Defense

Air Force jet flies on plant oil fuel blend

New mix will be tested across the fleet; service wants to spur domestic development of renewable jet fuel.

Defense

Defense chief urges Hill action on supplemental by early spring

Most of the $33 billion request would pay for the surge of 30,000 troops into Afghanistan and to accelerate training of Afghan security forces.

Defense

Pentagon revises gay ban enforcement policies

New regulations aim to introduce ‘a greater measure of common sense and common decency,’ says Defense secretary.

Defense

Bill would extend TRICARE coverage to adult children

New Mexico lawmaker introduces legislation to increase maximum age of military dependent health coverage to 26.

Defense

Burning Question: Should generals speak out on 'don't ask, don't tell' policy?

Not if they want to stay in the good graces of the Defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Defense

Gates assures no more F-35 cost, schedule woes

Defense secretary says Pentagon's largest weapons system program is on track after a rocky history.

Defense

Senator seeks five IG reports on TSA nominee

Susan Collins, R-Maine, says White House has been slow to disclose information regarding allegations against Army Maj. Gen. Robert Harding.

Defense

Army leaders defend new ground vehicle development

Service decides no existing vehicles are survivable, lethal and mobile enough to meet its needs.

Defense

TSA nominee won’t commit to collective bargaining rights

Maj. Gen. Robert Harding emphasizes training and morale challenges during first confirmation hearing.

Defense

Senators to press TSA nominee on Iraq contract audit

Collective bargaining rights for airport screeners also are likely to come up.

Defense

Officials outline missile defense goals

Pentagon leaders on Monday rejected abolishing the Missile Defense Agency and transferring its functions to the different armed services.

Defense

Forward Observer: Kill The F-35?

A defense expert predicts the government will keep the fighter jet alive no matter what, to show taxpayers they got something for their money.

Defense

House votes to exempt TRICARE from health reform bill

TRICARE and other Defense beneficiaries will not have to purchase coverage beyond what they already have.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Insurgents years ago obtained U.S. systems used to stop IEDs, report says

The devices might have been sent to Iran to develop countermeasures that block jamming signals that prevent the detonation of roadside bombs, according to an Army document.

Defense

Airbus manufacturer may bid for Air Force tankers

Defense Department might extend deadline to give EADS more time to prepare bid.

Defense

Pentagon audit cited TSA nominee's firm for overbilling

Company founded by retired Army Maj. Gen. Robert Harding overcharged the government for interrogation work in Iraq and had to pay back about $2 million.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: NRC fines VA for botched radiation therapy procedures

Record penalty reflects "lack of safety culture to ensure patients are treated safely ," official says.

Defense

Interrogation work by TSA nominee's firm under review

Congressional staffers are investigating whether Harding's former consulting company had ties to the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

Defense

Unions press forward in battle to represent airport screeners

Dueling labor groups have both filed election petitions; one hit Capitol Hill to push a bill granting transportation security officers bargaining rights.

Defense

White House details ethics agreement with TSA nominee

Harding will have three levels of recusals for dealing with the contracting business he founded in 2003 and the clients and partners of that business.