Employee Policy

Boosting VA pay is key to retention, Wilkie says

A new law allows the VA to increase pay for certain high-level officials, an authority vital to attracting and keeping talent, Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie said.

Employee Policy

IC leans on telework as offices slowly reopen

The coronavirus pandemic has pushed workers who are used to top-secret networks home. But as intel agencies begin bringing more personnel back, they'll have to contend with lingering anxieties.

Employee Policy

DOD moves to restricted opening

The Pentagon is moving to a restricted Phase One of its reopening plan June 15, the Defense Department announced, with essential personnel returning to headquarters.

Employee Policy

Pentagon considers reducing quarantine to 10 days

The Pentagon is considering compressing the COVID-19 quarantine period for personnel from 14 to 10 days, top officials said.

Employee Policy

DOD's 5-phase plan for reopening

The Defense Department is planning to shift from pandemic footing to more normal operations, and is using White House issued criteria on declines in reported symptoms, declines in new cases and hospital access to determine when restrictions will be lifted.

Employee Policy

As telework expands, the need for security clearances may contract

Bill Evanina, the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, said the intel community’s carte blanche need for top-secret security clearances may dwindle due to expanded telework abilities.

Employee Policy

DOD outlines COVID testing plan

Gen. John Hyten, vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said testing the entire force, including National Guard and Reserves, would take until summertime.

Employee Policy

AFGE pushes back on DOD budget-reduction targets

The American Federation of Government Employees issued a letter April 16 to Congress opposing parts of the proposed Expanding Acquisition Reform Act, which seeks to formalize DOD's zero-based budgeting process.

Employee Policy

DOD's telework surge could be permanent

A new emphasis on telework at the Defense Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could change work culture at the Pentagon, officials said.

Employee Policy

Navy's Modly resigns over comments about USS Roosevelt's captain

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned after audio surfaced of him calling the now-ex commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt "stupid" in front of crew members.