Author Archive
Policy
Defense Department Hiring Freeze Rules Coming Soon
Here are some of the civilian exemptions senators are demanding to Trump's federal freeze-out.
Policy
Trump’s First Budget Could Be A Unique Mix of Severe Cuts and Increased Spending
New presidents typically unveil a broad budget plan in February, and a more detailed version in the spring.
Threats
As Wars Demand Intel, Air Force Boosts Drone Pilot Bonuses
Secretary James hopes an extra $10,000 will ease the strain on careers and families.
Ideas
Carter Proposes 'Huge' Pentagon Personnel System Overhaul
The defense secretary unveiled major proposals that would reform the military's 'up or out' promotion system and allow civilian recruiters to bypass the traditional federal hiring process.
Business
Putting Civilians in US Troop Support Jobs Could Save Billions, Report Says
Converting 80,000 active-duty jobs to civilian positions could save as much as $5.7B per year, according to a new Congressional Budget Office analysis.
Business
Obama Vetoes Bill Affecting Troop Pay and Benefits
The legislation includes a 1.3 percent pay raise in 2016 for service members and changes to the military retirement system.
Business
Military Pay and Benefits in Limbo As Obama Weighs Veto
The defense bill includes a 1.3 percent pay raise for troops in 2016, an overhaul of the retirement system, and money for basic housing allowances.
Threats
Troops Would Get Paid On Time During Shutdown Under Bill
The Pay Our Military Act proposed by Rep. Mike Coffman would ensure pay in the event of an appropriations lapse and expire at the end of 2016.
Policy
Congress OKs Shifting $3 Billion To Bail Out Cash-Strapped VA
Without the fix, the department said it would have to close hospitals, furlough workers and issue a hiring freeze starting in August.
Business
Pentagon Backs Major Changes to Retirement System
Defense Department leaders want, in part, to mandate participation in the 401(k)-type Thrift Savings Plan in the hopes it will save money and help retain top talent.
Business
House Passes Military-Retirement Overhaul
Its version of the 2016 defense authorization act would automatically enroll new troops in the Thrift Savings Plan.
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Business
Veterans Sue the VA Over Access to Medical Records
Some veterans are upset they're having to waiting hundreds of days just to advance the process of applying for combat-related compensation.
Business
Another Try at Curbing VA Bonuses Advances in the House
The new legislation would empower the secretary to block certain retirement benefits while capping bonuses for executives.
Business
White House Teases Its Support for Military Compensation Reform
President Obama signaled his support for changes to military pay and benefits, but told Congress he won't make a decision on what reforms he'll endorse until late April.
Policy
Lawmaker Wants All VA Bonuses Halted Until Colorado Project Is Completed
A new bill from Colorado's Rep. Mike Coffman would halt all bonuses across the Veterans Affairs Deparment until a long-delayed, nearly $2 billion hospital is up and running.
Policy
Better VA Accountability Won't Send Employees Running, Lawmaker Says
The Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee said his new bill to crack down on senior VA executive misconduct won't cause an exodus of talent.
Policy
House Passes Bill Allowing VA Secretary To Claw Back Bonuses
The measure gives the VA secretary yet another tool to punish employees committing misconduct.
Business
Lawmakers Get Lost in the Math of Reforming Military Benefits
The business of reforming the military's compensation system got very confused very quickly during a Wednesday House Armed Services subcommittee hearing.
Business
Lawmakers Seek Tighter Restrictions on VA Executives' Bonus Pay
A new bill caps the number of VA executives eligible for bonuses, and instructs leaders to switch jobs within the department at least once every five years.
Policy