The Air Force has updated its flight rules for pregnant aircrew in an effort to reduce the risk of miscarriage for service members. Pilots and crew are no longer allowed to fly if they’re pregnant during their first trimester; however, there are still waivers available for some. Learn more about these changes and additional restrictions aiming to help warfighters and their children remain safe.

Air Force No Longer Allows Flying While Pregnant During the First Trimester

The Air Force has changed its rules for flying while pregnant yet again to help avoid risks associated with the first trimester and miscarriages.

Pilots and crewmembers are now barred from flying when pregnant during their first trimester, even though there were no specific cases involving pregnant airmen prompting the change.

 works as an Air Force spokeswoman and announced that the new guidelines in the USAF are more in line with what other branches follow when it comes to restricting pregnant service members from flying.

Despite changes under the Biden administration, new data is prompting a change in how pregnant Airmen fly to reduce complications with their pregnancies. Here’s how the new guidelines break down by trimester:

Airmen can’t fly when pregnant in any capacity due to the higher risk of miscarriage. No waivers are allowed.

Flying is allowed with a waiver, but only in aircraft without ejection seats. This includes cargo planes, helicopters, and tankers.

Flying is still allowed with a waiver in non-ejection seat aircraft. New regulations have extended the previous cutoff from 28 to 32 weeks, as the data found no extra risk for airmen during this period. However, after week 32, flying is not permitted for anyone pregnant.

The Waiver Process for Flying While Pregnant in the Air Force

If you’re a pregnant Airman, you can receive a waiver under the right circumstances, between weeks 13 and 32.

Air Force major commands will be in charge of approving the waivers rather than local flight surgeons. This includes the following:

United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa.

The shift is going to allow people with more experience to make the decision on whether or not there is a health risk for everyone involved.

A big emphasis is being put on the ban for flying in aircraft with ejection seats while pregnant, as they can generate 

 when used. A significant increase from the 3Gs experienced during normal flight operations.

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With the ongoing budget cuts, the US Army is also considering cutting about 90,000 Soldiers from its active-duty force.

 ordered each branch of the armed services to make changes to the budget each year for the coming years due to presidential priorities. That said, the US Army reduction is going to be the largest cut in years.

Why Is the Army Considering Force Reductions?

Trump’s administration is making budget cuts

, and the Pentagon has changed its strategy away from counter operations, the US Army is considering reducing active-duty forces by about 90,000 troops so that the current administration can save money and focus on different areas of military needs in the future.

Currently, the US Army has 450,000 active-duty troops, where the cuts should be around 360,000 and 420,000.

"If we reduce the force without a clear retention strategy, we risk losing talented people who have other options," an official said in a statement.

Even though the idea is to make the US Army smaller and better prepared for future combat, there are a lot of troops that are going to be removed from positions with the cuts being considered.

The problem would also be having difficulty recruiting more troops if others aren’t effective anymore.

With Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth having ordered the military to make budget cuts of 8%, he also wants to stop certain programs that the current administration doesn’t agree with. But those alone won’t save enough money; therefore, they are considering cutting Soldiers instead.

The US Army reduction hasn’t been specifically addressed yet, such as how or where they’ll make the cuts or if the decision has been made yet. Regardless, concerns have been raised as this will make it hard to recruit new Soldiers.

"One of the largest billpayers in resourcing the strategy of denial should be the Army. This is because the size of the Army's large-scale land maneuver forces is principally scaled to the threat of Russian invasion of NATO territory," Austin Dahmer, a former national security adviser to Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., wrote in the white paper.

The US Army is currently doing missions in Africa and the Middle East, and it’s getting ready to deal with China in Asia. It's also helping defend Europe. With this, no final decision has been made yet since the troops are very occupied with the current missions.

If the Army reduced the size of its active-duty force by the estimates under consideration, it could be far more dramatic than the announced plan to reduce the size of the force by about 24,000 last year.

