Defense

For Petraeus, apathy about Afghanistan may be the biggest challenge

General's Hill visit will be less scrutinized this week.

Defense

From Nextgov: U.S. supercomputer experts assess radiation risks amid crisis at Japanese nuclear facility

The National Nuclear Security Administration activates a California-based center to process predictive models based on available information.

Defense

Senator: Feds should "put the brakes on" new nuke plants after Japanese disaster

Joe Lieberman says he doesn't want to halt new construction, but to take time for reviews of crisis in Japan.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Defense prepares response to massive earthquake in Japan

High-capacity undersea cable used by military was severed; impact on operations is unclear.

Defense

Elite U.S. counterterror forces facing cuts

Resources are heavily taxed by the operational tempo in Afghanistan and Pakistan, officials said.

Defense

Government uses new and old media to get its message out after Japan disaster

Press conferences, Twitter help agencies disseminate information on tsunami effects in the U.S.

Defense

Is D.C. prepared for a tsunami?

Complicating a mass evacuation would be various emergency contingency plans put in place by the federal government.

Defense

Deputy U.S. marshal killed in the line of duty

John Perry was the third federal officer to be shot to death in less than a month.

Defense

Commission calls on Pentagon to scrap women in combat policy

Panel says excluding women from combat under certain circumstances limits their opportunities for career advancement.

Defense

Gates says U.S. may stay in Afghanistan past 2014 deadline

Transferring security control to local forces will take some time, Pentagon chief says.

Defense

DHS awards fewest noncompetitive contracts ever

The department also manages these contracts better but could still improve documentation, IG finds.

Defense

Deadline extended for special military pay

Service members and vets have until March 18 to file for ‘stop loss’ pay.

Defense

Lawmakers criticize military funeral protesters

Senators say the Westboro Baptist Church members are abusing free speech rights.

Defense

Court cases reaffirm law prohibiting discrimination against workers serving in the military

A federal employee and decorated war veteran could receive more than $500,000 in back pay and damages from the Postal Service.

Defense

Buying less with more at the Pentagon; a guide for newcomers

New essays edited by journalist Andrew Cockburn charge that surge in defense spending benefits contractors without enhancing security.

Defense

Senior lawmakers wary of nuclear agency budget increase

Obama budget would give agency a 5 percent funding hike to $11.8 billion.

Defense

Pentagon chief defends tanker decision

Gates says any protest of the lucrative contract award is unlikely to be successful.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Military Health System reports on effects of current wars

Mental health treatment for military family members has grown 15 percent annually since 2001.

Defense

EADS weighing tanker protest

Company is weighing information after losing bid contest.

Defense

Military no longer protected from budget knife

Appetite for overall spending cuts trumps GOP's traditional desire to insulate defense spending from cuts.