Defense
Marine commander says Iraq pullout in 16 months is 'doable'
Maj. Gen. John Kelly says he believes the Iraqis are committed to settling disputes through the political process rather than violence.
Defense
Immigration leadership takes shape at Homeland Security
President taps veteran prosecutor John Morton to lead ICE; Napolitano selects long-time immigrant advocate Esther Olavarria for policy post.
Defense
IG: Energy cannot account for nuclear materials at 15 locations
Eight years after an audit showed record-keeping deficiencies, the department has not implemented critical reforms.
Defense
F-22 Raptor plagued by stealth maintenance woes
Stealth maintenance hours account for more than half of the fighter's maintenance time, watchdog organization reports.
Defense
Authorization and chemical security bills top panel agendas
Aides are trying to avoid the turf battles that have hampered previous efforts to pass legislation.
Defense
Six months after scathing review, problems at Defense audit agency persist
DCAA’s chief cites progress, but employees say reforms have been ineffective.
Defense
Pentagon urged to improve workforce planning
Defense is not prepared for the impending retirement of more than half its workforce, report says.
Defense
Air Force faces tough choices, chief says
From crafting a workable budget to supporting operations in Afghanistan, significant challenges loom for the service.
Defense
Pentagon issues performance pay and bonuses averaging 8.35 percent
More than 98 percent of employees rated under the National Security Personnel System received a performance-based pay boost in 2009.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: DHS announces departmentwide efficiency review
Secretary Napolitano asks managers to submit reports on ways to reduce costs and streamline processes , with technology likely to be a cornerstone of the effort.
Defense
Moving FEMA out of Homeland Security could pose risks
Leadership is more important than organizational structure in ensuring operational effectiveness, IG finds.
Defense
Air Force poised to make F-22 request
Service will seek more of the fighter jets than the 183 planned, but won't try to reach its long-standing goal of 381 planes.
Defense
Defense extends suspension of price adjustments for small disadvantaged firms
Procurement chief cites a recent court decision declaring the practice unconstitutional.
Defense
Outlook for Defense spending is grim
Significant cuts are unlikely until the economy stabilizes, but weapons programs are unsustainable in the long term, budget observers say.
Defense
Lawmakers urge halt to NSPS pending review
The Defense Department’s new personnel system has resulted in distrust and discontent among the civilian workforce, critics say.
Defense
Pentagon may shift some war costs to base fiscal 2010 budget
An outline of the fiscal 2010 defense budget is expected on Capitol Hill this month after President Obama addresses Congress on Feb. 24.
Defense
Panel dismayed by rise in overseas Defense contracting
Lawmakers claim that Pentagon payments for contractor services rose by 183 percent since 2000, while military pay has gone up only 5 percent.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Lawmaker denies online messaging compromised Middle East trip
"Twitterversy" underscores how social networking is outpacing federal guidelines for releasing information.
Defense
OPM gives Pentagon personnel system high marks
Multiple layers of oversight and data on performance ratings make the National Security Personnel System fair and transparent, report says.
Defense