Megan Eckstein
Naval warfare reporter
Megan Eckstein is the naval warfare reporter at Defense News. She has covered military news since 2009, with a focus on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations, acquisition programs and budgets. She has reported from four geographic fleets and is happiest when she’s filing stories from a ship. Megan is a University of Maryland alumna.
All Stories By Megan
Marines pass full financial audit, a first for any US military branch
The Marine Corps was deemed by a third-party auditor to have a full accounting of all its assets and financial values.
Pentagon plans to cut 5,400 probationary workers starting next week
The Defense Department, which is the largest government agency, says it's reducing its civilian workforce by 5% to 8%.
Cuts to staff, budget will boost military strength, Hegseth says
Hegseth promised to reinvest budget savings in other military programs and jettison civilian workers who are not living up to expectations.
Confusion over VA worker dismissals irks advocates, lawmakers
Department leaders have declined to provide more information on recent layoffs amid rumors of looming additional staff cuts.
Not even a bullet through the mouth could stop this soldier in Vietnam
2nd Lt. Walter Joseph Marm found himself outnumbered 7 to 1. “We thought we were in another Little Bighorn,” Marm recalled. “Surrounded and outnumbered.”
VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How can Congress improve troops' quality of life? | Defense News Weekly Full Episode 2.15.25
A conversation with Rep. Pat Fallon, chairman of House Military Personnel Subcommittee, on troops’ quality of life, the recruiting crisis and more.
Avoiding Rookie Credit Mistakes - Money Minute
Jeanette Mack from Navy Federal Credit Union is back to help you avoid making rookie mistakes as you establish your credit.
Testing the fighting style of the Army of the future
The Army wants to evolve, and to try new methods of fighting it’s testing something called “transformation in contact.” Get an inside look at what’s involved.
New congressional leaders look to recruitment, retention goals for 2025
Expanding the military’s recruitment options and improving quality of life issues are priorities for the new Congress, says Rep. Pat Fallon.