"We are building more combat power while reducing staff and overhead. End Strength might even go up," Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said in a statement. "This is going to be a leaner, more lethal, and larger Army."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from NATO headquarters in Brussels, said that according to President Donald Trump, Europe must step up.

"He’s against a NATO that lacks the capabilities needed to fulfill its obligations," Rubio said. "This is a hard truth, but one that must be addressed."

What Do These Cuts Mean for Service Members?

With them making US Army budget cuts, it can be risky, but 

If the consideration is to make a final decision, and it is to cut troops, it would mean a big change to the people who serve. Several people might lose their jobs, especially if their role is no longer needed, and some might be moved to different roles, and learn something new that is out of their skills, which can also be hard for them. 

If the cuts continue, there will be fewer people. Those who stay might have to work more or be sent to more missions. Regardless, the US Army reduction can make the troops unsure and worried about what’s to come for them in the Army.

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The good news for the Army is that they’re having better success getting warfighters back that left due to the COVID vaccine requirements. But the bad news is that it may not be by as much as they first announced. An error led to reports of more than 20 Soldiers rejoining after separating due to the Army COVID vaccination mandate, but the actual figure is much lower.

Soldiers Back After Separating Due to Army COVID Vaccination Rules

The Army COVID vaccination rules made things very uncomfortable for many warfighters, even leading to some of them leaving the military altogether.

Now, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order allowing troops to be rehired by their service branches.

According to the EO, “The secretaries of the military departments will invite these service members to seek reinstatement by applying to have their records corrected to reflect continued service such that back pay, benefits, bonus payments, or other compensation, subject to required offsets, will be available.”

Initially, more than 20 reservists had returned, but that turned out to be an error on the Army’s part. In actuality, there were no reservists who had reenlisted, and only three active duty Soldiers came back.

The Army released a statement on the matter, saying, “The numbers provided were Soldiers who rejoined the National Guard after the 

, which rescinded the COVID-19 mandate, not for Soldiers who rejoined after the EO. The Army is committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and transparency. We regret this error.”

Many who left the military following the COVID-19 vaccine mandate have either moved on or are no longer interested in serving in the American Armed Forces, posing a serious issue for those looking to re-recruit them.

It’s Still More Than the Rest of the Military

Even though only three Soldiers have come back, it’s worth noting that the Army is still faring better than the other military branches.

No one under similar circumstances has returned for any other branch, despite reaching out to those who left.

The Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy launched new websites this week to help those interested in reenlisting, and they’ve been sending emails, writing letters, and even making phone calls.

Around 8,200 troops were discharged over the COVID mandate, and since 2023, the military has been working to get them back.

There have been 113 in total that have reenlisted, but now, Trump’s EO would provide back pay. A notable change from previous efforts.

Back Pay for Troops (But There’s a Catch)

Since dropping the COVID mandate in January 2023, The Pentagon has been looking for ways to get those affected back.

Paying back pay is the latest incentive, but it’s worth noting that even those who qualify will likely receive less than they may initially expect.

Even though Trump’s EO offers back pay, the money made as a civilian will be deducted. Furthermore, other forms of compensation, including things like Veteran benefits, are also subtracted.

Furthermore, if you reenlist, you’re going to have to sign up for four years instead of two, as was previously allowed for those who were discharged for refusing a lawful order to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

How to Get Reinstated if You Left Because of the Army COVID Vaccination

Suppose you’re a service member who chose to leave the military or let their service end because of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. In that case, Trump’s EO allows you to return now.

Those who choose to be reinstated can do so without losing their rank, along with the compensation affordances listed above.

To qualify, you’re going to have to provide a written and sworn statement saying that you left voluntarily and followed the proper steps. People forced out of the military during this time are not eligible.

Just like anyone rejoining the military, they’ll still need to meet all the usual standards warfighters are required to adhere to, including health, fitness, and moral requirements.

