Defense
Senate confirms Defense nominees stalled by GOP holds
Republicans cave in after being pressed to explain wartime holds that weren't based on the merits of the candidates for Air Force and acquisition jobs.
Defense
Screening of all U.S.-bound air cargo still years away
Biggest challenge is getting cooperation from the governments of 20 countries where nearly 85 percent of cargo originates, senior official says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Wiki in the works for sharing safest travel routes in Afghanistan
Network would replace ad hoc Internet communications among nonmilitary personnel with missions in war zone.
Defense
Oversight panel leader slams new KBR contract
Lawmaker wants to know why the Pentagon continues to do business with the company despite faulty electrical work that may have contributed the deaths of 18 service members.
Defense
Navy official calls for rapid deployment of unmanned vessels
Systems would enhance the service's ability to detect mines and survey coastlines.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Army will tap its ‘digital natives’ for apps
Contest under way to award $30,000 in prize money for software programs that will fundamentally change the way the Army operates.
Defense
Contractors could make or break Afghanistan surge
Agencies are aiming to steer clear of the waste, fraud and corruption that plagued Iraq procurements.
Defense
Navy chief optimistic F-35 will enter fleet on schedule
The service will benefit from being third in line to receive the fighter jets, top officer says.
Defense
Coast Guard takes control from Deepwater's integrators
Homeland Security is no longer relying on a contractor team to coordinate development of the fourth national security cutter.
Defense
Stalled border security nomination worries former commissioners
The 57,000-employee Customs and Border Protection bureau has been without top leaders for one year.
Defense
Air Force secretary says F-35 cost to breach legal limit
Price tag could trigger a congressional review and force the Pentagon to prove the program is critical to national security, says Michael Donley.
Defense
Agriculture chief says black farmer discrimination settlement needs $1.15B
Obama administration wants Congress to provide the money by March 31, says Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Defense
Defense seeks more time to weigh multiyear fighter jet deal
Deputy tells lawmakers the Pentagon did not receive an offer early enough to meet March 1 deadline.
Defense
ANALYSIS:Intelligence File Afghanistan’s Spy Surge
A new war effort will stress the intelligence community.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Defense Department opens up to social media
New policy grants all personnel access to social networks but continues to block sites related to pornography, gambling and hate crimes.
Defense
House resolves dispute, authorizes intelligence bill
Provision creating criminal penalties for CIA interrogators who use cruel or inhuman methods to extract information from suspected terrorists was dropped.
Defense
New analysis fuels debate over alternative F-35 engine
Pentagon study advises against funding an alternate engine for the jet, despite finding that doing so would cost no more than procuring only the primary engine.
Defense
Marines storm the Hill seeking equal billing with Navy
Legislation would expand the name of the department and its secretary to the "Navy and Marine Corps."
Defense
Marines, Navy cite urgent 'reset' needs
Equipment stocks are at "unacceptable levels," Marine Corps commandant says.
Defense