American Forces Press Service
May 20, 2008
Hundreds of troops deployed from Europe will be able to see their children’s high school graduation ceremonies via live webcasts, Department of Defense Dependents Schools Europe officials announced.
DoDDS Europe, U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army 5th Signal Command have combined assets, talents and technologies to enable the live webcasts. The effort will allow at least 18 graduation ceremonies to be viewed by an estimated 211 deployed parents in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49933
Friday, May 23, 2008
22,516 sailors moving up to E-4, E-5 and E-6
By Mark D. Faram
Tuesday May 20, 2008
The Navy will announce the advancement of 21,739 active-duty sailors to the ranks of E-4, E-5 and E-6 this week. Another 777 will move up in the full-time support community’s petty officer ranks.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_activequotas_051908w/
Tuesday May 20, 2008
The Navy will announce the advancement of 21,739 active-duty sailors to the ranks of E-4, E-5 and E-6 this week. Another 777 will move up in the full-time support community’s petty officer ranks.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_activequotas_051908w/
Upcoming Iraq, Afghanistan Rotations Announced
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2008
The Defense Department today announced force rotations for Iraq and Afghanistan, including upcoming active-duty deployments later this year and alerts to Army National Guard units to deploy in spring 2009 and 2010.
About 25,000 active-duty troops assigned to a division headquarters and seven brigade combat teams will begin to deploy to Iraq this fall, and continue through the year’s end, Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, announced today.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49926
May 19, 2008
The Defense Department today announced force rotations for Iraq and Afghanistan, including upcoming active-duty deployments later this year and alerts to Army National Guard units to deploy in spring 2009 and 2010.
About 25,000 active-duty troops assigned to a division headquarters and seven brigade combat teams will begin to deploy to Iraq this fall, and continue through the year’s end, Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, announced today.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49926
Pentagon Improves Services for Transitioning Service members, Families
By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service
May 19, 2008
The Defense Department recently merged two military support programs into one as part of efforts to better address departing service members financial and transition needs, a senior Pentagon official told U.S. legislators May 16.
The previously separate Financial Readiness and Transition Assistance programs were combined in March to form the new Office of Personal Finance and Transition, Jane Burke, principal director for military community and family policy, said in testimony before members of the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs subcommittee on economic opportunity.
Returning to private life after serving in the military is a very complex undertaking, Burke told legislators. To assist them in doing so, we must empower our service members with the tools and information they need to develop individual solutions to the challenges they may face as they return to civilian life.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49927
May 19, 2008
The Defense Department recently merged two military support programs into one as part of efforts to better address departing service members financial and transition needs, a senior Pentagon official told U.S. legislators May 16.
The previously separate Financial Readiness and Transition Assistance programs were combined in March to form the new Office of Personal Finance and Transition, Jane Burke, principal director for military community and family policy, said in testimony before members of the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans Affairs subcommittee on economic opportunity.
Returning to private life after serving in the military is a very complex undertaking, Burke told legislators. To assist them in doing so, we must empower our service members with the tools and information they need to develop individual solutions to the challenges they may face as they return to civilian life.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49927
Cost of cyber security initiative is triple its first estimate, panel reports
By Bob Brewin
May 19, 2008
The Bush administration’s proposal to defend government networks against cyber attacks will cost $17 billion, nearly three times original estimates, and is so secret that it cuts the public out of the debate on the program, according to a Senate report.
Comment on this article in The Forum. The cost of the National Cyber security Initiative, a multi-agency effort to defend government information systems with strong defenses against cyber attacks, originally was pegged at $6 billion. Because of the increase in cost, the Senate Armed Services Committee recommended in a report that major elements of the project be scaled back “because policy and legal reviews are not complete and because the technology is not mature.”
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/051908bb1.htm
May 19, 2008
The Bush administration’s proposal to defend government networks against cyber attacks will cost $17 billion, nearly three times original estimates, and is so secret that it cuts the public out of the debate on the program, according to a Senate report.
Comment on this article in The Forum. The cost of the National Cyber security Initiative, a multi-agency effort to defend government information systems with strong defenses against cyber attacks, originally was pegged at $6 billion. Because of the increase in cost, the Senate Armed Services Committee recommended in a report that major elements of the project be scaled back “because policy and legal reviews are not complete and because the technology is not mature.”
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/051908bb1.htm
Gates: Defense bureaucracy not on 'war footing'
By Robert Burns, Associated Press
May 16, 2008
The Pentagon's slow response to wartime challenges such as protecting troops against roadside bombs stemmed in part from a mistaken belief within the defense establishment that the Iraq and Afghanistan wars would be short, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
In remarks prepared for delivery to the Business Executives for National Security, Gates cited three areas in which he has pushed for speedier solutions to battlefield issues: a need for more pilotless drones for surveillance, more bomb-resistant vehicles to protect troops and improved treatment of the wounded.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/051608ap1.htm
May 16, 2008
The Pentagon's slow response to wartime challenges such as protecting troops against roadside bombs stemmed in part from a mistaken belief within the defense establishment that the Iraq and Afghanistan wars would be short, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Thursday.
In remarks prepared for delivery to the Business Executives for National Security, Gates cited three areas in which he has pushed for speedier solutions to battlefield issues: a need for more pilotless drones for surveillance, more bomb-resistant vehicles to protect troops and improved treatment of the wounded.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/051608ap1.htm
Intelligence community to launch pay for performance system
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
May 15, 2008
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence will begin implementing a common pay-for-performance system across the 16 intelligence agencies in September, DNI Mike McConnell said at a briefing on Thursday.
During the next year, 10 of the 16 intelligence agencies will be implementing the new system, known as the National Intelligence Civilian Compensation Program, with employees receiving their first performance-based payouts in fiscal 2010. The remaining agencies, which include the CIA and ODNI, will begin conversion in fiscal 2010. Implementation of the system in the community's domestic agencies, such as the State, Energy, Treasury and Justice departments, is planned for the end of fiscal 2010, pending statutory approval.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40025&sid=60
May 15, 2008
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence will begin implementing a common pay-for-performance system across the 16 intelligence agencies in September, DNI Mike McConnell said at a briefing on Thursday.