Those eligible to rejoin due to the mandated Army COVID vaccination schedule can do so, but they need to act quickly. This opportunity to apply for reinstatement only lasts until February 28, 2026.

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The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is going to look a lot different moving forward thanks to a new initiative meant to overhaul the force, including civilian and reserve components. Known as Force Design 2028, Coasties, management, the use of technology, and even their headquarters are all being upgraded to evolve to meet modern defense needs.

Force Design 2028 Is Making the Coast Guard More Efficient

Efficiency is at the heart of Force Design 2028 for the Coast Guard, which is looking to save money, maximize efficiencies, and establish a better future for the branch.

There are four campaigns that Force Design 2028 is focusing on, including people, organization, contracting and acquisition, and technology.

“We are executing transformational change to renew the Coast Guard. Force Design 2028 will ensure the Coast Guard remains Semper Paratus, Always Ready, to serve the American people,” said Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday.

As the USCG is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), there has been an increased focus on its readiness and operations in recent years. These efforts are aiming to maximize the USCG moving forward.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, is placing 

During his time, Plankey has served with the Coast Guard in many different capacities, including attending the Coast Guard Academy, serving in Afghanistan, and holding top cybersecurity roles for the Navy and the White House.

Considering the ties Plankey has to cybersecurity, it’s expected that the USCG will see a more modern approach to national security while upgrading its technological capabilities as a whole.

Having the Coast Guard undertake reform comes at an interesting time for the branch:

Fiscal Year 2024 was the first time in six years that the branch hit its recruitment goals.

There is a renewed focus on the USCG to help with illegal immigration.

The future of warfighting continues to point to an increase in naval security risks, with a specific focus on the Pacific.

Upgrading the technology, standards, and operations for the USCG is a tall task for anyone, but an important one to take on as warfare evolves.

Force Design 2028 will align with our nation’s evolving needs as we enter somewhat uncharted waters, navigating new challenges both at home and abroad.

One of the goals set forth by Force Design 2028 is to install a secretary within the USCG—something other service branches have but the Coast Guard does not.

Other positions are being added to USCG headquarters to help with operations, including Director of Staff, an implementation team for FD28, and an Assistant Commandant for integrating operations and response policy.

These changes will help increase how fast decisions are made and ensure that resources are allocated appropriately.

There is support from the Republican camp with legislation looking to create the Coast Guard secretary position.

Furthermore, there is also a renewed focus on standardized fitness standards, which may need review to meet Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s policies, and a redesign effort to help delegate operations to improve readiness.

The Coast Guard's plans will aim to boost support, speed up acquisitions, and adopt new tech for better awareness.

Speaking on the matter, Acting Commandant 

 believes that Force Design 2028 will make the branch more agile.

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When holidays fall near the weekend, creative federal workers and Airmen have opportunities to enjoy longer holidays. At least, they did. Known as Family Days, troops and civilian workers have been provided certain times when fewer meetings or activities take place, allowing for longer weekend holidays when approved. Now, this perk has gone away as ongoing changes hit workers in the federal government.

Air Force Family Days are simply days off for troops that are often approved when a holiday is also going to provide warfighters with a day off on Friday or Monday.

Common examples include receiving Family Days on the Fridays before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day, which are always on Mondays.

Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and other major federal holidays also often have Family Days around them to allow troops four days of rest with their families.

Also provided to Guardians, those who do have to work can use their time off later on through a comp day.

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Despite this, the Department of the Air Force is taking a closer look at the use of Family Days for civilian employees who have previously been unauthorized.

While Airmen are afforded this opportunity when approved, the Air Force doesn’t allow this four-day weekend loophole for civilians.

Now, in a memo released on April 7, family days have been rescinded for troops in both the Air Force and Space Force. "Providing blanket designations of pass days, often called family days, to align with all eleven federal holidays throughout the year does not support our ability to execute the mission with excellence while maintaining our competitive advantage," according to the memo signed by acting Air Force Secretary Gary Ashworth.

