Defense
Homeland Security: Employers can no longer use expired documents in hiring
Draft rule is designed to streamline the process of verifying workers’ employment eligibility and prevent fraud.
Defense
Military forms special units trained to respond to possible WMD attacks
Creation of such a defense capability was recommended by the 9-11 Commission.
Defense
Military readies plans to reinforce troops in Afghanistan
Official says Army Gen. David McKiernan's request for 20,000 additional U.S. troops in 2009 is feasible.
Defense
Budget analyst: Recent funding approach masks true costs of war
Use of supplemental budget requests makes congressional oversight more difficult, report says.
Defense
Analysts debate feasibility of Obama's Iraq withdrawal plan
The president-elect laid out a 16-month exit plan during the campaign, but it comes with a lot of caveats.
Defense
Army creates organization to oversee civilian training
The Army Civilian University seeks to improve and expand employee development.
Defense
Senators hear security warnings about labs, bio-weapons
Report concludes that an attack using a biological pathogen is more likely than one using a nuclear weapon.
Defense
Murtha targets military bonuses for fiscal 2010 cuts
Defense appropriations subcommittee chairman says bonuses are one area that could produce savings as forces are drawn down in Iraq.
Defense
Louisiana senator endorses FEMA independence
Democrat Mary Landrieu says she is "open" to concept if Obama were to support it.
Defense
Bush administration prepares Defense budget
Request for fiscal 2010 is expected to exceed $580 billion, and officials might seek an extra $80 billion in emergency funds by January to cover military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Defense
House Democrat urges Obama to keep Bush’s intelligence chiefs
Current leaders should stay on for at least six months, chairman of intelligence panel says.
Defense
From Nextgov.com: Defense launches personal health record application test
Soldiers and their families use Google and Microsoft health-records software to manage their medical files online.
Defense
DHS to deliver data-mining report to lawmakers
The latest filing comes on the heels of a recommendation that lawmakers consider imposing restrictions on how personal data can be used in conjunction with counterterrorism programs.
Defense
Obama's VA pick pleases veterans groups, lawmakers
As Army chief of staff, Eric Shinseki clashed with the Bush administration on its Iraq war strategy.
Defense
Gates outlines commitment to military reform
Strategy and risk assessments should drive procurement and not the other way around, Defense secretary asserts.
Defense
Hiring authority for military spouses begins to take shape
Personnel agency proposes rules to implement an executive order that will make it easier for some to get civil service jobs.
Defense
Concerns voiced over new border-crossing rules
Homeland Security official expresses confidence deadline for implementing the requirements will be met, but others, including Canadians, have doubts.
Defense
Loss of legal immunity will change landscape for contractors in Iraq
Industry officials are concerned that the possibility of prosecution in Iraqi courts will scare off workers.
Defense
Secret Service gears up for inauguration
With an unprecedented number of attendees expected, the agency undoubtedly faces a daunting task not seen at previous ceremonies.
Defense