Deckplate Discussions

Military Bonus Tax Exemption Proposal

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 bonuses as a recognition of their service. While the proposal's potential cost and path to becoming law are uncertain, it could be considered during the annual appropriations or defense authorization processes. Currently, only bonuses earned in combat zones are exempt from federal taxes. The text also includes unrelated news snippets concerning the VA, a watchdog investigation, and military matters.

Navy Pilots Weight-Loss App Program

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 coaching, and AI-powered tracking tools, but it will not cover weight-loss medications. The Navy will track the program's effectiveness based on participation, feedback, and whether more sailors meet fitness standards. Noom executives are optimistic and have noted interest from other military branches.

Psychedelics Study for Active-Duty PTSD

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 active-duty troops will be involved in an MDMA-assisted therapy trial, despite past unethical government experiments with psychedelics on service members. This research comes after the FDA rejected MDMA for PTSD treatment, a decision that disappointed many veterans advocating for alternative therapies to combat the high rates of military suicide.

Military Grooming and Fitness Standards Review

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 over trainee admissions and the Army's existing Holistic Health and Fitness program. The aim is to ensure the military maintains its lethality and effectiveness by upholding appropriate standards.

2025 Military Basic Allowance for Housing Overview

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 Basic Needs Allowance, a support for low-income military families, and mentions recent expansions to its eligibility criteria.

2025-2026 Military Pay Raise Details

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 service length. Looking ahead, the anticipated 2026 military pay raise is projected to be 3.8%, although Congress will ultimately decide on the final amount as part of the defense budget.

Fitness Journey: A Veteran's Guide to Health and Wellness After Serivce

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 social endeavor. It emphasizes starting slowly, listening to the body to prevent injuries, and tracking progress for motivation. Finally, the guide advises on the need to incorporate proper nutrition, while seeking support from fellow veterans to achieve a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

Veteran Brain Injury Study Bill Reintroduced

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 conditions like PTSD and depression. The goal is to improve treatment and prevention strategies by integrating research findings into the VA healthcare system. Lawmakers hope this will lead to better care and policies for veterans suffering from brain trauma.

VA Disability Claims Processing proceeding at Record Speed in 2025

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. The VA also highlighted a claims accuracy rate exceeding 92% and the completion of 375,961 PACT Act claims in FY25. VA Secretary Doug Collins credited President Trump's leadership for strengthening the department and enabling record levels of service to Veterans. The VA provides resources such as a crisis line, chatbot, and online contact options for veterans with questions about health care and benefits.

Disabled Veterans' Post-Military Employment Struggles

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 cited as major barriers. Many struggle financially, carrying substantial debt. The study also raises concerns about potential impacts of federal workforce cuts on disabled veteran employment, as the federal government is a large employer of this demographic. WWP intends to use the survey to expand support efforts for its members. The article also mentions other military related news such as a drop in life insurance costs for troops and veterans.