Dianna Cahn

Dianna Cahn: Chronicler of Military Justice and Family Law

We’ve followed Dianna Cahn’s distinguished career as she’s become one of America’s foremost journalists covering the intersection of military operations and family law systems. Her work at Stars and Stripes and Military.com has redefined how the public understands the human impact of defense policies.

Career Evolution: From Courts to Combat Zones

• Early Focus on Legal Systems: Began covering state courts with emphasis on family law precedents
• Military Affairs Transition: Shifted to defense reporting during the Iraq War surge (2006-2008)
• Specialization Era: Developed niche expertise in military family law from 2012-present

Defining Work: Three Pillar Investigations

• The Hidden Battle: Child Custody in Deployment Cycles
• Oversight Gaps: Tracking DOD Inspector General Reforms
• Global Custody Standards: Analyzing Hague Convention Updates

The Hidden Battle: Child Custody in Deployment Cycles

Cahn’s 2022 investigation revealed systemic challenges in military custody arrangements during overseas deployments. Through interviews with 43 service members and legal analysis of UCMJ provisions, she exposed how frequent relocations create jurisdictional gray areas in custody disputes. Her work directly influenced proposed amendments to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

“The very system designed to protect those who protect us often leaves their families trapped in legal limbo” - Cahn, Stars and Stripes

Pitching Guidance for Military-Law Stories

• Focus on Policy Implementation Over Abstract Debates
• Cahn prioritizes stories demonstrating how legal frameworks affect individual service members. A recent pitch she accepted examined the real-world impact of the 2023 Defense Authorization Act’s family leave provisions through case studies of Navy families in San Diego.

Awards and Institutional Recognition

• 2023 DOD Media Fellowship: Selected for exclusive access to military legal reform workshops