Defense
General gives upbeat assessment of progress in Afghanistan
Gen. David Petraeus says U.S. and allied forces have arrested the Taliban's momentum in many parts of the country, and reversed it in important areas.
Defense
House funding measure leaves fate of F-35 alternate engine uncertain
Supporters argue competition will improve the product, but critics say producing two engines for the fighter jet is a prime example of waste.
News
Burning Question: Who are the most famous former feds?
Help us develop a list of federal employees who have gone on to bigger, if not necessarily better, things.
Defense
Gates makes his own surprise visit to Afghanistan
Trip comes as the Obama administration is wrapping up a strategy review of the war.
News
Lawmakers ask colleagues to hold off on 2012 pay freeze
Compensation adjustments should be considered annually and in the context of a larger deficit reduction plan, Washington-area representatives argue.
Oversight
Pay-Freeze Politics
Does Obama’s proposal to freeze federal pay signal a real change in direction or is just an idle gesture?
Oversight
Deficit commission finds a few more cuts to make
Homeland Security grant programs and international broadcast operations added to a list of more than $200 billion in proposed cuts the panel is fine-tuning.
Oversight
Federal oil rig inspectors hit for lapses preceding BP spill
Presidential commission slams out-of-date training and coziness with industry as Interior regulators reorganize and prepare reforms.
News
From Nextgov.com: OMB tells feds not to look at leaked documents
Agencies remind employees and contractors that WikiLeaks documents are still classified.
Defense
Defense revises rule on contractor business systems
New proposal lowers the amount the government can withhold from contractors that don’t do enough to protect against waste, fraud and abuse.
Defense
Defense chief isn't optimistic about ‘don’t ask’ repeal this year
Senate plans to adjourn for the year by Dec. 17 and has a long to-do list before leaving town.
Pay & Benefits
OPM updates sick leave policies
Final rule expands eligibility and provides leave guidance on communicable diseases to agencies.
Defense
Report: Defense faces large and growing mental health problem
Data reflect the ‘increasing psychological toll’ of combat operations on the force.
Defense
Senate passes bill to manage military cemetery
Measure requires Army to report whether Arlington graves are properly marked and to develop plans to fix errors.
Defense