Early Bird Brief

Senior military leader calms fears over aid operation off Gaza coast

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Some Republican lawmakers, though, remain skeptical.

Russia, Iran military partnership rears its head with drones in Ukraine

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The assessment comes from a U.S. Central Command report.

Coast Guard conducts search and research mission after Baltimore bridge collapse

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The Associated Press reported that six construction workers are presumed dead from the accident.

House China Committee gets new leader as Gallagher exits

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 05:43:00 -0400

Gallagher's previous efforts included legislation over the social media site TikTok -- and efforts to force the company to become American-owned for national security reasons.

Marine wargames offer a look at the future — and fuel dissent

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Marine Corps reporter Irene Loewenson breaks down how wargames are fueling strategic choices in the service.

March Madness…of defense spending

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Congress released the nearly six-month late defense budget yesterday.

North Korea drone tech may present challenge in Asia

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Adm. John Aquilino testified before the House Armed Services Committee yesterday.

In effort to deter China, US military wishlist triples in size

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The wishlist comes as China’s actions grow more aggressive in the region.

One key senator eyes troop pay raises, increased funds for military housing

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Sen. Reed leads the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Nearly $1 trillion defense budget faces scrutiny both for being too large and falling short

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

That figure is drawing criticism both for being too large and for falling short.

Military was slow to process COVID vaccine waivers, watchdog says

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The Army and the Air Force routinely overran deadlines, the report said.

House passes TikTok ban in bipartisan vote

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

President Joe Biden said he would sign the bill into law if it passes the Senate.

Another round of Army ships deploy for humanitarian mission off the coast of Gaza Strip

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Four additional Army vessels shipped out to the Mediterranean, as U.S. airdrops of aid continue.

Pentagon releases its fiscal year 2025 budget

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

This comes as Congress is approaching six months of continuing resolutions for fiscal year 2024.

How Military Times discovered high tanker suicide rates

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Army Times reporter Davis Winkie breaks down how Freedom of Information Act requests shed light on the high rates of suicide for tankers.

State of the Union: Biden outlines military operation to build port in Gaza for aid

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 06:07:46 -0500

The biggest national security headlines from Biden’s 2024 State of the Union speech.

Sweden joins NATO, ending the country's post-WWII neutrality

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Sweden formally joined NATO as the 32nd member of the transatlantic military alliance.

First fatalities confirmed in Red Sea attacks by Iran-backed Houthis

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The Barbados-flagged ship was abandoned, with two crew members dead and six wounded.

“Alarming” percentage of vets, troops accept conspiracy theories: Military Times survey

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Survey participants were quizzed on their ability to differentiate between reliable and unreliable information.

US sends aid to Gaza as Harris calls for ceasefire

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The U.S. airdrop over the weekend is expected to be the first of many.

Navy leaders see power evolution with information warfare

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

"We are in the middle of another epochal change,” Adm. Samuel Paparo recently said.

Lawmakers grill Lloyd Austin over hospitalization

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Austin was hospitalized on Jan. 1 after complications from a surgery for prostate cancer.

Mitch McConnell, staunch Ukraine advocate, to step down as Senate Republican leader

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

McConnell is the longest serving leader in the Senate's history.

Mental health outreach efforts need more focus on women vets: report

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Female veterans account for nearly 10% of veterans in the VA system.

Pentagon releases review on Austin’s hushed-up hospitalization

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The review comes days before Austin is set to testify before Congress on the incident.

Pentagon wants industry to transform to meet demands for wars in Ukraine, Israel

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The Pentagon’s new defense-industrial strategy calls for “generational” investment in the industrial base.

Navy chief charged with spying for foreign government

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Chief Fire Controlman Bryce Steven Pedicini faces eight espionage charge specifications for alleged crimes that occurred between November 2022 and May.

Inside the Navy’s quest to fix the recruiting crisis

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Navy leaders hope to reverse a troubling trend that culminated in the service falling well short of its annual recruiting goal for the first time

Pentagon indicates Iran-backed Houthi rebels shot down a US drone

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The drone-downing is only the latest in a string of attacks on the shipping lanes in the Red Sea vital to the global economy.

From Red Sea to Ukraine, use of missile defense batteries increases

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Reporter Jen Judson and analyst Tom Karako discuss growing worldwide air and missile defense activity from Patriot batteries in Ukraine to persistent Red Sea attacks to what might be needed to prevent another Tower 22-like attack.

Air Force unveils sweeping changes, Navy secretary vows to hold contractors accountable

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

An update on the major announcements from the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air Warfare Symposium and the Navy’s West 2024 conference.

Biden admin urges calm over Russian space weapon threat

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The weapon has yet to be launched into space, an administration official said.

Lawmakers say VA leader ignored sexual harassment charges

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The agency has already given 50,000 documents to lawmakers that pertain to the allegations and their handling.

Senate passes Ukraine, Taiwan military aid, House vote uncertain

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the previous version of the supplemental "dead on arrival" after it was released.

