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

MIL News Weekly 22-28 Mar 2026 (Episode 43)