MIL News Weekly

This episode of MIL News Weekly covers major military and veteran developments between August 31 and September 6, 2025. Key topics include U.S. global military operations in Europe and the Caribbean, force modernization efforts like the M1E3 Abrams tank program, and domestic readiness exercises. The episode highlights ongoing challenges in military recruitment, rising mental health issues, and deteriorating living conditions despite a slight rebound in enlistment numbers. For retirees, updates include a 2.5% cost of living adjustment, changes to Survivor Benefit Plan payments, and mandatory ID card upgrades. In Veterans Affairs, the PACT Act’s expansion of benefits has overwhelmed VA systems, spurring modernization efforts like automated claims processing. Congressional activity is focused on overseeing recently passed legislation and new proposals targeting pay raises, housing, and childcare for service members. The host emphasizes the gap between identifying problems and delivering solutions, with service members and veterans caught in the transition between policy and practice.