The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Oct 19, 2007 9:28:27 EDT
WASHINGTON — There isn’t enough evidence to tell whether most treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder work, according a scientific review that highlights the urgency of finding answers as thousands of suffering veterans return from Iraq.
The one proven treatment: "exposure therapies," where PTSD patients are gradually exposed to sights and sounds that essentially simulate their trauma to help them learn to cope, advisers to the government reported Thursday.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/ap_ptsd_071018/
Friday, October 19, 2007
Pentagon set to launch new disability system
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 18, 2007 19:31:15 EDT
The Defense Department will soon unveil a new, streamlined disability evaluation system that, in tandem with the Department of Veterans Affairs, will replace the current cumbersome process with a single exam and single disability rating.
According to a copy of the plan obtained by Military Times and confirmed by Pentagon officials, veterans medically retired from service will be able to apply for, and get, VA benefits immediately.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/military_jointdisability_071018w/
Posted : Thursday Oct 18, 2007 19:31:15 EDT
The Defense Department will soon unveil a new, streamlined disability evaluation system that, in tandem with the Department of Veterans Affairs, will replace the current cumbersome process with a single exam and single disability rating.
According to a copy of the plan obtained by Military Times and confirmed by Pentagon officials, veterans medically retired from service will be able to apply for, and get, VA benefits immediately.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/military_jointdisability_071018w/
Sensor helps prosthetic arm move on thought
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 18, 2007 11:10:35 EDT
When former Marine Cpl. Claudia Mitchell thinks about bending her bionic arm, it bends.
A neural sensor on her chest, along with an advanced mechanical arm and hand, give her a far greater range of motion than current prosthetic arms with hooks.
"I don’t have to think of the entire sequence of movements," she said, because with the technology, her thoughts control her nerves, and her nerves control the movement.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/military_bionicarms_071018/
Posted : Thursday Oct 18, 2007 11:10:35 EDT
When former Marine Cpl. Claudia Mitchell thinks about bending her bionic arm, it bends.
A neural sensor on her chest, along with an advanced mechanical arm and hand, give her a far greater range of motion than current prosthetic arms with hooks.
"I don’t have to think of the entire sequence of movements," she said, because with the technology, her thoughts control her nerves, and her nerves control the movement.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/military_bionicarms_071018/
Panels meet over troop tax breaks
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 17, 2007 16:07:37 EDT
Several key financial benefits enjoyed by service members on active duty, such as the ability to make penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans, are set to expire at the end of the year.
Two House subcommittees met Wednesday to consider whether to make those benefits permanent and to set into law other tax-related measures, some of which would benefit military families who lose a service member in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/military_taxbreaks_071017w/
Posted : Wednesday Oct 17, 2007 16:07:37 EDT
Several key financial benefits enjoyed by service members on active duty, such as the ability to make penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans, are set to expire at the end of the year.
Two House subcommittees met Wednesday to consider whether to make those benefits permanent and to set into law other tax-related measures, some of which would benefit military families who lose a service member in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/military_taxbreaks_071017w/
House Hearing (24 Oct): VA-Defense Electronic Medical Record Sharing
House Veterans Affairs Committee
VA-Defense Electronic Medical Record Sharing
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on "Sharing of Electronic Medical Records between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs."
Witnesses: TBA
Location: 334 Cannon House Office Building. 10 a.m. (October 24, 2007)
Contact: 202-225-9756 [http://veterans.house.gov/]
VA-Defense Electronic Medical Record Sharing
Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on "Sharing of Electronic Medical Records between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs."
Witnesses: TBA
Location: 334 Cannon House Office Building. 10 a.m. (October 24, 2007)
Contact: 202-225-9756 [http://veterans.house.gov/]
Army to offer recruitment incentives to meet expansion
By Megan Scully, CongressDaily
The Army will use two new financial incentives to recruit as many as 4,000 additional active-duty troops over the next year, part of a broader program to add 28,000 soldiers to the force by 2010.
At the urging of Army officials, Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently approved accelerating the service's growth plan by two years, adding new urgency to the service's efforts to recruit and retain personnel.
