Defense

Army tests satellite communications in wildfire response

Last year, the service purchased 10 emergency response SUVs equipped with a wide range of communications systems.

Defense

Defense assists military members, civilians displaced by wildfires

Bases open up to evacuees while a Navy hospital provides temporary shelter and accepts patients from civilian facilities forced to close.

Defense

Wildfires strain federal operations in Southern California

A shortage of personnel and a lack of information are hurdles to delivering assistance to federal employees and other affected Californians. Click here to view wildfire response photo gallery

Defense

Terrorist watch list subjects can evade detection, GAO says

Rapid growth of the list and the lack of a clear plan delegating responsibilities, priorities and authority have detracted from its usefulness.

Defense

Military services offer equipment to fight California fires

Navy and Marine bases near San Diego prepare some residents to evacuate and say only essential employees should report to work.

Defense

Senator criticizes administration’s estimates of war costs

Chairman of the Budget Committee also uses appearance to plug proposal to create a special 16-member bipartisan task force on reining in the national debt.

Defense

Bush war request quickly figures into spending fracas

Democrats criticize the president for bringing this year’s war requests to almost $200 billion, while arguing an extra $20 billion for domestic priorities is unaffordable.

Defense

Lawmakers want answers on unspent flu vaccine funds

Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, is hoping to call Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt on the carpet at a hearing to explain the holdup.

Defense

Defense lauds exceptional technology work

Winners of annual CIO awards were recognized for cutting down network intrusions, improving communications and more.

Defense

Bush seeks $46 billion boost for war

House Democratic leaders have said they would be reluctant to act on the full request this year barring policy changes; Senate Dems haven’t announced their intentions.

Defense

Forward Observer: Improvised Explosive Oversight

The chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is on a mission to expose government waste, fraud and abuse.

Defense

Homeland Security chief outlines new steps to discourage attacks

Measures include screening small boats for bombs, and keeping a closer eye on foreign private jets flying into the United States.

Defense

Management chief to fill in as DHS deputy secretary

Paul Schneider will step in on an acting basis until a permanent replacement is found for Michael Jackson, who announced last month he is leaving for financial reasons.

Defense

Identity security technologies called key to protecting homeland

Such technologies are critical to several initiatives, including one that requires U.S. air travelers to carry valid enhanced passports when traveling to and from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico.

Defense

Army to offer recruitment incentives

Service will soon begin an active-duty version of the successful Guard Recruiter Assistance Program, which offers bonuses to soldiers who sign up new recruits.

Defense

GPS experts suggest new approach for high-tech satellites

Air Force wants the winning bidder for GPS III contract to develop satellites with an advanced space-based communications system and powerful spot beams.

Defense

GAO: Agents need more guidance on handling illegal immigrants

Comprehensive and up-to-date instructions would help agents make arrest and deportation decisions, report says.

Defense

Tighter security over power plant computer systems urged

Standards are too lax and offer insufficient protection against cyberattacks, chairman of House subcommittee says.

Defense

Marines weigh redesign of expeditionary fighting vehicle

The vehicle has a flat bottom similar to the military's Humvees, which have been vulnerable to improvised explosive devices despite efforts to add armor.

Defense

Lawmakers express concern over DHS reliance on contractors

Watchdog agency concludes that Homeland Security does not take the necessary steps to prevent contractors in service roles from overstepping their bounds.