Military affairs reporter at Business Insider. Marine vet, front porch ornithologist, “informal and aggressive.” Message me on Signal: kelseybaker75.75
The saddest part of @Militarydotcom dying is that service members, veterans & their families have lost a key watchdog and significant source of information.
Valnet's sister company Iron Corp is attempting to recruit new employees for
@Militarydotcom in an effort seemingly aimed to union bust. We hope to work with them so new roles are publicly listed with salary rates and union membership disclosed as typically required.
.@Militarydotcom was recently purchased by Valnet. Immediately after the purchase, Iron Corp - a subsidiary - has demanded employees sign contracts which reduced benefits and set up non-compete clauses which employees may struggle to continue working in journalism.
@SecDef @PeteHegseth@thejointstaff offered a compelling look at the demands of air defense and other missions. The press would welcome more embed opportunities for deeper coverage—any plans to expand access? @SecDef @PressSecDOD
@SecDef @PeteHegseth You asked whether the media has covered how hard it is to fly a bomber for two days—including in-air refueling. Here’s the story from Business Insider:
https://t.co/2MlmZTy3GK
I’m also interested in military culture, especially how it shows up online through the social media ecosystem of service members and vets. If you’ve got tips or overlooked story ideas, I’d love to hear from you. My email is [email protected] and Signal is KelseyBaker75.75.
Some personal news: I’m thrilled to be joining Business Insider as a staff reporter on the military and defense team.
I’ll be covering the U.S. military not just as a fighting force, but as a workforce undergoing sweeping transformation.
I’m interested in how Pentagon and VA policies ripple down to affect troops and veterans, what it’s like to recruit or train in today’s climate, how units are adapting to drones, AI, and other new tools, quality of life issues, and even quirky uniform changes.
New rules imposed by @SecDef on Pentagon media access further chill the free flow of information vital to the public.
Our @Milreporters statement:
https://t.co/vJYDS1QKSM
Sgt. Quandarius Stanley wanted to make the Army a lifelong career. The failed Gaza pier mission cut that short, and his mysterious death at VA sent his mother on a quest for answers.
Free to read: https://t.co/JhHdqz6qAT
I think for a lot of folks, imposing more rules on the press at the Pentagon may not seem that extreme.
It was my pleasure to chat with @prestonstew_ about why this latest policy change by @SecDef is a big deal.
This is a, frankly, laughable way to speak to someone like @patriciakime who has been tirelessly covering the military and veterans for YEARS. You’ll be hard-pressed to find more of a pro who cares as much as she does. The work she has done is completely indispensable.
This is also how @JSchogol73030 and I get around not having WiFi because the Pentagon does not provide it for journalists like most other public or federal buildings do in DC. (The DC metro even has WiFi for god's sake.)
SCOOP: The Army has seemingly been pocketing money it taxes out of soldier's paychecks meant for food, and can't account for over $151 million meant to take care of troops. https://t.co/4cHK9E1Z3o
In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide.
.@kelsbbaker & I spent over a year investigating the mental health crisis among Marine Corps drill instructors.
https://t.co/m27AOqDTqj