During the next year, 10 of the 16 intelligence agencies will be implementing the new system, known as the National Intelligence Civilian Compensation Program, with employees receiving their first performance-based payouts in fiscal 2010. The remaining agencies, which include the CIA and ODNI, will begin conversion in fiscal 2010. Implementation of the system in the community's domestic agencies, such as the State, Energy, Treasury and Justice departments, is planned for the end of fiscal 2010, pending statutory approval.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40025&sid=60
Ticking Clock
By Alyssa Rosenberg
May 15, 2008
Eight months isn't a lot of time, and Office of Personnel Management Director Linda Springer and Defense Department Chief Human Capital Officer David S.C. Chu seemed well aware of that when they shared a stage at Government Executive's Excellence in Government conference on Monday. Both Springer and Chu have faced tremendous challenges, such as the impact of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan on military recruiting and the anticipated retirement wave. They also have much to be proud of -- rebranding the armed forces and modernizing the federal retirement system.
But with only eight months left in the Bush administration, both Springer and Chu acknowledged that one goal they share -- overhauling the federal government's civilian pay and performance management system -- will not be completed on their watch.
"What we have is antiquated and we are ill-served," said Springer. The pay-for-performance effort, she noted, began even before the Bush administration took up the issue. "Will the effort to continue this reform go on? In my judgment it will, because if it doesn't, we will lose the battle of recruiting talent on this issue. You can have all the tradition of public service and pins and plaques and awards you want, but if you go to the grocery store and put your pins on the [check-out] belt, they'll probably call security."
http://governmentexecutive.com/story_page.cfm?filepath=/dailyfed/0508/051508pb.htm
May 15, 2008
Eight months isn't a lot of time, and Office of Personnel Management Director Linda Springer and Defense Department Chief Human Capital Officer David S.C. Chu seemed well aware of that when they shared a stage at Government Executive's Excellence in Government conference on Monday. Both Springer and Chu have faced tremendous challenges, such as the impact of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan on military recruiting and the anticipated retirement wave. They also have much to be proud of -- rebranding the armed forces and modernizing the federal retirement system.
But with only eight months left in the Bush administration, both Springer and Chu acknowledged that one goal they share -- overhauling the federal government's civilian pay and performance management system -- will not be completed on their watch.
"What we have is antiquated and we are ill-served," said Springer. The pay-for-performance effort, she noted, began even before the Bush administration took up the issue. "Will the effort to continue this reform go on? In my judgment it will, because if it doesn't, we will lose the battle of recruiting talent on this issue. You can have all the tradition of public service and pins and plaques and awards you want, but if you go to the grocery store and put your pins on the [check-out] belt, they'll probably call security."
http://governmentexecutive.com/story_page.cfm?filepath=/dailyfed/0508/051508pb.htm
Statement of John G. Cotton Chief United States Navy Reserve
Committee on Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense
May 14, 2008
Excerpt
“Whether supporting combat operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief at home or abroad or supporting daily Navy missions at every Fleet and COCOM, Navy Reservists provide integrated operational support while continuing to maintain the RC's role as a Strategic Baseline. As demonstrated through force generation, deployment and redeployment, it is clear that RC forces meet two significant needs of our Navy. First, Reservists deliver a strategic capability and capacity in support of major combat operations, and second, they provide operational augmentation to meet predictable and periodic routine military missions. By continuing to fully develop ARI, our Navy has institutionalized an Operational Navy Reserve. The Navy simply cannot meet all Fleet and GWOT requirements without the many contributions of its Reserve Force.”
http://appropriations.senate.gov/Hearings/2008_05_14_-Defense-_Testimony_of_Vice_Admiral_Cotton_at_the_May_14th_Hearing_on_the_FY_2009_Guard_and_Reserve_Budget.pdf?CFID=30334872&CFTOKEN=50009343
May 14, 2008
Excerpt
“Whether supporting combat operations in Iraq or Afghanistan, providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief at home or abroad or supporting daily Navy missions at every Fleet and COCOM, Navy Reservists provide integrated operational support while continuing to maintain the RC's role as a Strategic Baseline. As demonstrated through force generation, deployment and redeployment, it is clear that RC forces meet two significant needs of our Navy. First, Reservists deliver a strategic capability and capacity in support of major combat operations, and second, they provide operational augmentation to meet predictable and periodic routine military missions. By continuing to fully develop ARI, our Navy has institutionalized an Operational Navy Reserve. The Navy simply cannot meet all Fleet and GWOT requirements without the many contributions of its Reserve Force.”
http://appropriations.senate.gov/Hearings/2008_05_14_-Defense-_Testimony_of_Vice_Admiral_Cotton_at_the_May_14th_Hearing_on_the_FY_2009_Guard_and_Reserve_Budget.pdf?CFID=30334872&CFTOKEN=50009343
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Gates: Draft not solution to personnel costs
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday May 21, 2008 19:03:07 EDT
The expense of maintaining the all-volunteer military is "worth the cost," Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Congress Tuesday, adding that he does not favor a return to the draft.
But the admiral who chairs the Joint Chiefs added that the continuous increase in personnel costs "does not bode well for a military of this size."
One way to reduce the Pentagon’s rising personnel costs without affecting current troops, Gates told Senate appropriators, would be for Congress to approve a "modest" increase in Tricare health care fees for working-age military retirees.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_appropriations_052008w/
SAC(D) Hearing Testimony - May 20, 2008
Link below has further links to prepared testimony of SecDef and CJCS at Defense Subcommittee hearing.
http://appropriations.senate.gov/hearings.cfm?s=def
Posted : Wednesday May 21, 2008 19:03:07 EDT
The expense of maintaining the all-volunteer military is "worth the cost," Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Congress Tuesday, adding that he does not favor a return to the draft.
But the admiral who chairs the Joint Chiefs added that the continuous increase in personnel costs "does not bode well for a military of this size."
