Department of Defense

Chuck Hagel, then U.S. defense secretary, speaks during a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels in 2015.

National

Is Trump pick Pete Hegseth ready to run Defense? A former defense secretary weighs in

9:47am November 20, 2024

Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel says "a lack of any government experience is an issue" when leading the largest institution in the world.

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Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon on Jan. 28, 2022.

National

Sexual assault cases are formally removed from the U.S. military chain of command

5:09pm December 28, 2023

by Natalie Schachar

The investigation and prosecution of major criminal offenses now shifts to independent prosecutors in a bid to strengthen the accountability of the military justice system.

Frederick Moorefield Jr., deputy chief information officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, was charged last month with dogfighting. If convicted, he could face up to five years in a federal prison.

National

A Department of Defense official faces up to 5 years in prison in dogfighting case

5:59pm October 03, 2023

by Ayana Archie

Frederick Moorefield Jr., a deputy chief information officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, allegedly used an encrypted messaging app to discuss dogfighting with people across the U.S.

Politics & Government

Senators demand answers from Dept. of Defense after reports of JROTC instructor abuse

5:39pm September 21, 2022

by Deepa Shivaram

Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand are questioning the Departments of Education and Defense after a New York Times investigation showed reports of sexual misconduct among JROTC instructors.

The next challenge for Afghan refugees is finding affordable housing and jobs

4:13pm February 25, 2022

by Deepa Shivaram

Afghan refugees have left their first destination in the U.S.: military bases. Now they're resettling in communities around the country. But finding affordable housing makes the transition difficult.

Afghans inspect damage of the Ahmadi family house after a U.S. drone strike in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 29. The strike, which the Pentagon originally deemed a success in striking an ISIS-K target, killed 10 civilians, none of whom were associated with

U.S. will provide condolence payments to families of Kabul drone strike victims

11:11am October 16, 2021

by Deepa Shivaram

The Aug. 29 U.S. drone strike was supposed to target ISIS-K members, but the attack killed 10 Afghan civilians. Now those victims' families will get unspecified condolence payments.

Health & Safety

The Pentagon Will Require Masks To Be Worn Indoors Even By Those Who Are Vaccinated

6:01pm July 28, 2021

by Josie Fischels

Reversing a decision made in May that allowed fully vaccinated people to ditch the mask, the Department of Defense will follow the CDC's most recent mask guidance.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is directing commanding officers and supervisors throughout the military to institute a one-day stand-down within the next 60 days to address concerns of extremism within the armed forces.

National

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Signs Military 'Stand Down' Memo To Address Extremism

5:52pm February 06, 2021

by Jason Slotkin

Austin has ordered the armed forces to stand down for one day to address concerns over extremism in the ranks — an issue that has drawn renewed concern in the wake of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

People wait for COVID-19 vaccinations in their vehicles at the Fairplex fairgrounds in Pomona, Calif., last month. The White House announced on Friday that active duty military personnel will soon be deployed to assist at vaccination sites, starting this

National

Pentagon Will Deploy Active Duty Troops To Support COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

1:38pm February 05, 2021

by Rachel Treisman

White House coronavirus adviser Andy Slavitt said part of the first contingent of more than 1,000 troops is set to begin operations in California mid-February with more vaccination missions to follow.

President Biden's nominee for defense secretary, retired Army Gen. Lloyd Austin, testifies Tuesday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

House And Senate Approve Waiver For Lloyd Austin, Biden's Pick To Head Pentagon

5:30pm January 21, 2021

The House normally has no role in Cabinet nominations, but because Austin, a retired Army general, has been out of uniform for less than seven years, both chambers of Congress must approve a waiver.