Business

Obama's Budget Would Cut Just 3,500 Pentagon Civilian Jobs

The leaked plan to cut 3,500 civilians from the Pentagon's headquarters staff is not seen as an enormous loss for a workforce totaling roughly 800,000.

Science & Tech

Better Simulation Could Save the Military Millions

A new survey reveals how the military is using simulation and obstacles to wider implementation.

Business

The Real Implications of a Homeland Security Shutdown

Democrats cite the elevated national security risk of a Department of Homeland Security shutdown showdown with Republicans.

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.

Business

Peeling the Onion Back on the Pentagon’s Special Operations Budget

When compared to the Pentagon’s $560 billion budget, U.S. Special Operations Command’s share is relatively small, but not as tiny as officials say. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

VA Announces Major Department Realignment

By June 30, the Veterans Affairs Department plans to streamline its fragmented bureaucracy into a single, five-region national framework. By Kellie Lunney

Business

SpaceX Ends Lawsuit, Settles With Air Force for Future Launch Bids

Elon Musk’s rocket company announced a settlement with the Air Force over allegations it unfairly awarded an $11 billion space launch contract to a competitor. By Tim Fernholz

Business

The Pentagon Has No Idea How Many Employees It Needs

Defense headquarters offices were asked to reduce their budgets 20 percent by 2019. So far, the Pentagon cannot say how it will meet that goal. By Eric Katz

Business

Afghan Reconstruction Audits Saved More Than $1 Billion, Watchdog Says

The Defense Department has saved or repurposed $1.1 billion in taxpayer funds since 2008, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction said Tuesday. By Charles S. Clark

Ideas

Special Report: The State of Defense 2015

As President Obama prepares to give his State of the Union speech, Defense One takes a closer look at the nation's military and the state of defense.

Business

White House To Disclose New Changes to NSA Spying

The intelligence community will release more information about post-Snowden changes to its surveillance programs by the end of the month. By Dustin Volz

Business

Hagel: Budget Uncertainty Is the Biggest Challenge Facing the Military

In his last address to the troops, Hagel returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, where his military career began in 1967. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

Lawmakers Want Investigation of VA Hospital Known as 'Candy Land'

Wisconsin lawmakers want the VA to investigate one of its hospitals that developed a reputation among veterans for how much pain medication doctors handed out. By Kaveh Waddell

Business

VA Bonuses for Bad Employees Targeted Again

The House introduced legislation Monday that would give the VA authority to make employees pay back bonuses. By Kellie Lunney

Business

Inside Ash Carter’s Transition Team

Ash Carter, who’s expected to replace Chuck Hagel as defense secretary, is no stranger to the Pentagon. By Gordon Lubold

Business

Pentagon To Close, Consolidate Bases in Europe, Base F-35 in England

The Defense Department will close or shrink its presence at dozens of military facilities across Europe in hopes of saving $500 million per year. By Marcus Weisgerber

Business

House Passes Bill To Increase Jobs for Veterans

The Hire More Heroes Act will give small businesses some breathing room under Obamacare’s employer mandate, while also encouraging the private sector to hire more veterans. By Kellie Lunney

Business

America's Border Drones Are Costly and Ineffective, Watchdog Finds

An inspector general's report says the Department of Homeland Security's drone program does not do enough to justify a nearly half-billion dollar expansion. By Dustin Volz

Business

How the Navy Plans To Keep Its Most Ambitious Young Sailors

The Pentagon's manpower system is drifting away from the expectations of its service members and the Navy's unorthodox methods may be the answer. By Jesse Sloman