One way to reduce the Pentagon’s rising personnel costs without affecting current troops, Gates told Senate appropriators, would be for Congress to approve a "modest" increase in Tricare health care fees for working-age military retirees.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_appropriations_052008w/
SAC(D) Hearing Testimony - May 20, 2008
Link below has further links to prepared testimony of SecDef and CJCS at Defense Subcommittee hearing.
http://appropriations.senate.gov/hearings.cfm?s=def
SecDef Commencement Address at Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Mourning Her Dead 
"Many young men and women have interrupted their studies at VMI when called up by the National Guard or Reserve. Since 2001, 75 cadets here have been mobilized to active duty during their time, and 41 of them have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. More than 1,200 graduates of VMI have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan since the start of the War on Terror. Eight of them have not returned."
SecDef Speech to Business Executives for National Security
As Delivered, Washington, DC, Thursday, May 15, 2008
"As Secretary of Defense, I am responsible for the war strategy and for signing the deployment orders to carry it out. Every day, my signature on a piece of paper sends our brave men and women in harm’s way. At the end of the day, I must be able to look them in the eye – be they in Kandahar or Ramadi or Walter Reed – and tell them, truthfully, that this wealthy and generous country has done everything possible for them."
http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1242
"As Secretary of Defense, I am responsible for the war strategy and for signing the deployment orders to carry it out. Every day, my signature on a piece of paper sends our brave men and women in harm’s way. At the end of the day, I must be able to look them in the eye – be they in Kandahar or Ramadi or Walter Reed – and tell them, truthfully, that this wealthy and generous country has done everything possible for them."
http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1242
Agencies boost use of hiring flexibilities
By Tom Shoop
Federal agencies' use of hiring flexibilities has increased substantially in recent years, according to a new Office of Personnel Management report.
The report found that from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2007, the number of employees hired under eight special authorities went up more than 48 percent, from slightly less than 30,000 to more than 43,000. During that same period, the total number of annual new hires went up by less than 2 percent, from 236,000 to 240,000.
"Agencies often claim the traditional ranking and selection procedures of the federal hiring process are the main barriers to attracting qualified candidates and filling positions with the people they need to carry out their missions," OPM reported. To address such concerns, over the years Congress has authorized the use of several alternatives to the traditional competitive examining approach to federal hiring.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40058&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOa-rkaqjO4qsv7Qbeoj7jc>
Federal agencies' use of hiring flexibilities has increased substantially in recent years, according to a new Office of Personnel Management report.
The report found that from fiscal 2004 to fiscal 2007, the number of employees hired under eight special authorities went up more than 48 percent, from slightly less than 30,000 to more than 43,000. During that same period, the total number of annual new hires went up by less than 2 percent, from 236,000 to 240,000.
"Agencies often claim the traditional ranking and selection procedures of the federal hiring process are the main barriers to attracting qualified candidates and filling positions with the people they need to carry out their missions," OPM reported. To address such concerns, over the years Congress has authorized the use of several alternatives to the traditional competitive examining approach to federal hiring.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40058&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOa-rkaqjO4qsv7Qbeoj7jc>
OPM calls for end to pension penalty for rehired retirees
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
Allowing federal retirees to return to work without an offset to their pensions could help address many of the government's future workforce challenges, the Office of Personnel Management told a House subcommittee on Tuesday.
Nancy Kichak, associate director of strategic human resources policy at OPM, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce that the government loses a lot of critical skills and knowledge because of a law that discourages federal annuitants from coming back to work part time for the government.
Salaries for re-employed retirees are reduced by the amount of their pensions. OPM can waive the offset for agencies on a case-by-case basis for positions that are difficult to fill or for emergencies. But with such a penalty in place, many retirees opt to work for contractors, where they can earn a full annuity and salary.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40057&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOa-rkaqjO4qsv7Sbeoj7jc>
Allowing federal retirees to return to work without an offset to their pensions could help address many of the government's future workforce challenges, the Office of Personnel Management told a House subcommittee on Tuesday.
Nancy Kichak, associate director of strategic human resources policy at OPM, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce that the government loses a lot of critical skills and knowledge because of a law that discourages federal annuitants from coming back to work part time for the government.
Salaries for re-employed retirees are reduced by the amount of their pensions. OPM can waive the offset for agencies on a case-by-case basis for positions that are difficult to fill or for emergencies. But with such a penalty in place, many retirees opt to work for contractors, where they can earn a full annuity and salary.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40057&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOa-rkaqjO4qsv7Sbeoj7jc>
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Millennials express strong support for public service academy
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
A new poll conducted by SocialSphere Strategies in Cambridge, Mass., found that 57 percent of young Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 "likely" would consider applying to a public service academy, with 19 percent saying they would "very likely" do so. Among respondents, men, minorities and Southerners were most interested in attending such a school.
The survey also indicated tremendous support for the creation of a public service institution. After receiving information and arguments in support of the academy, 88 percent of millennials said they favored the idea. Even after providing respondents with criticisms of the academy proposal, 77 percent still expressed support for its creation.
"One of the things we wanted to do was make sure that the students understood the idea and the arguments against it," said Chris Myers Asch, one of the architects of the academy proposal.
"One of the key findings was that 88 percent said they liked the idea. But that's like saying 88 percent like apple pie. Do they still like apple pie after they hear all the calories involved? You have to explain the negatives." Many public policy observers are concerned with the academy's estimated price tag of $205 million per year. Others have argued that offering scholarships to students in a format much like the military's Reserve Officers' Training Corps would be a more cost-effective solution to the challenges of attracting top talent in government.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40047&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOa-nvaqjNyLssiFbdE98Db>
A new poll conducted by SocialSphere Strategies in Cambridge, Mass., found that 57 percent of young Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 "likely" would consider applying to a public service academy, with 19 percent saying they would "very likely" do so. Among respondents, men, minorities and Southerners were most interested in attending such a school.
The survey also indicated tremendous support for the creation of a public service institution. After receiving information and arguments in support of the academy, 88 percent of millennials said they favored the idea. Even after providing respondents with criticisms of the academy proposal, 77 percent still expressed support for its creation.
"One of the things we wanted to do was make sure that the students understood the idea and the arguments against it," said Chris Myers Asch, one of the architects of the academy proposal.
