Whenever consumers buy a new gadget, they test it to ensure it works as advertised and meets their needs. In much the same way—but with far higher stakes—the U.S. military must rigorously test weapons systems and 

A newly released report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) finds that the Pentagon is falling short in this area. According to the report, current 

testing practices do not consistently reflect how modern weapons systems will actually be used in real combat, raising concerns about effectiveness, reliability, and readiness.

The GAO report calls on the Pentagon to significantly improve how it tests advanced weapons systems before they are fully deployed, warning that outdated or limited testing methods could leave critical gaps in U.S. military capabilities.

Weapon testing has become more important than ever as military systems grow increasingly complex. At its core, testing answers a simple but critical question: 

Will this system work when it matters most?

According to the GAO, that question is becoming harder to answer under current testing practices.

The watchdog agency reviewed a 65-page analysis of DOD policies and found that the test systems, 

“...are not fully consistent with selected leading practices for product development as applied to test and evaluation: involve testers early, conduct iterative testing, use digital twins and threads, and obtain user feedback iteratively.”

The report also highlights that early and repeated testing can save both time and money by identifying problems sooner—when they are easier and less costly to fix. More importantly, robust testing helps ensure weapons are reliable, effective, and ready for real combat conditions.

 is that many weapons systems are tested primarily in controlled environments that do not reflect the realities of modern warfare.

In controlled test settings, systems often operate under ideal conditions: communications are stable, GPS signals are uninterrupted, and adversaries are not actively attempting to jam or disrupt operations. Real-world combat, however, is far less predictable.

The GAO found that while the DOD has expressed intentions to modernize its testing approach, many existing policies still do not fully support realistic, operationally relevant testing. As a result, some weapons systems may be evaluated in environments that fail to capture how they will actually perform under combat stress.

Early involvement of testers during system development

Iterative, ongoing testing rather than one-time evaluations

Use of digital modeling tools such as digital twins and threads

Continuous input from the service members who will ultimately use the systems

Implementing these practices, the GAO argues, would help identify problems earlier and ensure that weapons systems are not just functional in theory, but effective in real operations.

 extend beyond individual weapons programs to the broader issue of aligning testing with overall warfighting capabilities. The report emphasizes that weapon systems cannot be evaluated in isolation; they must be tested as part of an integrated operational environment.

As outlined in the report, the GAO issued 13 recommendations, including calls for the Secretary of Defense and the service secretaries for the Air Force, Army, and Navy to revise weapons testing and evaluation policies. The proposed revisions would require:

"...involvement of testers in acquisition strategies; iterative approaches to testing, including use of digital twins and threads; and ongoing end-user input."

According to the GAO, the Department of Defense fully concurred with seven of the recommendations, partially concurred with five, and did not concur with one. However, the GAO maintains that all 13 recommendations remain valid and necessary.

The report makes clear that modern weapons systems and warfighting capabilities are too complex to rely on outdated testing methods. Without fully updating policies to align with modern best practices, the Pentagon risks fielding systems that have not been adequately tested under realistic conditions.

As the DOD considers how to respond, the GAO’s findings underscore the importance of reforming weapons testing to better reflect real-world combat environments. Doing so, the report argues, will help ensure that U.S. service members are equipped with systems that perform as expected when they are needed most.

Did Pete Hegseth’s Reported “Kill Them All” Order Constitute a War Crime?

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Makes His Second Visit to Puerto Rico Since Drug Strikes Began

Dem. Lawmakers Urge Military to Refuse Illegal Orders: What Counts as Unlawful?

Pentagon Must Boost Testing for Weapons, Warfighting Capabilities: Report

GAO Report Highlights Need for Improved Military Weapons Testing

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and gathering with loved ones. For many civilians, November is filled with 

, unpacking ornaments, and preparing for family celebrations. For service members, Thanksgiving often looks very different—but the heart of the holiday remains the same.

Whether in a mess hall, aboard a ship, in a tent, or on a base thousands of miles from home, service members and their families find ways to make the day meaningful. Across continents and oceans, there is connection, community, and a shared sense of belonging that transforms ordinary spaces into places of celebration.

, and you can feel the mix of nostalgia, warmth, and longing. Dining halls are often decorated with flags, festive table settings, and rows of pies at the buffet, carefully prepared to make the day special.

The aroma of roasted turkey fills the air, but it’s not just the food that makes the holiday memorable—it’s the people.

Commanders, chiefs, sergeants, and fellow service members turn strangers into family, even if only for a night. Around the table, service members often realize: “I’m not alone. Everyone is missing home as well.” 

That shared experience, carrying pieces of home in each heart, creates a unique sense of belonging and community.

