MIL News Weekly

The conversation focused on notable military and veteran news for 13-19 September 2026. One concept discussed was the Defense Health Agency’s new guidance from September 17th mandating testosterone deficiency screening for male service members over 30, with specific protocols and cautions about symptom overlap with common military issues. A key theme that emerged was personnel policy changes, including the Coast Guard's new action plan to address sexual assault, accompanied by ongoing oversight concerns. VA’s first-ever premium holiday for Veterans Group Life Insurance will save eligible policyholders three months of premiums between November 2026 and January 2027. Another discussion explored proposed federal legislation to strengthen whistleblower protections for federal employees, though it remains pending. Several points were raised regarding VA staffing shortages across clinical and support roles, record grant funding for veteran homelessness services in 2027, and new research showing higher PFAS chemical concentrations in younger veterans compared to civilians—though without direct causation or new benefits.