"One of the key findings was that 88 percent said they liked the idea. But that's like saying 88 percent like apple pie. Do they still like apple pie after they hear all the calories involved? You have to explain the negatives." Many public policy observers are concerned with the academy's estimated price tag of $205 million per year. Others have argued that offering scholarships to students in a format much like the military's Reserve Officers' Training Corps would be a more cost-effective solution to the challenges of attracting top talent in government.
Full story: http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40047&dcn=e_gvet <http://get.govexec-media.com/portal/wts/ccmcfOa-nvaqjNyLssiFbdE98Db>
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
SecDef Remarks on “Next-War-itis”
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Excerpts
"In my view, America’s key asymmetric advantage is our people. And getting the present right when it comes to care of our men and women in uniform will go a long way towards making sure we have the kind of force we need in the future."
"The risk of overextending the Army is real. But I believe the risk is far greater – to that institution, as well as to our country – if we were to fail in Iraq. That is the war we are in. That is the war we must win."
http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1240
Excerpts
"In my view, America’s key asymmetric advantage is our people. And getting the present right when it comes to care of our men and women in uniform will go a long way towards making sure we have the kind of force we need in the future."
"The risk of overextending the Army is real. But I believe the risk is far greater – to that institution, as well as to our country – if we were to fail in Iraq. That is the war we are in. That is the war we must win."
http://www.defenselink.mil/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1240
Senior executives back pay for performance
May 13, 2008
More than 90 percent of senior federal executives think their pay should be based on job performance, and that they are being held accountable for achieving results, according to a survey released Tuesday.
The number of executives who reported that they were happy with their level of compensation has dropped significantly in the past two years, however. In the 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey, 73 percent of senior executives said they were satisfied with their pay. Only 61 percent reported satisfaction in the new survey of the Senior Executive Service, which was conducted by the Office of Personnel Management.
The survey found that 67 percent of executives were satisfied with the recognition they receive for doing a good job. Nearly three quarters of SES members said they thought their performance ratings were based to a great or very great extent on individual performance, and 68 percent said the same about how organizational performance factored into ratings.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40012&dcn=e_gvet
More than 90 percent of senior federal executives think their pay should be based on job performance, and that they are being held accountable for achieving results, according to a survey released Tuesday.
The number of executives who reported that they were happy with their level of compensation has dropped significantly in the past two years, however. In the 2006 Federal Human Capital Survey, 73 percent of senior executives said they were satisfied with their pay. Only 61 percent reported satisfaction in the new survey of the Senior Executive Service, which was conducted by the Office of Personnel Management.
The survey found that 67 percent of executives were satisfied with the recognition they receive for doing a good job. Nearly three quarters of SES members said they thought their performance ratings were based to a great or very great extent on individual performance, and 68 percent said the same about how organizational performance factored into ratings.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40012&dcn=e_gvet
Performance management likely will get a makeover in the next administration
By Robert Brodsky rbrodsky@govexec.com
May 13, 2008
Improving government performance is not exactly the kind of topic that packs 20,000-seat stadiums and stirs voters into a frenzy. So it's not surprising that the leading candidates for the White House generally discuss performance management only in terms of broader policy goals, such as responding more efficiently to disasters or mandating that all large federal contracts are competitively bid.
While specifics may be lacking on the campaign trail, the challenges and nuances of performance management will be unavoidable by the time the 44th president takes office -- and they could go a long way in determining the next administration's success, suggested professionals in the field.
Among the first priorities for the new government will be what to do with the Bush administration's Program Assessment Rating Tool, which uses the answers to a simple questionnaire to rate the effectiveness of all federal programs.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40011&dcn=e_gvet
May 13, 2008
Improving government performance is not exactly the kind of topic that packs 20,000-seat stadiums and stirs voters into a frenzy. So it's not surprising that the leading candidates for the White House generally discuss performance management only in terms of broader policy goals, such as responding more efficiently to disasters or mandating that all large federal contracts are competitively bid.
While specifics may be lacking on the campaign trail, the challenges and nuances of performance management will be unavoidable by the time the 44th president takes office -- and they could go a long way in determining the next administration's success, suggested professionals in the field.
Among the first priorities for the new government will be what to do with the Bush administration's Program Assessment Rating Tool, which uses the answers to a simple questionnaire to rate the effectiveness of all federal programs.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=40011&dcn=e_gvet
Army test is first step toward automated clearances
By COURTNEY MABEUS Federal Times
May 13, 2008
The Bush administration will launch a pilot program this summer as a first step toward automating the government’s process of approving security clearances. The pilot will enable program officials to develop performance metrics and better understand the challenges for a governmentwide automated clearance approval system.
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3526042
May 13, 2008
The Bush administration will launch a pilot program this summer as a first step toward automating the government’s process of approving security clearances. The pilot will enable program officials to develop performance metrics and better understand the challenges for a governmentwide automated clearance approval system.
http://www.federaltimes.com/index.php?S=3526042
Air Force colonel wants to build a military botnet
By Kevin Poulsen Wired Blog Network
May 12, 2008
While most government agencies are struggling to keep their computers out of the latest Russian botnets, Col. Charles W. Williamson III has made the controversial proposal that the Air Force build its own zombie network, so it can launch distributed denial of service attacks on foreign enemies.
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/05/air-force-col-w.html
May 12, 2008
While most government agencies are struggling to keep their computers out of the latest Russian botnets, Col. Charles W. Williamson III has made the controversial proposal that the Air Force build its own zombie network, so it can launch distributed denial of service attacks on foreign enemies.
http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2008/05/air-force-col-w.html
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Nonvets must pay for emergency VA care
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 12, 2008 17:56:28 EDT
Veterans hospitals may be open to nonveterans after a natural disaster or emergency, but private citizens who are neither veterans nor disaster workers will be billed for the cost of their treatment, Veterans Affairs Department officials announced Monday.
A Monday notice in the Federal Register implements a 2002 law authorizing VA hospitals and clinics to provide disaster relief care. The federal government will pay for the cost of treating federal workers, including service members, and other disaster workers will be reimbursed under sharing arrangements.
