Tiffini Theisen

Tiffini is a Military.com writer and editor who oversees the website's email newsletters, seasonality pages, holiday and evergreen content, and news alerts. A seasoned journalist with extensive experience in reporting, writing, audience development, content strategy and news analytics, Tiffini holds a master's degree from the University of Florida and is a former journalism professor and award-winning college newspaper advisor. She lives in Florida with her fiance, an Army veteran who served in Iraq.

Latest Articles

DD214: What You Need to Know

From healthcare to home loans, education to employment, nearly every veteran benefit starts with one document: Your DD214.

Alison Malachowski tends to the grave of her son, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. James Malachowski, in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, July 22, 2015. Staff Sgt. Malachowski was killed by an improvised explosive device during his fourth combat deployment on March 20, 2011, while his unit was raising the Afghanistan national flag over a small compound near Patrol Base Dakota in Marjah Province. (U.S. Army/Ken Scar)

Here's What Gold Star Mother's Day Is All About

"Gold Star mother:" It's a distinction that no mother wants, but one that many of them wear proudly.

Gold Star Mothers listen during the Commemorative Ceremony for Gold Star Mother's Day in Arlington National Cemetery, Sept. 25, 2016, in Arlington, Va. (U.S. Army/Rachel Larue)

Gold Star Families: Honoring Sacrifice and Legacy

A Gold Star family has made the ultimate sacrifice and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense for their loss and...

Military Appreciation and Giving Back to Veterans on Veterans Day

For Veterans Day, several organizations roll out promotions that support the military, veterans and their families.

U.S. Marines salute during a promotion ceremony

The Meaning of Semper Fi: The Marine Corps Motto

"Semper Fi" is short for Semper Fidelis, a Latin phrase that means "Always Faithful." It has been the official motto of the U...

Joining the Army ROTC cadet Clemson recruit

Military Appreciation Month: How to Support Service Members, Veterans and Their Families

In observance of Military Appreciation Month in May, numerous organizations have created campaigns designed to honor the...

21 Gun Salute: The History and Meaning of a Military Tradition

The 21-gun salute is one of the highest military honors, performed for dignitaries, heads of state and fallen service members...

Rosie the Riveter: Reshaping the Workforce During WWII

Rosie the Riveter wasn't one person, but she is one of the most enduring icons of American history, representing the...

Gene Hackman in the "French Connection."

Famous Veteran: Gene Hackman

Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman, a Marine Corps veteran, was one of Hollywood's busiest and most respected actors...

What Is Military Time?

Military time is based on a 24 hour clock instead of using the standard 12 hour clock. Convert standard time to 24 hour time...

How to Get Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans

Did you know you can get your business earn tax credits for hiring veterans?

Pass Road Gate on Keesler Air Force Base

Force Protection Condition Levels (FPCON)

Force Protection Condition (FPCON) is a system used by the Department of Defense to help assess and respond to terrorist...

Strategic Air Command personnel interpret a reconnaissance photo during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DEFCON Levels

DEFCON, short for Defense Readiness Condition or simply Defense Condition, is the U.S. military’s ranking system for defense...

VA Loan Cash-Out Refinance Tips: Maximize Your Benefits

Learn expert tips for the VA cash-out refinance. Understand the benefits, risks, and steps to take to make the most of your...

VA Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loans: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between VA cash-out refinance and home equity loans. Discover which option is best for major...

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Most Popular Military News

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green

Top Enlisted Leader at Air Force Special Operations Command Fired, Facing Investigation

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, who advised on the readiness, training and quality of life of enlisted air commandos, was...

Small Unit Ranger Tactics qualification course

Army to Soldiers: Reenlist by Monday if You Want to Claim Incentives

While it is not unusual for the Army to curtail incentives after meeting its retention goals, the troops were given little...

Col. Christopher Meeker, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, gives welcoming remarks at a community reception marking Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s 96th anniversary.

Former Air Force Commander Punished with 21 Days' Confinement, Forfeiture of Pay After Guilty Plea

Col. Christopher Meeker, the former commander of Wright-Patterson's 88th Air Base Wing, was sentenced Tuesday evening after...

