Newsbytes November 28, 2025 

In this issue:
Additional Guardsmen Deployed After D.C. Shooting
Marine Corps Hits Retention Goal
VA for Eliminating CHAMPVA Backlog

Additional Guardsmen Deployed After D.C. Shooting 
The dangers faced by America’s men and women in uniform were brought into sharp focus following the shooting of two National Guardsmen near the White House, prompting an immediate federal response and renewed reflection on the daily risks borne by those who serve. 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that President Donald J. Trump has requested the deployment of 500 additional National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C., in the wake of what he described as a “cowardly, dastardly act targeting the best of America.” The two guardsmen, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were critically wounded and transported to a local hospital. A suspect is in custody and also hospitalized. 

Hegseth praised the wounded soldiers as heroes who willingly stepped forward to protect a city and a people they may never personally know. “They were willing to do dangerous things,” he said, emphasizing their devotion to country, community, and duty. 

Every time a service member puts on the uniform, they accept the possibility of sacrifice. They stand ready, not for recognition or comfort, but for the safety of the nation and the freedoms of its citizens. Whether standing guard in the nation’s capital or deployed abroad, they face unpredictable risks with courage and unwavering commitment. 

Despite the violence, federal officials reaffirmed their resolve to maintain peace and security in Washington. Hegseth noted that since the National Guard’s initial deployment, crime has seen a historic reduction and public safety has significantly improved. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) stands in solidarity with the wounded servicemembers and their families. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers and honor the bravery and selflessness of all who wear the uniform, recognizing that their service is a constant testament to sacrifice, resilience, and love of country. 

Marine Corps Hits Retention Goal
The U.S. Marine Corps has achieved its fiscal year 2026 retention goals just weeks after the window opened, marking the earliest accomplishment of its kind, according to Commandant Gen. Eric Smith. While the Corps also met retention targets quickly in FY2024 and FY2025, this year’s milestone sets a new pace. 

Despite the strong performance, some military occupational specialties (MOS) remain open. Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz urged qualified Marines to consider lateral moves into critical-need roles, including Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Specialist, Reconnaissance Marine, MARSOC Critical Skills Operator, Influence Operations Specialist, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. Requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on training seat availability. 

The Marine Corps is also offering enhanced incentives to boost retention within the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR). Eligible corporals, sergeants, and staff sergeants (E-4 to E-6) can receive up to $20,000 for committing to 36 additional months of service, with smaller bonuses available for 12- and 24-month extensions. 

In addition to retention success, the Corps slightly exceeded its recent recruiting goal, enlisting 30,536 active-duty and reserve Marines. Officials attributed the narrow margin to a more selective recruiting approach. 

Marine leadership continues to encourage early preparation for future reenlistment cycles heading into FY2027. 

VA for Eliminating CHAMPVA Backlog
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced it has fully eliminated the backlog of CHAMPVA applications, marking a significant milestone in improving access to health care for Veteran families, spouses, dependents, survivors, and caregivers. The program serves more than 900,000 eligible individuals, many of whom previously faced long delays in receiving coverage. 

At its peak, the backlog exceeded 70,000 unprocessed applications, with some families waiting more than 150 days for action. As of October, the backlog has been reduced to zero, and new applications are now being processed within days. Appeals backlogs have also dropped dramatically, falling from more than 20,000 to approximately 1,000 and continuing to decline. 

These improvements were achieved through a combination of staff overtime, process restructuring, and expanded automation, with VA leadership stating that full automation will further enhance speed and efficiency going forward. 

The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) applauds the VA’s efforts to address this long-standing issue. Earlier this year, the Association conducted a survey to assess the quality of service at VA facilities and programs. Results at that time were mixed, largely due to the early stages of the VA’s reduction in force (RIF) and broader reorganization efforts. 

As these reforms continue to take shape, FRA will follow up to evaluate the accuracy of the VA’s claims regarding backlog clearance and overall service improvement. The Association remains committed to ensuring that Veterans and their families receive timely, efficient, and high-quality care, not only in policy announcements, but in day-to-day reality. 

FRA will continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and consistent progress as the VA moves forward with its modernization and restructuring agenda.