Other people will have to pay for care unless they are veterans, according to the new rule, which takes effect immediately.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_vacare_privatecitizens_051208w/
Posted : Monday May 12, 2008 17:56:28 EDT
Veterans hospitals may be open to nonveterans after a natural disaster or emergency, but private citizens who are neither veterans nor disaster workers will be billed for the cost of their treatment, Veterans Affairs Department officials announced Monday.
A Monday notice in the Federal Register implements a 2002 law authorizing VA hospitals and clinics to provide disaster relief care. The federal government will pay for the cost of treating federal workers, including service members, and other disaster workers will be reimbursed under sharing arrangements.
Other people will have to pay for care unless they are veterans, according to the new rule, which takes effect immediately.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_vacare_privatecitizens_051208w/
Ship honors SEAL who received Medal of Honor
By Christopher P. Cavas - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 9, 2008 8:36:24 EDT
The last Arleigh Burke-class destroyer will bear the name of a Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan.
The Michael Murphy, DDG 112, honors Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who led a four-man team searching for a key Taliban leader in mountains near Asadabad, Afghanistan. On June 28, 2005, the team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. According to the Navy, Murphy, although mortally wounded by enemy fire, knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.
Navy Secretary Donald Winter announced the selection of Murphy’s name for DDG 112 at a May 7 ceremony in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Murphy’s hometown of Patchogue, N.Y., dedicated a park in to Murphy. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park contains a black granite wall dedicated to the men lost in Operation Red Wing, with each member’s name inscribed. A black granite stone embedded in the plaza bears the picture of Murphy and his Medal of Honor.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_destroyermurphy_050708w/
Posted : Friday May 9, 2008 8:36:24 EDT
The last Arleigh Burke-class destroyer will bear the name of a Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan.
The Michael Murphy, DDG 112, honors Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who led a four-man team searching for a key Taliban leader in mountains near Asadabad, Afghanistan. On June 28, 2005, the team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. According to the Navy, Murphy, although mortally wounded by enemy fire, knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.
Navy Secretary Donald Winter announced the selection of Murphy’s name for DDG 112 at a May 7 ceremony in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
Murphy’s hometown of Patchogue, N.Y., dedicated a park in to Murphy. Michael P. Murphy Memorial Park contains a black granite wall dedicated to the men lost in Operation Red Wing, with each member’s name inscribed. A black granite stone embedded in the plaza bears the picture of Murphy and his Medal of Honor.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_destroyermurphy_050708w/
U.S. Navy Photo Illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay Chu
Agencies need better welcome wagon for new employees, report says
By Alyssa Rosenberg arosenberg@govexec.com
May 12, 2008
Federal agencies should improve their approach to bringing new employees onboard and integrating them into the workplace culture if they want to boost retention rates and productivity, the Partnership for Public Service and Booz Allen Hamilton said in a report released on Monday at the Excellence in Government Conference in Washington, sponsored by Government Executive.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39996&dcn=todaysnews
May 12, 2008
Federal agencies should improve their approach to bringing new employees onboard and integrating them into the workplace culture if they want to boost retention rates and productivity, the Partnership for Public Service and Booz Allen Hamilton said in a report released on Monday at the Excellence in Government Conference in Washington, sponsored by Government Executive.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39996&dcn=todaysnews
Defense to review 'unnecessary duplication' among services
By Otto Kreisher CongressDaily
May 9, 2008
The Pentagon will study six potentially controversial issues in addition to the broad but emotionally charged topic of "unnecessary duplication" of efforts, which was required in a congressionally mandated study of the roles and missions of the military services, a senior defense official said Thursday.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39981&dcn=todaysnews
See also Defense News Transcript background briefing on Roles and Missions review at
http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4226
May 9, 2008
The Pentagon will study six potentially controversial issues in addition to the broad but emotionally charged topic of "unnecessary duplication" of efforts, which was required in a congressionally mandated study of the roles and missions of the military services, a senior defense official said Thursday.
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=39981&dcn=todaysnews
See also Defense News Transcript background briefing on Roles and Missions review at
http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4226
Navy changes course on IT outsourcing
By Bob Brewin bbrewin@govexec.com
May 8, 2008
The Navy, which had outsourced the management and defense of its most crucial network to industry, plans to bring that function back in-house, saying it now views such information technology functions as a "warfighting imperative," requiring the service's managers to supervise the systems.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080508_1459.php
May 8, 2008
The Navy, which had outsourced the management and defense of its most crucial network to industry, plans to bring that function back in-house, saying it now views such information technology functions as a "warfighting imperative," requiring the service's managers to supervise the systems.
http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20080508_1459.php
Navy seeks new servicewide ‘ethos’
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 8, 2008 9:38:03 EDT
The Navy has a creed, knows what being a "shipmate" means and now is looking for an "ethos."
A Navy-wide message sent Monday invited sailors and civilians throughout the service to comment on a draft statement and submit suggestions to help define the "distinguishing character, culture, or guiding beliefs" of the sea service. The message was signed by Vice Adm. John Harvey, director of the Navy Staff.
"The purpose of the Navy ethos statement is to communicate and emphasize the fundamental principles and values we would expect to be shared by all who serve within the Navy team, military and civilian alike, no matter what community, command, specialty, or position each of us are associated with," Harvey wrote.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_ethos_survey_050608w/
Posted : Thursday May 8, 2008 9:38:03 EDT
The Navy has a creed, knows what being a "shipmate" means and now is looking for an "ethos."
A Navy-wide message sent Monday invited sailors and civilians throughout the service to comment on a draft statement and submit suggestions to help define the "distinguishing character, culture, or guiding beliefs" of the sea service. The message was signed by Vice Adm. John Harvey, director of the Navy Staff.
"The purpose of the Navy ethos statement is to communicate and emphasize the fundamental principles and values we would expect to be shared by all who serve within the Navy team, military and civilian alike, no matter what community, command, specialty, or position each of us are associated with," Harvey wrote.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_ethos_survey_050608w/
Nonvets must pay for emergency VA care
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday May 12, 2008 17:56:28 EDT
Veterans hospitals may be open to nonveterans after a natural disaster or emergency, but private citizens who are neither veterans nor disaster workers will be billed for the cost of their treatment, Veterans Affairs Department officials announced Monday.
