That Time the Air Force Proposed Making a ‘Gay Bomb’
In 1994 the U.S. Air Force’s Wright Laboratory drafted a declassified proposal, dubbed “Project Sunshine,” that included a bizarre non‑lethal chemical weapon called the “gay bomb,” intended to induce homosexual behavior among enemy troops. The lab sought $7.5 million over five years to develop a suite of oddball agents, ranging from sunlight‑sensitivity chemicals to halitosis‑inducing compounds. Funding never materialized, but the concept resurfaced in popular media, illustrating the extremes of speculative weapons research. The episode underscores the tension between inventive defense projects and ethical constraints.
Army Moves Toward Contractor-Run Pilot Training After Years of Safety Concerns
The U.S. Army has moved two bidders—Bell and M1 Support Services—forward in its Flight School Next program, a plan to outsource rotary‑wing pilot training to a contractor‑owned school. The proposal would replace the current UH‑72A Lakota curriculum with stripped‑down trainers...
Pentagon’s Ouster of Anthropic Opens Doors for Small AI Rivals
The Pentagon has officially labeled Anthropic a supply‑chain risk, effectively ending its primary AI partnership and sparking a rapid diversification push. Smaller defense‑focused AI firms such as Smack Technologies and EdgeRunner AI are now fielding a flood of contract inquiries...
Green Berets Infiltrate 90-Plus Miles Undetected in Weeklong Exercise
In February, the 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) completed Exercise Deep Strike at Germany's Joint Multinational Readiness Center, infiltrating more than 90 miles of simulated enemy terrain without detection. Teams operated solely at night, using mission‑specific gear and...
13 US Troops Killed, More than 380 Wounded in Operation Epic Fury
Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. campaign against Iran, has entered its 40th day with 13 service members killed and 381 wounded, according to U.S. Central Command. The Defense Department has incorporated the conflict into its Defense Casualty Analysis System, cataloguing...
Automatic Registration for US Military Draft-Eligible Men to Begin in December
The Selective Service System will begin automatically enrolling men ages 18 to 25 into the U.S. draft registry this December, after a rule was proposed in March and mandated by the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act signed by former President...
US Navy Seeks 1,200% Increase in Tomahawk Missile Procurement for 2027
The U.S. Navy is asking for roughly $3 billion to buy 785 Tomahawk missiles, a 1,200% increase over its 2026 request, to replace the 850 missiles fired during the Iran conflict. The FY2027 budget also seeks 494 AMRAAMs for about $800 million...
Trump’s VA Budget Request Tops $488 Billion for Fiscal 2027
The White House’s FY2027 budget request proposes a 7.7% increase for the Department of Veterans Affairs, lifting its total to a record $488 billion. The plan allocates $205.6 billion in discretionary spending and $282.6 billion in mandatory funds, funding new facilities, a medical...
Marines Deepen Ties in Philippines as Rotations Continue
The U.S. Marine Rotational Force‑Southeast Asia (MRF‑SEA) began a new rotation in the Philippines, replacing the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit on March 31. A command element from I Marine Expeditionary Force will stay for a standard rotation, emphasizing deeper integration with...
Trump Seeks to Double Number of Ship Requests with 2027 Defense Budget
President Donald Trump’s FY2027 defense proposal allocates $65.8 billion for shipbuilding, targeting 34 new vessels—18 battle force and 16 support ships—double the prior year’s request. The plan features the “Golden Fleet,” including two Trump‑class battleships claimed to be 100 times more powerful...
15 Fairchild Airmen Awarded for Refueling Roles in Combat Operations
Fifteen airmen from Fairchild Air Force Base’s 92nd Air Refueling Wing were honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star Medal for conducting aerial refueling missions in contested airspace. The ceremony, led by Maj. Gen. Charles Bolton, highlighted their role...
‘Drone Hunters of Kherson’ Takes Viewers Into a War that Blends ‘Trench Warfare and the Terminator’
The 17‑minute documentary “Drone Hunters of Kherson” reveals how cheap, off‑the‑shelf drones have supplanted artillery in Ukraine, with Russian FPV units targeting civilians and Ukrainian foot‑patrols countering them. It highlights the rapid, hour‑scale innovation cycle that produces $1,000 interceptor drones...
