MIL News Weekly

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

[00:00:00]

[00:00:00] Weekly Briefing Intro
---

Welcome to the MIL News Weekly for 19-25 April 2026, your essential guide to the latest news impacting the military and veteran community. Whether you're currently serving in uniform, a military retiree, a veteran, or a family member, this is your source for the critical updates you need to know.

Each week, we cut through the noise to bring you the most important developments from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. We’ll cover everything from new policies and pay raises affecting active and reserve forces, to changes in healthcare and benefits for retirees, and the latest on VA services and legislation for our veterans. Let's get you informed. Here’s what’s happened this past week.

[00:00:41]  Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel
---

Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel

[00:00:44] Flu Shot Mandate Ends
---

The reporting period commenced with a historic announcement on 21 April 2026, when Secretary Hegseth officially rescinded the long-standing mandate requiring all service members to receive annual influenza vaccinations. This policy change, framed as a restoration of [00:01:00] "medical autonomy" and religious freedom, signifies a departure from the universal vaccine requirements that have characterized military life for decades. Secretary Hegseth, in a public address delivered via social media, argued that the notion of a mandatory flu vaccine for every service member in every circumstance was "overly broad and not rational," emphasizing that the era of what he termed "betrayal" regarding medical autonomy had ended under the current administration.

The technical details of the new immunization policy provide a 15-day window, beginning 21 April 2026, during which individual military branches may submit requests to retain the mandate if specific operational requirements or mission-critical environments necessitate universal coverage. This decision follows a period of significant political and legal contention regarding the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which saw approximately 8,400 to 9,000 service members removed from service for refusal before that requirement was dropped in January 2023.

The Department of War [00:02:00] has spent the early months of 2026 highlighting the reinstatement of approximately 153 of these separated members with back pay, using the flu mandate rescission as a further signal of policy shift. While public health experts and military analysts like Richard Ricciardi of George Washington University warned that this could lead to preventable readiness losses and increased hospitalizations, the Department remains committed to a framework that prioritizes "readiness" through individual choice rather than blanket compliance. Historical records cited during the announcement noted that military vaccination programs date back to 1777, when George Washington ordered the inoculation of the Continental Army against smallpox, and the first formal flu mandate was established in 1945 following the massive loss of life during World War I.

[00:02:47] Unions and Budget Shift
---

On the administrative front, the Department of War moved to consolidate operational control by terminating almost all collective bargaining agreements with federal employee unions on 20 April 2026. This action, taken [00:03:00] under Executive Order 14251, cited national security requirements and the need to align all personnel with mission objectives without the potential for labor-related distractions. Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness had issued supplemental guidance to manage the transition, ensuring that leadership coordinates closely with legal and human resources officials to mitigate operational gaps.

Most affected unions were given 24 hours notice for the termination of their contracts, though the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers and the Federal Education Association were temporarily spared due to existing court orders. This structural overhaul is part of a broader $1.5 trillion budget request for Fiscal Year 2027—the largest in American history—which seeks to modernize the defense industrial base and support military families while shifting the department's ethos toward a more proactive, war-focused posture.

[00:03:55] Zumwalt Fire and Hypersonics
---

Technological modernization remains a critical priority, despite recent setbacks. [00:04:00] On 19 April 2026, at 9:45 p.m., a fire erupted aboard the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) while the vessel was docked at HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The ship was in the final stages of a $2 billion modernization program to integrate the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic missile system. Three sailors were injured in the blaze, which was successfully extinguished by the crew before external emergency responders were required. One sailor was hospitalized in stable condition, while two others were treated on-site for minor injuries.

The Navy has launched an investigation to determine if the fire originated from electrical faults or industrial work processes, and more importantly, whether the sensitive hypersonic launch tubes—designed to carry 12 hypersonic rounds—were damaged. The Zumwalt class is being transformed from a stealth destroyer with non-functional deck guns into the first surface combatant capable of firing hypersonic missiles, a capability deemed essential for deterring [00:05:00] adversaries in the Indo-Pacific theater.

[00:05:01] Army Combat Field Test
---

Regarding physical readiness, the U.S. Army officially announced the implementation of the new Combat Field Test (CFT) on 22 April 2026. This seven-event assessment is designed to align fitness standards with the high-intensity demands of modern warfare and will be an annual requirement for Soldiers in 24 designated combat military occupational specialties (MOS), such as infantry, combat engineering, field artillery, and explosive ordnance disposal. The CFT is notable for being age- and sex-neutral, establishing a single, mission-based standard that all combat warfighters must meet regardless of demographic.