A Monday notice in the Federal Register implements a 2002 law authorizing VA hospitals and clinics to provide disaster relief care. The federal government will pay for the cost of treating federal workers, including service members, and other disaster workers will be reimbursed under sharing arrangements.
Other people will have to pay for care unless they are veterans, according to the new rule, which takes effect immediately.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_vacare_privatecitizens_051208w/
Posted : Monday May 12, 2008 17:56:28 EDT
Veterans hospitals may be open to nonveterans after a natural disaster or emergency, but private citizens who are neither veterans nor disaster workers will be billed for the cost of their treatment, Veterans Affairs Department officials announced Monday.
A Monday notice in the Federal Register implements a 2002 law authorizing VA hospitals and clinics to provide disaster relief care. The federal government will pay for the cost of treating federal workers, including service members, and other disaster workers will be reimbursed under sharing arrangements.
Other people will have to pay for care unless they are veterans, according to the new rule, which takes effect immediately.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_vacare_privatecitizens_051208w/
Center Creates ‘Little Miracles’ in Treating Combat Stress
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
FORT BLISS, Texas, May 9, 2008
A revolutionary treatment program here is demonstrating "little miracles" as it gives new hope to soldiers afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder who want to stay in the Army, its director reports.
The new program is the brainchild of clinical psychologist John E. Fortunato, who uses a holistic approach to treating PTSD at the new Fort Bliss Restoration and Resilience Center. Fortunato conceded that his proposal "wasn’t an easy sell" initially, particularly because it wove yoga, massage therapy and other nontraditional approaches into its treatment program. But driven by the frustration of seeing soldiers with PTSD forced to leave the Army against their wishes, Fortunato pressed forward and won approval for his prototype program. With $2.2 million in initial funding and a 1940s barracks building to rehab, he set out to launch the Restoration and Resilience Center in June 2006. The center opened last summer.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49835
FORT BLISS, Texas, May 9, 2008
A revolutionary treatment program here is demonstrating "little miracles" as it gives new hope to soldiers afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder who want to stay in the Army, its director reports.
The new program is the brainchild of clinical psychologist John E. Fortunato, who uses a holistic approach to treating PTSD at the new Fort Bliss Restoration and Resilience Center. Fortunato conceded that his proposal "wasn’t an easy sell" initially, particularly because it wove yoga, massage therapy and other nontraditional approaches into its treatment program. But driven by the frustration of seeing soldiers with PTSD forced to leave the Army against their wishes, Fortunato pressed forward and won approval for his prototype program. With $2.2 million in initial funding and a 1940s barracks building to rehab, he set out to launch the Restoration and Resilience Center in June 2006. The center opened last summer.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49835
Overseas members get more health care options
By Karen Jowers - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday May 8, 2008 13:42:08 EDT
Active-duty members overseas who have urgent medical needs can now use Tricare’s overseas contractor facilities, even if they are near a military treatment facility.
Previously, active-duty members within 40 miles or an hour’s drive of a military treatment facility had to go to that facility for urgent care, defined as medical attention for a condition that does not threaten life or limb but could become more serious if not treated.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_tricare_overseas_050608w/
Posted : Thursday May 8, 2008 13:42:08 EDT
Active-duty members overseas who have urgent medical needs can now use Tricare’s overseas contractor facilities, even if they are near a military treatment facility.
Previously, active-duty members within 40 miles or an hour’s drive of a military treatment facility had to go to that facility for urgent care, defined as medical attention for a condition that does not threaten life or limb but could become more serious if not treated.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_tricare_overseas_050608w/
Suicides of Iraq veterans could top combat deaths
By Bob Brewin bbrewin@govexec.com
May 6, 2008
Suicides by veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could well top the combat deaths in the two conflicts, according to the top official of National Institute of Mental Health.
On Monday, Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, told reporters at an annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Washington that it was possible that "suicides and psychiatric mortality...could trump combat deaths." Insel said he based this assessment in part on figures from a recent RAND Corp. study as well as suicide rates for patients who have substance abuse problems and other complications of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of combat.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050608bb1.htm
May 6, 2008
Suicides by veterans of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan could well top the combat deaths in the two conflicts, according to the top official of National Institute of Mental Health.
On Monday, Dr. Thomas Insel, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, told reporters at an annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association in Washington that it was possible that "suicides and psychiatric mortality...could trump combat deaths." Insel said he based this assessment in part on figures from a recent RAND Corp. study as well as suicide rates for patients who have substance abuse problems and other complications of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of combat.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050608bb1.htm
Common base-access rules unlikely until 2012
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday May 7, 2008 6:26:59 EDT
The Defense Department said it cannot meet a Jan. 1 deadline to craft a defensewide policy for allowing entry to installations and is asking for more time.
Congress has ordered standard access rules, including policies for who is allowed to enter and how visitors are screened, to be in place by the start of the 2009 calendar year, but Pentagon officials, citing a variety of hurdles, said they don’t expect to be ready until Oct. 1, 2012.
One problem: Some identity verification procedures require coordination with other federal agencies, such as special programs to identify truckers, electronic passport screening for foreign visitors, and Terrorist Watch List improvements, defense officials said in an April 25 notice to the House and Senate armed services committees.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_base_accessrules_050608w/
Posted : Wednesday May 7, 2008 6:26:59 EDT
The Defense Department said it cannot meet a Jan. 1 deadline to craft a defensewide policy for allowing entry to installations and is asking for more time.
Congress has ordered standard access rules, including policies for who is allowed to enter and how visitors are screened, to be in place by the start of the 2009 calendar year, but Pentagon officials, citing a variety of hurdles, said they don’t expect to be ready until Oct. 1, 2012.
