Management
Trump Vetoes Defense Policy Bill Over Base Names, Unrelated Internet Law
The House has already scheduled a vote after Christmas to override the president’s long-threatened rejection of the annual Defense authorization act, which also includes an expansion of federal employee leave benefits.
Defense
Space Force Troops Get a Name: ‘Guardians’
VP Pence revealed the moniker for Trump’s oft-teased newest military service branch to stand alongside soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines.
Defense
US Military to Start Vaccinating Troops, Behind Russia and China
DOD has picked 16 sites for a “controlled pilot” COVID vaccination program.
Defense
Army Disciplines 14 Soldiers, Creates New Duty Status After Murder
The steps follow the conclusion of one of several inquests into the April murder of Spc. Vanessa Guillen.
Management
Compromise Defense Policy Bill Includes Paid Parental Leave Fix, Allows Feds to Carry Over More Annual Leave
The latest version of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act does not include House-passed measures blocking the Defense secretary from exempting Pentagon employees from collective bargaining.
Defense
36 Members of the National Guard Heading to Work in El Paso Mortuaries as Coronavirus Cases Soar
The border city recently resorted to using inmates from the county jail to move bodies. At the request of county officials, the state is sending assistance.
Defense
Milley Speaks Out — and Trump Stays Mum
After a controversial summer, the Joint Chiefs chairman is holding his own with a string of public pronouncements.
Defense
All US Troops In Afghanistan To Withdraw By Christmas, Trump Tweets
The bewildering message came just hours after his national security advisor said the United States would draw down to 2,500 by 2021.
Defense
Joint Chiefs In Isolation After Coast Guard Vice Commandant Tests Positive For COVID
But multiple officials suggested that they could return to the Pentagon this week.
Defense
From Racism to Russia, Top General Says Army Must Change
Gen. McConville addressed the nation’s internal unrest, trust of the military, even QAnon, in a wide-ranging interview with Defense One.
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