During a breakfast Thursday with reporters, Lt. Gen. Michael Rochelle, the Army's personnel chief, said the service will soon begin an active-duty version of the successful Guard Recruiter Assistance Program, which offers bonuses to soldiers who sign up new recruits.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38322&dcn=e_gvet
The Army will use two new financial incentives to recruit as many as 4,000 additional active-duty troops over the next year, part of a broader program to add 28,000 soldiers to the force by 2010.
At the urging of Army officials, Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently approved accelerating the service's growth plan by two years, adding new urgency to the service's efforts to recruit and retain personnel.
During a breakfast Thursday with reporters, Lt. Gen. Michael Rochelle, the Army's personnel chief, said the service will soon begin an active-duty version of the successful Guard Recruiter Assistance Program, which offers bonuses to soldiers who sign up new recruits.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38322&dcn=e_gvet
HSPD-21: Public Health and Medical Preparedness
Homeland Security Presidential Directive HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/HSPD-21
Subject: Public Health and Medical Preparedness
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071018-10.html
Subject: Public Health and Medical Preparedness
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071018-10.html
GAO: DOD Chief Management Officer
Defense Business Transformation: A Full-time Chief Management Officer with a Term Appointment Is Needed at DOD to Maintain Continuity of Effort and Achieve Sustainable Success GAO-08-132T, October 16, 2007
Summary (HTML)
Highlights Page (PDF)
Full Report (PDF, 41 pages)
Summary (HTML)
Highlights Page (PDF)
Full Report (PDF, 41 pages)
GAO Benefits and Medical Care for Deployed Federal Civilians
Questions for the Record Related to the Benefits and Medical Care for Federal Civilian Employees Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq GAO-08-155R, October 16, 2007
Summary (HTML)
Full Report (PDF, 6 pages)
Accessible Text
Summary (HTML)
Full Report (PDF, 6 pages)
Accessible Text
CRS Report: Defense FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations
CRS RL33999 2007 (Oct 9) - Defense: FY2008 Authorization and Appropriations, Pat Towell, Stephen Daggett, and Amy Belasco. Updated October 9, 2007.
http://www.library.dau.mil/CRS_RL33999_Oct9_07.pdf
http://www.library.dau.mil/CRS_RL33999_Oct9_07.pdf
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Battle off the Virginia Capes, 1781
During the 1781 siege of Yorktown, a fleet of 27 French ships-of-the-line under the command of Adm. Paul Compte de Grasse blocked any chance for the British army to escape by sea by blockading the Chesapeake Bay. A British fleet, nominally under the command of Rear Adm. Lord Thomas Graves, engaged the French fleet in an attempt to break the siege. After a battle that lasted several hours, Graves and the British fleet failed in their task and they withdrew. British forces at Yorktown surrendered to French and Patriot ground forces a short time later, paving the way for the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum website: http://www.hrnm.navy.mil/about_slideshow.html
Hampton Roads Naval Museum website: http://www.hrnm.navy.mil/about_slideshow.html
If you hurry, you may get there in time for lunch
Friday, October 19, 2007, 12 pm - Brunswick Stew Lunch. Join us for ham biscuits, Brunswick stew and homemade pies in the Churchyard of Grace Episcopal Church, 111 Church Street. Sponsored by the Yorktown Woman’s Club. ■ Admission. ■
Progress at West Point
A new, privately funded institution teaches cadets about a new enemy.
by Paul McLeary 10/18/2007 12:00:00 AM
FOR OVER 200 years, the military academy at West Point has schooled future Army officers in the ways of large-scale industrial war and, as the old joke goes, has established a reputation of having 200 years of history, untouched by progress. But with the United States the world's only remaining military superpower, and with insurgent-directed Fourth Generation warfare seemingly the order of the day in 21st century conflict, times have changed.
One of the West Point instructors taking a proactive view of this new environment is Lt. Col. Joe Felter. A 1987 West Point grad who spent the 1990s as a Special Forces operator, Felter has returned to his alma mater as director of the Combating Terrorism Center, a privately-funded think tank that offers valuable instruction to the corps of cadets about the enemy they'll encounter once they march out of the academy's Thayer Gate for the last time.
