In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we provide a comprehensive update on key military and veteran news for January 11–17, 2026. Highlights include a 3.8% basic pay raise and a 4.2% increase in housing allowance for service members, new retention and fitness standards in the Marine Corps, and extended National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C. Major Congressional bills discussed aim to secure service member pay during government shutdowns and prohibit federal funds from being used in NATO country invasions. Retirees benefit from a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment and expanded Thrift Savings Plan catch-up limits. The VA announced limits on benefit apportionment and improvements to programs supporting disabled and homeless veterans. Several legislative efforts also address retiree pensions, benefit notifications, and funding for veteran services.

• (00:00) - Introduction to MIL News Weekly
• (00:38) -  Issues That Affect Active and Reserve Military Personnel
• (05:43) - Key Congressional Bills for Active and Reserve Personnel
• (07:36) -  Issues That Affect Retired Military Personnel
• (10:14) - Key Congressional Bills for Retired Personnel
• (11:28) -  Issues That Affect Veterans Affairs
• (15:04) - Key Congressional Bills for Veterans
• (16:54) - Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of MIL News Weekly, we provide key updates impacting the military and veteran community for the week of January 4–10, 2026. Highlights include a 3.8% pay raise for active-duty and Reserve service members, increased allowances to offset the rising cost of living, and legislative developments, such as the Pay Our Troops Act, to protect service members' pay during government shutdowns. The episode covers new military construction funding, a shift in defense contractor oversight, global deployment updates, and changes to retirement and veteran benefits—including a 2.8% COLA increase and adjustments to TRICARE pharmacy copays. We also discussed ongoing efforts to improve veteran healthcare and the push for the Major Richard Starr Act, which seeks to end the current offset of retirement pay for combat-injured veterans. The briefing closes with emphasis on staying informed to navigate changes in career, retirement, and benefits.

On this episode of MIL News Weekly, we cover key updates impacting military members, retirees, and veterans for the week of December 28, 2025, to January 3, 2026. Highlights include a 3.8% basic pay raise for active and reserve personnel, adjustments to housing and subsistence allowances, and the disparity between military and civilian federal pay increases. For retirees, new COLA rates are explained along with higher TRICARE and FEHB healthcare costs. Veterans benefit from increased VA disability compensation and significant reforms, including a reorganization of the Veterans Health Administration and more competitive private care options. Legislative updates feature the NDAA for FY2026, tuition fairness for reservists, and improved protections for veterans with VA home loans. The episode emphasizes how these changes affect financial, healthcare, and educational aspects of the military and veteran community.