Business
Don't Expect the VA to Improve Overnight
The acting VA secretary told Senators it will take years to correct the department's troubled course -- but an extra $17 billion could certainly speed things up. By Jordain Carney
Business
The VA Scandal Just Keeps Spreading
Add hidden documents, improperly-processed disability claims, and at least six new offices under scrutiny to the already long list of problems facing the Department of Veterans Affairs. By Jordain Carney
Business
The Air Force Is Offering Separation Incentives to Thousands of Civilians
But the reductions will still only save the Air Force a small fraction of the $50 billion required by the 2011 Budget Control Act. By Eric Katz
Business
The VA Paid More Than $40 Million in Improper Claims Last Year
For 2 months in 2013, the Veterans Benefits Administration hurried to eliminate its disability claim backlog. That rush resulted in many costly mistakes. By Bob Brewin
Ideas
What Stands in the Way of the Pentagon Keeping Its Best and Brightest?
The Defense Department's impending force drawdown could accelerate the departure of some of its best personnel. Here are a few ideas on how to keep that from happening. By Amy Schafer
Business
Is the U.S. Ready to Patrol the Arctic?
A sobering look at America's ice-cutter fleet as it prepares to chair the 8-nation Arctic Council next year. By Marina Koren
Business
VA Reform's Surprising 19th Century Roots
Congress's proposal to fix the broken agency risks returning America back to its patronage-job system of President James Garfield's day. By Norm Ornstein
Business
Competition Is Declining in Pentagon-Awarded Contracts
Three years after setting goals for competitively-bid contracts, the Defense Department has failed to meet even one of those goals. By Katherine McIntire Peters
Business
Mid-Level Management Is the Air Force's Latest Fix for Its Nuclear Problems
Still recovering from the recent scandals at its Global Strike Command, the Air Force is changing how it manages America's Minuteman 3 nukes. By Rachel Oswald
Business
Here’s How the Pentagon Could Save $108 Billion Over the Next Decade
Military retirees used to have their retirement pay reduced by the amount of any VA disability compensation they also received. That could save big bucks. By Eric Katz
Science & Tech
What to Expect in This Government Report on Government Spying
Here are the questions critics hope Obama's privacy watchdogs will answer in this week's long-awaited report on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. By Brendan Sasso
Business
The Four Biggest Challenges Facing the New VA Secretary
The Department of Veterans Affairs needs badly to win back the public's trust. Here are a few ways the incoming boss can prepare for what lies ahead. By Jordain Carney
Business
Senior Executives Are Increasingly Leaving the Government
The federal government’s senior executives are leaving the civil service, creating the possibility for a shortage of qualified top managers. By Eric Katz
Business
Army's Gen. Campbell Picked To Lead Afghanistan War
President Obama nominated Army Vice Chief Gen. John Campbell to take over in Kabul for the final stage of America’s 13-year Afghan war. By Ben Watson
Business
Robert Gates on How to Survive–and Thrive–Despite Bureaucracy
Lessons from former Defense Secretary Gates on being part of the solution despite the problems inherent in enormous organizations. By Mark A. Abramson and Paul R. Lawrence
Business
Now It's Official: Furloughs Frustrate Defense Department Personnel
Differences implementing the cost saving measure across the services led to grumbling about morale and problems with retention inside the department. And don't expect it to end soon. By Amelia Gruber
Business
The Intelligence Community Needs to Keep Better Tabs on Its Contractors
Decreasing the intelligence community's reliance on contractors could save money and cut bureaucratic inefficiencies. But first, tracking methods will have to improve. By Charles S. Clark
Business
Pentagon Ranks Top 30 DOD Suppliers
The Defense Department’s acquisition chief released a ranking of the top 30 supplier units within the contracting industry to help spark competition. By Charles S. Clark
Business
New Bill Would Give Civilians in Combat Zones a Tax Break
Civilian federal employees serving in combat zones would get the same tax credit available to military personnel. By Kellie Lunney
Business