Newsbytes September 5, 2025 
 

In this issue:
MHS Expands Mental Health Resources
Navy Unveils “Total Sailor” Initiative
VA to Discontinue DS Logon
Coast Guard Updates PFT
Commissary:Operation Baby Sale

MHS Expands Mental Health Resources
The Military Health System (MHS) is emphasizing expanded mental health support for service members and their families, highlighting the importance of seeking help during times of stress. Officials note that frequent moves, deployments, and separation from family can create unique challenges for the military community. 

Susan Orsega, deputy assistant secretary of defense for health services policy and oversight, said therapy, whether in-person, remote, group, or one-on-one, can help service members and families cope before pressures deepen into crisis. “Therapy helps sustain readiness and gives service members the necessary mental health support they need during any transitions or challenges they may face,” she said. 

Military OneSource, the Department of Defense’s 24/7 support gateway, lists factors that may elevate risk, such as deployment-related stress, career setbacks, relationship difficulties, financial strain, or health problems. It offers free and confidential counseling services on and off installations. 

The MHS Mental Health Hub provides direct access to resources, including Targeted Care evaluations, TRICARE mental health services, and virtual options like the Behavioral Health Resources and Virtual Experience (BRAVE) program. Other initiatives include the inTransition program, the Real Warriors Campaign, and support through the Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program. Tools such as mobile apps and fact sheets from the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) are also available. 

“The U.S. military wants to support you in your mental health journey,” Orsega said. “Every service member, veteran, and family member should know: The MHS is here to help, because no one fights alone.” For immediate help, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by dialing 988 and pressing “1” for the Military or Veterans Crisis Line, or by texting 838255. 

Navy Unveils “Total Sailor” Initiative
Admiral Daryl Caudle, the 34th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), has issued his first major message to the Fleet, highlighting new efforts to strengthen Sailor readiness and improve quality of life. “The lifeblood of our Navy is the Sailor: well-trained, connected, supported and fit to fight,” Caudle wrote, underscoring the Navy’s core values, teamwork, and devotion to mission as the foundation of its global strength. 

A central element of the announcement is a commitment to ensure that “No Sailor Will Live Afloat.” The Navy will invest in unaccompanied and family housing while also optimizing new Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) authority to provide clean, comfortable, and safe living conditions. Alongside housing reforms, galley facilities will be modernized to better meet the nutritional needs of Sailors’ modern lifestyles by delivering healthy and flexible food options. 

The message also directs a review of Navy uniforms and seabags. Caudle ordered a focused assessment to streamline uniform requirements, reduce the total number of items, and ensure that service clothing is affordable, available, and durable, while still respecting Navy traditions. To improve daily communication, he has also ordered changes to the NAVADMIN process so Sailors can access clear and correct information in one location, ending reliance on temporary workarounds. 

Connectivity and pay were also addressed. Recognizing that today’s Sailors “have grown up in a digitally connected world where disconnection means isolation,” Caudle mandated efforts to expand cell service across Navy installations and bring free Wi-Fi to all barracks. He further directed leadership to revisit prior efforts to correct Sailor pay issues, ensuring that pay and entitlements are delivered accurately and on time. 

“This is the first of many efforts to improve your Quality of Life – so, stand by for what’s coming next,” Caudle wrote. He concluded his message with a reaffirmation of the Navy’s enduring ethos: “Built in the Foundry – Tempered in the Fleet – Forged to Fight.” These initiatives align closely with issues the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) has championed on behalf of Sailors and Marines since its founding, reflecting a shared commitment to improving pay, housing, nutrition, and quality of life for those who serve. 

VA to Discontinue DS Logon
After Sept. 30, 2025, Veterans will no longer be able to sign in to VA.gov or VA mobile apps using a DS Logon username and password. Instead, VA will offer two secure sign-in options: Login.gov or ID.me. Most Veterans have already made the transition, but those still using DS Logon should switch now to avoid disruptions. 

How to Transition 

Visit Creating an account for VA.gov for detailed instructions. 

Follow the step-by-step guide to create your Login.gov or ID.me account and verify your identity. 

Use your new account to access VA services online as before. 

Why This Matters 

Continued security: Protects against identity theft and fraud. 
One sign-in account: Access VA and other federal services with a single login. 
Up-to-date standards: Meets the latest federal security requirements. 

Support and Resources 
VA offers step-by-step videos, troubleshooting guides, and live support for common issues with Login.gov and ID.me. Visit VA Secure Sign-In Changes for more details. 

Act Now 

Already using Login.gov or ID.me? You’re all set. 
Still using DS Logon? Create your new account today to ensure uninterrupted access. 

If you need extra time or prefer not to create an online account, VA can help you manage health care and benefits by phone, mail, or in person. 

Coast Guard Updates PFT
The Coast Guard announced it will require all members to complete a physical fitness test (PFT) beginning in 2026, ending years of debate over service-wide standards. Until now, only select personnel in physically demanding roles, such as boat crews, rescue swimmers, and law enforcement, were subject to fitness testing. 

In preparation for the change, all members must complete an initial fitness assessment by Dec. 31, 2025, using the service’s updated boat crew standards. The assessment includes planks, pushups, and a 1.5-mile run, with the option to substitute a 2,000-meter row or 12-minute swim. Requirements vary by age group. 

The initiative is part of Force Design 2028, a broader modernization plan that seeks to grow the Coast Guard by 15,000 members, strengthen readiness, and streamline operations. Leaders say the new PFT emphasizes the importance of personal fitness in supporting mission effectiveness. 

For decades, the Coast Guard relied primarily on body composition measurements, including tape tests and abdominal circumference standards. Reviews launched in 2019 examined whether those measures were biased, particularly against women, leading to the adoption of alternative assessment methods. 

Officials say unit commanders will oversee testing and track results without collecting personal data. Members are encouraged to use the assessments to monitor their progress and prepare for the mandatory PFT. Coast Guard leaders describe the change as a step toward enhancing readiness while investing in the health and resilience of the force. 

Commissary:Operation Baby Sale
Military families across the continental United States will have the chance to enjoy extra savings on baby essentials during the Defense Commissary Agency’s (DeCA) inaugural Operation Baby Sale, running Sept. 8–21, 2025. The two-week event will offer discounts on food, diapers, formula, and other everyday items for growing families. 

“This is the event for you if you have a newborn or are expecting a child,” said Navy Command Master Chief Mario S. Rivers, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “Our patrons can expect to enjoy extra savings for their baby needs beyond the normal savings our commissaries deliver compared to retailers off the installation.” 

According to DeCA officials, commissary patrons can expect to save up to 40% on more than 100 promotional items. Popular brands such as Huggies, Pampers, Gerber, Similac, Aveeno Baby, and Earth’s Best will be featured, along with baby care items from Johnson’s, Dove, NUK®, Pedialyte, and others. The event will also include coupons, giveaways, and sweepstakes opportunities. 

“This inaugural event will provide substantial savings to our service members and their families,” said Rebekah Fine, merchandising specialist for health, beauty, and cosmetic categories within DeCA. “Families will be able to stock up on essentials like baby food, formula, and diapers—all at significantly reduced prices.” Retired grandparents and disabled veterans who have commissary shopping privileges will also be able to take advantage of the event, giving them a chance to purchase essentials for their grandchildren or family members with babies. 

Master Chief Rivers added, “I’m telling everyone who has a baby or knows someone with a baby: Get ready for an amazing baby savings event at your commissary. We’re bringing the cutest deals on everything baby. Don’t miss your chance to stock up and save big.”