The Meaning of Thanksgiving Doesn’t Change

 may be different, but its essence is the same. Gratitude, reflection, and connection remain at the center of the holiday, even during deployments, separations, or operational duties.

Service members may spend the holiday in a desert tent, at sea on a ship, or on call for unexpected missions. 

Despite these challenges, moments of gratitude persist—whether through a phone call from family, a shared meal with teammates, or simply taking a moment to reflect on what they are thankful for.

In the military, your unit often becomes your family. Colleagues support one another, share meals, celebrate achievements, and create traditions that help fill the gap of being away from home.

Thanksgiving in uniform is more than a meal—it’s a feeling of being seen, valued, and part of something bigger than oneself. Bases open their doors, ensuring no service member feels alone, while laughter, stories, and camaraderie make even the toughest deployments brighter.

Even far from home, gratitude thrives in uniform, and the sense of community brings warmth and connection during the holiday season.

This Thanksgiving, We Share Our Gratitude

While families across the United States gather around their tables, another table stretches across continents and oceans—on ships, in tents, and on bases worldwide. Service members’ dedication allows others to celebrate in peace, and their sacrifices deserve much appreciation.

To every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Guardian spending 

: you are seen, missed, and deeply valued. Your courage and commitment connect you to countless others who are grateful for your service.

May this Thanksgiving remind all service members that no matter how far from home you are, you are never truly alone. From all of us who enjoy our holidays in safety, thank you.

Inside the Coast Guard's Policy War On Words Over Hate Symbols

Six Years Strong: How Giving Tuesday Military Is Still Turning Kindness Into a Movement

Christmas On Duty: The Military-Holiday Escape You Didn't Know You Needed

Gratitude Across the Globe: How Service Members Are Celebrating Thanksgiving

Gambling in the military has quietly become a growing concern, and a 

recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report

 is holding defense officials accountable for not doing enough to help service members who struggle with gambling problems.

The DoD recently updated its policies to recognize gambling problems, but the GAO has seen gaps in the policy. For the GAO, without stronger guidance and accountability, service members remain at risk of gambling addiction. Therefore, their findings underscore the need for immediate action to ensure that service members receive the support they require.

DoD Data Reporting on Military Gambling Addiction

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) reported 185 active-duty service members with gambling problems in fiscal year 2024. That number might not seem high compared to the overall force, but the GAO notes that this is almost certainly underrepresenting the real scope of the issue.

The military’s reporting system depends on service members who step forward or are referred for treatment. With that, the reporting is uncertain, as many may be hesitant to step forward out of fear for their careers.

Research suggests that service members are 

“Unhealthy gambling behaviors are an increasing problem across the Armed Forces today due to the ease of online/app sports betting,” said Army Lt. Col. Isaac Lopez, a clinical psychologist with Defense Health Agency-Public Health, in the Sept. 3 article. 

“This behavior is increasingly troublesome as research has shown it can lead to more significant problems, including increased risk of substance abuse and behavioral health symptoms.”

Gambling can be diagnosed as a disorder if it’s persistent and there’s a recurrent problem with gambling behavior.

DoD Policy Update: Inadequate Measures for Gambling

The GAO report says that while the DoD acknowledged the issue, the policy they have implemented doesn’t go far enough.

The DoD updated its instruction back in January 2025 on substance use to include gambling disorders. While they updated it, the new policy did not clearly assign responsibility for training, diagnosis, or treatment.

“Officials from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency said that they do not track data to determine if gambling is the reason for security clearances being denied or revoked,” auditors said. “However, they noted that while gambling may be a contributing factor, it is rarely the primary reason for denial or revocation.”

Another major concern is the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs that operate slot machines and gaming devices overseas. As traditional ones fade, these programs make it harder to determine accurate data on participation and spending.

DoD Policy Gaps on Military Gambling Addiction

These policy gaps can pose a significant risk to service members. Since there isn’t enough reporting, the data isn’t accurate as to how many service members have gambling problems.

Service members often avoid seeking help for gambling problems, as they fear it will harm their career or even affect their security clearance. This could mean that it can remain hidden until they reach a crisis point.

Due to these policy gaps, medical staff may lack clear guidance on how to respond. In some cases, service members who struggle with gambling problems may be referred to general financial counseling, while in others, they may not receive any formal assistance at all.

DoD Support Strategies for Affected Service Members

The GAO made nine recommendations to the DoD so that the department can address gambling in the military properly.

