This episode of MIL News Weekly covers major developments in the military and veteran community from March 29 to April 4, 2026. Highlights include a significant leadership change as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth requested Army Chief of Staff General Randy George’s retirement, signaling new strategic directions at the Pentagon 00:44. A continued Department of Homeland Security shutdown is impacting Coast Guard pay, though President Trump has pledged to intervene 01:26. For retirees, updates include reminders about the 2.8% COLA adjustment, DFAS administrative changes, and the pending Major Richard Starr Act, which would end offsets reducing retirement pay for combat-injured veterans 03:23. The VISN Reform Act may restructure VA healthcare management 04:33. The VA’s 2026 budget request jumps to $441.2 billion, with major increases for toxic exposure care, disability benefits, and healthcare expansion 05:07. Proposed rule changes to disability ratings faced backlash and were rescinded 06:07. Key legislative updates cover improved home-based care, protections against claim “sharks,” and efforts to automatically enroll transitioning veterans in VA healthcare 07:34.

• (00:00) - Weekly Briefing Intro