Defense
Senator calls for permanent wartime contracting watchdog
Level of waste in Iraq and Afghanistan warrants more focused oversight, says Sen. Claire McCaskill, a former state auditor.
Defense
Speaker allows vote on intelligence authorization bill
Agreement paves the way for enacting the first such legislation since fiscal 2005.
Defense
Military space programs at risk, experts say
Panelists warn that the soaring cost and prolonged development time for new satellites have left nation vulnerable.
Defense
Defense falls behind on workforce planning efforts
Department hasn’t met legislative requirements to develop a comprehensive human capital strategic plan, audit finds.
Defense
Forward Observer: Costs of War
The total tally for the war on terrorism through the Pentagon's fiscal 2010 supplemental comes to $1.12 trillion, with no end in sight.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Lawmakers ask White House to stop DHS financial system
House Judiciary Committee leaders say the department has not followed OMB requirements for developing the risky projects , but Homeland Security officials disagree.
Defense
Security policy conflicts would intensify under GOP control
Among other differences, Republicans want to keep the military detention center at Guantanamo Bay open.
Defense
Concern grows over Defense-to-State transition in Iraq
Poor coordination and a lack of expertise put the changeover at risk of waste and overreliance on contractors, commissioners say.
Defense
British Defense chief urges support for F-35 engine
In letter to lawmaker, Liam Fox says ending program could cost the U.S. and international partners more money in the long run.
Defense
Injuries climb with more Army recruits unfit for duty
The military is turning away a growing number of enlistees because they are too overweight to fight.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Pentagon investigates director of psychological centers of excellence
Army Col. Robert Saum is the second chief in the organization's short history of operation, fueling congressional concerns about top management.
Defense
Appeal rights of feds in lower-level security jobs called into question
The Merit Systems Protection Board should review firings, demotions and other adverse actions against employees in noncritical sensitive positions, union officials say.
Defense
More contractors than troops killed during past year in Iraq and Afghanistan
When contractors are counted, total U.S. fatalities in those wars exceeds 7,500 since 2001.
Defense
Officials warn of more terrorist threats within U.S.
"Homegrown" terrorism is of growing concern, witnesses and lawmakers agree during a Senate hearing.
Defense
Immigration advocates huddle after setback, might push stand-alone bill
Groups will meet with top Democrats on Thursday to discuss legislative strategy for creating a path to citizenship for young illegal immigrants.
Defense
National Guard and reserves need more resources, study finds
Unstable funding, equipment shortfalls, poor personnel management system and war are taking a toll on reservists.
Defense
Senate bill aims to reform Federal Protective Service
Bipartisan legislation would increase staffing and establish training requirements for armed guards.
Defense
Democrats lose cloture vote on Defense policy bill
Move will effectively delay until after the midterm elections debate on hot-button issues such as repealing the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
Defense
Copter crash makes this year the deadliest in Afghan war
Western death toll through the first 10 months of 2010 now stands at 529, exceeding last year's toll of 521.
Defense