Defense
State official: Obama will step up fight against terrorism
Counterterrorism coordinator says he would expect the new administration to engage "with more countries and more in depth with countries."
Defense
Lieberman says enactment of DHS authorization bill a priority
Senator would like Homeland Security committee to mark up such legislation before appropriators approve annual spending bill.
Defense
Gates: Defense needs another $70 billion in 2009
Additional funds necessary to continue operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Defense secretary tells lawmakers.
Defense
Energy Department faces broad management challenges, IG reports
Contract administration, cybersecurity and environmental cleanup are among problems requiring long-term attention.
Defense
ADVICE+DISSENT:Intelligence File Dual-Hatted
Cutting the intelligence director’s workload could make him better at his job.
Defense
Border security will loom large for Obama administration
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, the likely chief of Homeland Security, has been a vocal critic of federal efforts.
Defense
Agencies close in on goals for faster security clearance processing
Officials are optimistic the government will hit a target of reducing processing times for most initial requests to 60 days by the end of 2009.
Defense
Defense lays groundwork for new management chief
Deputy Secretary Gordon England has outlined the responsibilities of the position, which will go to an Obama appointee.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DHS to collect biometric data from green card holders
New rule that expands US VISIT program requires fingerprints and digital photos from noncitizens who are permanent residents .
Defense
Air Force names one-star general to lead provisional nuclear command
Service officials are undecided on final location and leader for Global Strike Command when it becomes permanent in late 2009.
Defense
Cadet survey on sexual harassment and violence shows mixed results
Students at the military academies continue to underreport incidents to authorities.
Defense
Homeland Security: Employers can no longer use expired documents in hiring
Draft rule is designed to streamline the process of verifying workers’ employment eligibility and prevent fraud.
Defense
Military forms special units trained to respond to possible WMD attacks
Creation of such a defense capability was recommended by the 9-11 Commission.
Defense
Military readies plans to reinforce troops in Afghanistan
Official says Army Gen. David McKiernan's request for 20,000 additional U.S. troops in 2009 is feasible.
Defense
Budget analyst: Recent funding approach masks true costs of war
Use of supplemental budget requests makes congressional oversight more difficult, report says.
Defense
Analysts debate feasibility of Obama's Iraq withdrawal plan
The president-elect laid out a 16-month exit plan during the campaign, but it comes with a lot of caveats.
Defense
Army creates organization to oversee civilian training
The Army Civilian University seeks to improve and expand employee development.
Defense
Senators hear security warnings about labs, bio-weapons
Report concludes that an attack using a biological pathogen is more likely than one using a nuclear weapon.
Defense
Murtha targets military bonuses for fiscal 2010 cuts
Defense appropriations subcommittee chairman says bonuses are one area that could produce savings as forces are drawn down in Iraq.
Defense