# / pentagon & congress (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 13 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover / pentagon & congress. Page: Feed: --- ## [Behind the $1 million viral moment: The life of Navy veteran and ‘Beast Games’ standout](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/08/21/behind-the-1-million-viral-moment-the-life-of-navy-veteran-and-beast-games-standout/) _2026-08-21 · Clay Beyersdorfer · Navy Times_ Navy veteran Harrison Schoen had been forging his own nomadic lifestyle before going viral on Amazon Prime's “Beast Games." ## [He earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam. Why did it take decades to receive it?](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/20/he-earned-the-medal-of-honor-in-vietnam-why-did-it-take-decades-to-receive-it/) _2026-08-20 · Ethan Rocke, The War Horse · Marine Corps Times_ A June Medal of Honor ceremony concluded a 20-year struggle that profoundly shaped the latter decades of retired Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr.'s life. ## [US approves possible $4.5 billion sale of KC-46As, equipment to Qatar](https://www.militarytimes.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/08/20/us-approves-possible-45-billion-sale-of-kc-46as-equipment-to-qatar/) _2026-08-20 · Cristina Stassis · Military Times_ The U.S. Department of State approved a possible $4.5 billion Foreign Military Sale to Qatar for up to four KC-46As and related equipment. ## [Who decides what works? Inside VA’s mental health treatment playbook](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/18/who-decides-what-works-inside-vas-mental-health-treatment-playbook/) _2026-08-18 · Natalie Oliverio · Marine Corps Times_ Why can’t veterans always get FDA-approved treatments through VA? VA's Dr Wiecher explains how evidence, safety, guidelines and resources shape VA care. ## [AAFES boss leaves legacy of benefits for more veterans and stronger perks for all](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2026/08/17/aafes-boss-leaves-legacy-of-benefits-for-more-veterans-and-stronger-perks-for-all/) _2026-08-17 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Tom Shull, who retired earlier this summer, was the longest-serving director in the military exchange service's 131-year history. ## [‘Everybody loves a winner’: US-Ukraine intel sharing surges as Kyiv racks up wins](https://www.militarytimes.com/global/europe/2026/08/17/everybody-loves-a-winner-us-ukraine-intel-sharing-surges-as-kyiv-racks-up-wins/) _2026-08-17 · Katie Livingstone · Military Times_ U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine has rebounded to full strength as Kyiv’s mid- and deep-range strikes continue to hammer Russia’s oil industry. ## [Patriot makers hedge on Ukraine production deal as officials question cause of hold-up](https://www.militarytimes.com/global/europe/2026/08/14/patriot-makers-hedge-on-ukraine-production-deal-as-officials-question-cause-of-hold-up/) _2026-08-14 · Katie Livingstone · Military Times_ Though Trump promised Kyiv a license to build Patriot missile interceptors last month, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have put the brakes on production. ## [CENTCOM launches multinational attack drone task force](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/08/14/centcom-launches-multinational-attack-drone-task-force/) _2026-08-14 · Cristina Stassis · Military Times_ Task Force Falcon Strike will employ one-way attack drones composed of unmanned systems from above, on and below the sea. ## [DoD to launch pilot for some service members to freeze sperm, eggs](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/08/12/dod-to-launch-pilot-for-some-service-members-to-freeze-sperm-eggs/) _2026-08-12 · Patricia Kime · Navy Times_ The Pentagon will soon cover the cost for some service members to freeze their sperm or eggs. ## [Majority of VA mental health visits are timely, but referrals lag: Watchdog](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/11/majority-of-va-mental-health-visits-are-timely-but-referrals-lag-watchdog/) _2026-08-11 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ The VA watchdog found that 80% of referrals for mental health services in the Community Care program were scheduled within 30 days. ## [Collect Open Source Legends (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/MsV8yH7StDeD) _2026-08-11 · **Sponsored**_ Open-licensed art, limited foil trading packs, and optional on-chain mints. ## [Veterans unemployment stable despite job market cratering in July, report shows](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/10/veterans-unemployment-stable-despite-job-market-cratering-in-july-report-shows/) _2026-08-10 · Richard Sisk · Marine Corps Times_ A volatile month of July saw employers shed 23,000 jobs and lay off another 153,000, but the unemployment rate for veterans appeared to stabilize. ## [Major VA study to examine effectiveness of psilocybin on depression, PTSD](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2026/08/06/major-va-study-to-examine-effectiveness-of-psilocybin-on-depression-ptsd/) _2026-08-06 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ The VA is launching a study on the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin — magic mushrooms — for treating major depressive disorder. ## [Their military careers were cut short in combat. Now they’re fighting Congress for their full