MIL News Weekly

This episode covers key military and veteran developments, focusing on the National Guard’s armed deployment in Washington, D.C., amid federal-local tensions and potential expansion to Chicago. The Department of Defense announced the establishment of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to combat drone threats, reflecting a broader shift toward modern warfare technologies and updates from the Space Force, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Marine Corps. A significant pay raise was finalized, particularly benefiting junior enlisted service members, alongside new quality-of-life initiatives, including enhanced housing benefits and flexible healthcare spending accounts. Retired personnel are informed about changes to COLA, Survivor Benefit Plan billing, and upcoming Tricare region transitions. Major VA updates include record home loan guarantees, hospital ratings, grants for homeless veterans, expanded opioid crisis response, and increased GI Bill benefits. Although the VA is reducing its workforce, it assures that there will be no impact on care quality. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of staying informed better to navigate military life, benefits, and careers.