MIL News Weekly

This week, we recap major updates impacting the military and veteran community. Two big cultural reforms were announced: chaplains will no longer display rank insignia—only religious symbols—to encourage junior service members to seek spiritual guidance, and recognized religious affiliation codes were reduced from over 200 to 31 (00:47). On the strategic front, US Space Command warned Congress about rising threats from China and Russia in space, prompting historic increases in active duty force levels (01:37).For retirees, three major bills—HR303, the Starr Act, and HR333—aim to fix the “wounded veteran tax,” affecting how disability and retirement pay are received (03:42). TRICARE and dental premium changes require careful attention from those retiring this year (05:51).The VA is pushing ahead with reforms: consolidating regional networks (VISNs), moving to opt-out healthcare enrollment, improving accountability, and expanding care for toxic-exposed veterans (07:52). Financial challenges and stalled modernization remain concerns (10:09). Legislation is also underway to boost federal and military employee pay (10:42). Stay tuned for more critical developments each week. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:40) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (01:32) - Space Threats Update (02:10) - Force Growth Plans (03:06) - GPS Program Trouble (03:33) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (03:57) - Bills to Watch (05:43) - TRICARE Retirement Pitfalls (06:58) - COLA and FERS Fix (07:30) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (09:01) - PACT Act Expansion (09:35) - Guardianship Legal Shift (10:05) - Budget and Pay Raise Debate (11:07) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we cover the key military and veteran updates from March 15-21, 2026. Highlights include ongoing pay disruptions for Coast Guard and Homeland Security personnel amid a Congressional funding stalemate, and new bipartisan bills—like the Shutdown Fairness Act—to protect timely pay for federal and military employees. The episode explores major legal rulings impacting Pentagon press access, legislative efforts to shield veteran federal workers from mass layoffs, and legal battles around GI Bill education benefits. For retirees, there are updates on benefit management tools and concerns about changes to dental and vision premiums. The VA segment reviews sweeping reforms to healthcare delivery and pharmacy policies, new suicide prevention grants, research linking Agent Orange to skin cancer, and proposed GI Bill limitations for flight training. (00:00) - Welcome and Overview (00:41) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (00:44) - Shutdown Pay Protection (01:55) - Pentagon Press Access Ruling (02:41) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (04:23) - GI Bill Lawsuit Update (05:05) - DFAS and COLA Changes (06:40) - Bataan Memorial March (07:14) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (09:21) - Mental Health Grants and GI Bill Cap (10:37) - Agent Orange and Ratings Shift (11:08) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers the most important updates for the military and veteran community for the week of March 8–14, 2026. Highlights include the announcement of the Warrior Dividend, a one-time, tax-free payment to most active and reserve service members; an average 4.2% rise in housing allowances; and a strategic increase in military personnel under the 2026 National Defense Strategy. For retirees, Edward discusses the 2.8% COLA increase, disparities between retirement systems, ongoing Social Security benefit restorations, and the impact on taxes and healthcare costs. Key pending legislation—like the Equal COLA Act and No Tax on Restored Benefits Act—is also summarized. In Veterans Affairs updates, the VA is streamlining disability claims, reducing backlog, and implementing new provisions under the Dole Act to expand non-institutional care and address homelessness. Several new bills supporting veterans’ education, health, and business initiatives are highlighted. The episode wraps with a reminder to stay informed about policy changes affecting military members, retirees, and veterans. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:39) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (00:49) - Warrior Dividend and BAH (02:06) - Force Growth and Marksmanship (02:48) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (03:40) - Social Security Fairness Fallout (05:22) - TRICARE Fees and OPM Backlog (07:00) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (07:17) - Dole Act Care and Housing (08:38) - New Bills (10:02) - VA Apportionment Rule Change (10:24) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

This week on MIL News Weekly, we cover essential updates for active duty, retirees, and veterans. Service members received the one-time Warrior Dividend and saw increases in pay and housing allowances. Key bills advancing include the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which boosts defense funding and provides helpful tax deductions; the Streamlining Procurement Act, which speeds up BAH adjustments in costly areas; and the Warriors to Workforce Act, which streamlines military-to-federal job transitions. For retirees, the Major Richard Starr Act is again in focus, aiming to end the "wounded veteran tax," and COLA increases are now in effect. Legislation to protect veteran jobs and expedite survivor benefits also saw progress. At the Department of Veterans Affairs, a controversial disability rating rule was rescinded, GI Bill benefits were expanded, and urgent staffing shortages at VA spinal care centers triggered a $4.8 billion facility investment. Finally, several new bills aim to modernize benefits, housing, and suicide prevention for veterans. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Kickoff (00:39) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (00:42) - Warrior Dividend and Pay (00:57) - Three Key Military Bills (02:27) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (03:39) - COLA and Veteran Job Protections (04:43) - Survivor Benefits Fast Track (05:02) - VA Ratings Rule Reversed (05:11) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (05:48) - GI Bill Expansion and VA Staffing (06:52) - Bills to Watch for Veterans (08:39) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers essential updates for the military and veteran community from 22-28 February 2026. Key highlights include the Pentagon’s ban on Anthropic AI due to its ethical stance, a shift in senior officer education away from Ivy League institutions, and new legislative developments affecting aviation safety (ROTOR Act and ALERT Act). The show reports on advances in nuclear weapon modernization, a 2.8% COLA adjustment for retirees, and the potential expansion of tax-advantaged retirement accounts based on the military's TSP. Details of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are explained, including new tax deductions and changes impacting federal retirees and those living abroad. Major VA updates include the rescinding of a regulation penalizing veterans for medication use, restoration of Second Amendment rights for those needing fiduciaries, infrastructure investments, expedited benefits, and expanded programs for Indigenous veterans. The episode concludes with concerns about VA staffing during the launch of a new military operation, emphasizing the long-term impact of war on veterans’ healthcare and support. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:39) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (00:51) - AI Ban and Pivot (02:03) - PME Shakeup (03:16) - Aviation Safety Bills (04:53) - Trident Modernization (05:35) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (06:52) - TSP for Everyone (07:41) - New Tax Law Impacts (09:10) - Debt Stress Test Bill (09:56) - SBP Payment Change (10:24) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (12:05) - Rights and VA Upgrades (14:05) - VA Staffing Warning (14:52) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers the key developments impacting military personnel, retirees, and veterans for February 15–21, 2026. We highlight the Senate’s passage of the 2026 defense appropriations bill, which includes historic pay raises—3.8% for all service members and a targeted 10% increase for junior enlisted ranks—plus major investments in readiness and modernization. The episode also explains the new Shutdown Fairness Act, which protects pay during government shutdowns, and improved TRICARE pharmacy coverage for remote families. Retirees learn about a 2.8% COLA increase, crucial enrollment steps for TRICARE after retirement, pending dental/vision premium changes, and the Veteran and Military Families First Act offering job security for federal employees. For veterans, the show unpacks the controversial shift in disability ratings based on managed symptoms, changes to VA apportionments, new career training bills, and recent medical research linking Agent Orange exposure to skin cancer. The episode wraps up with news on legislative efforts to anchor veterans’ rights and improve transition services. (00:00) - Welcome to MIL News Weekly (15–21 Feb 2026) (00:40) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (02:44) - Shutdown Fairness Act & Pay Our Military Act: Protecting Pay During Funding Gaps (03:38) - TRICARE Prime Remote Update: Copays Waived for Remote Active-Duty Families (04:12) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (05:45) - Retirement TRICARE Checklist: DEERS, ID Cards, Plan Choices, and SHPE (08:04) - Dental/Vision Changes + Senate Bill 1068 Job Protections for Veteran Civil Servants (09:09) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (10:24) - Sleep Apnea & Dependent Benefits: Rating Overhaul and Apportionment Limits (11:48) - Big VA Bills in Congress: VR&E Modernization, GI Bill Updates, and a Veterans’ Bill of Rights (13:56) - VA Research Breakthroughs: Agent Orange Cancer Link, Parkinson’s, and Opioid Withdrawal (15:11) - Final Weekly Briefing Wrap-Up & Subscribe

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers major developments for the military and veteran community from February 8-14, 2026. Highlights include the release of the 2026 National Defense Strategy, a shift in U.S. focus to homeland and Western Hemisphere security, new space-based defense technology, and the controversial use of AI in military operations. Tensions with Iran escalate, prompting the deployment of a second aircraft carrier. A partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security threatens Coast Guard pay, while the Senate passes a historic defense budget with substantial pay raises for junior enlisted members. For retirees, the reinstatement of Schedule F and the expiring layoff moratorium increase job insecurity, and debates continue over federal civilian pay raises and new retirement legislation. The VA undergoes a major restructuring and sees new bills expanding benefits for severely disabled veterans, improving caregiver support, and streamlining survivor benefits. Global defense innovation and procurement trends also shape opportunities for veterans in industry. (00:00) - Welcome & What We’ll Cover This Week (8–14 Feb 2026) (00:40) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (01:41) - Golden Dome in Orbit: USSF-87 Launch, Jackal Spacecraft & Mosaic AI (02:44) - AI on the Battlefield Controversy: Claude, Palantir & Contract Fallout (03:58) - Middle East Posture: Preparing for Sustained Operations Against Iran (04:53) - DHS Partial Shutdown: Coast Guard Missions Continue, Pay at Risk (05:48) - FY26 Defense Appropriations: Pay Raises, Readiness & Barracks Funding (07:11) - Global Defense Tech Trends: Drones, Counter-UAS & Europe’s Strategic Autonomy (08:00) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (09:22) - Federal Pay Plan Impacts: 1% Raise, Locality Freeze & High-3 Concerns (10:24) - Retirement Legislation Watch: FERS for All + Federal Retirement Fairness (11:25) - Defense Industry Shifts: India’s Spending Surge & DoD Acquisition Overhaul (RFO) (12:37) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (13:19) - VHA ‘RISE’ Reorg Under Fire: VISNs Cut, Costs & Oversight Hearing (14:48) - Big VA Bills in Committee: SMC Boost, Community Care Scheduling & Bill of Rights (17:14) - Survivors, Dental & Benefits Rules: Faster DIC/Pension, New Dental RFP, Apportionment Change (18:33) - Wrap-Up, Subscribe & Next Week’s Briefing

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers critical updates from February 1-7, 2026, impacting the military and veteran community. We discuss the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which brings a 3.8% base pay raise for service members and boosts readiness, ship operations, and emerging technologies. He highlights legislation to protect troop pay during potential government shutdowns and details the Department of Defense’s rebranding to “Department of War.” Force increases are authorized for the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. Retirees receive a 2.8% COLA, while updates to TRICARE rates and a new VA apportionment policy are also explained. Significant bills advancing in Congress address survivor benefits, the combat-injured retiree offset, and federal workforce buyouts. The VA improves transparency regarding representative fees and streamlines the VR&E program. Legislative efforts to expand mental health access and establish a Veterans Bill of Rights are ongoing. Finally, the National Cemetery Administration earns historic acclaim for customer satisfaction. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:40) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (05:07) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (08:43) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (12:36) - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers key military and veteran news for January 25-31, 2026. Major highlights include the release of the 2026 National Defense Strategy, which pivots toward homeland defense and industrial capacity over emerging technologies, as well as sizeable increases in active-duty force numbers and a 3.8% military pay raise. There's accelerated aircraft development for Pacific operations, new base commander authority to counter drone threats, and ongoing impacts of a partial government shutdown. For retirees and veterans, updates include a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment, revised TRICARE fees, and increases in education benefits. The VA is launching the RISE Initiative for system-wide reorganization and improved infrastructure. Several bills in Congress aim to affect military structure, education accreditation, veteran privacy, and rural access to benefits. The episode delivers a comprehensive rundown on policy changes, benefits, and strategic shifts shaping the military and veteran community. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:39) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (05:46) - https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/538 (06:50) - https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7280 (07:40) - Retired Military Personnel Updates (11:00) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (13:35) - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9638 (14:03) - https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3466 (14:29) - https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3951 (14:52) - Conclusion and Sign-Off

This week on MIL News Weekly, we cover the major developments impacting the military and veteran community for January 18–24, 2026. The Department of War released the new National Defense Strategy, prioritizing homeland defense, border security, and missile defense, while increasing force size across most branches. Active-duty members received a 3.8% pay raise, and new legislation secured funding increases for the Department of War and Homeland Security. Military retirees saw a 2.0%-2.8% COLA increase, with some disparities for federal retirees, and health plan premiums have risen sharply. The VA announced significant changes: decentralizing decision-making, altering disability payment apportionments, and inviting competition in its Community Care Network. Three veteran-focused bills became law, including one that expands housing and tech training opportunities. The episode wraps with a reminder on Tricare enrollment deadlines for recent retirees, tax updates, and increases in Thrift Savings Plan and IRA contribution limits.

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we provide a comprehensive update on key military and veteran news for January 11–17, 2026. Highlights include a 3.8% basic pay raise and a 4.2% increase in housing allowance for service members, new retention and fitness standards in the Marine Corps, and extended National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C. Major Congressional bills discussed aim to secure service member pay during government shutdowns and prohibit federal funds from being used in NATO country invasions. Retirees benefit from a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment and expanded Thrift Savings Plan catch-up limits. The VA announced limits on benefit apportionment and improvements to programs supporting disabled and homeless veterans. Several legislative efforts also address retiree pensions, benefit notifications, and funding for veteran services. (00:00) - Introduction to MIL News Weekly (00:38) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (05:43) - Key Congressional Bills for Active and Reserve Personnel (07:36) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (10:14) - Key Congressional Bills for Retired Personnel (11:28) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (15:04) - Key Congressional Bills for Veterans (16:54) - Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we provide key updates impacting the military and veteran community for the week of January 4–10, 2026. Highlights include a 3.8% pay raise for active-duty and Reserve service members, increased allowances to offset the rising cost of living, and legislative developments, such as the Pay Our Troops Act, to protect service members' pay during government shutdowns. The episode covers new military construction funding, a shift in defense contractor oversight, global deployment updates, and changes to retirement and veteran benefits—including a 2.8% COLA increase and adjustments to TRICARE pharmacy copays. We also discussed ongoing efforts to improve veteran healthcare and the push for the Major Richard Starr Act, which seeks to end the current offset of retirement pay for combat-injured veterans. The briefing closes with emphasis on staying informed to navigate changes in career, retirement, and benefits.

On this episode of MIL News Weekly, we cover key updates impacting military members, retirees, and veterans for the week of December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Highlights include a 3.8% basic pay raise for active and reserve personnel, adjustments to housing and subsistence allowances, and the disparity between military and civilian federal pay increases. For retirees, new COLA rates are explained along with higher TRICARE and FEHB healthcare costs. Veterans benefit from increased VA disability compensation and significant reforms, including a reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration and more competitive private care options. Legislative updates feature the NDAA for FY2026, tuition fairness for reservists, and improved protections for veterans with VA home loans. The episode emphasizes how these changes affect financial, healthcare, and educational aspects of the military and veteran community.

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers the key military and veteran developments from December 21-27, 2025. Highlights include the distribution of the Warrior Dividend—a one-time, $1,676 tax-free payment to over 1.45 million active and some Reserve service members to boost holiday morale. The funding was reallocated from housing supplements, sparking debate about its impact on military housing.Internationally, the U.S. launched Operation Hawkeye in Syria against ISIS and intensified the Venezuelan maritime quarantine targeting smugglers, leading to diplomatic and legislative tensions. Domestically, the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act was enacted, boosting military pay, allowances, and housing rates, while placing limits on troop reductions in Europe. For retirees, a 2.8% cost-of-living increase was announced, though rising TRICARE fees offset some of the gains. The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act offers foreclosure relief for veterans, and a legislative package modernizes VA services, including telemedicine, streamlined claims, and expanded clinic capacity. The episode closes with an ongoing debate over expanded community care and concerns about the privatization of VA health services. (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:40) - Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (00:43) - The "Warrior Dividend": Financial Morale in the Holiday Season (03:35) - Operation Hawkeye and Escalation in the Middle East (05:18) - Operation Southern Spear: The Venezuelan "Quarantine" (07:21) - Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Implementation (10:49) - Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (15:23) - (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1815) (16:17) - Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (17:54) - (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3481) (18:48) - https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1107 (19:36) - (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3579) (20:05) - (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3854) (23:27) - Conclusion and Sign-Off