Top stories
Trump’s pick to lead Pentagon spars with Dems at confirmation hearing
Former FOX News host Pete Hegseth billed himself as an unconventional pick to shake up Pentagon operations.
1,800 California National Guardsmen activated for LA fire response
California Governor Gavin Newsom increased the number of Guardsmen over the weekend, as the death toll for the wildfires climbed to 24.
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Opinion
Hegseth’s track record falls short of military standards: Dem senators
In this op-ed, Sens. Kelly and Duckworth argue Pete Hegseth falls short of the standards expected of those he would oversee as defense secretary.
Confirmation hearing for Trump’s VA Sec pick delayed over FBI check
The confirmation hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday morning, but will now be held next week.
Kendall floats F-35 successor, casts 2050 vision for Air Force
The Air Force and Space Force "need to go through a transformation" by 2050, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said on the eve of his departure.
In quiet shift, Marines allow mixed-gender DI teams to train recruits
A typical integrated team will have three DIs of one gender and a fourth of the opposite gender, with most featuring three male instructors and one female.
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Health Care
New Tricare contracts bring health care changes
Beneficiaries can expect easier transfer of medical referrals when they move, among other things, with the new Tricare contracts.
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
TriWest switch sparks ‘deluge of misdirected calls,’ Health Net says
Health Net is seeing a 200% increase in calls to their claims center, many because of problems reaching the new West Region contractor.
Opinion
Ukraine is determined, but tired
"Left unsaid was that the West could risk resentment if it pressed Ukraine into a negotiation likely to fail," writes RAND analyst William Courtney.
In other news
Tricare West beneficiaries granted more time for payment updates
Tricare beneficiaries in the West Region have more time to set up recurring payments with the new regional contractor.
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.
Marine lights candles for romantic hotel surprise, sets room on fire
Update the safety brief.
By J.D. Simkins
Did a US F-22 shoot down a UFO? Photo of aerial object adds to mystery
A grainy image (it’s always a grainy image) of an object downed by an F-22 over Canada's Yukon territory has aviation (and UFO) enthusiasts chattering.
Air Force Falcons unveil glorious AFSOC-themed football unis
The Air Force just dropped some special edition football uniforms and they are certifiably fire.
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Can the Pentagon’s China stance last under Trump? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 1.11.25
During the Biden administration, the Pentagon shifted the way it views - and opposes - China and its influence. Will that posture change under President Trump?
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MORE STORIES
Blitz of confirmation hearings includes VA, DOD secretary picks
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of Jan. 13, 2025.
Navy vet cleared of Jan. 6 conspiracy charges sentenced to time served
A retired Navy intelligence officer has avoided additional prison time after he was cleared of the most serious charges in his U.S. Capitol attack trial.
More F-15Es to get advanced electronic-warfare system under new deal
EPAWSS comes standard in the new F-15EX Eagle II, and the Air Force wants to retrofit some existing F-15E jets with the advanced electronic warfare system.
US Army wants spy drones to launch from high-altitude motherships
The Army wants launched effects that could deploy from high-speed, higher-altitude business jets as it expands its pursuit of unmanned capabilities.
By Jen Judson
Trump picks Senate candidate Sam Brown to head VA memorial affairs
The comabt wounded Army veteran will oversee VA cemetery operations and policies if confirmed to the new role.
Soldiers 10 times more likely to use nicotine pouches, study finds
Nearly one-fourth of Fort Liberty soldiers surveyed in new research study reported using nicotine pouches.
By Todd South
New Tricare contracts bring health care changes
Beneficiaries can expect easier transfer of medical referrals when they move, among other things, with the new Tricare contracts.
By Karen Jowers
Biden administration temporarily blocks 9/11 plea deal
It's the latest development in the U.S. military's struggle to bring to justice the man charged with planning the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States.
Army wants ‘modern’ dining halls to feature delivery, healthy food
The dining hall updates will target five Army bases, beginning with Fort Liberty, North Carolina.
By Riley Ceder
Expecting mothers overseas now have doula coverage in Tricare test
Starting Jan. 1, Tricare expanded doula and lactation services to expectant mothers overseas. The services are part of a test that runs through 2026.
By Karen Jowers