USS Gerald R. Ford Will Likely Notch Record-Setting Deployment, Caudle Says
The U.S. Navy’s flagship, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is on track for an unprecedented 11‑month deployment, surpassing the 332‑day record set by the USS Midway during Vietnam. The carrier, now at 281 days, has endured a non‑combat fire that damaged 100 berths and...
Minesweeping Technology in the Middle East Is ‘a Very Good Package,’ Caudle Says
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle praised the Independence‑class littoral combat ships equipped with a mine‑countermeasure (MCM) mission package as a "very good" solution for potential Iranian mining threats. The Navy retired four Avenger‑class wooden minesweepers in Bahrain in...
Italy Turns Away Middle East-Bound US Military Aircraft From Sicily Stopover
Italy refused a U.S. military aircraft request to land at Sicily’s Sigonella base while en route to the Middle East. The request arrived after the jets had already taken off, leaving no time for parliamentary approval required for non‑routine flights....
The US Navy Brought a ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Laser Weapon Back From the Dead
The U.S. Navy spent roughly six months and about $50 million to revive its one‑of‑a‑kind 150 kW solid‑state laser demonstrator, originally mounted on USS Portland in 2019. The restored system was fielded in the Pentagon’s Crimson Dragon exercise, where it successfully engaged four...
US Deploys Uncrewed Drone Boats in Conflict with Iran
The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. Navy has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats—specifically the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC)—as part of Operation Epic Fury against Iran. The vessels have already logged more than 450 patrol hours and covered over 2,200 nautical...
Feds Sue Towing Company for Allegedly Illegally Auctioning Off Troops’ Cars — Including Many Towed From Base
The Justice Department sued California‑based S&K Towing for allegedly auctioning up to 148 vehicles belonging to active‑duty service members without court orders, violating the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The alleged misconduct spanned from August 2020 through April 2025 and...
Senate Rejects Proposal to Overturn VA’s Abortion Ban
The Department of Veterans Affairs reinstated a near‑total abortion ban, limiting procedures to life‑threatening emergencies. A Senate vote of 50‑48 rejected Sen. Richard Blumenthal's amendment to overturn the ban, keeping the restriction in place. The 2022 policy that allowed abortions...
House Armed Services Committee Backs Sweeping Aviation Safety Reforms
The House Armed Services Committee unanimously approved the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act, a sweeping aviation‑safety bill prompted by the fatal 2025 mid‑air collision that killed 67 people near Washington, D.C. The legislation, passed 53‑0, mandates crash‑prevention...
US Army Special Operations Command Takes Home Top Prize in Sniper Competition
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (SOCOM) team captured first place in the International Sniper Competition held at Fort Bragg from March 15‑19. Seventeen elite two‑person sniper teams from U.S. special‑operations branches and allied nations competed in day and night...
34th ‘Rude Rams’ Named Top 2025 Air Force Fighter Squadron
The U.S. Air Force’s 34th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the “Rude Rams,” was awarded the 2025 Raytheon Award as the top fighter squadron in the service. Based at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, the unit spent 11 of the past 12...
Pentagon Inks Deal with BAE, Lockheed to Quadruple THAAD Seeker Production
The Pentagon has signed multiyear agreements with BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin to quadruple production of infrared seekers for the THAAD missile‑defense interceptor. Annual output will rise from 96 to 400 units, while BAE’s seeker contracts run for seven years...
DOD Rejects Malpractice Appeal in 26-Year-Old Soldier’s Cancer Death
The Defense Health Agency’s Military Medical Malpractice Claims Appeals Board denied the family’s lawsuit over the death of Specialist Maria Martinez, ruling the Pentagon bears no liability. The board concluded that even a five‑month earlier diagnosis would not have altered...
The US Has Counter-Mine Ships Homeported in the Middle East. Are They Effective?
