Policy

Trump rebrands Congressionally-approved troop housing subsidy as ‘warrior dividend’ bonus

More than $2.9 billion in reconciliation funds was allocated to beef up troop housing allowances. Now it’s being used for $1,776 checks.

Policy

After shedding thousands of feds, Trump admin's new 'Tech Force' aims to recruit workers to two-year jobs

Some of the recruits to government service will be on leaves of absence from private-sector companies, raising conflict-of-interest questions.

Exclusive Threats

There’s a divide within the Space Force. Congress is forcing the service to address it

The new service was supposed to meld the “tribes” of operators and acquisition specialists. It didn’t happen.

Policy

Provision to protect DOD civilians’ union rights stripped from NDAA

The House dropped bipartisan language that would have nullified Trump's anti-union orders after the Senate balked at a fight.

Policy

Pentagon would have to explain future JAG firings under NDAA provision

The compromise version of the defense policy bill reflects lawmakers’ concern about Hegseth’s February purge of three judge advocates general.

Policy

NSA has 2,000 fewer people now, meeting Trump-admin goal

The exact size of the agency’s workforce is not publicly known, but a fact sheet distributed by Maryland last year put it at 39,000.

Threats

Foreign spies see opportunity in fed workers' uncertainty, Army warns

The service's deputy chief for intelligence told more than a million soldiers, civilian employees, and family members to be on their guard.

Threats

Trump: Telling troops to refuse illegal orders is 'seditious behavior'

"Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders,” six Democratic lawmakers said in a video. "TRAITORS!!!" Trump responded.

Policy

FBI Director Kash Patel waived polygraph tests for deputy, senior staff

No previous deputy director has received access to some of the country’s most sensitive secrets without passing a standard bureau background check, insiders say.

Policy

Feds should get at least most backpay by Nov. 19, administration says

Lawmakers added a provision for full backpay after the White House suggested it might illegally prevent workers from getting their money.

Threats

Longest shutdown in history creating a readiness hole of unknown proportions

The heads of several military professional organizations came together to beg Congress to open the government.

Policy

As drones proliferate, Army pilots worry about their future. Will a new approach to flight school help?

The service is shedding aviation units and working to turn initial helicopter training over to industry.

Threats

At NSA, a leadership vacuum and staff cuts threaten operations and morale

"That’s what happens when your boss disappears, and then some of your lead unicorns also disappear,” one person said.

Policy

Memo lays out path to removing even more defense civilians from their jobs

The department, which has met its 8-percent overall reduction goal, is now going after “low performers.”

Policy

Marine Corps axes plan for third littoral regiment, ready to move on medium landing ship

Halfway to 2030, the service’s latest Force Design update teases upcoming “capstone concept.”

Policy

Senators challenge Hegseth’s bottleneck on communications with Congress

The Senate Armed Services chairman said new limits in a recent memo “may need to be clarified.”