More at http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/235wdloj.asp
by Paul McLeary 10/18/2007 12:00:00 AM
FOR OVER 200 years, the military academy at West Point has schooled future Army officers in the ways of large-scale industrial war and, as the old joke goes, has established a reputation of having 200 years of history, untouched by progress. But with the United States the world's only remaining military superpower, and with insurgent-directed Fourth Generation warfare seemingly the order of the day in 21st century conflict, times have changed.
One of the West Point instructors taking a proactive view of this new environment is Lt. Col. Joe Felter. A 1987 West Point grad who spent the 1990s as a Special Forces operator, Felter has returned to his alma mater as director of the Combating Terrorism Center, a privately-funded think tank that offers valuable instruction to the corps of cadets about the enemy they'll encounter once they march out of the academy's Thayer Gate for the last time.
More at http://weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/014/235wdloj.asp
Abolish the Office of Secretary of Defense?
by John Kuehn
JFQ / issue 47, 4th quarter 2007
The political and defense communities of 2006 had the wrong debate about
former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Instead of "should he stay
or should he go," the debate should have been whether we even need the
Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).
It is perhaps time to admit that the great post-World War II American
experiment called "unification" has failed.
More at http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Press/jfq_pages/editions/i47/26.pdf
JFQ / issue 47, 4th quarter 2007
The political and defense communities of 2006 had the wrong debate about
former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Instead of "should he stay
or should he go," the debate should have been whether we even need the
Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).
It is perhaps time to admit that the great post-World War II American
experiment called "unification" has failed.
More at http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Press/jfq_pages/editions/i47/26.pdf
A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower
The web site is active now (www.navy.mil/maritime) and includes the complete strategy document http://www.navy.mil/maritime/MaritimeStrategy.pdf as well as video and other graphic support material.
DoD Announces New Defense Policy Board Members
Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:56:00 -0500
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates today announced John J. Hamre will chair the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. Hamre, a former deputy secretary of defense, is currently the president and chief executive officer of Center for Strategic and International Studies.
In addition, Secretary Gates announced the addition of the following new members to the board: J.D. Crouch, former Deputy National Security Advisor; Robert Joseph, former Under Secretary of State; Gen. (Ret.) Pete Pace, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; William Perry, former Secretary of Defense; and Peter Rodman, former Assistant Secretary of Defense.
These members join the following returning members: Harold Brown; Adm. (Ret.) Vern Clark; Victoria Clarke; Devon Cross; Aaron Friedberg; Newt Gingrich; Fred Ikle; Gen. (Ret.) Jack Keane; Henry Kissinger; Gen. (Ret.) Richard Myers; Nadia Schadlow; James Schlesinger; Marin Strmecki; Vin Weber; Ruth Wedgewood; Christopher Williams; and James Q. Wilson.
The Defense Policy Board provides the secretary, deputy secretary and under secretary for policy with independent, informed advice and opinion concerning matters of defense policy.
On the web at http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11419
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates today announced John J. Hamre will chair the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee. Hamre, a former deputy secretary of defense, is currently the president and chief executive officer of Center for Strategic and International Studies.
In addition, Secretary Gates announced the addition of the following new members to the board: J.D. Crouch, former Deputy National Security Advisor; Robert Joseph, former Under Secretary of State; Gen. (Ret.) Pete Pace, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs; William Perry, former Secretary of Defense; and Peter Rodman, former Assistant Secretary of Defense.
These members join the following returning members: Harold Brown; Adm. (Ret.) Vern Clark; Victoria Clarke; Devon Cross; Aaron Friedberg; Newt Gingrich; Fred Ikle; Gen. (Ret.) Jack Keane; Henry Kissinger; Gen. (Ret.) Richard Myers; Nadia Schadlow; James Schlesinger; Marin Strmecki; Vin Weber; Ruth Wedgewood; Christopher Williams; and James Q. Wilson.
