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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Polish general fired after anti-tank mines found in Ikea warehouse
An Ikea warehouse representative reportedly telephoned military officials and inquired about “when they would collect their mines.” As one does.
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.
The WWI aviators who gave their lives to help the ‘Lost Battalion’
With his final breaths, one of the aviators provided information to give Allied artillery accurate coordinates to target German forces.
Army IDs 3 of 4 soldiers killed in Lithuania training accident
Sgt. Jose Duenez, Sgt. Edvin Franco and Pfc. Dante Taitano were recovered Monday from a peat bog. The fourth soldier's identity has not yet been released.
How the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal escalated into an all-out slugfest
Both Norman Scott and Daniel J. Callaghan would be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the intense naval battle.
Sen. Ruben Gallego to block VA nominations until plans to cut staff are dropped
Marine Corps vet lawmaker says Trump administration is harming veterans' benefits with plans to change VA.
Fourth missing US soldier found deceased in Lithuanian bog
The recovery of the fourth soldier ends a weeklong search for four U.S. soldiers whose armored vehicle was found submerged in a Lithuanian peat bog.
Trump’s pick to lead Joint Chiefs denies MAGA hat story in hearing
President Donald Trump has said Caine wore the hat and expressed political support during a 2018 visit to Iraq.
Senator vows to hold all VA nominees over planned staff cuts
Plans to cut more than 80,000 staffers from VA offices would severely hurt benefits delivery, said Arizona Democrat Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps vet.
VA unveils next 13 sites for electronic health record rollout
VA planners want to speed the rollout of their controversial electronic health records overhaul project with more than a dozen new sites in 2026.
