Benefits
McCain bill would let vets seek care outside VA system
Several Republican senators have introduced a bill aimed at quickly addressing problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs by giving veterans greater flexibility to seek care outside the VA system at the government's expense.
Employee Policy
Rank-and-file feds more likely to be fired than managers
Federal employees in lower grades are fired at much higher rate than their bosses are.
Defense One
Congress Wants Answers on Bergdahl
After a closed-door briefing on the Hill, members of Congress have even more questions about the deal to exchange the American POW for five Taliban prisoners. By Molly O’Toole
Management
Lower-Ranking Feds Are Nine Times More Likely to Be Fired Than Senior Execs
HUD, Education and State fire the fewest employees.
Defense One
Obama, Hagel, Kerry on NATO Defense Blitz
With a $1 billion sweetener, U.S. leaders hope Russia’s Ukraine invasion sparks other NATO countries to pony up. By Kevin Baron
Management
John Kerry Busted Taking a Brief Nap in Poland
The secretary of state nodded off during the Polish president's answer to a question at a press conference.
Management
3 Words You Shouldn't Say About Yourself
When you call yourself a giver, you fail the test of humility.
Tech
Pentagon Funds Development of New Tech for Detecting 'Dirty Bombs'
Most current detection systems rely on helium 3, which is rare.
Defense One
After Ukraine, Obama Keeps an Eye on the Baltics
The Obama administration is considering beefing up its military presence in Europe, perhaps going so far as granting a Baltic request for permanent NATO military bases. By Tara Sonenshine
Nextgov
Marine Corps Finds Pentagon’s Mobile Plan is No Bargain
Without a cheaper commercial alternative, it will be too costly to put more smartphones and tablets in the hands of Marines.
Defense
Obama Stands by the Bergdahl Deal, Says He 'Consulted With Congress'
President argues retrieving prisoners of war is a 'sacred' American rule.
Nextgov
Hollywood Producers Want to Use Drones to Film Their Movies
If the FAA approves, filmmakers could be among the first to use commercial drones.
Oversight
Senator Calls Plan to Shore Up Highway Fund by Ending Saturday Mail Delivery a 'Nonstarter'
Lawmakers scramble to keep the trust fund from going broke.
Oversight
Play of the Day: Why Obama 'Negotiated With Terrorists' for Bowe Bergdahl
Stephen Colbert looks at the return of an American POW.
Management
Spotting Top Executive Talent
Recruiters focus on potential, but competencies should not be overlooked.
Employee Policy
Federal Coach: Overseeing Americas community service
Fox speaks with Wendy Spencer -- the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund and other programs that engage more than five million Americans in service and volunteering -- about her goals and challenges.
Benefits
Commission to survey service members on compensation preferences
A commission aimed at modernizing military compensation and benefits programs is soliciting input from service members on their preferences.
Employee Policy
Lawmaker wants VA union reps to resume official jobs
The chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs has asked the new leader of the Department of Veterans Affairs to order VA employees who are using “official time” to perform union business to return to their regular jobs.
Employee Policy
Manager sentenced in passport scheme
A senior manager in a Texas passport office was sentenced to federal prison last month for his role in issuing passports to unqualified applicants, the Justice Department said.
Nextgov