Defense

Gates takes over as Defense secretary

Former CIA chief vows to involve Defense officials and military leaders in the decision-making process.

Defense

Rumsfeld leaves his successor in a difficult position

Outgoing Defense secretary was determined to make his mark by transforming the military, but the Iraq war overshadowed that goal.

Defense

TSA seeks to improve tracking of hazardous rail shipments

Proposal would give companies as little as five minutes to respond to requests for information on the location of shipments.

Defense

Dems drop some 9/11 panel proposals from agenda

Legislative package will not include a reorganization of congressional oversight of DHS, or an attempt to declassify the intelligence budget.

Defense

Chertoff defends DHS, aims to improve message

Secretary says it is his job to "clearly articulate" a vision to the public that includes the concept of risk management and tradeoffs.

Defense

Army chief seeks fewer limits on activating reserves

Chief paints a dire picture of ground troops' ability to respond to worldwide operational demands should current mobilization policies remain intact.

Defense

DHS on track to use radiation detectors at most U.S. ports

Deployment will actually exceed the mandate of the recently approved $400 million Safe Port Act, official says.

Defense

Survey signals low morale among DHS agriculture specialists

“Nothing is going well” is second most-frequent reply to a query on what’s good about the job.

Defense

Report: Biometric visitor tracking won't work at land exits

Implementation would be costly, require new infrastructure and lead to traffic backups.

Defense

Coast Guard chief stresses importance of focusing on employees

Thad Allen cites plans for possible joint-duty requirements across Homeland Security agencies.

Defense

European officials seek answers on use of passenger data

Agreement with the EU seeks deletion of passenger data within four years; DHS screening system can keep information for up to 40 years.

Defense

Bill creating HHS bioterror research agency on Bush’s desk

Measure would reduce the Homeland Security Department’s role in the event of a bioterror attack.

Tech

Report calls data-mining expensive, ineffective

Technology needed to obtain precise results does not exist, researchers find.

Defense

National Guard supporters to renew bid to elevate chief

Goal is to increase the stature of the Air and Army National Guard and give the chief a greater voice in Pentagon budget and strategy decisions.

Defense

IG urges Customs officials to better use intelligence

Procedures for dealing with high-risk cargo shipments need tweaking, investigators say.

Defense

Opposition to DHS traveler screening program mounts

In the latest twist, international travel associations have signed a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Defense

Appeals panel hears arguments on Defense labor relations rules

Defense lawyers continue to argue for a redefinition of “collective bargaining.”

Defense

Report: Dems should address rail security, grants process

Analysis also recommends oversight of biometric passports and stronger diplomacy.

Defense

House rejects bill to rate merits of defense earmarks

Supporters said the measure would have allowed the public a look at what they argue is a shadowy Pentagon budget process.

Defense

Bush to announce revised Iraq policy before Christmas

Incoming Senate majority leader criticizes Bush for not sounding enthusiastic about the recommendations of the bipartisan panel on Iraq.