Early Bird Brief

The most important military and defense stories of the day, delivered each weekday morning. Brought to you by Defense News and Military Times, the most trusted, nonpartisan sources for news about the military and defense worlds.

Last refreshed: July 25th, 2025 at 11:15 PM ⓘ

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Episodes

Short-term funding bill stymies Pentagon programs

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

Nov 27, 2023•12 min•Ep. 310

US forces fire back after missile attack on Iraq base

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

Nov 22, 2023•12 min•Ep. 309

Secretary Austin makes surprise visit to show support for Ukraine

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.

Nov 21, 2023•10 min•Ep. 308

Air Force officers say new parental discharge policy is broken

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.

Nov 20, 2023•8 min•Ep. 307

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

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

Nov 17, 2023•11 min•Ep. 306

Navy warship downs drone in the Red Sea

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

Nov 16, 2023•11 min•Ep. 305

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

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

Nov 15, 2023•13 min•Ep. 304

Congress looks to move on military nominations, funding

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

Nov 14, 2023•10 min•Ep. 303

Psychedelics may be key to ‘revolutionize’ PTSD treatment

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

Nov 13, 2023•9 min•Ep. 301

Unsung heroes from 1993 Battle of Mogadishu still await honors

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

Nov 10, 2023•23 min•Ep. 299

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