Management

Federal Employee Advocates Want Special IT Task Force to Handle OPM Hack

More than two dozen groups call on president to provide more information and protection to employees and retirees in wake of massive data breach.

Defense

OPM Breach May Have Exposed Feds’ Sex Lives, Info About Security Clearance References

After a week of congressional hearings, we still don’t know the full extent of the massive cyberattacks.

Defense

Obama Says U.S. 'Will Stand By' Families of American Hostages

The president announced Wednesday that the government will no longer threaten prosecution for families who try to pay ransom to hostage-takers.

Nextgov

Park Service Employees Get New Mapping Tools

The National Park Service plans to release a simple digital mapping tool so its employees can update information on everything from trails to parking lots, according to the bureau's website.

Defense

How an NPR Librarian Outdid VA Researchers in Finding Mustard Gas Victims

Agency fell short in efforts to trace World War II veterans exposed to mustard gas during experiments.

Defense

Study: America Needs New Small Nuclear Bombs

CSIS’ Clark Murdock argues that only such weapons can deter rogue states from seeking nukes of their own

Management

To Advance the Mission, More Feds Should Consider Doing Less

Managers often mistake complexity for sophistication, and the result is bad for everyone, a former military acquisition executive argues.

Nextgov

Want to Implement Emerging Tech Successfully? Start Small

The best bet to get the best bang for your tech bucks is by piloting smaller projects, DOD strategists say.

Defense

Drone Pilot Psychologist Says They Need a Vacation From War

The men and women fighting America’s drone war can’t go home, no matter where they are.

Pay & Benefits

Most in the Military Get No Retirement-Savings Help. That Could Be Changing.

Under the current system, personnel who serve 20-plus years get a pension. But what about everyone else?

Defense

Why John McCain Thinks the Days of Fighter Pilots Are Over

The Senate Armed Services Committee chairman sees a drone-heavy future, but only if the military-industrial complex can be nimble enough to achieve it.

Defense

When the Defense Bill Collides With 'Extraneous' Politics

The Pentagon authorization measure always has to sail through controversy before passage. But this year's fight over budgeting is especially tough.

Oversight

Top Defense Officials Told Congress Parts of the Pentagon's ISIS Strategy

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Joint Chiefs chair Martin Dempsey testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday.

Defense

Democrats Go Wobbly on Defense Bills

The defense authorization and appropriations bills use the same gimmick, so why are Democrats standing firm on one but not the other?

Oversight

Oversight Chairman: Obama Needs to Fire OPM Chief

“I think it’s time for them to resign, and if they don’t, I think the president should fire them,” Rep. Jason Chaffetz said of leadership at the Office of Personnel Management.

Nextgov

DISA Plans to Cut Redundant Tech in 2015-2020

In its strategic plan, DISA states its intent to take advantage of commercially available cloud technology, among other efforts.

Pay & Benefits

Border Patrol Agents Can Now Check Out New Overtime Details

Proposed rule outlines the specifics of a new, less generous compensation system to replace administratively uncontrollable overtime.