Defense

Afghanistan is Obama's war now

Facing a host of bad options, Barack Obama is poised to take ownership of a war that will inevitably shadow his presidency.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: DHS proposes standards for how the private sector should prepare for disasters

Industry fears the voluntary standards are too rigid and eventually could be made mandatory for companies looking to do business with the government.

Defense

Lawmakers see room for improvement in DHS diversity efforts

Homeland Security must step up outreach and find ways to help more minorities advance to senior-level jobs, House members say.

Defense

Democrats thwart GOP bid to stop Gitmo transfers

Final Homeland Security spending bill allows detainees to be brought to the United States for trial.

Defense

Defense secretary weighs whether to urge veto of authorization bill

Pentagon staff is evaluating if funds allocated for an alternative engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which the administration opposes, is grounds for veto.

Defense

CBO forecasts rising Defense costs

Real growth in pay and benefits for the Defense Department's military and civilian personnel will contribute to increased spending.

Defense

Recession helps military recruiters reach 36-year high

The four services and their National Guard and reserve components signed up 296,505 young men and women in fiscal 2009.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: House panel plans cybersecurity training for members and staff

Two events will show users the best practices to protect computer systems , handheld devices and personal data from viruses and hackers.

Defense

TSA works to reduce attrition among top staff

GAO: Fewer senior executives are quitting, but agency needs to identify reasons for departure.

Defense

Forward Observer: Through Iran's Eyes

Mutually assured destruction might not be enough to keep Iran and Israel at bay if Iran develops a nuclear bomb.

Defense

Generals want faster, focused procurement

Army official's strategy can be summed up with the mantra: "Buy fewer, more often."

Defense

Pentagon extends Army, Marine deployments in Iraq

Prolonged combat tours are having a negative effect on Army re-enlistment rates, new study finds.

Defense

Defense policy bill has major implications for contractors

Legislation extends ban on public-private job competitions and limits award fees for negligent contractors.

Defense

House approves agreement on Pentagon pay-for-performance, sick leave benefit

Senate now will consider conference report on fiscal 2010 Defense authorization.

Defense

Congress moves to repeal Pentagon pay-for-performance system

Conference agreement also gives Defense secretary ability to propose new personnel flexibilities.

Defense

Authorizers agree to end F-22 program

The $680 billion Defense authorization bill is expected to pass both chambers and move to President Obama's desk in the next several days.

Defense

Senate again rejects C-17 cut, approves spending bill

House and Senate appropriators already have been working quietly for weeks to resolve differences in the two chambers' versions of the defense bill.

Defense

DHS announces immigration detention reforms

Immigration and Customs Enforcement will centralize and review all detention contracts.

Defense

Key authorizers back second F-35 engine

House-Senate agreement on the fighter jet engine could provoke the Obama administration to follow through on a veto threat.

Defense

Defense chief offers indirect criticism of general

Robert Gates says Afghanistan is on a "worrisome trajectory."