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
Panelists call for reversal of insourcing policy
Industry officials, analysts argue that government pays more when work is performed in-house.
Defense
Ridge sees security gaps since Sept. 11 attacks
Former Homeland Security secretary says Coast Guard needs more funding and government must improve vaccine stockpile.
Defense
Forecast calls for politics and a side of bluster on Defense bill
Senate braces for votes this week on controversial issues with limited ties to defense authorization bill, but which could energize voters in the midterm elections.
Defense
Navy moves to protect jobs at Louisiana shipyard
Service wants to accelerate procurement schedule at endangered Avondale facility that employs thousands of workers.
Defense
Pentagon watchdog defends office’s work
Some of the recommendations in a highly critical Senate report are off-base, Defense IG says.
Defense
For soldiers, coming home can be as hard as leaving
The strain on military families does not end when the troops return from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Defense
Bill would extend health coverage to adult children of CHAMPVA beneficiaries
Change would mirror health reform law granting coverage to dependent children up to age 26.
Defense
Senate appropriators OK clean Defense, leg branch bills
Measures clear the panel along party lines, with Republicans withholding support amid concerns about discretionary spending levels.
Defense
More consistency than changes seen for Defense panels
House and Senate Armed Services committees are unlikely to experience upheaval in leadership approach regardless of the November election results.
Defense
Devil is in the details regarding Defense spending guidance
Industry and Congress support the Pentagon’s efficiency initiative goals, but await more information on implementation.
Defense
Pentagon official seeks support for contracting initiatives
Possible consequences of not acting include broken or canceled programs and market uncertainty, acquisition executive says.
Defense
Senators demand a better plan for nuclear detection
A Homeland Security office is spending money without a clear strategy and has little to show for two costly radiation detector projects, lawmakers charge.
Defense