benefits.](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/06/their-military-careers-were-cut-short-in-combat-now-theyre-fighting-congress-for-their-full-benefits/) _2026-08-06 · Natalie Oliverio, The War Horse · Marine Corps Times_ Combat-injured veterans argue they shouldn’t be penalized after war injuries cut their careers short, but the cost could reach $78 billion. ## [Senator introduces bill to stop VA from recouping military separation pay from disabled vets](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/08/06/senator-introduces-bill-to-stop-va-from-recouping-military-separation-pay-from-disabled-vets/) _2026-08-06 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ An Arizona senator introduced a bill that would prevent veterans from being surprised when the VA docks their disability payments to recoup separation pay. ## [Risk of developing ALS varies by service, study finds](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/04/risk-of-developing-als-varies-by-service-study-finds/) _2026-08-04 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy veterans had the highest rates of ALS diagnosis in an analysis of more than 14,400 cases. ## [VA medical center, clinics in Spokane evacuated for wildfire](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/03/va-medical-center-clinics-in-spokane-evacuated-for-wildfire/) _2026-08-03 · Patricia Kime · Marine Corps Times_ Three fires near Spokane, Washington, have destroyed 600 buildings and burned 8,000 acres. ## [Trump’s new commission will target quality of life for military spouses](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/08/03/trumps-new-commission-will-target-quality-of-life-for-military-spouses/) _2026-08-03 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ The new President's Military Spouse Commission, chaired by Jennifer Hegseth, is tasked with addressing persistent problems for military spouses. ## [Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial slated for October unveiling](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/veterans/2026/08/03/desert-shield-and-desert-storm-memorial-slated-for-october-unveiling/) _2026-08-03 · Claire Barrett · Marine Corps Times_ Thirty-five years after the U.S.-led military coalition wrested Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, a memorial to honor those service members has found its home. [Listen](https://d1aodq6o8zrvmc.cloudfront.net/wp-archetype/20260803/6a71091b88726f4e61c3b6c0/t_0ef362c52ddb48bc97f9c08a7021d9a1_name_Desert_Storm_Memorial_Tour_4/file_1280x720-2000-v3_1.mp4) ## [Army offers bonuses topping $200K to keep aviation warrant officers in uniform](https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/08/03/army-offers-bonuses-topping-200k-to-keep-aviation-warrant-officers-in-unform/) _2026-08-03 · Eve Sampson · Military Times_ Eligible Army pilots can earn up to nearly $210,000 in bonuses under a program designed to keep experienced aviators in uniform. ## [Just one in three Americans backs Iran war, most unsure of Trump’s goals, poll finds](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/31/just-one-in-three-americans-back-iran-war-most-unsure-of-trumps-goals-poll-finds/) _2026-07-31 · Bo Erickson and Jason Lange, Reuters · Navy Times_ A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 69% of Americans think President Donald Trump has not “clearly explained the goals of U.S. military involvement in Iran.” ## [Find it on Amazon (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/37G1rOBtLJIp) _2026-07-31 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Amazon product listing to see details and availability ## [‘Good Samaritans’ beware: Scammers ramp up targeting of troops’ goodwill](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2026/07/31/good-samaritans-beware-scammers-ramp-up-targeting-of-troops-goodwill/) _2026-07-31 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ The father of a sailor is out to warn others in the military community about a “Good Samaritan” scam that cost his son thousands of dollars. ## [Review: New wargame captures uncertainty of the American Revolution](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/military-history/2026/07/30/review-new-wargame-captures-uncertainty-of-the-american-revolution/) _2026-07-30 · Michael Peck · Navy Times_ With a 114-page user manual, a new wargame offers a highly detailed simulation of the American Revolution. ## [Iran to get Chinese shoulder-launched missile systems in weeks, sources say](https://www.militarytimes.com/industry/techwatch/2026/07/30/iran-to-get-chinese-shoulder-launched-missile-systems-in-weeks-sources-say/) _2026-07-30 · John Irish and Jonathan Saul, Reuters · Military Times_ Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment out of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers. ## [Ukraine’s F-16s are being worn out from intercepting Russian drones](https://www.militarytimes.com/flashpoints/ukraine/2026/07/30/ukraines-f-16s-are-being-worn-out-from-intercepting-russian-drones/) _2026-07-30 · Michael Peck · Military Times_ Ukrainian F-16s have destroyed more than 2,500 one-way attack drones, but repeated interceptions are wearing out the country's small fleet. ## [Program offering free food to moving military families expands to four more states](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/mil-money/2026/07/29/program-offering-free-food-to-moving-military-families-expands-to-four-more-states/) _2026-07-29 