The Defense Policy Board provides the secretary, deputy secretary and under secretary for policy with independent, informed advice and opinion concerning matters of defense policy.
On the web at http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11419
House panel questions benefits for deployed civilians
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
Members of a House subcommittee on Tuesday probed whether non-Defense agencies are providing adequate incentives and benefits to encourage civilian employees to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At a hearing before the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, witnesses from the Agriculture, Justice, State and Treasury departments and the U.S. Agency for International Development testified that they are providing attractive compensation and benefits packages to employees serving in war zones.
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark., extended sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Agriculture employee Tom Stefani, who was killed on Oct. 4 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. "We thank all federal civilian employees who have volunteered to serve in combat zones for their sacrifices and their service to our nation," Snyder said.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38303&dcn=e_ndw
Members of a House subcommittee on Tuesday probed whether non-Defense agencies are providing adequate incentives and benefits to encourage civilian employees to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At a hearing before the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, witnesses from the Agriculture, Justice, State and Treasury departments and the U.S. Agency for International Development testified that they are providing attractive compensation and benefits packages to employees serving in war zones.
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark., extended sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Agriculture employee Tom Stefani, who was killed on Oct. 4 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. "We thank all federal civilian employees who have volunteered to serve in combat zones for their sacrifices and their service to our nation," Snyder said.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38303&dcn=e_ndw
Senators question Defense's attempts to improve management
By Dan Friedman, CongressDaily
Defense Department officials Tuesday defended their plans for improving management of their financial and business systems against charges from members of a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee that their efforts are slow and insufficient.
"I am not sure large quantities of change have occurred," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who pressed Pentagon officials to commit to more frequent consultation with the Federal Financial Management Subcommittee and the Government Accountability Office.
At issue is billions of dollars the department spends each year on separate business and financial systems. Defense since 1990 has been attempting to modernize thousands of unique accounting and information systems that limit its ability to track many of its costs.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38302&dcn=e_ndw
Defense Department officials Tuesday defended their plans for improving management of their financial and business systems against charges from members of a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs subcommittee that their efforts are slow and insufficient.
"I am not sure large quantities of change have occurred," said Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., who pressed Pentagon officials to commit to more frequent consultation with the Federal Financial Management Subcommittee and the Government Accountability Office.
At issue is billions of dollars the department spends each year on separate business and financial systems. Defense since 1990 has been attempting to modernize thousands of unique accounting and information systems that limit its ability to track many of its costs.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38302&dcn=e_ndw
Lawmakers urge Pentagon to hold off on new pay policy
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
Three House lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to ensure that employees working under a new personnel system receive the compensation next year that they anticipated.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Reps. Tom Davis, R-Va., Frank Wolf, R-Va., and James Moran, D-Va., expressed concern over a new policy that will change the way some Defense Department employees will receive the 2008 governmentwide pay and cost-of-living increase.
"We have been contacted by numerous constituents gravely concerned about a recent announcement that they will not be receiving the across-the-board pay raise with other federal employees due to their transfer into [the] National Security Personnel System," the lawmakers wrote.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38294&dcn=e_ndw
Three House lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to ensure that employees working under a new personnel system receive the compensation next year that they anticipated.
In a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Reps. Tom Davis, R-Va., Frank Wolf, R-Va., and James Moran, D-Va., expressed concern over a new policy that will change the way some Defense Department employees will receive the 2008 governmentwide pay and cost-of-living increase.
"We have been contacted by numerous constituents gravely concerned about a recent announcement that they will not be receiving the across-the-board pay raise with other federal employees due to their transfer into [the] National Security Personnel System," the lawmakers wrote.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38294&dcn=e_ndw
Webb calls for substantially bigger fleet
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Oct 18, 2007 6:05:04 EDT
The number of the ships in the Navy should be "substantially higher" than today’s 279 ships and the new "floor" of 313 ships that commanders hope for, Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb said Saturday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_webb_biggerfleet_071016w/
Posted : Thursday Oct 18, 2007 6:05:04 EDT
The number of the ships in the Navy should be "substantially higher" than today’s 279 ships and the new "floor" of 313 ships that commanders hope for, Virginia Democratic Sen. Jim Webb said Saturday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_webb_biggerfleet_071016w/
More Marines receive basic medical training
By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 17, 2007 14:10:00 EDT
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The chuckles and sarcastic comments belied an underlying nervousness among the class of Marines.
