Defense
General reports progress against roadside bombs in Afghanistan
Senior commander says military has achieved "real disruption of the lethal insurgent networks" throughout Kandahar.
Defense
Defense chief pushes for fiscal 2011 spending bill to avoid 'crisis'
Failure to pass legislation would amount to a $23 billion cut to the Pentagon’s budget this year, Gates says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: IG says up to 35 percent of WTU soldiers have prescription drug abuse problems
Army Surgeon General says 14 percent of the force is prescribed opiates .
Defense
GAO: Defense business transformation showing signs of progress
Report finds efforts need to be better aligned with Pentagon’s efficiency initiative, however.
Defense
Have no fear: Army finds missing vial of lethal nerve agent
Officials put Utah facility on lockdown on Wednesday, forcing more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel and contractors to bunk there overnight.
Defense
Homeland Security chief announces end of color-coded threat alerts
System has been roundly criticized for being confusing and too vague.
Defense
Navy admiral urges diligence in fight against pirates
Official says problem should be addressed with the same rigor as counterterrorism efforts.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: House, Senate Judiciary chairs clash over extending online spy provisions
Senate measure offers a longer-term solution and more oversight than the rival House proposal.
Defense
Military pay, benefits top federal civilian compensation
House lawmaker is assessing salary comparisons and freeze proposals following new study.
Defense
Industry looking for indications of new bomber
Effort is one of only a handful of new developmental programs -- and the only new major aviation program -- the cash-strapped Pentagon is proposing.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Hackers didn’t retrieve data in Defense pharmacy website attack
No personally identifiable information was stored on the site.
Defense
Armed Services leaders warn Gates about halting work on programs
Lawmakers need a chance to review the Defense chief's proposed cuts, top Republicans say.
Defense
Agencies outline efforts to support military families
Administration officials highlight a unified approach to assisting troops, veterans and their families.
Defense
Obama will spotlight beginning of the end in Afghanistan
In Tuesday's speech, the president is expected to make clear that 2011 will be the high water mark for the U.S troop presence in Afghanistan, which will decline over the next three years.
Defense
Patent Office director touts agency's potential to stimulate economy
Easing the backlog in patent applications could help create jobs, says David Kappos.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Pre-deployment health screening reduces behavioral problems, study shows
Service was required to implement such an assessment program 14 years ago.
Defense
Watchdog puts price tag on ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’
Discharging openly gay service members cost nearly $200 million during the past five fiscal years, GAO concludes as Pentagon prepares to implement repeal.
Defense
Unwanted Pentagon weapons systems often prove impossible to kill
Lawmakers from both parties are mobilizing to save programs Defense Secretary Gates has placed on the chopping block.
Defense
Firms gearing up final pitches for Air Force tanker contract
Deal for 179 wide-body planes has been valued as high as $40 billion, making it a significant prize for rivals Boeing and EADS North America.
Defense