The test sequence includes a one-mile run, 30 dead-stop push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, 16 lifts of a 40-pound sandbag onto a 65-inch platform, a 50-meter carry of two 40-pound water cans, a movement drill consisting of high crawls and 3-5 second rushes, and a final one-mile run. Soldiers [00:06:00] must complete the entire sequence in 30 minutes or less while wearing the Army Combat Uniform and boots. Implementation began in April 2026 with a 365-day diagnostic period, during which no adverse administrative actions will be taken for failure. Soldiers who determine they cannot meet the standard are permitted to request voluntary reclassification to a non-combat specialty, allowing the Army to retain talent in other critical roles.

[00:06:26] Reserve and IRR Changes
---

The reserve component also experienced significant developments during this period. On 22 April 2026, the U.S. Army Reserve celebrated its 118th birthday with a series of ceremonies highlighting the "Citizen Soldier" as an integrated component of the Total Army. In Philadelphia, Chief Warrant Officer 2 and country musician Craig Morgan Greer performed the National Anthem at Independence Hall, where 118 future Soldiers were enlisted. However, the celebratory tone was tempered by testimony from National Guard and Reserve leaders [00:07:00] before the House Appropriations defense subcommittee on 17 April 2026.

Lt. Gen. John Healy, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, warned that 77% of their fleet is over 39 years old, creating a $1.5 billion maintenance backlog that threatens operational availability. For the first time, the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account has been moved from a congressionally directed fund into the broader President's budget request for Fiscal Year 2027, raising concerns among lawmakers about potential funding gaps and the widening modernization disparity between active and reserve forces. Despite these challenges, the Army Reserve continues to modernize its digital defense, activating the 304th Cyber Battalion in Dublin, California, on 11 April 2026, to evolve how the reserve component organizes for cyber warfare.

Additionally, the Department of Defense released an updated policy in late March 2026, which was widely analyzed during this week, regarding the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). [00:08:00] The new guidance shifts the IRR from a "last resort" manpower pool to a primary "mobilization asset," requiring veterans in the IRR to undergo annual screening and potentially participate in a 21st-century mass mobilization exercise, the first since the "Nifty Nugget" exercise of 1978. This shift reflects a new philosophy that the IRR is not merely a place for personnel to ride out their contracts, but a critical backup source for active and reserve units in the event of a full mobilization, such as during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

[00:08:33] SOF Concealed Carry Bill
---

Legislative activity during this week also focused on the unique needs of elite personnel. The following bill was introduced to address the personal security of special operations forces:

Special Operations Forces Concealed Carry Act

Bill Number: H.R. 8332

( https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr8332ih)

Introduced by Representative Pat Harrigan on 16 April 2026, this bill seeks to amend 18 U.S.C. Section 926C to provide nationwide concealed carry privileges to [00:09:00] qualified serving and veteran special operations forces. The legislation aims to grant these elite warfighters—including Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, and Rangers—the same reciprocity currently afforded to retired law enforcement officers, recognizing that their extensive firearms training and marksmanship standards meet or exceed those of police personnel. The act would apply to honorably discharged members in paygrades E5-E9, W1-W5, and O1-O10 with verified service in specific units, and it directs the Department of War and the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a photographic identification program for these individuals within 180 days of enactment.

[00:09:39]  Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel
---

Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel

For the military retiree community, the reporting period of 19 April to 25 April 2026, emphasized the critical importance of proactive healthcare management and the impact of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on long-term benefits. A recurring theme in this [00:10:00] week’s news was the requirement for personnel transitioning from active duty or the National Guard and Reserve to take immediate action regarding their TRICARE coverage. Senior program analysts at the Defense Health Agency, including Zelly Zim, stressed that TRICARE coverage does not automatically continue upon retirement; instead, retirement is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that provides a 90-day window for retirees to enroll in a new health plan. Failure to act within this window can lead to significant gaps in coverage and delays in claims processing, as retirees are required to pay applicable enrollment fees back to their retirement date to maintain eligibility.

The health plan options for retirees in 2026 depend largely on age and location. For those retiring before age 65, the primary options remain TRICARE Prime—available in designated Prime Service Areas stateside—and TRICARE Select, which offers more flexibility with civilian providers but higher [00:11:00] out-of-pocket costs. Retirees eligible for Medicare Part A must also enroll in Medicare Part B to transition to TRICARE For Life (TFL), a "wrap-around" coverage that has no enrollment fees but requires the payment of Medicare Part B premiums. For National Guard and Reserve retirees, the transition occurs in phases: TRICARE Retired Reserve (TRR) is available for purchase until age 60, after which they must enroll in Prime or Select within 90 days of their 60th birthday to continue receiving benefits as a military retiree.

