Following an outbreak, lawmakers push to require flu vaccine for all service members in budget bill provision
After a recent flu outbreak sickened 284 trainees and killed one, lawmakers move to revert the flu vaccination policy to be required again for all.
Pentagon & Congress
Bipartisan bill would let service members sue US military for sexual assault
The bill is modeled after similar legislation that allows service members to file civil claims for medical malpractice at U.S. military hospitals.
Anthony Tata assumes oversight of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
Families of missing service members from the Vietnam war are pushing for answers on budget cuts that have canceled MIA searches in Vietnam and Laos.
Military recruiting hit a 15-year high. How quickly do recruits become mission ready?
How quickly recruits move from accession to operational qualification can affect force generation, unit staffing and long-term readiness planning.
The Pentagon’s research infrastructure is ‘deteriorating,’ study finds
Pentagon research has been hampered by backlogged security clearances, limited funds to build or refurbish labs and a slow and difficult hiring process.
DoD scraps plan to privatize commissaries
DoD concluded “the potential cost savings of privatization are unlikely to be realized without severely degrading the benefits these programs provide."
House vote on major veterans bill delayed amid controversy over voting legislation
A bill that encompasses two popular pieces of legislation — the Major Richard Star Act and the Love Lives On Act — has been stalled.
Trump meets munitions makers amid push to replenish weapons stockpiles
Pentagon negotiators are pressing contractors to move much faster to boost output.
White House asks Congress for $87.6 billion, mostly for Iran war
The request includes $67.15 billion for the military, including $21 billion for munitions and to strengthen the U.S. industrial base.
In shift, Pentagon grants flu vaccine exceptions to military services, some federal agencies
The Pentagon has updated their guidance on influenza vaccinations, giving select forces and agencies exceptions to the optional policy.
Military families paying $1,000 out of pocket for moves, survey shows
A new survey on military family well-being reveals challenges with the PCS experience, as well as spouse unemployment, food insecurity and housing costs.
US Senate joins House in voting to halt Iran war
It marks the first time both chambers approved directing a president to remove armed forces from hostilities since the War Powers Act was adopted in 1973.
Nearly 5 million veterans have used magic mushrooms, LSD or MDMA, study finds
The RAND study revealed confusion among veterans about the VA's policies regarding psychedelics.
Just one in four Americans believes the Iran war was worth its costs
Only 23% of Americans think the U.S. is now in a stronger position with Iran than before, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found.
VA needs to do more to care for menopausal patients, watchdog says
Women make up the fastest growing segment of the veteran population.
House to vote on landmark bill that boosts DOD and VA benefits for some while cutting others
The broad proposal includes the Maj. Richard Star Act, as well as the Love Lives On Act, which allows surviving spouses to keep benefits if they remarry.
Trump heads to Camp David as questions swirl over Iran deal
President Trump headed to Camp David on Friday for a weekend of policy and political meetings as negotiations with Iran move toward an inflection point.