They were about to stick each other in the arms with needles and catheters — if all went well, only once.
***
In the past year, the Corps has been expanding its combat lifesaving capabilities with a revamped program designed to save more lives on the battlefield. They are building more certified combat lifesaver trainers within units, mandating combat-lifesaving refresher training and requiring commanders to integrate more first aid and lifesaving skills in their units.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/marine_combat_medic_training_071016/
Posted : Wednesday Oct 17, 2007 14:10:00 EDT
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — The chuckles and sarcastic comments belied an underlying nervousness among the class of Marines.
They were about to stick each other in the arms with needles and catheters — if all went well, only once.
***
In the past year, the Corps has been expanding its combat lifesaving capabilities with a revamped program designed to save more lives on the battlefield. They are building more certified combat lifesaver trainers within units, mandating combat-lifesaving refresher training and requiring commanders to integrate more first aid and lifesaving skills in their units.
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/marine_combat_medic_training_071016/
Virtually There
By Anne Laurent alaurent@govexec.com
October 17, 2007
Bart Bartlett, a military officer, drives me past a dead dog on a Baghdad street. "Is there an IED in that dog?" I ask. "Let's see," he says, parking the white SUV and hopping out. Almost immediately, there is an explosion. Black smoke obscures the view. Bartlett is knocked to the ground, probably dead.
Fortunately, he's only an avatar, a digital representation of David Bartlett, director of marketing and business development for the national security division of Forterra Systems Inc., a San Mateo, Calif., company that creates private online virtual worlds for companies and government agencies.
More at http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1007/101707mm.htm
October 17, 2007
Bart Bartlett, a military officer, drives me past a dead dog on a Baghdad street. "Is there an IED in that dog?" I ask. "Let's see," he says, parking the white SUV and hopping out. Almost immediately, there is an explosion. Black smoke obscures the view. Bartlett is knocked to the ground, probably dead.
Fortunately, he's only an avatar, a digital representation of David Bartlett, director of marketing and business development for the national security division of Forterra Systems Inc., a San Mateo, Calif., company that creates private online virtual worlds for companies and government agencies.
More at http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1007/101707mm.htm
Survey indicates dissatisfaction with government management
By Robert Brodsky
Nearly 90 percent of Americans believe the federal government does a poor job spending taxpayer dollars and managing its programs efficiently, according to a new online survey.
The results of the "America Inc." survey, conducted in August by Primavera Systems, a software firm based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., and O'Keefe & Co., a marketing and communications firm based in Alexandria, Va., also indicate a difference between the public's and federal managers' perceptions of the government's performance.
The survey asked 677 members of the public about the government's overall management efficiency and steps for improvement. The survey posed a number of more narrowly focused questions to 151 federal managers from across government and throughout the country. The public section had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percent while the federal manager component had a margin of plus or minus 8 percent.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38300&dcn=e_gvet
Nearly 90 percent of Americans believe the federal government does a poor job spending taxpayer dollars and managing its programs efficiently, according to a new online survey.
The results of the "America Inc." survey, conducted in August by Primavera Systems, a software firm based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa., and O'Keefe & Co., a marketing and communications firm based in Alexandria, Va., also indicate a difference between the public's and federal managers' perceptions of the government's performance.
The survey asked 677 members of the public about the government's overall management efficiency and steps for improvement. The survey posed a number of more narrowly focused questions to 151 federal managers from across government and throughout the country. The public section had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percent while the federal manager component had a margin of plus or minus 8 percent.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38300&dcn=e_gvet
TSP officials note major growth in plan
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
Assets in the Thrift Savings Plan grew $6.4 billion in September, the largest increase this year,
officials with the retirement savings program said Monday.
