MIL News Weekly

The House passed H.R. 8800, the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act, including expanded TRICARE benefits, support for childcare around bases, and amendments tightening security vetting and designating border operations. The Pentagon is rolling out new cognitive monitoring tools to detect traumatic brain injuries, replacing ANAM, with priority for deployed troops. Challenges persist for reinstating service members separated over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, including administrative and financial hurdles. Retirees can expect a projected 3.8–4.7% COLA increase for 2027, with retiree groups lobbying to preserve full inflation adjustments. TRICARE pharmacy processes and overseas guidelines were updated, and Congress is scrutinizing specialist provider availability. Ne...

The conversation focused on key legislative and policy developments impacting the military and veteran community for the week of July 12–18, 2026. One concept discussed was the Senate Democrats’ blockade of the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act due to concerns about an unauthorized war with Iran and the administration’s alternate budget proposal that dramatically slashes defense spending, forcing cuts to advanced military systems and pay raises. Another critical topic was the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act, which establishes a commission to safeguard Social Security and avert possible benefit cuts in 2032—an important concern for both active and retired military personnel. The disc...

The conversation focused on the week’s most significant military and veteran news for July 5–11, 2026. Key themes included updates on policies affecting active, reserve, and retired personnel, such as recruitment shortfalls, new signing bonuses, and legislative changes. One concept discussed was the Love Lives On Act, aiming to remove benefit penalties for surviving spouses who remarry before age 55. The discussion explored new leadership at the Defense Commissary Agency and cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

Several points were raised about the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, including expanded license portability, parity for Guard and Reserve benefits, elimination of the...

The conversation focused on the latest developments affecting the military and veteran community from June 28 to July 4, 2026. One key theme was the U.S. military’s rapid disaster response in Venezuela after twin earthquakes, including airfield repairs and humanitarian aid delivery through joint operations of the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. The discussion explored major legislative activity, particularly the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, a sweeping omnibus bill aiming to expand GI Bill protections, restructure the transition program, and address the long-standing concurrent receipt offset for combat-injured retirees. Several points were raised, including associated controversy over funding such...

The conversation focused on major military and veteran news from June 21–27, 2026. U.S. forces surged into Venezuela for earthquake disaster relief, while RIMPAC 2026 launched in Hawaii with 30 nations participating. The Pentagon reinstated mandatory flu shots for recruits after an outbreak, and a $17 million settlement was reached for civilians affected by Navy fuel contamination, while service members received nothing under the Ferris Doctrine. General Donahue resigned as Army Europe/Africa commander. A key theme that emerged was legislative action: The True Shutdown Fairness Act (S.3039) was discussed as a lifeline for service members and veterans, ensuring uninterrupted pay during government sh...

The conversation focused on major legislative and policy developments impacting the military and veteran community from June 14–20, 2026. A key theme that emerged was the sharp divide between the House and Senate versions of the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act: the House backs a tiered pay raise favoring junior enlisted personnel, while the Senate proposes a flat 3.6% raise and invests more in healthcare and quality-of-life improvements. Additional discussion explored restructuring within the Pentagon, new U.S.-Israel defense technology cooperation, and the creation of specialized commands and roles. Several points were raised, including amendments affecting military readiness and civilian workforce ri...

The conversation focused on the week’s most significant news for the military and veteran community, detailing recent legislative developments, policy changes, and benefit updates. One concept discussed was the Pentagon’s drive to acquire low-cost munitions in response to cost asymmetry in modern conflicts, alongside a 3.8% military pay raise and quality-of-life improvements such as expanded Navy food options and revised Army fitness tests. A key theme that emerged was the complexity of healthcare and benefits for both active and retired personnel, particularly the challenges for “Gray area” retirees awaiting full Tricare eligibility. The discussion explored major legislative progress, notably...

The conversation focused on major developments impacting military and veteran communities from 31 May to 6 June 2026. One key theme was a Department of Defense directive that slashed the number of recognized faith codes from 211 to 31, streamlining chaplaincy support but drawing criticism for reducing visibility for minority beliefs. The discussion explored the Army raising its enlistment age limit to 42, aligning with other branches to counteract recruitment challenges. Several points were raised regarding Navy reforms, the elimination of routine performance evaluations for senior personnel, and an audit revealing stagnant funding and underutilization in the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option for dependents with...