The U.S. Navy’s Independence‑class littoral combat ships (LCS) equipped with the mine countermeasures (MCM) mission package have yet to prove operational effectiveness after replacing four Avenger‑class minesweepers in Bahrain. DOT&E reports cite low reliability of the Airborne Mine Neutralization System,...
Guidance Needed for Doctors Treating DOD, VA Patients Exposed to Jet Fuel in Hawaii Water, Report Says
A National Academies report finds no clinical guidance exists for treating long‑term health effects of JP‑5 jet fuel exposure, which contaminated drinking water for roughly 93,000 residents and service members in Hawaii in 2021. The study documents limited, suggestive evidence...
Why Military Fellowships at Civilian Universities Matter
In 2012, a U.S. Marine Corps colonel completed a senior service college fellowship at Yale’s International Security Studies and Grand Strategy programs, gaining strategic perspective beyond tactical training. He argues the Pentagon’s plan to cut similar fellowships at Ivy League...
US Countered Drone Threat over ‘Strategic’ Installation in Early Hours of Operation Epic Fury: Guillot
In the early hours of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. Northern Command used Anduril’s Fly‑Away Kit to detect and defeat a small unmanned aircraft system over a strategic installation. The kit, fielded by an 11‑soldier rapid response team, combines AI‑driven infrared...
Terror Groups Under Increased Scrutiny in DNI’s Annual Threat Report
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s 2026 annual threat report places foreign Islamist terror groups at the top of U.S. security concerns, spotlighting Hezbollah and Iranian‑backed militias as persistent threats to American and allied interests. While Israel’s recent...
Marines Test ‘Cruise Control’ Swim Feature on Amphibious Vehicle Prototype
Marines conducted water‑entry, swim and firing trials of the next‑generation Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) prototypes from General Dynamics Land Systems and Textron at Camp Pendleton. The tests showcased a new autotrim or "cruise‑control" feature that automatically maintains course and azimuth,...
Ukraine War Undermining Russia’s Arctic Plans, US Intelligence Says
U.S. intelligence warns that Russia’s Arctic strategy is being hampered by the ongoing war in Ukraine. While Moscow continues to invest in icebreakers, nuclear‑armed submarines on the Kola Peninsula, and new Leader‑class vessels, the conflict diverts personnel and funding away...
US Air Force Special Operations Seeks Kamikaze Drones
The U.S. Air Force is issuing a Request for Information to acquire small, one‑way attack drones for its Special Operations Command. The desired system must fly 10‑20 km, carry a 1.5‑3 kg fragmentation warhead, and be operable by one or two soldiers...
US Assesses China Not Planning to Invade Taiwan in 2027
U.S. intelligence agencies report that China does not currently plan to invade Taiwan in 2027, preferring a non‑military path to unification. The assessment tempers earlier Pentagon warnings that the People’s Liberation Army aims to be capable of a forceful takeover...
Norway’s Elite Arctic Soldiers Still Dig Their Own Snow Caves to Hide From Drones
Norway’s elite Long Range Reconnaissance Squadron is reviving the ancient quinzhee snow‑cave technique to evade modern drone sensors during Arctic operations. The unit, training alongside British Royal Marines and Canadian Special Forces, pairs these low‑tech shelters with cutting‑edge winterized drones...
‘Radiant’ Mother From Kentucky Was Among 6 US Service Members Killed in Air Crash in Iraq
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq, killing six service members. Among the dead was Tech Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, a 34‑year‑old mother of two from Kentucky, and three Ohio Air National Guard airmen. The aircraft...
Navy Unmanned Vessel Operators Are Now Earning Specialized Badges
The U.S. Navy is now awarding the historic Craftmaster Insignia to sailors operating medium unmanned surface vessels, marking the first formal recognition of the emerging USV community. Lt. Miles Graham’s Chimera Detachment Alpha, which fields platforms such as Sea Hawk,...
Army General Left Classified Maps on a Train in Poland, Watchdog Finds
A Department of Defense Inspector General report found that retired Maj. Gen. Antonio Aguto left a tube containing Secret‑classified maps on a chartered train traveling from Ukraine to Germany, losing control of the material for about 24 hours before it...