[00:11:33] New TRICARE Benefits 2026
---

Significant changes to the TRICARE benefit structure took effect on 1 January 2026, following the passage of the 2026 NDAA. One of the most widely discussed updates is the inclusion of weight loss medications, such as GLP-1s, in the TRICARE pharmacy benefit. These drugs are now covered for the treatment of obesity when prescribed by a network provider and integrated into a comprehensive health management plan, a policy shift that follows [00:12:00] successful pilot programs demonstrating improved cardiovascular health and reduced overall medical costs for veterans using these treatments. Furthermore, the distance threshold for the TRICARE Prime Travel Benefit has been reduced from 100 miles to 75 miles, providing financial relief for retirees and their families who must travel long distances for specialty medical care.

In the Atlanta and Tampa metro areas, a three-year pilot program administered by the nonprofit CareSource Military and Veterans is currently testing a new TRICARE Prime model. This demonstration, which runs through 2029, allows beneficiaries to see certain specialists without a primary care referral and offers a waiver of the first-year Prime enrollment fees for retirees. This initiative represents a broader effort by the Department of War to "reattract" care from the civilian sector back to military treatment facilities (MTFs) and managed care partners. This goal is supported by a 10-year halt on cuts to military [00:13:00] medical billets mandated by the 2026 NDAA, which is designed to stabilize MTF capacity and ensure that providers are cross-credentialed to care for both active-duty personnel and veterans in the same facilities.

However, the "Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act" remains a point of legislative frustration for many retirees. Because this bill has not yet been enacted, TRICARE remains one of the few insurance plans in the United States that does not automatically cover adult dependents until age 26 at no additional cost. Consequently, retirees must continue to pay high monthly premiums for TRICARE Young Adult—reaching $794 for Prime and $363 for Select in 2026—to maintain coverage for their college-aged children, a disparity that continues to be a top priority for military advocacy organizations.

[00:13:53] POW MIA Identifications
---

In addition to healthcare, the reporting week saw a poignant development in the recovery and identification of missing service members. [00:14:00] On 22 April 2026, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) highlighted the successful identification of Army Air Forces Pvt. Bennett H. Waters, a victim of the Bataan Death March who died in a Japanese prison camp in 1942. Waters’ remains, previously buried as an "unknown" in the Manila American Cemetery, were returned to his hometown of Blackshear, Georgia, for burial with full military honors on 4 April 2026, escorted by his great-great nephew, an active-duty Army Sergeant with the 10th Mountain Division.

The DPAA has renewed its underwater investigation efforts to identify remains from the 25 Japanese "hell ships" sunk by U.S. forces during World War II, many of which carried hundreds of American POWs. This extraordinary effort, utilizing next-generation DNA sequencing, aims to provide closure to thousands of families who have waited over 80 years for the return of their loved ones.

[00:14:57] Major Richard Star Act
---

Legislative efforts to support the retired community [00:15:00] also focused on financial equity. The following bill was a key topic of committee discussion during the week:

Major Richard Star Act

( https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/reads/legislative-update-feb-24-2026/)

This legislation seeks to eliminate the dollar-for-dollar offset that reduces the retirement pay of combat-injured veterans who were medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service. Advocates argue that this "wounded veteran tax" unfairly targets those who were forced into retirement by combat-related disabilities, preventing them from receiving both their earned Department of War retirement pay and their VA disability compensation concurrently. The bill has received broad bipartisan support and is viewed as a critical step in fulfilling the nation's original intent to provide for its most severely injured warriors.

[00:15:41]  Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs
---

Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported record-breaking administrative improvements during the week ending 25 April 2026, marking what VA Secretary Doug Collins described as a successful transformation from a "bureaucratic organization to a service organization". On 15 [00:16:00] April 2026, the VA announced a dramatic 43% reduction in the average number of days required to complete a disability claim, which has fallen from 141.5 days to just 80.7 days since the beginning of 2025.

This efficiency has allowed the VA to process more than 1.5 million claims halfway through Fiscal Year 2026, following a record of 3 million claims in 2025. The backlog for initial Veterans Pension claims—those older than 125 days—has been slashed by 98%, with only 71 such claims remaining in the national inventory. Furthermore, the VA’s 12-month accuracy rate for claims processing has reached a two-year high of 94.02%, demonstrating that speed has not come at the expense of precision.

[00:16:47] VA Healthcare Expansion
---

Healthcare enrollment is also experiencing a historic surge. On 6 April 2026, the VA confirmed that 100,000 new veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare since the start of the year, a milestone [00:17:00] reached faster than in nearly a decade. The department has attributed this increase to significant facility expansions, including the opening of 34 new healthcare centers and the addition of 2.2 million appointment slots outside of standard operating hours. The VA also reported a 67% reduction in the overall benefits backlog since early 2025 and highlighted that 51,936 homeless veterans were permanently housed in Fiscal Year 2025, the highest total in seven years. To support continued growth, the VA is investing nearly $5 billion in Fiscal Year 2026 for the modernization and repair of its medical infrastructure, the largest such investment in the department's history.