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers key developments in military and veteran affairs from 24-30 May 2026. We discuss a Russian drone strike that violated NATO airspace in Romania, raising calls for new air defense agreements. The episode reviews the Military Health System conference, highlighting Project Patriot Pipeline to address personnel shortages and efforts to combat the "Walker Dip" in medical readiness. Legislative updates include the Guard Equal Benefits for Federal Missions Act and the Major Richard Starr Act, both of which aim to improve benefits for National Guard members and medically retired veterans. Other bills featured are the...

The conversation focused on developments affecting military, retiree, and veteran communities from May 17-23, 2026. One concept discussed was operational challenges at installations, including emergency medical upgrades and infrastructure repairs at bases like Fort Belvoir and Camp Lejeune. Globally, topics included housing transitions for families in England and regulatory updates on military moves and equipment.

A key theme that emerged was healthcare changes. TRICARE restructured coverage, excluding all gender transition therapies for dependents under 18, while expanding women’s preventive services and streamlining claims processing. The Department of Veterans Affairs saw veteran trust in its services reach a record hi...

We report on major developments for the military and veteran community from 10–16 May 2026. Key updates include the sudden cancellation of a major US Army deployment to Poland and a broader drawdown of US troops in Europe, driven by diplomatic disputes and a new presidential directive. Special Operations leaders voiced serious concerns in Congress about proprietary restrictions on equipment, which hamper battlefield innovation. The Navy exceeded recruiting goals and launched modernization initiatives under the "Golden Fleet" plan. The Major Richard Starr Act, which would allow combat-injured retirees to receive full concurrent retirement and VA disability pay, gained substantial Congressional support bu...

We deliver the essential updates for the military and veteran community for the week of 3–9 May 2026. Major headlines include the Pentagon’s rebranding as the Department of War under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, emphasizing a “warrior” culture, stricter physical and behavioral standards, merit-based promotions, and new medical-condition screening for recruits. The Department launched a task force to invite previously discharged service members back after COVID-19 vaccine mandate separations and began releasing classified UAP files.

For retirees, the Major Richard Starr Act gained critical support, potentially ending benefit offsets for 54,000 combat-disabled veterans. Retirees receive a 2.8% COLA adjustment, but face...

This episode of MIL News Weekly, covering April 26 to May 2, 2026, highlights major developments affecting military and veteran communities. Speaker A details the end of a 76-day partial government shutdown, with the House passing a $48 billion Department of Homeland Security funding bill that restores Coast Guard operations and pay. The Pentagon proposed reverting to the Department of War name and unveiled a record $1.5 trillion budget, including tiered pay raises—7% for junior enlisted, 6% for mid-ranks, and 5% for senior officers. President Trump announced deeper-than-expected troop withdrawals from Germany. Significant legislation covered includes the Major Richard Starr Act, which gained Pentagon support to el...

The episode covers major military and veterans news from April 19–25, 2026. We detail Secretary Hegseth's historic end to the mandatory annual flu vaccine for service members, allowing individual branches a 15-day window to request that the requirement be continued for operational needs. The Department of War terminated most collective bargaining agreements with federal employee unions under national security grounds, while the Navy investigates a fire aboard USS Zumwalt during hypersonic missile integration. The Army launched a new, gender- and age-neutral Combat Field Test and marked the Army Reserve’s 118th birthday, despite warnings about aging equipment and funding concerns. New laws...

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers key updates for military, retiree, and veteran communities for April 12-18, 2026. We highlight the ongoing impact of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, including a stabilized 3.8% pay raise for service members, increases to housing allowances, and new transparency in BAH calculations. The Marine Corps Reserve promoted a new cohort of noncommissioned officers, while the Army Reserve increased training against drone threats. The Air Force reduced the transition windows for civilian employees but introduced large aviator retention bonuses.

Legislative updates include bills to expand TRICARE dependent coverage, simplify reservist benefits, and end...