New Air Force Academy Mission Statement Drops Educate, Adds a Different Focus

The Air Force Academy has rolled out a new mission statement that drops the word "educate" and adds in a focus on winning...

New paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), 82nd Airborne Division conduct physical training (PT) with the Brigade command team and Holistic Health and Fitness team on Fort Liberty, N.C.

The Army Is Getting Rid of Athletic Trainers

The Army is set to phase out its unit-level athletic trainers -- civilian specialists tasked with providing immediate care...

Vincent Aiello’s first solo flight in a T-2 Buckeye occurred at Naval Air Station Meridian in Mississippi on Aug. 4, 1994.

What the Life of a Navy Fighter Pilot Really Looks Like

It never occurred to Vincent Aiello that he could join the military and become a pilot until an eye-opening conversation with...

Latest Military Videos

Fort Benning Takes Back its Old Name, but to Honor a Different Soldier

The Army is restoring the name Fort Benning to its storied training post in Georgia, only this time to...

AP Explains Israeli Troops in Self-Declared Security Zones in Gaza

Israel’s defense minister said Wednesday that troops will remain in so-called security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and...

Russian Strike on Kherson Kills One Person and Injures 3 Others

At least one person was killed and three others injured following a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of...

Former Pentagon Spokesperson Speaks Out About Leaked War Plans

President Donald Trump is downplaying the texting of attack plans to a group chat that included a journalist as...

Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark...

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize...

Army News

Virginia National Guard Pilot Wrongly Identified as Involved in DC Midair Collision Sues for Defamation

Matt Wallace, an influencer who has more than two million followers on X, posted that Ellis was involved in the collision and...

Army to Soldiers: Reenlist by Monday if You Want to Claim Incentives

While it is not unusual for the Army to curtail incentives after meeting its retention goals, the troops were given little...

Navy News

What the Life of a Navy Fighter Pilot Really Looks Like

It never occurred to Vincent Aiello that he could join the military and become a pilot until an eye-opening conversation with...

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan tour of USS

Navy Secretary Says Need for New Shipbuilding Is 'National Emergency' at Hampton Roads Visit

Speaking to media at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after concluding his visit, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan emphasized the...

Air Force News

Top Enlisted Leader at Air Force Special Operations Command Fired, Facing Investigation

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, who advised on the readiness, training and quality of life of enlisted air commandos, was...

New Air Force Academy Mission Statement Drops Educate, Adds a Different Focus

The Air Force Academy has rolled out a new mission statement that drops the word "educate" and adds in a focus on winning...

Space Force News

The flag of the U.S. Space Command is unfurled at the White House

Key Details Still Missing on Why Biden Made Final Call on Space Command's HQ, New Report Details

The investigation is the latest probe into the basing decision, which started late in President Donald Trump's first term and...

Vice President JD Vance, left, listens to Col. Susan Meyers, right, during a briefing at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

Commander of Greenland Base Who Broke with Vance Fired Shortly After Military.com Report

Defense officials moved quickly to fire a Space Force commander in charge of a Greenland military base after a Military.com...

Marine Corps News

Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino and Lance Cpl. Albert Aguilera

Service Identifies Pendleton Marines Killed in Vehicle Incident During Southern Border Mission

Lance Cpl. Albert Aguilera, 22, and Lance Cpl. Marcelino Gamino, 28, both Marine combat engineers and from California, were...

President Obama awards the Medal of Honor to Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Meyer

Medal of Honor Recipient Dakota Meyer Reenlists in Marine Corps Reserves After 15 Years

Dakota Meyer, a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism in the Afghanistan War, is reenlisting in the the...

Coast Guard News

Members of a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment and U.S. Navy sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) conduct small boat operations in the Pacific Ocean, March 26, 2025. (Joey Sitter/U.S. Navy)

Coast Guard Permanently Relieves Commander of Sector San Diego

Capt. James Spitler and the sector's command master chief were temporarily relieved six months ago for allegedly creating a...

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is recognized as President Donald Trump speaks

New Offers for Buyouts and Early Retirement Offered to Homeland Security Staff

The Department of Homeland Security is offering buyouts and early retirement options to staffers, as the Trump administration...