Deckplate Discussions

This episode focuses on a new legislative initiative, the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, designed to provide mortgage assistance for struggling veterans. The bill, which has passed both the House and Senate and awaits presidential signature, aims to establish a partial claim program allowing veterans to defer a portion of their mortgage payments to prevent foreclosures. This new program will replace the controversial Veterans Aff...

In this episode we discuss the proposed legislative actions regarding the United States military's fiscal year 2026 budget and personnel. It highlights Congressional support for White House initiatives to increase troop numbers, primarily in the Army and Navy, by approximately 26,000 active-duty service members. The legislation also includes a 3.8% pay raise for all military personnel, aiming to keep pace with private-sector salari...

This handbook on veteran entrepreneurship focuses on securing funding for businesses owned by veterans and disabled veterans. It provides an overview of the veteran business landscape, including its challenges and benefits. The text details various funding sources, such as government grants, loans, venture capital, angel investors, and crowdfunding, and offers guidance on creating a solid business plan and navigating legal and fina...

In this episode we dive into the Defense and Veterans Affairs leadership undertaking a new effort to improve the process for service members transitioning out of the military. This initiative, announced by Secretaries Pete Hegseth and Doug Collins, aims to enhance collaboration between their departments, acknowledging past communication issues. While specific program changes are not detailed, the review intends to address existing ...

In this episode we dive into an article that discusses President Donald Trump's proposed budget plan for fiscal year 2026, which includes a 4% increase in discretionary spending for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), contrasting with significant cuts to other non-defense federal agencies. This budget blueprint focuses on boosting funding for veteran healthcare improvements and efforts to combat homelessness, while also propos...

In this episode we dive into a proposal Representative Brian Mast has introduced in a legislative proposal that aims to eliminate federal taxes on military enlistment and retention bonuses. This initiative seeks to provide eligible service members with greater financial benefit from these incentives, which are currently taxed at a significant rate. Mast argues that military members deserve to keep the full amount of their earned bo...

In this episode we dive into an article reporting that thousands of sailors who did not meet Navy body composition standards will have free access to the popular weight-loss app Noom for a year as part of a pilot Fitness Enhancement Program. The Navy is funding this $466,560 initiative with excess congressional funds to explore resources that support sailor readiness. This pilot program will offer personalized diet plans, virtual c...

In this episode we dive into the reports of The Department of Defense allocating nearly $10 million to fund two studies investigating the therapeutic potential of MDMA for active-duty military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. One study, conducted at Walter Reed, will specifically examine MDMA's effect on psychological flexibility in soldiers with mild to moderate PTSD. This initiative marks the first time ac...

In this episode we dive into the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's mandate for a review of military grooming and fitness standards, particularly changes since 2015. The focus includes reevaluating beard regulations, considering medical and other exemptions, amid discussions of potentially loosening restrictions. This directive also encompasses scrutinizing physical fitness and body composition standards, prompted partly by concerns ...

In this episode we dive into an article from Your Navy discusses the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for military members in 2025, highlighting a 5.4% average increase. BAH is a tax-free stipend based on location, rank, and dependents, intended to cover most housing costs. The piece explains how BAH rates are calculated annually, noting temporary increases in recent years and ongoing studies of the system. It also touches on the ...

in this episode we take a deep dive into the Military Times report stating that while all service members received a 4.5% pay raise in January 2025, junior enlisted personnel (E-4 and below) will see an additional 10% increase in their basic pay this spring due to recent congressional approval. This targeted raise aims to bring nearly all troops' annual pay above $30,000 and addresses the basic pay structure determined by rank and ...

In this episode we dive into an article "Kickstart Your Fitness Journey Today" which offers guidance to veterans beginning or improving their fitness. It stresses the importance of setting realistic, achievable goals using the SMART criteria, and finding enjoyable physical activities, possibly involving family. The article highlights leveraging community resources, such as VA programs and veteran organizations, to make fitness a so...

IN this discussion we dive into a bipartisan bill, the Precision Brain Health Research Act, has been reintroduced by Senators Moran and King. This legislation aims to study the long-term effects of low-level blast injuries on veterans' cognitive and emotional well-being. The proposed ten-year study, conducted by the VA in collaboration with the National Academies of Sciences, seeks to understand the link between these injuries and ...

In this episode we dive into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) report on processing over one million disability claims faster than ever before in Fiscal Year 2025. Despite a 15.6% increase in claims compared to last year, this milestone was reached nearly two weeks sooner than in FY24. Over 60% of the processed claims were granted, resulting in $62 billion in compensation and pension benefit payments to Veterans and survivors...

In this episode we dive into a recent study by the Wounded Warrior Project that reveals a significant percentage of disabled veterans still face challenges securing full-time employment. The report, which surveyed nearly 19,000 veterans, indicates that about 40% are unemployed despite various initiatives aimed at improving their transition to civilian jobs. Mental health issues and the difficulty in translating military skills are ...

In this episode we dive into the news article reports on upcoming reductions in life insurance premiums for service members, veterans, and their families. The decreases, effective July 1, are attributed to the "sound financial standing" of the insurance programs. For active-duty military, Service Members' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) premiums will decrease, while Family SGLI premiums will drop by an average of 13%. Veterans Group Li...

These sources consist of comments posted on the VA News website in response to articles featuring VA Secretary Doug Collins addressing Veterans' benefits. Many commenters express distrust and skepticism towards Collins and the new administration, particularly regarding potential cuts to benefits and the involvement of Elon Musk's DOGE project. Veterans voice concerns about staffing shortages, delays in claims processing, and the...

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is investing millions in adaptive sports programs for veterans with disabilities. Ninety-one programs across the country will receive funding to support activities like adaptive sports, recreation, and equine therapy. These grants aim to improve veterans' physical and mental health, providing community and camaraderie. The organization, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), partners with the VA o...