Policy

After the Shutdown, Uncertainty Still Plagues Pentagon

Congress averted disaster and reopened the government for business as usual. That’s the problem, say Pentagon leaders. By Kevin Baron

Ideas

TRADOC Commander: Train on Ability, Regardless of Gender

Soldier 2020 is the Army’s deliberate effort to level the military career playing field for men and women. Here is what to expect and why. By Gen. Robert W. Cone

Business

Back to Work! Federal Employees To Return Thursday Morning

After a late night vote, the White House told federal employees to expect to return to work Thursday morning, but check the OMB website for updates. By GovExec Staff

Business

Report: NSA Director To Step Down in April

NSA Director Gen. Keith Alexander is reportedly set to step down in April. By Connor Simpson

Business

Senate Shutdown Deal Includes Back-Pay Measure For Furloughed Feds

Even if the legislation passes, it may be a while before furloughed civilians receive their paychecks. By Kellie Lunney

Business

Afghan War Waste Revealed: Coalition Lost $230 Million in Spare Parts

One year ago, ISAF learned it had lost track of more than $300 million in taxpayer funded vehicle parts for the Afghan army. Now, the inspector general let the public know. By Kevin Baron

Business

Budget Crunches and Travel Restrictions Force Army Conference Online

The service says that streaming conference panels is a 'cost effective' way of reaching the Army's audience while encouraging professional development. By Bob Brewin

Ideas

Is John Kerry a Better Secretary of State Than Hillary Clinton?

In the last two months, Kerry has reopened mideast peace talks, negotiated a chemical weapons ban in Syria, found common ground with Russia and met in a historic sit-down with Iran's foreign minister. By Michael Hirsh

Business

How Does the Government Decide Which Workers Are Essential?

Pentagon officials don't like using the word 'essential' when it comes to furloughing employees. So how do they decide who's exempt from the shutdown? By Brittany Ballenstedt

Business

Got a Security Clearance? Now the Feds Want to Spy on You, Too

Are you cleared? The Snowden case has sparked a new debate over how much the government should spy on its own workers with security clearance. By Aliya Sternstein

Ideas

To Save the Submarines, Eliminate ICBMs and Bombers

If the Pentagon is serious about new Ohio-class SSBNs, then it should end the “nuclear triad” of missiles and bombers (freeing $20 billion a year). By Christopher Preble and Matt Fay

Business

The Atlantic's Interview With Defense Secretary Hagel

The sergeant-turned-secretary talks about his job, and why he sent Egypt's top general a book about George Washington. By Steve Clemons

Ideas

Announcing the Inaugural Defense One Summit

Defense One is gathering national security and defense leaders to discuss the future of U.S. global security responsibilities and power. By Kevin Baron

Policy

Shutdown Creates Training ‘Gap’ for Afghanistan-Bound Troops

Commanders halt training for National Guard units deploying to Afghanistan next year, amid shutdown's pay freeze. By Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

Policy

Obama Signs Bill to Reinstate Troop Death Benefits During the Shutdown

President Obama signed the bill Thursday after the Fisher House Foundation offered to pay death benefits to families of fallen troops during the shutdown. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

House Republicans Accuse the Pentagon of Shutdown ‘Politics’

Pentagon Comptroller Bob Hale was berated by House Armed Services Committee members who accused the administration of using furloughs ‘for political purposes.’ By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

Ash Carter to Retire

Ash Carter, deputy defense secretary and the Pentagon’s top budget man, will retire on Dec. 4. By Kevin Baron

Policy

Fisher House Rescues DoD on Death Benefits During Shutdown

The Fisher House Foundation will pay death benefits to families of fallen troops and get reimbursed by the Pentagon once the shutdown is over. By Stephanie Gaskell

Policy

Obama Expects Troop Death Benefits Fix ‘Today’

The public outrage over the shutdown halting ‘death gratuity’ payments to the families of fallen soldiers has reached the White House -- President Obama says he expects a fix today. By Stephanie Gaskell

Business

Shutdown Could Crimp Pentagon Training and Confuse Contractors

Lack of funding will disrupt operations and impact the national security supply chain, a new report says. By Charles S. Clark