Defense

New president will face major challenges at Defense

A shortage of Army officers and a dwindling industrial base are among challenges that will greet the next commander in chief.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Army is lax in overseeing issuance of contractor ID cards, IG finds

Contractor failed to conduct adequate background checks before giving employees access to sensitive computer systems and military facilities.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Lockheed hires former DISA director

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Charles Croom will work in the company’s information systems and global services practice.

Defense

Bush signs defense authorization bill

Law authorizes a 3.9 percent military pay raise.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Navy plans to ask for NGEN proposals by spring

The service prepares to hold two industry days to discuss the network that will connect users on shore and at sea.

Defense

Surveillance powers unlikely to change with new president

There’s little reason to believe McCain or Obama would roll back the intelligence gathering authorities now in place.

Defense

Senator urges suspension of Iraq publicity contracts

The United States should not be spending $300 million to “propagandize the Iraqi people,” especially given the financial crisis, Virginia Democrat says.

Defense

Top officer says military should wean itself off supplementals

Defense should identify long-term needs that have been included in emergency spending bills and move them to the regular budget, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman says.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Air Force to place cyber operations under Space Command

The service’s neglect of its nuclear mission led to the demise of a grand plan for a Cyber Command.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: Air Force pursues Cyber Command again

Decision comes despite a Pentagon directive to give cyber responsibilities to STRATCOM.

Defense

Feds, industry announce center for identity management research

Agencies, academia and corporations form coalition to find ways to better protect personal data and privacy, but offer few details.

Defense

Candidates have not tipped their hands on defense spending

The next administration will face hard choices in areas such as weapons purchases and Army modernization, but so far neither presidential hopeful has offered a clear agenda.

Defense

From Nextgov.com: DuPont, German company win lightweight battery contest

Defense held yearlong competition to reduce by as much as 75 percent the weight of batteries needed to power high-tech devices in battle.

Defense

Army touts flexibility of modernization program

Recent adjustments, including a new focus on infantry brigades, have helped assuage some congressional concerns.

Defense

Security experts call for improved public communications

Panel says next president needs to ensure that public warnings are based on solid information and are sent based on urgent need.

Defense

Dems want DHS to target criminal illegal immigrants

Immigration and Customs Enforcement ordered to spend $1 billion on effort this fiscal year.

Defense

Both parties court military veteran candidates as wars continue

At least 52 veterans ran as non-incumbents in House and Senate primaries across the nation.

Defense

Defense auditors express optimism about new job standards

Under heavy criticism, agency nixes all but one of 19 performance measures and creates new ones.

Defense

Obama adviser targets weapons costs, lack of oversight

Richard Danzig says missile defense and the Army's Future Combat Systems modernization project should be monitored.

Pay & Benefits

Homeland Security scraps plans for personnel system

Stopgap funding measure signed Tuesday prohibits department from moving forward with proposed pay-for-performance system.