[00:17:43] Disability Ratings Rule Halted
---

In a move that drew praise from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and other advocacy groups, Secretary Collins announced on 21 April 2026, that the VA would halt the implementation of a rule regarding the impact of medication on disability evaluation ratings. The [00:18:00] proposed rule would have potentially reduced a veteran’s disability rating if their condition was successfully managed by medication, a prospect that sparked fears among veterans that they would be penalized for adhering to their medical treatments. The decision to halt the rule ensures that veterans can continue their necessary medications without worrying about a reduction in the benefits they earned through their service.

[00:18:22] Grants and Community Care
---

The department is also emphasizing localized and specialized care through multi-million dollar grant initiatives. In April 2026, the VA announced the availability of $7 million in grants for organizations that provide transportation services to veterans living in rural and underserved areas. An additional $16 million has been made available for adaptive sports programs, supporting community-based and national organizations that provide physical activity and rehabilitation for veterans with disabilities.

These programs are part of a broader "Home-Based and Community Care" strategy, which seeks to meet veterans where they are—physically, [00:19:00] emotionally, and practically—by expanding telehealth, in-home primary care, and community partnerships. This shift is particularly vital for the aging veteran population and those with significant mobility challenges who find it difficult to travel to major VA medical centers.

[00:19:16] Hill Hearings and VA Bills
---

On Capitol Hill, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a legislative hearing during this period to discuss 27 bills focused on reorganizing the Veterans Health Administration and modernizing the electronic health record system. Chairman Mike Bost released a statement emphasizing that many VA programs have operated without sufficient oversight for decades, and the new reauthorization initiative aims to restore accountability and improve the quality of care for the 9.2 million veterans currently served by the VA. Included in these discussions were drafts for the "Honor Vets Act" and a bill to establish an Office for Toxic Exposure Implementation and Oversight to ensure the continued rollout of PACT Act benefits is transparent and efficient.

Key pieces of legislation introduced [00:20:00] or advanced this week include:

National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 8224

( https://trackbill.com/bill/us-congress-house-bill-8224-national-veterans-strategy-act-of-2026/2843357/)

Introduced by Representative Barry Moore on 9 April 2026, this bipartisan legislation requires the President to define "veteran success" and establish a comprehensive National Veterans Strategy every four years. The strategy would align federal, state, and local resources around shared goals such as career success, community integration, and long-term health, ensuring that the substantial investments made by taxpayers are coordinated and effective. The bill has received strong support from AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, and other major veterans’ service organizations that have long called for a more unified national approach to veteran well-being.

SCHEDULES Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 8199

( https://trackbill.com/bill/us-congress-house-bill-8199-schedules-act-of-2026/2842099/)

Reintroduced by Representative Scott Franklin and Representative Jimmy Panetta on 6 April 2026, this bill mandates that the VA establish a national standard timeline between a medical referral [00:21:00] and the actual appointment date for specialty care. It addresses a core grievance among veterans who, despite having appointments scheduled within seven days of a referral, often wait weeks or months to actually see a provider. The act would require the VA to report quarterly to Congress on its progress in meeting these new standards and provide performance rankings for each VA facility.

SAVES Act

( https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/reads/legislative-update-feb-24-2026/)

The "Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act" seeks to expand evidentiary standards and access to counseling for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). This legislation is part of a broader effort discussed during the April committee hearings to modernize VA healthcare and benefits for MST survivors, ensuring they receive consistent support across both the Department of War and the VA.

[00:21:44] VA Budget Priorities FY27
---

The Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget Request, released on 21 April 2026, further underscores the administration’s focus on veterans. The request totals $488.2 billion, which includes $150.6 [00:22:00] billion in discretionary funding and $337.6 billion in mandatory funding for disability compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits. This represents a 7.7% increase over the 2026 enacted level. Notably, the budget allocates $54.6 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) to meet the expanding needs of veterans eligible for PACT Act benefits.

It also prioritizes women’s health with a $1.4 billion request for gender-specific services, $3.5 billion for veteran homelessness prevention, and $349 million for rural health initiatives. As the VA continues to modernize its electronic health record system—now reported as back on track following deployments in Michigan—the department remains focused on its "Veterans First" mission to deliver the care and benefits earned through service as quickly and accurately as possible.

[00:22:53] Wrap Up and Subscribe
---

And that's your Weekly Briefing. Staying on top of these changes is key to navigating your career, your retirement, [00:23:00] and your benefits.

Thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an update. We’ll be back next week with another roundup of the news that matters most to the military and veteran community.