At a monthly Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board meeting, officials overseeing the 401(k)-style plan said last month's growth brought total assets to $231 billion. September's growth was comparable to that of the top 20 private sector 401(k) plans, said Gregory Long, the plan's executive director.
"Over $5 billion [of the growth] was made because of the increase in participants' investments," said Andrew Saul, chairman of the board. "That's huge."
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38285&dcn=e_gvet
Assets in the Thrift Savings Plan grew $6.4 billion in September, the largest increase this year,
officials with the retirement savings program said Monday.
At a monthly Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board meeting, officials overseeing the 401(k)-style plan said last month's growth brought total assets to $231 billion. September's growth was comparable to that of the top 20 private sector 401(k) plans, said Gregory Long, the plan's executive director.
"Over $5 billion [of the growth] was made because of the increase in participants' investments," said Andrew Saul, chairman of the board. "That's huge."
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38285&dcn=e_gvet
Industry embraces health IT bill
By Theresa Poulson,
National Journal's Technology Daily
A new health information technology bill has quickly won support from the IT industry.
The measure, which aims to accelerate the adoption of e-health records that can be seen across systems, was one of several technology-related bills introduced this week in the House. The Senate was in recess.
The legislation, H.R. 3800, would establish a national coordinator within the Health and Human Services Department and create a public-private advisory body to ensure interoperability standards in health IT.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38280&dcn=e_gvet
National Journal's Technology Daily
A new health information technology bill has quickly won support from the IT industry.
The measure, which aims to accelerate the adoption of e-health records that can be seen across systems, was one of several technology-related bills introduced this week in the House. The Senate was in recess.
The legislation, H.R. 3800, would establish a national coordinator within the Health and Human Services Department and create a public-private advisory body to ensure interoperability standards in health IT.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38280&dcn=e_gvet
Thin line separates aggressive fighting from war crimes
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
National Journal October 12, 2007
At the age of 21, Robert Pennington was already on his third tour in Iraq. He had seen his best friend killed in house-to-house fighting in Falluja in 2004. He had fired on a car that failed to stop at a checkpoint and killed an Iraqi child -- an act that his superiors called unfortunate but in accord with the rules of engagement.
But on April 26, 2006, in the town of Hamdaniya, the young Marine lance corporal and the seven other members of his squad stepped over the line. Frustrated by the Iraqi police's revolving-door releases of a suspected insurgent that U.S. forces had arrested three times, the squad decided to execute the man.
More at http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38282&dcn=e_gvet
National Journal October 12, 2007
At the age of 21, Robert Pennington was already on his third tour in Iraq. He had seen his best friend killed in house-to-house fighting in Falluja in 2004. He had fired on a car that failed to stop at a checkpoint and killed an Iraqi child -- an act that his superiors called unfortunate but in accord with the rules of engagement.
But on April 26, 2006, in the town of Hamdaniya, the young Marine lance corporal and the seven other members of his squad stepped over the line. Frustrated by the Iraqi police's revolving-door releases of a suspected insurgent that U.S. forces had arrested three times, the squad decided to execute the man.
More at http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38282&dcn=e_gvet
Friday, October 12, 2007
Updated National Strategy for Homeland Security
The purpose of our Strategy is to guide, organize, and unify our Nation's homeland security efforts. It provides a common framework by which our entire Nation should focus its efforts on the following four goals:
* Prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks;
* Protect the American people, our critical infrastructure, and key resources;
* Respond to and recover from incidents that do occur; and
* Continue to strengthen the foundation to ensure our long-term success.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland/nshs/2007/index.html
* Prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks;
* Protect the American people, our critical infrastructure, and key resources;
* Respond to and recover from incidents that do occur; and
* Continue to strengthen the foundation to ensure our long-term success.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland/nshs/2007/index.html
Senate Hearing on DOD-VA Wounded Warrior Collaboration
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
Veterans-Defense Healthcare Collaboration
Full committee hearing on "Update on VA and DOD Collaboration: Report of the President's Commission on Care for Americas' Returning Wounded Warriors; Report of the Veterans Disability Benefit Commission; and Other Related Reports."