“GAO is making nine recommendations to DoD, including for DHA to issue implementation guidance that defines all roles and responsibilities for gambling disorder that are not explicitly assigned in DoD guidance; for each of the military services to subsequently establish a time frame to review and update their guidance to implement requirements for gambling disorder outlined in DoD's guidance; and for each of the military services to update their MWR guidance to be consistent with and implement DoD's revision to their MWR guidance, once completed, for responsible gaming. 

DoD concurred with 8 of our recommendations and partially concurred with one recommendation and outlined plans to implement it.”

Gambling in the military does not affect just the service members themselves, but it can also undermine financial stability, mental health, and unit readiness.

 and addressing each department of defense, they can implement these steps so that the department can move beyond just acknowledging the problem and actively protect service members.

The DoD agreed to the recommendations and has the goal to complete them by the end of September 2026.

The Federal-State Standoff Over Veterans’ Pain: Can VA Clinicians Recommend Cannabis?

VA Affirms Continuity of Benefits & Care for Veterans During Potential Government Shutdown

The Great Power Competition Training Returns: How Each Branch Is Adapting

More Guidance Could Help Address Service Member Gambling Problems

Gambling Addiction Research in the Armed Forces

GAO Warns DoD on Rising Gambling Addiction Among Troops

Welcome to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California - the West Coast’s premier Fleet Marine Force Training Base! Moving is never easy, but when you are 

 to an area known for its sunny weather, that is near the ocean, and has plenty to do, it doesn’t seem so bad at all. 

Camp Pendleton spans more than 125,000 acres, making it the Marine Corps’ largest West Coast training facility. The base supports nearly 70,000 active and reserve Marine, Army, and Navy units, as well as some national, state, and local agencies. So it’s no surprise that Camp Pendleton is one of the Department of Defense’s busiest installations. 

 and numerous tenant units, including Marine Corps Installations-West, Wounded Warrior Battalion-West, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Marine Aircraft Group 39, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego's Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps and Army Reserve Forces, and a Naval Hospital. 

Camp Pendleton’s mix of coastal and mountainous terrain is ideal for a variety of military training exercises. That same terrain makes the surrounding area perfect for hiking, birding, and surfing. It’s no wonder that people are clamoring to be stationed there.

Continue reading for our in-depth guide on Camp Pendleton to help aid you in your transition to your new base home.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Location Guide

Camp Pendleton is located in northern San Diego County. It sits beside Oceanside, Fallbrook, and San Clemente, and spans over 125,000 acres.

Camp Pendleton Visitor Center Building 20255T Oceanside, CA 92058

The installation is roughly 40 miles north of downtown San Diego, in San Diego County’s North County, and 82 miles south of Los Angeles. Camp Pendleton has been the largest employer in North County for the last 60-plus years.

Camp Pendleton Entry Procedures for Newcomers

Entering Camp Pendleton requires adherence to specific procedures and protocols. Here’s a guide to make sure you have everything before entering the base.

Average Drive Times to Base Gates from Popular Cities

If it’s your first time at the base, there are a lot of cities that are about 30 minutes to 3 hours away. 

Listed below are some popular attractions and cities within close proximity to the base.

Carlsbad to Main Gate or San Luis Rey Gate:

San Clemente to Las Pulgas Gate or Cristianitos Gate:

Los Angeles (Downtown) to Las Pulgas Gate: 

Obtaining Access to Camp Pendleton: Steps to Follow

Having the correct information for base access and procedures to follow is highly recommended; therefore, ensure you have that information in hand. Most importantly, you must have a credible reason for accessing the base.

It’s important to note that all visitors must have authorized access and valid identification, and access requirements vary depending on your purpose for visiting and sponsorship status.

Here’s a list of visitor access categories if you plan to access the base:

 Department of Defense (DOD) affiliates who have a common access card (CAC) for co-travelers

 DOD affiliates who have a CAC to sponsor a U.S. citizen for unescorted base access

 For individuals who are not U.S. citizens

 For events such as change of command, relief and appointment, retirement, or professional military education (PME) graduation

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Patrons

For U.S. citizens who are non-DOD affiliated to use recreation facilities such as the golf course, bowling alley, and stables

For U.S. citizens who are non-DOD affiliated to transit the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCB CPEN) bike route

explore Camp Pendleton’s Base Access Guide

 or contact the visitor center through the following phone number: 760-763-8435.

 Building 20255T, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055

Camp Pendleton has six gate accesses. As follows are their gate access hours:

 Open: 0600 to 2000, Closed: 2000 to 0600

 24 Hours (Outbound traffic closed Monday-Friday 0600 to 0800)

Note: Commercial vehicles must enter Camp Pendleton via the Las Pulgas Gate only.

To access the base, you need to have an ID. Listed below are the IDs accepted for base access.