This new directive comes after the February 11th memo that stated the service was coming under fire for family days for civilian employees who were historically granted leave by their superiors during the holidays. 

In a memo, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force 

 stated that, "Federal law does not permit the [Department of the Air Force] to grant civilian personnel additional leave. Unless otherwise exempted, if civilian employees are not on an excused absence, they should be working at their current duty location.”

Air Force Family Days Being Scrapped Sparks Backlash

There is already backlash involving the elimination of Family Days, as workers and troops are already dealing with stressful work conditions. Additionally, military family members are angered by the change. Many have explained that family days were not simply days off. They were strategically used for doctors visits or for parent-teacher meetings. 

It’s understandable that the military doesn’t want its workforce simply off for no reason but having time to recharge and reconnect is essential for any endeavor, including defending our nation.

Family Days play an important role in letting loved ones who are too often separated for the good of our nation’s interests bond and enjoy downtime together.

They are essential moments in time, that already feel fleeting for those sacrificing for our freedoms.

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When it comes to healthcare, there’s almost no scenario that isn’t going to add a bit of stress to your life. Yet, for military families, the last several months have been a trainwreck even by comparison. TRICARE changes have led to several issues with claims, access to care, and other complications. It’s April 2025, and these issues are only getting worse for the community.

Healthcare providers are having to drop patients and limit the healthcare services available to the military community as TRICARE issues continue to mount.

The contract changes that began when 2025 started have over 16,000 providers dealing with unpaid claims, and that’s just on the East Coast.

You’re likely aware by now that TRICARE undertook new regional contracts under TriWest and Humana Military.

Since doing so, patients, providers, and everyone in between has been dealing with the fallout.

Real Disruptions for Workers and Patients

Regardless of what business you’re operating, if you have $100,000 or more outstanding in payment, it’s going to affect your daily operations.

This is the reality clinics are living in now, which is causing some to take steps to handle these disruptions.

Some healthcare facilities are taking on debt, cutting staff members, and even refusing patients using TRICARE.

This means families who work in healthcare, as well as those who use TRICARE’s military insurance, are losing their livelihoods and access to care as a result. One notable example is 

Owned by Brenda Stephens, LPCC, LMHC, LPC, LCMHC, she has faced the unfortunate reality of taking out tens of thousands in loans, laying off staff, and halting mental healthcare services for 350 military families.

Behavioral health services are especially impacted by TRICARE’s issue, with clinics treating children, teens with autism, and Veterans with PTSD facing care gaps.

Families in Tennessee have lost access to care due to payment delays, hindering their health, and other states have reported potential closures for healthcare facilities needed by the military community.

It’s safe to say the issues with TRICARE are affecting the military community as a whole, but those with children on the autism spectrum are facing major disruptions due to ongoing payment issues.

 is already dicey for military families, and these disruptions only hurt their access even further.

Again, with clinics dropping clients, kids are left without essential services, including occupational or behavioral therapies that are vital to their well-being.

As a result, parents are already reporting heartbreaking regressions due to the lack of care, and even as technical issues are resolved, many providers are still unpaid, facing hard choices that affect families.

Why Are the TRICARE Issues Still Happening?

The government has had a quarter of the year to fix these issues, only to leave the healthcare industry and military community left to scramble.

There is still no clear end in sight, and the transparency has been non-existent for many.

This is causing military families to make hard choices, which could lead to a separation of service as they do what’s best for their families.

Others sell essential things, such as their vehicles, in order to cover the cost of healthcare when paying out of their own pockets.

Experts are warning that if TRICARE’s issues persist, the temporary access and payment problems involving military healthcare could get worse, limit availability to families, and force some facilities to move out of the network altogether.

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FEW SOLDIERS WHO LEFT THE ARMY DUE TO THE COVID VACCINATION MANDATE ARE RETURNING