Witnesses: TBA
Location: 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building. 9:30 a.m. (October 17, 2007)
Contact: 202-224-9126 [http://veterans.senate.gov]
Veterans-Defense Healthcare Collaboration
Full committee hearing on "Update on VA and DOD Collaboration: Report of the President's Commission on Care for Americas' Returning Wounded Warriors; Report of the Veterans Disability Benefit Commission; and Other Related Reports."
Witnesses: TBA
Location: 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building. 9:30 a.m. (October 17, 2007)
Contact: 202-224-9126 [http://veterans.senate.gov]
House Hearing on Service Member Tax Relief
House Ways and Means Committee
Service Member Tax Relief
Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee and Select Revenue Measures
Subcommittee joint hearing on "Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007," focusing on tax provisions to help members of the armed forces and their families, as well as others volunteering in service to America.
Witnesses: TBA
Location: 1100 Longworth House Office Building. 10 a.m. (October 17, 2007)
Contact: 202-225-3625 [http://waysandmeans.house.gov]
Service Member Tax Relief
Income Security and Family Support Subcommittee and Select Revenue Measures
Subcommittee joint hearing on "Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007," focusing on tax provisions to help members of the armed forces and their families, as well as others volunteering in service to America.
Witnesses: TBA
Location: 1100 Longworth House Office Building. 10 a.m. (October 17, 2007)
Contact: 202-225-3625 [http://waysandmeans.house.gov]
Naval Postgraduate School Meeting Notices
Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program
Defense Department (DOD); Department of the Navy (F.R. Page 51628)
Meeting of the Board of Advisors (BOA) to the President, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to elicit the advice of the Board on the Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program and the collaborative exchange and partnership between NPS and the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Location: Office of Naval Research, 875 Randolph St., Suite 1435, Arlington, Va.. 8 a.m. (October 16, 2007)
Contact: Jaye Panza, 831-656-2514
Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program
Defense Department (DOD); Department of the Navy (F.R. Page 51628)
Meeting of the Board of Advisors (BOA) to the President, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to elicit the advice of the Board on the Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program and the collaborative exchange and partnership between NPS and the Air Force Institute of Technology. [Note: Board will meet in closed executive session from 10 a.m. until noon to discuss nominations for Board vacancies and personnel issues.]
Location: Office of Naval Research, 875 Randolph St., Suite 1435, Arlington, Va.. 8 a.m. (October 17, 2007)
Contact: Jaye Panza, 831-656-2514
Defense Department (DOD); Department of the Navy (F.R. Page 51628)
Meeting of the Board of Advisors (BOA) to the President, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to elicit the advice of the Board on the Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program and the collaborative exchange and partnership between NPS and the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Location: Office of Naval Research, 875 Randolph St., Suite 1435, Arlington, Va.. 8 a.m. (October 16, 2007)
Contact: Jaye Panza, 831-656-2514
Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program
Defense Department (DOD); Department of the Navy (F.R. Page 51628)
Meeting of the Board of Advisors (BOA) to the President, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to elicit the advice of the Board on the Naval Service's Postgraduate Education Program and the collaborative exchange and partnership between NPS and the Air Force Institute of Technology. [Note: Board will meet in closed executive session from 10 a.m. until noon to discuss nominations for Board vacancies and personnel issues.]
Location: Office of Naval Research, 875 Randolph St., Suite 1435, Arlington, Va.. 8 a.m. (October 17, 2007)
Contact: Jaye Panza, 831-656-2514
GAO Report on Medical Command Structure
Defense Health Care: DOD Needs to Address the Expected Benefits, Costs, and Risks for Its Newly Approved Medical Command Structure GAO-08-122, October 12, 2007
Summary (HTML)
Highlights Page (PDF)
Full Report (PDF, 28 pages)
Summary (HTML)
Highlights Page (PDF)
Full Report (PDF, 28 pages)
Defenselink.mil website redesigned
New Features at http://www.defenselink.mil/
Tab for "Employees" links to a page of Employee Resources, which includes additional useful links:
http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2007/EmpRes/index.html
Links include USD (P&R)'s Commanders Page - News and Information for Flag and General Officers from the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness) http://www.commanderspage.dod.mil/
Tab for "Employees" links to a page of Employee Resources, which includes additional useful links:
http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2007/EmpRes/index.html
Links include USD (P&R)'s Commanders Page - News and Information for Flag and General Officers from the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness) http://www.commanderspage.dod.mil/
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
First look at Navy’s new throwback uniforms
By Mark D. Faram - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday Oct 2, 2007 5:33:20 EDT
Sailors in the fleet could think they’re on a Hollywood set when the Navy begins wear-testing a venerable old uniform and test-driving fixes for two existing uniforms.