One problem: Some identity verification procedures require coordination with other federal agencies, such as special programs to identify truckers, electronic passport screening for foreign visitors, and Terrorist Watch List improvements, defense officials said in an April 25 notice to the House and Senate armed services committees.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_base_accessrules_050608w/
Thousands of medical billets will stay Navy
By Chris Amos - Staff writer
Posted : Tuesday May 6, 2008 9:33:55 EDT
Congress has ordered the Navy to abandon its plan to replace thousands of uniformed medical personnel with civilian federal government employees.
[Long article analyzing medical mil-civ conversion issues]
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_medconvert_050408w/
Posted : Tuesday May 6, 2008 9:33:55 EDT
Congress has ordered the Navy to abandon its plan to replace thousands of uniformed medical personnel with civilian federal government employees.
[Long article analyzing medical mil-civ conversion issues]
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/navy_medconvert_050408w/
Transition could create leadership void, report says
By Robert Brodsky rbrodsky@govexec.com
May 6, 2008
Several key federal agencies stand to lose more than 10 percent of their leadership team during the transition to the next administration, according to a new report issued by INPUT, an industry consulting firm.
The study shows that the Education Department would be hit the hardest, losing more than 22 percent of its top personnel, including political appointees, Senior Executive Service members and senior-level managers. The State, Defense and Labor departments would see declines of more than 14 percent while the Homeland Security Department, which has not been through a presidential transition, would experience leadership losses of more than 11 percent.
A new report by the Congressional Research Service indicates that transitions -- particularly the first in the post-Sept. 11 era -- pose a high risk to national security.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050608rb1.htm
May 6, 2008
Several key federal agencies stand to lose more than 10 percent of their leadership team during the transition to the next administration, according to a new report issued by INPUT, an industry consulting firm.
The study shows that the Education Department would be hit the hardest, losing more than 22 percent of its top personnel, including political appointees, Senior Executive Service members and senior-level managers. The State, Defense and Labor departments would see declines of more than 14 percent while the Homeland Security Department, which has not been through a presidential transition, would experience leadership losses of more than 11 percent.
A new report by the Congressional Research Service indicates that transitions -- particularly the first in the post-Sept. 11 era -- pose a high risk to national security.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050608rb1.htm
Regenerative Medicine Institute Seeks to Attract Private Investors
By John J. Kruzel American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2008
If a new regenerative medicine venture proves successful, it could increase investors’ confidence in backing the cutting-edge technology, a senior military official said today.
With piecemeal public and private funding and $80 million of its own money, the Defense Department last month launched the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine. The effort will comprise seven of America’s 10 foremost thinkers in the field, and has an overall budget of $250 million over the next five years.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49767
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2008
If a new regenerative medicine venture proves successful, it could increase investors’ confidence in backing the cutting-edge technology, a senior military official said today.
With piecemeal public and private funding and $80 million of its own money, the Defense Department last month launched the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine. The effort will comprise seven of America’s 10 foremost thinkers in the field, and has an overall budget of $250 million over the next five years.
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49767
Marine burned on 97 percent of body dies
By Dan Lamothe - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday May 4, 2008 11:18:50 EDT
Sgt. Merlin German's death halted an endless cycle of surgeries, skin grafts and doctor’s appointments that began Feb. 21, 2005, the day a gas-fed improvised explosive devise detonated near German’s Humvee outside Camp Ramadi, according to a Web site started in Merlin’s memory.
Family members described German on the Web site, www.merlinsmiracles.com, as a proud American who loved children. Before he died, German told family members he "had a vision to help burned children and their families," the family said on his Web said. "He wanted the foundation to be named Merlin’s Miracles."
.http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/marine_german_050108w/
Posted : Sunday May 4, 2008 11:18:50 EDT
Sgt. Merlin German's death halted an endless cycle of surgeries, skin grafts and doctor’s appointments that began Feb. 21, 2005, the day a gas-fed improvised explosive devise detonated near German’s Humvee outside Camp Ramadi, according to a Web site started in Merlin’s memory.
Family members described German on the Web site, www.merlinsmiracles.com, as a proud American who loved children. Before he died, German told family members he "had a vision to help burned children and their families," the family said on his Web said. "He wanted the foundation to be named Merlin’s Miracles."
.http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/marine_german_050108w/
OMB plan to improve clearance IT gets mixed reaction
By Andrew Noyes CongressDaily
May 5, 2008
A new OMB report offering technology-driven recommendations to expedite hiring and security clearances for government employees and contractors has drawn a positive response from a top IT expert, but less favorable words from lawmakers.
The paper outlines numerous projects that could cut processing time and streamline thousands of security clearances.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050508cdpm2.htm
May 5, 2008
A new OMB report offering technology-driven recommendations to expedite hiring and security clearances for government employees and contractors has drawn a positive response from a top IT expert, but less favorable words from lawmakers.
The paper outlines numerous projects that could cut processing time and streamline thousands of security clearances.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050508cdpm2.htm
Security clearance process to be automated
By Stephen Losey - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 2, 2008 6:05:36 EDT
Bush administration officials want to have a plan in place to automate most aspects of the security clearance process by the time a new administration arrives.
The plan, announced Thursday, calls for a system that will accept online clearance applications, perform automated records checks, approve or deny some clearances using automated tools, and use automation to find red flags in applicants’ background files and better target where field investigators focus their attention, Clay Johnson, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, said Thursday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/fed_securityclearance_050108/
Posted : Friday May 2, 2008 6:05:36 EDT
Bush administration officials want to have a plan in place to automate most aspects of the security clearance process by the time a new administration arrives.
The plan, announced Thursday, calls for a system that will accept online clearance applications, perform automated records checks, approve or deny some clearances using automated tools, and use automation to find red flags in applicants’ background files and better target where field investigators focus their attention, Clay Johnson, deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget, said Thursday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/fed_securityclearance_050108/
Long-term TBI care lacking, report says
By Kelly Kennedy - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 2, 2008 13:19:22 EDT
Three years after rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury, eight of 52 veterans interviewed faced significant unmet medical, mental health and career-assistance needs, and most of the patients had no sign of recent case management, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs report released Thursday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_tbi_caregap_050108w/
Posted : Friday May 2, 2008 13:19:22 EDT
Three years after rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury, eight of 52 veterans interviewed faced significant unmet medical, mental health and career-assistance needs, and most of the patients had no sign of recent case management, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs report released Thursday.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_tbi_caregap_050108w/
VA to help more veterans with voting
By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday May 2, 2008 13:04:00 EDT
A revised voting assistance policy for patients at veterans’ hospitals and nursing homes has satisfied two senators who have been pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide more help.
