On the Radar: Pentagon Renamed, Defense Bill Passes & Patriot Express Cuts

Tracking this week in military life, here's what's on the radar. The Department of Defense is now the Department of War. Or is it? President Trump issued an executive order giving the Pentagon a new secondary name. The move sidesteps Congress for now, but has sparked sharp debate over costs and legality. Meantime, House lawmakers passed an $893 billion defense bill this week. It includes a 3.8% troop pay raise in 2026, 26,000 more service members, and sweeping reforms to speed new weapons to the front lines. But sharp divides over abortion and transgender care now push the bill's fate to the Senate. The nation paused to remember the September 11th attacks 24 years ago. We think of not only the lives lost, but how America's military stepped up, answering the call to defend and protect in the years that followed. Starting October 1st, the Patriot Express will stop flying to five European bases, including Naples, Sigonella, Rota, Suda Bay, and Incirlik. The change, driven by low ridership, affects thousands of military families who've relied on the affordable, pet-friendly flights. And over on Veteran Life, think Top Gun was intense? This is the real deal. Nat Geo's Top Gun, the next generation. You'll see dogfights, carrier landings, and what it takes to become the Navy's elite fighter pilots. The docuseries premieres September 16th. That's your briefing. Be sure to follow my base guide and Veteran Life so you never miss what's on the radar.