Defense
Pentagon Begins ‘Continuous Vetting’ of All Troops for Insider Threats, Extremism; Social Media May Come Next
Automatic alerts will flag records or activities of concern among all Defense Department personnel.
Defense
The 9/11 Commission Said National Security Vacancies Were A Problem. Biden’s Pentagon Is ‘Far Worse’
The Senate is “falling far behind” as Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees consider 14 nominees this week.
Management
U.S. Global Media Agency Vows to Help Locally Employed Staff Left in Afghanistan
Republican lawmaker says it is “disgraceful” that about 140 locally-employed media agency staff, plus their families, are still in the country after U.S. troops finished their withdrawal.
Management
Biden Administration Ramps Up Civilian Feds Responding to Afghanistan Withdrawal Efforts
Federal employees are calling U.S. citizens in Afghanistan and vetting Afghans as Aug. 31 withdrawal deadline nears.
Management
Administration Faces 'Massive Logistical Undertaking' in Afghanistan
Officials blame President Biden and his predecessors for failing to tackle foreseeable and longstanding problems with Afghan relocation program.
Management
'We’re Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenarios'
U.S. Agency for Global Media says it "will not back down" in Afghanistan despite the danger.
Defense
After Trump ‘Chaos,’ National Security Council Seeks a Return to ‘Regular Order’
The Biden White House is reinvigorating an interagency process some argue had largely halted under the Trump administration.
Management
FBI Association Says Director Wray Should Not Be Replaced Until His Term Is Up
The group that represents active and retired special agents sent letters to President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden making the case for continuity after the presidential election.
Management
House Democrats Renew Calls for Bill Giving Election Agency More Funding and Responsibility
The “For the People Act” would bolster funding and responsibilities for the Election Assistance Commission.
Management
Former National Security Officials from Republican Administrations Endorse Biden
The 73 former officials and lawmakers say Trump is a danger to the nation through his words and actions.
Defense
Why U.S. Troops are Pulling Back All Over Iraq
American forces have begun consolidating at better-protected bases as a new Iraqi prime minister-designate tries to form a government.
Defense
Analysis: There’s No Easy Exit for the U.S. in Afghanistan
The U.S. is taking an untraditional approach in its peace talks with the Taliban. The new deal does not contain many of the elements that are typically key to a successful peace negotiation.
Oversight
Experts Call for Reform of Vacancies Act Following Trump’s Intelligence Director Nomination
Acting DNIs can “risk our national security with extended unqualified leadership,” said one expert.
Oversight
Bill Would Require Frequent Congressional Testimony from Acting Defense and National Security Officials
Trump administration's acting officials "limit congressional oversight of our national security," the measure's sponsor says.
Defense
Should The U.S. Have a Secretary For Influence Operations?
Two former top special operations officials say their job was too junior and the Pentagon isn’t taking information warfare seriously enough.
Management
Analysis: The Crime of Doing the Right Thing
The former National Security Council staffer Alexander Vindman joins the club of honorable people whom the president has targeted for telling the truth.
Oversight
Questions Linger on How State Dept. Employees Will Carry Out New 'Birth Tourism' Policy
The rule "almost demands discrimination in order for it to be implemented," said an expert.
Management