The April 25 policy for VA’s Veterans Health Administration requires the agency to help patients unable to leave a facility in registering to vote and voting by absentee ballot.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_veterans_votingregistration_050108w/
Posted : Friday May 2, 2008 13:04:00 EDT
A revised voting assistance policy for patients at veterans’ hospitals and nursing homes has satisfied two senators who have been pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide more help.
The April 25 policy for VA’s Veterans Health Administration requires the agency to help patients unable to leave a facility in registering to vote and voting by absentee ballot.
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/05/military_veterans_votingregistration_050108w/
Agencies urged to pitch job flexibilities to attract applicants of all ages
By Alyssa Rosenberg arosenberg@govexec.com
May 1, 2008
The federal government should expand its use of flexible schedules and promote them more widely if it is to become a model employer for workers of all ages, workforce specialists told the Senate Special Committee on Aging on Thursday.
"Any creative and effective system to engage older workers in the federal government has to include a specific and focused effort on increasing flexibility in the workplace," said Chai Feldblum, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center and co-director of Workplace Flexibility 2010, a research and advocacy group. "Workplace flexibility can't be the tagline; it has to be the headline."
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050108.ar1.htm
May 1, 2008
The federal government should expand its use of flexible schedules and promote them more widely if it is to become a model employer for workers of all ages, workforce specialists told the Senate Special Committee on Aging on Thursday.
"Any creative and effective system to engage older workers in the federal government has to include a specific and focused effort on increasing flexibility in the workplace," said Chai Feldblum, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center and co-director of Workplace Flexibility 2010, a research and advocacy group. "Workplace flexibility can't be the tagline; it has to be the headline."
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050108.ar1.htm
Pay disparities hamper efforts to deploy civilians to war zones
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt bballenstedt@govexec.com
May 1, 2008
Federal agencies are not providing adequate or equitable compensation to workers who volunteer for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a new report by a House subcommittee.
The report, issued by the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, found that there are both real and perceived differences in compensation and other incentives between federal employees deploying to war zones from different agencies and with different job classifications.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050108b1.htm
May 1, 2008
Federal agencies are not providing adequate or equitable compensation to workers who volunteer for deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a new report by a House subcommittee.
The report, issued by the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, found that there are both real and perceived differences in compensation and other incentives between federal employees deploying to war zones from different agencies and with different job classifications.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0508/050108b1.htm
Deployed civilians face hurdles in getting medical treatment
By Anne Flaherty, Associated Press
April 30, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Civilians deployed to war zones often encounter problems receiving medical treatment and are hesitant to seek help for emotional stress caused by their deployment, a new congressional report finds.
Federal policies on the treatment of nonmilitary personnel - particularly medical screening before and after an individual deploys - are not clearly articulated or widely understood, prompting cases in which some civilians have had trouble receiving benefits or filing claims, the bipartisan report by the House Armed Services oversight and investigations subcommittee says.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0408/043008ap2.htm
April 30, 2008
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Civilians deployed to war zones often encounter problems receiving medical treatment and are hesitant to seek help for emotional stress caused by their deployment, a new congressional report finds.
Federal policies on the treatment of nonmilitary personnel - particularly medical screening before and after an individual deploys - are not clearly articulated or widely understood, prompting cases in which some civilians have had trouble receiving benefits or filing claims, the bipartisan report by the House Armed Services oversight and investigations subcommittee says.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0408/043008ap2.htm
Leader of Defense pay system overhaul to leave post
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
April 29, 2008
The head of a major pay and personnel transformation at the Defense Department will become a deputy program director at the Missile Defense Agency, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England has announced.
Mary Lacey, program executive officer for the National Security Personnel System, will become deputy program director of aegis ballistic missile defense at MDA on May 11. Brad Bunn, deputy program executive officer for NSPS and director of the Defense Civilian Personnel Management Service, will replace Lacey.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0408/042908b1.htm
April 29, 2008
The head of a major pay and personnel transformation at the Defense Department will become a deputy program director at the Missile Defense Agency, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England has announced.
Mary Lacey, program executive officer for the National Security Personnel System, will become deputy program director of aegis ballistic missile defense at MDA on May 11. Brad Bunn, deputy program executive officer for NSPS and director of the Defense Civilian Personnel Management Service, will replace Lacey.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0408/042908b1.htm
Anthropologists lend military insight into customs, values of foreign cultures
By Greg Grant ggrant@govexec.com
April 25, 2008
Small teams of social scientists and anthropologists working with American units to map the "human terrain" in Iraq and Afghanistan and use "soft power" to engage local populations have saved lives and are an important tool in nation building, according to military officials.
In today's irregular wars, "battlefields are often civilian neighborhoods" where American troops face an "indistinguishable mix" of enemy fighters and innocent civilians, said Andre van Tilborg, deputy undersecretary of Defense for science and technology, at a hearing on Thursday before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities. Social scientists can help provide the cultural knowledge that could mean the difference between gun battles and peaceful outcomes in troops' daily interaction with foreign cultures, van Tilborg said.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0408/042508g1.htm
April 25, 2008
Small teams of social scientists and anthropologists working with American units to map the "human terrain" in Iraq and Afghanistan and use "soft power" to engage local populations have saved lives and are an important tool in nation building, according to military officials.
In today's irregular wars, "battlefields are often civilian neighborhoods" where American troops face an "indistinguishable mix" of enemy fighters and innocent civilians, said Andre van Tilborg, deputy undersecretary of Defense for science and technology, at a hearing on Thursday before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities. Social scientists can help provide the cultural knowledge that could mean the difference between gun battles and peaceful outcomes in troops' daily interaction with foreign cultures, van Tilborg said.
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0408/042508g1.htm
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