Jonathan Lehrfeld
Early Bird Brief Editor, Military Times
Jonathan is a staff writer and editor of the Early Bird Brief newsletter for Military Times. Follow him on Twitter @lehrfeld_media
All Stories By Jonathan
Personnel shortages may force US Air Force pilots to fly non-fighters
A U.S. Air Force memo outlines a “significant but necessary” policy change to pilot assignments.
US Air Force plans to bed down 25 F-35s in FY26, report says
The report also outlines the service’s procurement schedule to reach a fleet of nearly 1,800 of the aircraft by 2049.
Marine promoted by identical twin brother while deployed with 15th MEU
Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Morelli was afforded the opportunity to effectively look in the mirror and promote his identical sibling, Albert, to sergeant.
Army launches cognitive screening to track new soldiers’ brain health
The Army began baseline cognitive assessments for new recruits, and the other services are expected to follow in the coming months.
At least 17 Guardsmen have died while on Texas border mission
Only a handful of families have met eligibility requirements and been paid compensation following the passage of a recent Texas law.
Triple-tabbed soldier completes Ranger, Sapper and Jungle courses
She’s the 135th woman to graduate and earn her Ranger tab, making her the eighth woman to be double-tabbed with Ranger and Sapper tabs.
Army Reserve officer sentenced for ripping off Gold Star families
“Heartless and despicable don’t even begin to sum up his crimes," an FBI agent said after Caz Craffy was sentenced to 12 years behind bars this week.
Court ruling ends ban on joining military for people living with HIV
The move marks what advocates called the end of the last categorical disqualification preventing people living with HIV from joining the military.