Wear tests are scheduled to begin by late fall or early winter for a "throwback" service dress khaki uniform, along with improved blue and white crackerjacks, said Robert B. Carroll, director of the Navy Uniform Matters Office in Arlington, Va.
Navy Times Interactive Feature: Take a 360-degree look at the uniforms
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_new_uniforms_071002w/
Posted : Tuesday Oct 2, 2007 5:33:20 EDT
Sailors in the fleet could think they’re on a Hollywood set when the Navy begins wear-testing a venerable old uniform and test-driving fixes for two existing uniforms.
Wear tests are scheduled to begin by late fall or early winter for a "throwback" service dress khaki uniform, along with improved blue and white crackerjacks, said Robert B. Carroll, director of the Navy Uniform Matters Office in Arlington, Va.
Navy Times Interactive Feature: Take a 360-degree look at the uniforms
More at http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/10/navy_new_uniforms_071002w/
President recognizes hundreds of top-performing executives
By Amelia Gruber agruber@govexec.com
October 2, 2007
More than 300 career federal executives have been selected as recipients of a prestigious presidential award recognizing stellar leadership and long-term accomplishments.
More at http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38204&dcn=e_gvet
October 2, 2007
More than 300 career federal executives have been selected as recipients of a prestigious presidential award recognizing stellar leadership and long-term accomplishments.
More at http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=38204&dcn=e_gvet
2007 Presidential Rank Awards - Distinguished Executives
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
David Altwegg
Frank James Anderson, Jr.
Myron K. Kunka
Mary E. Lacey
William H. Reed
Alan R. Shaffer
Alfred G. Volkman
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
Garry B. Richey
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Michael F. Bauman
Matt Reres
Gary L. Winkler
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
Richard S. Haynes
Patrick M. McLaughlin
Allan R. Somoroff
http://www.opm.gov/ses/2007dspe.asp
David Altwegg
Frank James Anderson, Jr.
Myron K. Kunka
Mary E. Lacey
William H. Reed
Alan R. Shaffer
Alfred G. Volkman
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
Garry B. Richey
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Michael F. Bauman
Matt Reres
Gary L. Winkler
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
Richard S. Haynes
Patrick M. McLaughlin
Allan R. Somoroff
http://www.opm.gov/ses/2007dspe.asp
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY - 2007 Meritorious Executives
Thomas A. Betro
Simon W. Chang
Charles E. Cook
Christopher S. Deegan
Gaye L. Evans
Randall L. Exley
Walter C. Gist
James S. Howard
Jeffrey A. Klein
Francis J. Klemm
Joseph P. Lawrence
Thomas N. Ledvina
Michael T. Madden
Richard R. McNamara
John A. Montgomery
Scott M. O'Neil
Monica R. Shephard
Allison F. Stiller
Thomas G. Tesch
http://www.opm.gov/ses/2007merit.asp
Simon W. Chang
Charles E. Cook
Christopher S. Deegan
Gaye L. Evans
Randall L. Exley
Walter C. Gist
James S. Howard
Jeffrey A. Klein
Francis J. Klemm
Joseph P. Lawrence
Thomas N. Ledvina
Michael T. Madden
Richard R. McNamara
John A. Montgomery
Scott M. O'Neil
Monica R. Shephard
Allison F. Stiller
Thomas G. Tesch
http://www.opm.gov/ses/2007merit.asp
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