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Experts say gun alone doesn’t justify deadly force in airman shooting Roger Fortson’s supporters, family say the fatal shooting of Fortson was unjustified, while authorities say it was done in self-defense. US aims to outpace China with AI on fighter jets, navigation and more The United States is competing to stay ahead of China on AI and its use in weapon systems. Featured Families suing over Red Hill leak seek up to $1.25M in damages Opinion Improving how service members build wealth US troops put new Philippine military sites to test in Balikatan drill Latest Hyundai subsidiary reaches settlement over troops’ repossessed cars Bodycam footage shows deputy shot airman seconds after opening door Lawyer: Deputy who fatally shot Florida airman had wrong apartment Budget strain pauses MC-130J amphibious project for special forces SPECIAL FEATURES Your 2024 Military Times Pay and Benefits Guide Learn how your military benefits — including health care, retirement pay and more — have changed in 2024. What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024 Read our tips and tricks for moving season in Military Times’ 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide. What you need to know about transitioning out of the military Getting out of the military? Here’s what you need to know. Military Times Best for Vets” The #1 resource for veterans exploring their next job opportunity or educational path. EDITOR’S PICKS Pentagon & Congress Junior enlisted to get 20% pay bump, E5s get 13% more under House plan House lawmakers are looking to overhaul the military’s pay tables next year to dramatically boost junior enlisted pay. Disinformation creates ‘precarious year for democracy,’ experts warn Some of the messaging meant to sow division is reaching veterans and service members by preying on their sense of duty to the U.S. Mother of soldier being held in Russia believes he was lured there The mother of a U.S. soldier being held in Russia on theft charges thinks her son was tricked into traveling to the country. House lawmakers cut back public hearings on annual defense bill Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 13, 2024. In other news Paws with a cause: Puppies train to help veterans manage mental health Puppies from the group Warrior Canine Connection appeared on a live puppy cam” to promote managing mental health care for veterans and others. Watchdog blasts VA for errors leading to $11M in improper bonuses Aid on its way to US-led Gaza pier, but delivery is unclear VA to provide grants for veteran, spouse employment help Marine Corps’ longest-held Vietnam War POW, Harlan Chapman, dies at 89 Chinese Jody hit with jail time after stealing military spouse A Chinese man was sentenced to 10 months in prison for ruining the marriage of a People’s Liberation Army soldier. ChatGPT-val: Sailor claims AI helped write annual performance eval A Reddit user claiming to be a sailor said ChatGPT helped to complete the dreaded annual performance evaluation. By Zamone Perez Passenger absolved of in-flight bomb hoax that prompted F-18 response The passenger, then 18, alleged the bomb threat was a joke. Chinese Army defector claims air force cooked meals using missile fuel A former Chinese military member says troops were forced to use missile fuel to cook dinner. Don’t miss Edge-of-your-seat movies troops should watch for in 2024 Please return LT’s Humvee. This is no longer funny. Stop. Navy wife films heartwarming pregnancy reveal gone awry Unmistakable signs the Grinch is actually a veteran Some men are having plastic surgery to get chiseled ‘GI Joe’ jawlines 11 pieces of movie technology the military should field VIDEOS SOF Week highlights and AI-driven fighter jets | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 5.11.24 Special forces tech and capabilities were on display at SOF Week in Tampa, and AI takes the controls on an F-16. Plus: new undersea drones. Featured Videos Financial Tips for Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life — Money Minute Want a higher education degree after service? Follow these tips Highlights: Service Members of the Year 2024 awards What tech and gear to special ops troops want? A roundup from SOF Week Long range undersea drone can recharge its own batteries MORE STORIES Most VA police have not finished veteran suicide prevention training Whistleblowers told lawmakers that fewer than one-third of VA law enforcement personnel completed mandatory suicide prevention training last year. By Leo Shane III 5 days ago He was first to report V-E Day — then he was fired for it AP war correspondent Edward Kennedy landed the biggest scoop of his career — while simultaneously ruining it. By Claire Barrett 5 days ago Senators wary of VA plans to trim employee numbers VA leaders have said they plan to trim about 10,000 department posts in fiscal year 2025 in an effort to better manage their workforce. By Leo Shane III 6 days ago US soldier detained in Russia will be held until at least July Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black faces charges of theft after being arrested in Russia on May 2. By Leo Shane III 6 days ago First look at Kate Winslet as WWII combat photographer Lee Miller The story of prolific World War II photographer Lee Miller, who documented the horrors at Dachau, is coming to the big screen. By Claire Barrett 7 days ago US soldier arrested in Russia, Army officials confirm The soldier was reportedly stationed in South Korea and traveled to Russia on his own. By Leo Shane III 7 days ago Opinion Time is running out to recognize, compensate aging atomic veterans The VA’s failure to provide timely benefits makes RECA a critical lifeline for many veterans, Keith Kiefer argues in an op-ed. By Keith Kiefer 8 days ago Defense Secretary makes final pitch on FY25 military budget this week Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of May 6, 2024. By Leo Shane III 8 days ago ‘May the 4th be with you’: How World War II influenced ‘Star Wars’ One does not have to stray far to glean that the galaxy of Star Wars” is rife with WWII-based allegories. By Claire Barrett 10 days ago AI-controlled fighter jet takes Air Force...