MIL News Weekly

Dave Faulk

Welcome to the Weekly Briefing, the definitive podcast for staying informed on the most significant news and policy changes affecting U.S. service members, military retirees, veterans, and their families. Each episode delivers a concise, comprehensive roundup of the latest developments from the Department of Defense, Congress, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

  1. 5D AGO

    MIL News Weekly 19-25 Apr 2026 (Episode 47)

    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 aim to enhance concealed carry rights for Special Operations veterans, and significant TRICARE updates were enacted, including coverage for weight loss medications and expanded Prime travel benefits. The VA reported major improvements in claim processing speed, reductions in homelessness, and increased investment in infrastructure and care. Legislation discussed includes the Major Richard Star Act to eliminate pay offsets for wounded retirees, and reforms to care for survivors of military sexual trauma and toxic exposures. The President’s 2027 budget proposes record funding for veterans’ services, prioritizing women’s health and rural care. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:41) -  Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (00:44) - Flu Shot Mandate Ends (02:47) - Unions and Budget Shift (03:55) - Zumwalt Fire and Hypersonics (05:01) - Army Combat Field Test (06:26) - Reserve and IRR Changes (08:33) - SOF Concealed Carry Bill (09:39) -  Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (11:33) - New TRICARE Benefits 2026 (13:53) - POW MIA Identifications (14:57) - Major Richard Star Act (15:41) -  Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (16:47) - VA Healthcare Expansion (17:43) - Disability Ratings Rule Halted (18:22) - Grants and Community Care (19:16) - Hill Hearings and VA Bills (21:44) - VA Budget Priorities FY27 (22:53) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    23 min

  2. APR 19

    MIL News Weekly 12-18 Apr 2026 (Episode 46)

    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 offsets for medically retired veterans. Retirees received a 2.8% COLA adjustment, with efforts underway to equalize COLA for FERS retirees. TRICARE improvements, including a pilot program with fee waivers and expanded coverage for weight-loss drugs, were discussed. The VA announced a major reorganization to improve care, accelerated facility modernization, and a successful electronic health record rollout in Michigan. Disability claim backlog times decreased, but concerns about quality and controversial VA rule changes remain. Significant legislation and policy changes—such as restoring Second Amendment rights and legal aid for vulnerable veterans—rounded out the week’s comprehensive update. (00:00) - Welcome and Overview (00:40) -  Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (01:49) - BAH Changes and Transparency (03:19) - Reserve Promotions Spotlight (04:20) - Drone Defense Training (05:13) - SkillBridge Cuts and Bonuses (05:47) - Bills Affecting Service Members (07:36) -  Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (07:39) - COLA and Equal COLA Act (08:23) - TRICARE Costs and Prime Pilot (09:49) - TSP SECURE 2.0 Changes (10:16) - Retiree Legislation and QLE (12:06) -  Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (12:08) - VHA Reorganization Plan (13:38) - EHR Rollout Restarts (14:34) - Claims Backlog Drops (15:23) - Veteran Bills in Congress (17:30) - VA Rights and Guardianship (18:37) - Disability Rating Rule Pause (19:26) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    20 min

  3. APR 12

    MIL News Weekly 5-11 Apr 2026 (Episode 45)

    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 Roth contribution requirements. The National Veterans Strategy Act aims to overhaul federal support for veterans, focusing on measurable outcomes over service “checklists.” The VA launched new grant cycles for adaptive sports, celebrated 100,000+ new healthcare enrollees, rolled out non-invasive GI screening tech, and announced that trust in the VA has reached 82%. The episode underscores the importance of staying informed about evolving military, retirement, and veteran policies and resources. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:41) -  Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (02:23) - ASA Monument Bill (03:01) - Virginia Laws Impact (03:40) -  Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (04:38) - COLA TRICARE TSP (05:56) - Retirees and IRR Recall (06:24) -  Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (07:47) - VA Grants and Enrollment (08:43) - New Care Tech and Trust (09:32) - Wrap Up and Subscribe

    10 min

  4. APR 5

    MIL News Weekly 29 Mar - 4 Apr 2026 (Episode 44)

    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 Act may restructure VA healthcare management 04:33. The VA’s 2026 budget request jumps to $441.2 billion, with major increases for toxic exposure care, disability benefits, and healthcare expansion 05:07. Proposed rule changes to disability ratings faced backlash and were rescinded 06:07. Key legislative updates cover improved home-based care, protections against claim “sharks,” and efforts to automatically enroll transitioning veterans in VA healthcare 07:34. (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro (00:38) -  Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel (01:12) - Coast Guard Pay During Shutdown (01:42) - Army Reserve Readiness Highlights (02:13) -  Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel (03:19) - Major Richard Star Act Push (04:22) - VISN Reform and VA Care Changes (04:53) -  Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs (04:55) -  Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Submission. (05:57) - Disability Ratings Rule Reversal (06:30) - Education Benefits and GI Bill Update (06:59) - Key Bills Moving in House (08:12) - Wrap Up and Next Week

    9 min

  5. MAR 29

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

    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

    11 min

  6. MAR 23

    MIL News Weekly 15-21 Mar 2026 (Episode 42)

    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

    11 min

  7. MAR 16

    MIL News Weekly 8-14 Mar 2026 (Episode 41)

    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

    11 min

  8. MAR 8

    MIL News Weekly 1-7 Mar 2026 (Episode 40)

    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

    9 min
See All (47)

About

Welcome to the Weekly Briefing, the definitive podcast for staying informed on the most significant news and policy changes affecting U.S. service members, military retirees, veterans, and their families. Each episode delivers a concise, comprehensive roundup of the latest developments from the Department of Defense, Congress, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Faulk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dave Faulk
  • Show Website
    MIL News Weekly