Employee Policy

Fed workforce graying fast

Far fewer federal employees are under the age of 30 today, and that may begin to put the government at a disadvantage in a digital world.

Employee Policy

VA taps industry expertise to improve scheduling

The Department of Veterans Affairs is looking to the private sector to help it reform scheduling practices that have left many veterans waiting far too long for access to care.

Pay

Group pans bill's ban on VA bonuses

The leader of one federal employee group called the House's passage of a measure that would eliminate bonuses for all employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs a "deplorable action."

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.

Insights

4 Telework Tips for Federal Managers

With nearly half of all federal government employees now eligible to telework, what can managers do to be most effective in leading their teams -- regardless of location?

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.