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Military families relocating to four more areas can sign up for $125 worth of groceries and essentials. ## [Job search ‘coaches’ gear up to help transitioning troops meet AI challenge](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/07/28/job-search-coaches-gear-up-to-help-transitioning-troops-meet-ai-challenge/) _2026-07-28 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ About 200,000 troops leave the military each year, and this year they are entering a jobs market in flux, with the long-term effects of AI anybody's guess. ## [Suicidal ideation rises among veterans, but attempts remain stable, study finds](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/07/27/suicidal-ideations-rise-among-veterans-but-attempts-remain-stable-study-finds/) _2026-07-27 · Patricia Kime · Navy Times_ Suicidal ideations among U.S. veterans have risen nearly 50% in the past five years, according to a new study based on a survey of 2,636 veterans. ## [Iran says Ukrainian attack on vessel in Caspian Sea killed sailor](https://www.militarytimes.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/07/26/iran-says-ukrainian-attack-on-vessel-in-caspian-sea-killed-sailor/) _2026-07-26 · Reuters · Military Times_ Tehran described the attack on its vessel as an act of aggression while accusing Kyiv of seeking to expand the war in Ukraine. ## [From steppe to sea, a Ukrainian drone unit hunts Russian ships](https://www.militarytimes.com/global/europe/2026/07/24/from-steppe-to-sea-a-ukrainian-drone-unit-hunts-russian-ships/) _2026-07-24 · Sergiy Karazy and Dan Peleschuk, Reuters · Military Times_ Drone units operating far behind the front line on Ukraine’s sweeping steppe have hit more than 180 vessels and other sea-borne targets in recent weeks. ## [Even $500 could make a difference for military childcare workers, researchers find](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/23/even-500-could-make-a-difference-for-military-childcare-workers-researchers-find/) _2026-07-23 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Low pay is the leading reason military child care providers leave their jobs, but even a $500 bonus could help retain them, research found. ## [Ask the crowd: AI or not (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/5yf6hJSTMG0n) _2026-07-23 · **Sponsored**_ Get a transparent verdict from verified humans via web, RSS, or API. ## [Pentagon identifies third American soldier killed in Iranian attack in Jordan](https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/21/pentagon-identifies-third-american-soldier-killed-in-iranian-attack-in-jordan/) _2026-07-21 · Claire Barrett · Navy Times_ Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad, 28, is believed to be the third active-duty soldier killed in action in an Iranian attack in Jordan, the DoD said. ## [Pentagon identifies American soldiers killed in Iranian attack in Jordan](https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/middle-east/2026/07/20/pentagon-identifies-american-soliders-killed-in-iranian-attack-in-jordan/) _2026-07-20 · Cristina Stassis · Navy Times_ 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, were killed in action in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack in Jordan. ## [2 US troops killed, 1 missing after Iranian missile, drone attack in Jordan](https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/2026/07/18/2-us-troops-killed-1-missing-after-iranian-missile-drone-attack-in-jordan/) _2026-07-18 · J.D. Simkins · Navy Times_ Two U.S. service members were killed in action on Friday in an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on U.S. and partner forces in Jordan. ## [Military spouses can find jobs. Keeping careers is the hard part.](https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/17/military-spouses-can-find-jobs-keeping-careers-is-the-hard-part/) _2026-07-17 · Natalie Oliverio · Navy Times_ Unemployment among active-duty spouses actively seeking work climbed to 29.9% in 2025, up from 21.8% in 2023. ## [The new military family: staying together while living apart](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/17/the-new-military-family-staying-together-while-living-apart/) _2026-07-17 · Natalie Oliverio · Military Times_ The DoD does not recognize “geo-bachelor” as an official personnel status or maintain department-wide data on how many families live this way. ## [Bad actors use bogus offers to go after payouts to families affected by first atomic bomb test](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/07/16/bad-actors-use-bogus-offers-to-go-after-payouts-to-families-affected-by-first-atomic-bomb-test/) _2026-07-16 · Richard Sisk · Navy Times_ Scam artists are targeting the $100,000 now available to eligible New Mexico victims of radiation exposure dating back to the Trinity blast. ## [Senators question whether military pharmacy program is the best deal for beneficiaries](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/07/16/senators-question-whether-military-pharmacy-program-is-the-best-deal-for-beneficiaries/) _2026-07-16 · Karen Jowers · Navy Times_ Senators raised concerns about the potential anti-competitive tactics of the military’s Tricare pharmacy program contractor, Express Scripts. ## [US launches new round of strikes against Iran](https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/2026/07/15/us-launches-new-round-of-strikes-against-iran/) _2026-07-15 · Enas Alashray and Tala Ramadan, Reuters · Navy Times_ The U.S. conducted a new wave of strikes against Iranian military sites on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade of the Islamic Republic's ports. ## [VA, HHS to increase psychedelic therapy research for PTSD, military-related mental health issues](https://www.navytimes.com/veterans/2026/07/14/va-hhs-to-increase-psychedelic-therapy-research-for-ptsd-military-related-mental-health-issues/) _2026-07-14 · Patricia Kime · Navy Times_ The agreement could help accelerate research into the use of MDMA, magic mushrooms and other psychedelics to address PTSD and other mental conditions. ## [Sea drones strike Iranian port in combat first for US](https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/07/13/sea-drones-strike-iranian-port-in-combat-first-for-us-navy/) _2026-07-13 · Claire Barrett · Navy Times_ U.S. Central Command utilized three Corsair unmanned surface vessels to strike a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran. [Listen](https://d1aodq6o8zrvmc.cloudfront.net/wp-archetype/20260713/6a55092724957138736806f3/t_e043de3bf32245c8b7afc049b0a07b3a_name_One_way_attack_drones_v2/file_1280x720-2000-v3_1.mp4) ## [Washington’s orders to troops after July 4: You’re fighting for a new nation](https://www.militarytimes.com/military-honor/2026/07/05/washingtons-orders-to-troops-after-july-4-youre-fighting-for-a-new-nation/) _2026-07-05 · Richard Sisk · Military Times_ July 4 severed ties with Great Britain, but it was on July 5 that the former colonials got down to the nuts-and-bolts of governing and winning a war. ## [Unemployment for post-9/11 veterans climbs in June as nation’s job market slides](https://www.militarytimes.com/military-honor/2026/07/03/unemployment-for-post-911-veterans-climbs-in-june-as-nations-job-market-slides/) _2026-07-03 · Richard Sisk · Military Times_ The closely watched jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans bumped up from 4.1% in May to 4.8% in June as national job creation plunged. ## [Has the military been miscalculating spouse unemployment?](https://www.navytimes.com/pay-benefits/2026/06/17/has-the-military-been-miscalculating-spouse-unemployment/) _2026-06-17 · Jennifer Barnhill · Navy Times_ A recent report suggests that the Pentagon has overstated spouse unemployment rates and obscured factors unique to a military lifestyle. ## [Iran, US agree to halt war and reopen Hormuz](https://www.navytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2026/06/15/iran-us-agree-to-halt-war-and-reopen-hormuz/) _2026-06-15 · Parisa Hafezi, Yomna Ehab and Humeyra Pamuk, Reuters · Navy Times_ The memorandum of understanding is scheduled to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland. ## [US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet strikes, disables oil tanker in Gulf of Oman](https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/2026/06/08/us-navy-fa-18-super-hornet-strikes-disables-oil-tanker-in-gulf-of-oman/) _2026-06-08 · J.D. Simkins · Navy Times_ An F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln fired a precision munition into the vessel's engineering and steering spaces. ## [US strikes Iranian sites after Iran launches drones, in latest Gulf flare-up](https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/middle-east/2026/06/06/us-strikes-iranian-sites-after-iran-launches-drones-in-latest-gulf-flare-up/) _2026-06-06 · Ahmed Elimam, Jana Choukeir and Phil Stewart, Reuters · Navy Times_ U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Saturday after shooting down drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. military said. ## [Hidden chemical weapons sites emerge in Syria amid fragile security transition](https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/06/04/hidden-chemical-weapons-sites-emerge-in-syria-amid-fragile-security-transition/) _2026-06-04 · Eve Sampson · Marine Corps Times_ Over a decade after Syria agreed to dismantle its arsenal, international inspectors have uncovered scores of previously hidden chemical weapons materials. ## [Medal of Honor recipient Bruce Crandall, whose heroism was chronicled in ‘We Were Soldiers Once,’ dies at 93](https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/military-history/2026/06/02/medal-of-honor-recipient-bruce-crandall-whose-heroism-was-chronicled-in-we-were-soldiers-once-dies-at-93/) _2026-06-02 · Claire Barrett · Military Times_ Ret. Col. Bruce Crandall received the Medal of Honor for repeatedly flying his helicopter into intense enemy fire to evacuate dozens of wounded troops. ## [US carries out new strikes in Iran against military site, official says](https://www.navytimes.com/breaking-news/2026/05/28/us-carries-out-new-strikes-in-iran-against-military-site-official-says/) _2026-05-28 · Phil Stewart, Reuters · Navy Times_ The U.S. military carried out new strikes overnight in Iran targeting a military site that officials believed posed a threat to U.S. forces. ## [Air Force units earn honors for rescues during US evacuation from Afghanistan](https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/05/01/air-force-units-earn-honors-for-rescues-during-us-evacuation-from-afghanistan/) _2026-05-01 · Cristina Stassis · Military Times_ Units assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base received the Presidential Unit Citation for rescue operations during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.