Biden criticizes Trump over encouraging Russian invasion of NATO

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The former president also attacked his sole primary challenger about her husband’s tour of duty in Africa.

Lessons and mistakes on a B-52 bomber training flight

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500

Defense News air warfare reporter Stephen Losey joins a B-52 crew to experience a training run aboard the aircraft with decades-old hardware.

How the Air Force is prepping to fly century-old bombers

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

It comes amid the most sweeping revamp of the U.S. bomber fleet in more than a generation.

Five Marines declared dead in helicopter crash

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The crash occurred east of San Diego in California.

Senior militia leader killed in U.S. airstrike

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The strike comes after three U.S. service members were killed by a drone in Jordan last month.

Rep. Gonzales wants more Ukraine aid, sees bigger role for military intelligence at southern border

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 13:01:10 -0500

In an Early Bird Brief special episode, Rep. Tony Gonzales joins the podcast to talk about Ukraine military aid, the Israel-Hamas War, military pay issues and border security.

After fatal Jordan attack, Pentagon weighs base safety

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The Pentagon said that no plans are underway to pull troops out of the Middle East.

Ukraine military aid, border security bill in limbo

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, a Senate agreement on Ukraine military aid and immigration reform at the U.S.-Mexico border is released.

The Pentagon says it's trying not to open a wider Middle East war

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

A discussion with Military Times Pentagon Bureau Chief Meghann Myers for an update on the rise of attacks against American forces in the Middle East.

Biden administration approves drone sale to India as China military threat grows

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Capitol Hill reporter Bryant Harris joins the episode to discuss a recent drone sale to India.

Tensions over the migrant crisis swell at the border and on Capitol Hill

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Military Veterans in Journalism Fellow Nikki Wentling breaks down tensions at the southern border between the Texas National Guard and federal government.

Pentagon not taking Iran-backed militia pause declaration seriously

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The attack in Jordan took the lives of three soldiers.

Drone that killed three US troops reportedly mistaken as friendly

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, more information is revealed about the drone that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan, near the Syrian border.

Amid Red Sea clashes, Navy leaders ask: Where are our ship lasers?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Naval warfare reporter Megan Eckstein and C4ISRNET reporter Colin Demarest discuss the Navy's operations in the Red Sea -- and the service's desire for ship lasers.

Border crisis pits National Guard against feds in Supreme Court ruling

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Texas National Guard soldiers are still erecting border wire — and some Republicans are calling on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to defy the Supreme Court.

Houthi rebels and US airstrikes: How do war powers work?

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Capitol Hill reporter Bryant Harris dives into the world of presidential war powers -- and how sometimes Congress tries to reign them in.

The Pentagon is out of money for Ukraine

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The U.S. is looking to allies to keep bridging the gap.

Two soldiers injured in Iraq following Iranian-backed militant attack

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The Pentagon confirmed at least two American service members suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result.

What are the must see movies and shows in 2024?

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

These are the edge-of-your-seat movies and shows troops and lovers of military movies and series should watch for in 2024.

Congress averts another government shutdown … until March

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Yesterday, lawmakers approved a continuing resolution until March 1 and March 8.

Biden administration to relist Houthis as ‘terrorist’ group

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The move comes after the Houthis have targeted civilian ships off the Yemeni coast of the Red Sea.

US conducts more rounds of airstrikes against Houthis

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The strike followed a Houthi attack on a merchant vessel Monday.

Extremism an issue for vets more than troops, study says

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Recently published research found that service members don’t participate in violent extremism at higher rates than the rest of the U.S. population, but former troops do.

US, British militaries launch retaliatory strike against Houthis in Yemen

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

The strikes marked the first U.S. military response against the Houthis for drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the war in Israel.

U.S.-China resume military-to-military communications

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Pentagon reporter Noah Robertson breaks down a meeting between military officials from China and the United States, which is a first since 2021.

Austin developed infection after prostate cancer treatment

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, the Pentagon announced that Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin's hospitalization stemmed from an infection -- a complication from a previous surgery addressing a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Criticism swirls over defense secretary’s hushed-up hospitalization

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Former President Donald Trump called Austin's lack of communication over his medical issue a fireable offense.

The Marine Corps trained its last elite scout snipers

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 08:37:45 -0500

The Marine Corps graduates its final group of scout snipers as it looks to restructure itself under Force Design 2030.

US airstrike in Iraq kills Iran-backed militia leader

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

A U.S. airstrike in Baghdad killed a high-ranking leader of an Iran-backed militia involved in recent attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

US, allies warn of potential military action against Houthi rebels

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

A coalition of 13 nations warned of increased military response as Houthi assaults on commercial ships in the Red Sea continue.

How defense and security issues will play into the 2024 presidential election

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Defense and veterans policies will play a role in the debate over who should serve as commander-in-chief.

The top national security issues from last year and how they impact 2024

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 14:30:10 -0500

We take a look back at the End of 2023 episode from a few weeks ago.

What’s driving the Red Sea drone and missile attacks?

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Navy Times reporter Diana Stancy joins the episode to break down the increasing number of missiles and drones shot down in the Red Sea.