Uniformed Services ID (Family or Retiree)

Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV)

Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) visitor pass or credential

Valid (unexpired) REAL ID Compliant Driver's License

Valid (unexpired) Enhanced Driver's License

Valid (unexpired) U.S. Passport or Passport Card

Dos and Don’ts When You’re at the Camp Pendleton Base

Make sure to keep these best practices in mind so you can enter the base successfully:

Pre-enroll guests at least 96 hours ahead

Bring photo ID, vehicle insurance, and registration

Arrive without approved DBIDS credentials

Assume you can access all areas — DBIDS limits are strictly enforced

Camp Pendleton Amenities and Facilities Overview

Each base has its own amenities and facilities, and at Camp Pendleton, there are a few things that are necessary for your needs and some that you can also enjoy.

Camp Pendleton has a Naval Hospital, a large facility that was completed in 2012. If you have any medical concerns, you can visit them at:

 200 Mercy Circle, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-5191

The housing office assists families to enhance the quality of life while at the base. You can contact them by email at pndlfamilyhousing@usmc.mil. 

You can also visit them during their office hours at:

 98 San Jacinto Road, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) Office

Camp Pendleton has two separate DEERS offices if you’re looking for a new CAC card or ID.

 Building 130132 Camp Pendleton, CA 92058

 Building 201017 Camp Pendleton, CA 92058

They also have a Post Exchange, which is located near Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP), along with smaller shops.

 1103 Building 1103 Camp Pendleton, CA 92055-0006

The golf course is located near the paintball park, which opens from 0600 to 1800 during the summer. 

: 18415 Mainside, Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055.

Camp Pendleton also features a commissary, allowing you to keep your kitchen and pantry stocked at affordable prices. 

 Building 20850, Vandegrift Blvd, Camp Pendleton North, CA 92055

Camp Pendleton: Essential Guide for Newcomers

Everything we experience in life teaches us things that sometimes a classroom can’t, and it’s also like that in the Navy.

It’s tough, yes, but in between the routines, the training, and often the long nights at sea, there is for sure growth that you can take from it. You come out with more than just discipline and skills.

There are a lot of lessons from the Navy 

 — you will walk away with them, and they will stay with you for the rest of your life. Here are a few of the lessons I learned during my time in the Navy.

People often think that leadership in the Navy is all about rank. Having the loudest voice or being the one giving commands. But that is not how it really works.

best leaders are the ones who consistently lead by example

. That is also how it works in the other branches of the military because real leadership is about showing up, especially when it’s inconvenient. It’s stepping forward when things are uncertain, and staying steady when everyone else is looking for direction.

You see it in the small, everyday choices — checking in on someone who’s struggling, giving credit when they deserve it, listening more than you speak, or being willing to admit that sometimes they are also wrong.

True leadership is also about taking care of your people. Not just professionally but also personally. It’s knowing your team’s strengths, understanding their challenges, and making decisions that put the team first before ego.

These habits carry into life, relationships, and careers outside the Navy. The best leaders are the ones who never forget that leadership is not a position but a mindset.

Nothing happens in the Navy without teamwork. Everything runs on trust and communication. You depend on the person next to you, and they, in turn, depend on you. It’s that simple.

Back home, civilians built this kind of idea that asking for help means you’re weak, and that you have to do everything alone. It’s completely the opposite.

In the Navy, things can go sideways if you don’t speak up or pull your weight. There’s no time for ego. You learn to rely on others, to back them up, and to work like your life depends on it. Because the truth is, sometimes, it does.

That level of support is rare in the civilian world. People often talk past each other, hold back, or just expect too much from themselves at work, in friendships, and even in families.

The beauty of teamwork is that you have someone to rely on, you have someone who has your back. You are not alone. That’s how beautiful life and lessons from the Navy are.

Some of us don’t have patience. We get frustrated easily, rush through things, or try to force results. That doesn’t help when you’re out at sea.

Sometimes, you’re waiting for orders that don’t come for hours. Sometimes, you’re dealing with a teammate who keeps messing up and needs the same thing explained three times. And sometimes, things go wrong for no absolute reason, and there’s nothing you can do except to stay steady and keep going.

It’s easier to lash out, and it’s easier to let all your frustrations out. But the Navy teaches you to hold your ground. You stop reacting to every mistake, and you learn to take a breath, think it through, and figure out what you can control.

Life in the Navy means being smart with your energy. Over time, you stop needing everything to happen in your favor. You became okay with the wait, the mess, the uncertainty, and it’s just the calm that sticks with you.

There’s a reason why the Navy training is tough: it is meant to push you, both your body and mind.