After 36 Years, Rescue Pilot Ends Service with Record-Breaking Flying Hours
U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Paul Anderson retired after a 36‑year career, logging more than 6,000 flight hours in HH‑60G Pave Hawk and HH‑60W Jolly Green II helicopters. His total makes him the longest‑flying helicopter pilot across active duty, Reserve and...
Military Hospitals, Clinics Resume Billing Civilians Following 3-Year Pause
The Defense Health Agency will resume billing civilians for care at military treatment facilities after a three‑year pause, affecting an estimated 137,000 non‑beneficiary patients who received emergency or trauma services since June 21 2023. A new Military Health System Modified Payment and...
Price Tag for Epic Fury Tops $11 Billion in First Six Days, Pentagon Tells Congress
Pentagon officials briefed senators that Operation Epic Fury cost roughly $11.3 billion in its first six days, a figure that likely underestimates the true expense. U.S. Central Command reports about 6,000 Iranian targets have been struck, while seven American service members...
Navy to Commission Ship Named After Medal of Honor Recipient
The U.S. Navy will commission the Arleigh Burke‑class destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG‑124) on April 11, marking the first warship named for a Medal of Honor recipient. The vessel honors Marine Corps Colonel Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum Jr.,...
Onboard Fire Extinguished on Aircraft Carrier in Red Sea, Navy Says
The U.S. Navy confirmed a non‑combat fire broke out in the main laundry room of the USS Gerald R. Ford while the carrier operated in the Red Sea under Operation Epic Fury. The blaze was quickly extinguished, causing no damage...
Lawmakers Seek Coverage for Expedited Fertility Care Under PACT Act
Lawmakers introduced the bipartisan Warrior Infertility Act to designate infertility as a presumptive condition under the 2022 PACT Act. The bill would fast‑track VA coverage for in‑vitro fertilization and other reproductive treatments without requiring veterans to prove a direct service...
Four Army Drone Systems Stolen From Kentucky Base
Four Skydio X10D drone systems were stolen from the 326th Division Engineer Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, between November 21 and 24, 2025. The Army Criminal Investigation Division announced the loss and posted a $5,000 reward for information leading to...
Pentagon Seeks System to Ensure AI Models Work as Planned
The Pentagon and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence are issuing an Area of Interest for a modular "harness" that can evaluate any AI model against mission‑specific benchmarks. The system must test isolated AI performance, human‑AI team outcomes,...
US Marine Corps Pursues Thermal Cloaks to Hide Troops From Heat Sensors
The U.S. Marine Corps has issued a Sources‑Sought notice for a Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) that can obscure Marines across visual, near‑infrared, short‑wave infrared, mid‑wave infrared and long‑wave infrared bands. The program targets delivery of 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and...
Marine Corps to Ramp up Swim Test Difficulty
The Marine Corps will overhaul its swim testing by merging water survival and underwater egress training, creating a more demanding regimen. Starting Oct. 1, 2026, Marines must qualify at the Novice level or higher after boot camp, with five progressive...
Largest US Military Hospital Abroad Halts Labor, Delivery Services Amid Iran War
The Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest U.S. Department of Defense hospital overseas, has suspended its labor and delivery services to concentrate on combat casualty care amid the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict. A memorandum directs patients to local German hospitals while...
Coast Guard Selects Alabama as Site of Second Recruit Training Center
The U.S. Coast Guard announced that the former Birmingham‑Southern College campus in Alabama will become its second recruit training center, fulfilling the Force Design 2028 mandate to expand the service by 15,000 personnel. The 150‑to‑250‑acre site satisfies all operational criteria,...
Former Military Times Soldier of the Year Approved for Medal of Honor
The U.S. House and Senate have unanimously approved legislation authorizing President Joe Biden to award the Medal of Honor to Maj. Nicholas Dockery, a Special Operations Command officer recognized as Military Times’ Soldier of the Year in 2022. Dockery’s 2012...
