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Space Force, states at odds over National Guard plans
The consolidation will bring space missions under one authority, but also means states lose out on some of the most lucrative missions underway today.
Air Force gives airmen just days to reenlist for retention bonus
High retention rates and reenlistments have caused the Air Force to burn through its retention bonus budget earlier than expected.
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Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2025.
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Pentagon & Congress
Homeland Security eyes new $50M jet for Noem, Coast Guard officials
The request for a new jet comes as President Donald Trump considers accepting a luxury Boeing jumbo jet as a gift from the ruling family of Qatar.
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disabiltiy claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Military border zone spurs charges against hundreds of migrants
Several hundred immigrants have been charged with unauthorized access to a newly designated militarized zone along the southern U.S. border.
In other news
Air Force One greeted by fighter escorts during Trump’s Mideast visit
Like Saudi Arabia did a day earlier, Qatar gave Trump's Air Force One a ceremonial escort from its F-15 fighter jets — an exceptionally rare sight.
How Battle Brick Customs carved out a space for military collectors
The company produces kits based on real military vehicles, ranging from World War II tanks to modern U.S. Army Humvees and Special Forces boats.
This sailor requested leave to get his wife pregnant. It was approved.
“My wife is planning on getting pregnant this weekend,” the 1967 liberty request read, “and I would sure like to be there when it happens.”
What surviving an IED taught me about being a stand-up comedian
An Army veteran-turned-stand-up comedian discusses the importance of laughter in the wake of trauma.
Life of pie: Soldier charged with loan fraud in bakery boondoggle
The soldier has been charged for allegedly using a fraudulent pie business called “Granny’s Delight” to obtain COVID-related business relief loans.
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MORE STORIES
Vets disability claims backlog down to 200K cases, a post-pandemic low
The number of overdue disabiltiy claims rose to more than 400,000 cases after COVID-19 office closures and toxic exposure benefits expansion.
Military to screen for gender dysphoria amid transgender ban, per memo
The Pentagon told commanders to direct medical record reviews of troops they suspect have gender dysphoria. The DOD will also screen troops at physicals.
Trump’s vow of ‘substantial’ pay raise for troops counters budget plan
The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January.
Military border zone spurs charges against hundreds of migrants
Several hundred immigrants have been charged with unauthorized access to a newly designated militarized zone along the southern U.S. border.
DC military-air traffic control hotline hasn’t worked for over 3 years
The FAA confirmed the agency didn’t know the hotline hadn’t been working since March 2022 until after the latest near miss at Reagan National Airport.
Air Force One greeted by fighter escorts during Trump’s Mideast visit
Like Saudi Arabia did a day earlier, Qatar gave Trump's Air Force One a ceremonial escort from its F-15 fighter jets — an exceptionally rare sight.
VA errors in benefits payouts down, but still total more than $1.3B
Recurring errors in VA benefits processing amounted to hundreds of millions in losses for U.S. taxpayers in fiscal 2024.
Air Force eyes longer range for F-47 as combat edge in Pacific theater
A greater fighter range would help the Air Force reach targets in contested airspace in the Pacific, where refueling tankers may not be an option.
Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Trial opens for Navy vet arrested near Obama’s DC home in 2023
Investigators found two guns, roughly 400 rounds of ammunition and a machete in Taylor Taranto’s van after he showed up near Obama’s home.
By Michael Kunzelman, The Associated Press
Hegseth’s plan to trim top ranks could hit more than 120 officers
About 20% of top active duty general and admiral jobs would be eliminated, plus 10% of the more than 800 positions across other leadership levels.
By Lolita C. Baldor
Navy officer charged with killing of wife at Japanese hotel
Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Olsen was charged May 7 at Naval Base San Diego with the unpremeditated murder of his wife.
By Riley Ceder
Navy seeks to fast track nuclear weapons systems
Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe told Congress the Navy is working to improve and develop three critical weapons systems.
By Zita Ballinger Fletcher
Senate confirms Meink as next Air Force secretary
Former NRO deputy director Troy Meink will now run the Air and Space Forces as space becomes increasingly important to future wars.
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.
By Riley Ceder