US military adjusts how it prosecutes sexual assault

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Each of the services officially opened their offices of special trial counsel to prosecute major crimes, including sexual assault and domestic violence.

US Navy shoots down more drones and missiles in Red Sea

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

A Navy destroyer and other U.S. assets intercepted more than a dozen drones and missiles in the Red Sea this week.

Biden orders airstrikes after 3 US troops injured in Iraq drone attack

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Officials said one of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries in the attack.

The top national security stories of 2023

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

A look back on some of the major stories of the year, from U.S.-China relations to the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

What will the 2024 election mean for US troops at the southern border?

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The 2024 general election may shape the future of U.S.-Mexico military policy.

After attacks, Red Sea will have international protection coalition

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Sec. Austin announced Operation Prosperity Guardian earlier this week.

Austin visits Middle East as US warship responds to Red Sea drone attacks

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The USS Carney reportedly responded to a distress call from a commercial vessel that said it was attacked days after the U.S. destroyer took out a wave of drones.

Repeal of laws excluding women led the Navy’s top officer to her job

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Navy Times reporter Diana Stancy joined host Jonathan Lehrfeld about how law changes nearly 30 years ago allowed for the first female officer to lead the Navy.

Defense bill heads to Biden for final approval

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Earlier this week, both the House and Senate passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

Navy ship shoots down another drone in Middle East

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The Navy ship U.S.S. Mason shot down another drone in the Middle East, just days after it responded to a distress call from a Norwegian-flagged ship.

Coast Guard Academy sexual assaults threaten national security, lawmakers say

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Coast Guard whistleblowers testified before Senators about the sexual assault report that shook the service earlier this summer.

Army receives first long-range Precision Strike Missiles

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:35:28 -0500

Last Friday, Jen Judson sat down with CSIS analyst Tom Karako to talk about the latest in missile defense news.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy issues plea for support during Washington visit

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Zelenskyy’s visit is part of a push by the Biden administration to persuade lawmakers to pass a supplemental funding bill, as officials warn that the money for Ukraine is running out.

Army-Navy game drives spirited competition, camaraderie

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Today, Military Times reporter Jonathan Lehrfeld joins the episode to discuss the outcome of the biggest sporting event of the year for the armed forces.

Abortion, other issues dropped in defense bill negotiations

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

House and Senate negotiators released their compromise draft of the annual defense authorization bill this week.

As Congress debates Ukraine funding, US announces more military aid

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Congress remains stalled on legislation that would provide new funding for Ukraine as well as money for Israel's war with Hamas and other security needs.

Tuberville drops holds on more than 430 military promotions

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The Senate approved hundreds of military promotions after Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville ended a monthslong blockade of nominations over a Pentagon abortion policy.

After Middle East attacks on ships, US considers naval task force in Red Sea

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The White House said the U.S. is considering the plan to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Pentagon extremism training faced criticism from all sides

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the domestic extremism trainings in February 2021. Military Veterans in Journalism Fellow Nikki Wentling spoke to troops who participated.

Truce between Israel and Hamas extended

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Two Israeli hostages were released after Hamas and Israel extended the cease-fire for another day.

Americans consider China greatest military threat, poll finds.

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 07:32:55 -0500

The latest Reagan National Defense Survey reveals what Americans think about top national security issues.

Gaza receives US humanitarian aid shipment

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The U.S. military flights to deliver aid come amid a humanitarian pause between Israel and Hamas.

Missiles fired near US warship in Gulf of Aden, DOD says

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen landed near a U.S. warship in the Gulf of Aden.

Short-term funding bill stymies Pentagon programs

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Today, what the lack of a full defense spending bill for the first four months of the fiscal year means for Pentagon planning.

US forces fire back after missile attack on Iraq base

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The number of attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East has increased.

Secretary Austin makes surprise visit to show support for Ukraine

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes an unannounced visit to Ukraine in a reminder of continued U.S. support for the country in its conflict with Russia.

Air Force officers say new parental discharge policy is broken

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The policy is intended to make it easier for those who need to leave the military because of childbirth, but airmen say it is backfiring on those who need it most.

Shutdown averted: Congress sends short-term budget deal to Biden

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The stopgap bill funds some government agencies through January and others through February, but the lack of a full budget impacts Pentagon planning.

Navy warship downs drone in the Red Sea

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

This is the second time in less than a month that a Navy warship has shot down drones in the Middle East.

Resuming US-China military talks a priority of Biden-Xi meeting

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Today, President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet and discuss reestablishing military communications between the two countries.

Congress looks to move on military nominations, funding

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

The Senate will try to break through a military nominations blockade as the House considers a funding proposal to avoid a government shutdown.

Psychedelics may be key to ‘revolutionize’ PTSD treatment

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

Research is underway to determine whether psychedelic assisted therapies could help veterans who suffer from a range of mental health issues.

Unsung heroes from 1993 Battle of Mogadishu still await honors

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0500

These soldiers saw heavy combat during the Black Hawk Down incident, but have yet to be recognized for their battlefield heroism.