over boat strikes
Hegseth on Tuesday cited the “fog of war” in defending the follow-up strike, saying he could not see survivors.
ByandStephen Groves, The Associated Press
Lisa Mascaro, The Associated Press
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VA kills ‘Boondoggle’ Biden plan to put EV chargers at medical centers
The VA scrapped a $77 million leftover green energy program that would have put solar-powered charging stations for electric vehicle at various locations.
ByRichard Sisk
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Penny for your thoughts: Military stores to modify change policies
After the U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies, various stores, including military shops, are running out of the coins.
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Trump says National Guard will be sent to New Orleans
Trump did not say how many troops would be sent to New Orleans or exactly when they would arrive.
ByandSara Cline, The Associated Press
Jack Brook, The Associated Press
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Hegseth says he didn’t see survivors after first Caribbean strike
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed reporters at The White House after The Washington Post claimed he ordered a military strike to leave no survivors.
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Man charged in National Guard shooting pleads not guilty to murder
A man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House has pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges.
ByMichael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
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Space Force trainees first to don new dress uniform in graduation
The new dress uniforms come after years of development and will be worn Dec. 18 for the guardians’ graduation ceremony.
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‘High-G maneuvers’ amid enemy missiles earn USAF pilot Silver Star
An Air Force squadron commander who led a history-making deployment to the Middle East was presented with the military’s third-highest combat award.
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Southwest Airlines to provide military leave for pilots in 2026
Southwest has agreed to provide up to 10 days of short-term military leave and to pay $18.5 million in compensation to nearly 2,800 former and current
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Former C-130 crew chief earns prestigious Rhodes Scholarship
Hadi Kamara was a C-130 crew chief supporting the 86th Maintenance Squadron at Ramstein Air Base during Operation Allies Refuge in August 2021.
ByHope Hodge Seck

















