In this episode of MIL News Weekly, Miles and Edward cover key developments impacting military personnel, veterans, and their families from August 17-23, 2025. Significant highlights include the administration’s expanded deployment of National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement in Washington, D.C., and the controversial federalization of the D.C. police. They discuss a wave of executive orders—including the reinstatement of service members discharged over COVID vaccine refusals, the elimination of DEI initiatives, and new restrictions for transgender personnel—signaling significant shifts in military policy. The episode also covers joint military exercises in Alaska, changes to the Survivor Benefit Plan payment process for retirees, and the historic election of Carol Whitmore as the first female VFW Commander-in-Chief. Additionally, the VA’s workforce reduction and administrative centralization efforts, newly enacted and pending legislation, and ongoing support for disabled veterans (such as financial counseling, homelessness prevention, and adaptive sports clinics) are discussed. The hosts emphasize how these rapid policy changes may affect morale, benefits, and support services across the military and veteran communities.

This episode of MIL News Weekly, covering August 10-16, 2025, delivers key updates for the military and veteran community. Major stories include ongoing National Guard deployments to Washington, D.C., amid protests and political tension, details on the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act impacting active, reserve, and retired personnel, and significant changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA processed a record number of benefits claims and expanded services under the PACT Act for toxic exposure. Other highlights include new TRICARE access reports, VA workforce union contract terminations, and an updated, more inclusive VA mission statement. Challenges remain, such as lawsuits over denied benefits and unresolved historical grievances, but the episode emphasizes continuous improvements, legislative efforts, and modernized VA service delivery for veterans and their families.