Defense One
Hagel Fires Back at Bergdahl Criticism in Congress
At a hearing Wednesday, Defense Secretary Hagel lectured House Armed Services Committee members about war, saying the Bergdahl deal was the right call. By Molly O’Toole
Oversight
One Chart Tracking the Many Ways Congress Wants to Fix VA
Lawmakers are weighing at least nine major bills to address the department’s workforce and constituents.
Defense One
How the Pentagon Can Track the Taliban 5
The Taliban 5 may disappear back into the fight, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t findable. By Patrick Tucker
Management
CIA Uses Its First Public Conference to Stress Value of Human Sources
Director Brennan tells Georgetown University crowd spy agency remains indispensable.
Nextgov
What the University of the Future Will Look Like
Tomorrow's higher-education institutions will be accessible, flexible, innovative and job-focused, emphasizing lifelong learning.
Management
Donovan Welcomes What Senator Calls the Best and Worst Job in Government
HUD secretary says he would bring data-driven approach to OMB.
Tech
Need to Know Memo: A Strategic Approach to Cybersecurity
Agencies are taking proactive measures to address cyber vulnerabilities.
Pay & Benefits
Retirement Claims Backlog Could Be Eliminated by Year’s End
The backlog is just under 15,000 claims – the lowest it’s been since December.
Defense
Bergdahl Was Discharged from the Coast Guard for Psychological Reasons Before He Joined the Army
When Bergdahl enlisted in 2008, the Army was in the middle of the process of lowering its recruitment standards.
Management
FBI Joins Investigation Into VA Wait Times
Bureau is reviewing records to see if officials lied about wait times for medical care to receive a bonus.
Defense
Iraqi Militants Seize Control of Turkish Consulate in Mosul, Take Hostages
The 48 hostages are unharmed.
Management
VA Hiring Freeze Could Cut Unnecessary Layers of Management
Move may free up resources for additional medical services field staff.
Management
What Agency Executives Can Learn From Timothy Geithner
From the memoirs of Obama administration appointees.
Oversight
Allegations of an Inappropriate Relationship Hit U.S. Capitol Police
Relationship may have helped subordinate get a plum assignment in background investigations.
Nextgov
Who Needs Heartbleed When Many Dot-Govs Don't Even Encrypt Communications?
26 percent of federal websites lack the proper configuration to thwart attackers from intercepting data entered by citizens, study finds.
Oversight
On Veterans Affairs Fix, A Rare United Front for House and Senate
Members believe they can reach an agreement for a fast, bipartisan victory.
Oversight
Americans Like Hillary Clinton a Lot Less Now Than When She Was Secretary of State
The politician's favorability ratings have steadily dropped since she left public office last year.
Oversight
Play of the Day: How Hillary Clinton's Memoir Ends
There's an unsurprising visual aid at the end of Hard Choices.
Defense One