Nextgov

Congress Directs the Pentagon to Appoint a Cyber Czar

The new position would have a broad portfolio, including oversight of all cyber missions, both offensive and defensive.

Defense One

Pentagon Reorganizes Intel Office, Adds Cyber Post

Under orders to cut 20 percent from its budget, the Pentagon’s intel office also has to balance its commitment to new threats like cyber. By Stephanie Gaskell

Management

Jeh Johnson Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., had battled with Johnson at confirmation hearing last month.

Defense One

Here’s Why the Proposed Military Retiree Benefit Cuts Are No Big Deal

Here are six reasons why it is hard to make an argument that the U.S. government is not acting in good faith for the men and women in uniform. By Lawrence Korb and Katherine Blakeley

Defense

Judge Says NSA's 'Almost-Orwellian' Data Collection Likely Violates Constitution

Monday's ruling will provide ammunition to those who've sought to eliminate NSA's ability to collect phone metadata.

Nextgov

Congress Tells Energy Dept. to Develop 'Exascale' Computers in 10 Years

Devices will be 1,000 times faster than today’s record holder and help with nuclear and big data analysis.

Defense

New Rule Eases Claim Requirements for Vets with Traumatic Brain Injury

VA is trying to help those suffering from TBI and related diseases get benefits faster.

Nextgov

Navy Technology Aims to Make Fuel out of Seawater

Jet fuel derived from the ocean would cost between $3 and $6 a gallon to make.

Nextgov

New Radar Sought by Congress Likely Would Be Fielded in Alaska, Sources Say

Defense bill calls for another X-band radar system to help counter a nuclear attack.

Oversight

Republican Senators Battle Budget Cuts Targeting Military Retirees

Deal would decrease the annual cost-of-living adjustment for working-age military retirees by 1 percent.

Defense One

Power or Persuasion: More Sanctions or Bombs for Iran?

In the art of coercive diplomacy, sanctions and military pressure go hand-in-hand and must be feared, but they still have limits. By James Kitfield

Defense

House Approves 1 Percent Pay Raise for Troops

Bill also extends authority to Defense Department to offer special pay and bonuses to service members.

Nextgov

IT Reform Stripped From Defense Bill

Lawmakers predict a stand-alone version of the bill will pass both chambers in 2014.

Defense One

So When Does the U.S. Really Need Afghanistan to Sign the Troop Deal?

Obama administration officials still want a troop deal in Afghanistan in place by the end of the year, but want and need are two different things. By Stephanie Gaskell

Defense One

Why Congress Should Fully Fund the VA in Advance

Congress is about to fail America’s veterans if they don’t tackle these bills this year, and fund the full VA in advance. By Alexander Nicholson