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we report key updates for military personnel, retirees, and veterans for April 5–11, 2026. Highlights include a Pentagon policy shift that redefines the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) as a mobilization asset, requiring more detailed data collection and annual screenings for relevant members. Congress introduced the Army Security Agency Monument Act to honor ASA veterans, and Virginia passed legislation raising the minimum wage and expanding contraception rights, supporting military families. Retirees are notified of new support offices and changes to benefits: a 2.8% COLA increase, TRICARE cost hikes, and higher Thrift Savings Plan limits with significant Ro...

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers major developments in the military and veteran community from March 29 to April 4, 2026. Highlights include a significant leadership change as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth requested Army Chief of Staff General Randy George’s retirement, signaling new strategic directions at the Pentagon 00:44. A continued Department of Homeland Security shutdown is impacting Coast Guard pay, though President Trump has pledged to intervene 01:26. For retirees, updates include reminders about the 2.8% COLA adjustment, DFAS administrative changes, and the pending Major Richard Starr Act, which would end offsets reducing retirement pay for combat-injured veterans 03:23. The VISN Reform Ac...

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...

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...

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 s...

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...

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 im...

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...

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...

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 Con...

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...

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 it...

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...

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 impr...

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...

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 pl...

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we cover significant developments impacting the military and veteran community for the week of December 14–20, 2025. Key updates include the distribution of a one-time “warrior dividend” bonus to 1.5 million junior and mid-level service members, passage of the $900 billion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a 3.8% military pay raise, funding for infrastructure improvements, and new physical fitness standards for Marines. The episode also highlights recent legislative actions affecting retirement pay, veterans’ education benefits, TRICARE enrollment changes, federal employee pay increases, and administrative shifts at the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a major VA healthca...

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers key military and veteran updates for December 7-13, 2025. Highlights include passage of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes nearly $900 billion in defense spending, offers a 3.8% pay raise for all active duty and reserve personnel, mandates increased transparency in housing allowances, and raises the Family Separation Allowance. The episode also discusses the tightening of rules for troop withdrawals in Europe and South Korea, controversial exclusions such as expanded TRICARE infertility coverage, and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the DoD. Updates on basic housing allowance rates, legislative actions...

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers military, retiree, and veteran news from November 30 to December 6, 2025. Highlights include the extended deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., under a hybrid federal-state framework, and the unveiling of the $1 billion Drone Dominance Program, which aims to scale up loitering munitions rapidly. Fiscal updates feature President Trump’s extension of government funding to January 2026 and negotiations on the NDAA, with a notable 15% pay raise for junior enlisted personnel and a 3.8% military-wide pay increase. Retirees will see a 2.8% COLA, and Medal of Honor recipients will gain a significant pension boost. Healthcare co...

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers crucial military and veteran updates for November 23–29, 2025. Highlights include the Pentagon’s rebranding from the Department of Defense to the Department of War, signaling a doctrinal shift toward offensive readiness and a $2 billion budget for the rebrand. Key legislation, such as HR 5371, averts a government shutdown while safeguarding military pay. New bills aim to streamline secure workspace accreditation and reform defense industry practices. For retirees, Edward discusses changes to healthcare referrals, TRICARE/FedVIP open season deadlines, a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment, and a pay schedule anomaly that requires careful financial planning. The VA eliminated unio...

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we cover key updates impacting military personnel, retirees, and veterans from November 16-22, 2025. Major topics include the aftermath of a government shutdown, which nearly disrupted pay for 2 million service members and highlighted vulnerabilities in military financial systems. The reopening restored retroactive pay for furloughed employees and lifted administrative freezes on personnel actions and travel orders. A significant Department of War policy overhaul aims to reduce non-essential training and improve fairness in discipline and retention. Legislative highlights feature progress on the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which boosts pay and leave protections, especially...

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we recap critical updates for the military and veteran community from November 9-15, 2025. Highlights include the passage of HR 5371, which restored funding and readiness following a 43-day government shutdown, and the physical rebranding of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The episode covers expanded U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, defense technology advances like the railgun, and crucial legislative news for military retirees and veterans. Notably, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act was passed, protecting benefits against inflation. At the same time, the VA introduced new copayments for...