Management
Pentagon Seeks Input from Workforce on Improving Diversity
The request is part of Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s overhaul of personnel practices.
Defense
Following Leaks, Pentagon Introduces Mandatory Operations Security Training
But many are still unclear if they have to take it.
Defense
No Orders To Reduce Troops in South Korea Yet, Esper Says
With traditional U.S. deployments still under review, the defense secretary announced he hopes to visit China by year’s end.
Pay & Benefits
Trump Threatens Veto of Defense Policy Bill Over Base Names, Other Issues
The White House issued a formal veto threat of the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act just hours before lawmakers voted on the must-pass legislation.
Defense
Ban by Omission: US Military Leaves Confederate Flag Off Approved List
Esper’s order seems designed to bar the flag from display without provoking the president.
Workforce
Surge in Coronavirus Cases Raises New Questions About Agencies' Office Reopenings
Return of employees at the Defense Department has corresponded with a 35% spike in cases there.
Defense
Analysis: Why Soldiers Can’t Claim Conscientious Objection if Ordered to Suppress Protests
The U.S. military can exempt from service those who are religiously or morally opposed to violence. But conscientious objector status won't help soldiers who disagree with specific lawful orders.
Pay & Benefits
Senate Defense Policy Bill Would Allow Pay Increases for a Few Federal Tech and Acquisition Jobs
The bill would also improve a recently enacted fix to tax regulations related to government-provided relocation expenses.
Defense
The Army Team That Is Trying to See, and Shape, the Future
The team’s scientists are charting how advances in various fields will unlock more advances, out to 2050.
Defense
Critics, Allies Wonder What Trump’s Trying to Achieve with Troop Cuts
One GOP lawmaker worries “it’s going to hurt U.S. strategic interests more than it’s going to punish Germany.”
Defense
The Pentagon's Research Chief and His Deputy Are Resigning
Michael Griffin, defense undersecretary for research and engineering, and his deputy announced their July 10 departure in an email to staff.
Pay & Benefits
Senator Calls for New Opt-In Period for Military's Blended Retirement System, More Financial Literacy
A new bill from Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., would require service members to "affirmatively" choose between enrolling in the blended retirement system or a traditional military pension.
Defense
Navy to Punish Fired Captain of the USS Theodore Roosevelt
In a reversal, the service’s top officer says further investigation revealed lapses in Capt. Brett Crozier’s judgment and actions aboard his COVID-stricken ship.
Defense
The US Army Has Grounded the Two Pilots Who Flew Low Over DC
Active duty soldiers in the nation’s capital will also be returning home.
Defense
CEOs of Major Defense Companies Speak Out About Racism, Call for Unity
In many cases, their internal messages and social media posts went out days before military leaders issued their own calls for reflection.
Defense
Who Are They? Unmarked Security Forces in DC Spark Fear
Mistaken for mercenaries, armed personnel from federal agencies refuse to identify themselves to street protestors and media.
Defense
Service Chiefs Acknowledge Racism in the Ranks, Pledge Dialogue, Change
After days of civil unrest and several Esper missteps, each one of the service branch chiefs has begun to speak out.
Defense
Pentagon Sets New Rules for ‘Return to Normal Operations’ Worldwide
"We’ve got a ways to go," says official in charge of re-opening, but local commanders given authority to decide.
Defense
62% Disapprove of Trump’s Coronavirus Response, Reader Survey Finds
Most respondents feel “less safe” because of the president’s actions. Esper gets higher marks, but many fear premature reopening.
Defense