You’re cold, tired, and sometimes unsure if you can keep going, but you do. And every time you make it through, you are stronger. Waking up at 0400, finishing drills in the rain, running on no sleep… it does stop being dramatic. It becomes part of your rhythm.

Perseverance isn’t some big motivational thing. It’s quiet. It’s pushing through all of it; you’re still doing your job anyway.

Life outside the Navy throws us curveballs. Plans fall apart. People let you down. So, having perseverance is gold. You’ve trained yourself hard to keep going when it’s tough. And because of it, you can get through almost anything.

Anyone can look strong when life is smooth, 

. These lessons from the Navy don’t fade, but they stick with you. The thing is, you don’t need to serve to live by these lessons. You just have to decide what kind of person you want to be.

The US Joins Israel’s Attack on Iran, Striking Key Nuclear Sites

Hegseth Hints That US Has 'Contingency Plans' to Invade Greenland: Here's What Could Happen

Master Your Life: 10 Lessons from a Navy SEAL

Navy Life Lessons: 4 Insights to Transform Your Mindset

It’s a major win for the U.S. military, as the Navy announced that it reached its fiscal 2025 enlistment goal of signing more than 40,000 new Sailors three months ahead of schedule.

The announcement was made by Navy Secretary John Phelan via social media, and was met with praise across defense and government circles.

The U.S. Navy recruitment numbers this year is a turning point, as the Navy missed its recruiting targets for the first time in 2023. Now, for two years in a row, the Navy has surpassed its target recruitment numbers.

 via X (formerly Twitter), where he highlighted the success of a “significant milestone” in the service’s ongoing recruitment push.

“This is a critical time in history, the world is more complex and more contested than it has been in decades, and our ability to respond starts with our greatest asset, our people,” Phelan said in the video published with the announcement.

The Navy Recruiting Command confirmed the numbers: 40,600 new Sailors were enlisted for the fiscal year, and this achievement was made early, before the deadline on September 30, 2025.

The Navy indeed experienced recruitment struggles in the past, as in 2023, the Navy was short of its recruitment targets. However, last year, 2024, was a recovery period for them, as 40,978 sailors surpassed their annual targets of 40,600 recruits.

Strategies Behind U.S. Navy's 2025 Recruitment Achievement

The Navy reaching the recruitment goal for fiscal 2025 wouldn’t be possible if no changes had been made. Several factors contributed to the Navy's increased recruitment of enlistees following the changes.

The Navy loosened its recruitment qualifications as far as the law allows. First, they raised the maximum recruit age to 41, which was originally just 39, with recruits needing to report to boot camp by their 40th birthday. With the change, 41-year-old recruits should report to training by their 42nd birthday.

Secondly, they removed educational requirements and lowered the minimum allowable Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score to the 10th percentile, which is lower than the results of 90 percent of all test-takers. If the enlistee doesn’t have a 

General Educational Development (GED) credential

, they will also be able to enlist as long as they meet that test score threshold.

Additionally, they developed a more data-driven approach to ensure real-time monitoring of data.

“To achieve recent recruiting success, Navy Recruiting Command established a Recruiting Operations Center to monitor data in real-time,” 

. “The Navy also implemented the Future Sailor Preparatory Course to improve accession success, streamlined medical waiver reviews, and identified and removed barriers to recruiter productivity.”

U.S. Navy Operational Readiness Post-2025 Recruitment

The Navy has achieved a significant number of recruits this year, meeting their recruitment goal. However, this milestone is not solely about numbers or reaching goals.

This achievement means that the Navy can operate at full strength, allowing them to be ready for anything that might come. As more people join, the missions can run more smoothly.

In short, the U.S. Navy hitting their recruitment goals isn’t just a win for the Navy, but it is also a win for national security. With this, the U.S. military remains strong, focused, and ready.

Allison Kirschbaum

Veteran, Military History & Culture Writer

Credentials

Expertise

Latest by Allison Kirschbaum

GAO Report Highlights Need for Improved Military Weapons Testing

Gratitude Across the Globe: How Service Members Are Celebrating Thanksgiving

GAO Warns DoD on Rising Gambling Addiction Among Troops

Camp Pendleton: Essential Guide for Newcomers

Navy Life Lessons: 4 Insights to Transform Your Mindset

GAO Report Highlights Need for Improved Military Weapons Testing

Gratitude Across the Globe: How Service Members Are Celebrating Thanksgiving

GAO Warns DoD on Rising Gambling Addiction Among Troops

Camp Pendleton: Essential Guide for Newcomers

Navy Life Lessons: 4 Insights to Transform Your Mindset

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER