Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (media.transistor.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
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