Defense

Pentagon in for a fight over expected National Guard cuts

Senior Defense official says Army will recommend reducing the Guard’s end-strength by 17,000 for fiscal 2007.

Defense

Vaccine treatment centers for military personnel partially funded

Lawmakers granted $3 million of $6 million requested for the healthcare facilities, leaving the military services to make up the difference.

Defense

New biometrics group focuses on frequent fliers

Group will advise the government on credentialing programs, including the registered traveler system.

Defense

Senate homeland security leaders sketch 2006 agenda

Committee may recommend legislation to reorganize the Federal Emergency Management Agenda.

Defense

Appointment dampens hopes for merger of DHS bureaus

With top Immigration and Customs Enforcement position filled, opportune time for merger has passed, observers say.

Defense

GAO: Army system for tracking repair shipments substandard

Poor inventory controls place shipped items at risk of loss or theft, report says.

Defense

Federal agents ready for new air marshal director

Law enforcement officers say the departure of Thomas Quinn creates a window to improve morale and enact reforms.

Defense

Defense names senior strategic sourcing executive

Mark Krzysko will be well-positioned to advance the cost-saving acquisition technique across the department.

Defense

ICE cited for improper award of small business set-aside contract

Use of a large subcontractor made company ineligible for detention officer and transportation services work, GAO says.

Defense

New immigration enforcement chief gets mixed reception

Critics say Julie Myers lacks experience, while supporters say she has built relationships that will serve her well.

Defense

Homeland Security seeks proposals for border technology

Bureau on hunt for mobile detection devices to assist border patrol officers.

Defense

House Democrat seeks new terrorist information-sharing unit

New unit would convert classified intelligence into forms usable by state and local officials.

Defense

Major metro areas found ineligible for anti-terror grants

Areas as large as Phoenix and San Diego are allowed "sustainment" funding, but no longer qualify for major terrorism-preparedness grant program.

Defense

New Preparedness Directorate at DHS up and running

Programs and offices are moved under new chain of command, but remain physically dispersed around the Washington area.

Tech

IG: Homeland Security CIO lacks necessary power

Technology chief is poorly positioned to manage departmentwide IT projects, report says.

Defense

New documents may influence Patriot Act debate

Papers delivered so far show that the FBI’s office of general counsel lodged complaints about agents’ use of powers.

Defense

Homeland Security unveils 2006 strategy for awarding urban grants

Regions must pull together, submit spending plans and compete for funding.

Defense

Training credited for reducing sexual misconduct at Air Force Academy

Cadets at the Colorado institution report fewer incidents than students at the Military and Naval academies.

Defense

Congress follows executive branch lead on 2006 spending cuts

Final appropriations bills incorporate more of President Bush’s proposed program cuts than last year.

Management

Senate approves limited VA job competitions

Legislation would allow some public-private competitions, but prevent full resumption of effort to put federal jobs up for bid.