Threats

To Prevent Insider Threats, DOD Must First Define ‘Normal’

The Pentagon thinks it can build an automated system to predict and prevent future Fort Hood-style attacks. But it’s a problem as big as big data itself.

Ideas

Three Women Advance, Inspire at US Army’s Ranger School

As the trio work their way through the Mountain phase, others across the Army watch, wait, and hope for their shot at the elite special operators course.

Ideas

What the Fighter of the Future Will Look Like

The next 15 years will change troops’ gear in virtually every respect, from body armor to communications to robot interactions.

Business

Second OPM Hack Stole Data of 21.5M People, Including Biometric

The breach affects nearly everyone that underwent a background check through OPM in 2000 or later.

Science & Tech

After Historic Hack, OPM Chief's 15-Point Plan May Be Too Little, Too Late

In the wake of a major hack, agency director Katherine Archuleta outlined a series of steps to counter future breaches.

Business

Military Retirement Changes Could Cut Into New, Old Troops' Benefits

Under the current system, personnel who serve 20-plus years get a pension. But what about everyone else?

Ideas

Why the US Hasn't Pinned the OPM Hack on China

Getting China to stop this activity is at the top of Washington's diplomatic agenda. Stopping foreign intelligence services from spying, however, is not.

Business

What The Pentagon Has To Do To Recruit Silicon Valley's Nerds

Defense Department and national security political leaders are eager to attract tech minds. But are they willing to change enough?

Business

Watch Now: Defense One Live's ‘Force of the Future’

The Pentagon's acting personnel chief has vowed to upend the military's Cold War-era HR system. Watch him describe how and why.

Business

The Air Force Is Trying To Get Some of Its Civilians To Leave

Hoping to avoid layoffs, the service is offering incentives to civilians who retire early.

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

DoD's HR Overhaul: From Yugo to Maserati in a Year and a Half

Pentagon officials say they’re committed to overhauling the personnel system by the end of the Obama administration.

Ideas

How We're Planning the Biggest Personnel Overhaul in 45 Years

DoD’s acting personnel chief lays out the Pentagon’s plans to manage for talent, not just time served.

Business

3 Women Get Another Try At Ranger School — But More Could Soon Follow

The other five women who remained were dropped entirely, while 195 more soldiers — all men — moved on to the mountain phase. But the Army chief says future Ranger classes are likely to include women.

Business

The Future of the Draft

As another Memorial Day passes with service members still at war, readers debate the merits of reinstating the draft.

Business

House Passes Military-Retirement Overhaul

Its version of the 2016 defense authorization act would automatically enroll new troops in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Ideas

A New Way To Help Our Troops Enter the Workforce

The Pentagon’s latest initiative connects employers to troops before they leave the military, so they’re better trained and ready to work when they do.

Ideas

How One Woman Earned Her Way Onto the Special Ops Battlefield

Amber realized she would have to beat dozens of women at the Army Rangers' famed '100 hours of hell' if she wanted to see combat in Afghanistan.

Business

Navy Opens Fire on Cold-War Personnel System

Armed with an innovative plan for promotions, Secretary Ray Mabus wants to sink industrial-age HR policies and rig his fleet for the 21st century.