Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) addressing the US Naval Institute Defense Forum Washington on Dec. 10, 2013. US Naval Institute Photo
Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) expressed optimism in a pending congressional deal that may provide the Pentagon a modicum of fiscal stability. Read More
A bi-partisan compromise on a new defense authorization bill will put additional oversight on the Joint Strike Fighter program. US Navy Photo
The House and Senate armed services committees have agreed to a last minute compromise defense bill that would authorize funds to fully fund the Pentagon’s budget for Fiscal Year 2014, committee leaders said in a press conference late Monday afternoon.
From the Dec. 9, 2014 fact sheet on the Fiscal Year 2014 summary of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) propsal.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014 is the key mechanism to provide necessary authorities and funding for America’s military. This is the fifty-second consecutive NDAA. The legislation meets Chairman McKeon’s goal of providing for a strong defense in an era of uncertain and declining resources. The total funding authorized reflects the will of the House to provide our troops the resources they need to meet a dangerous world. However, Chairman McKeon also recognizes that, more than ever, the impacts of rapid defense cuts, FY13 sequestration, and the prospect of future sequester cuts in the years to come, will force our warfighters to be not only keen stewards of our national security, but to maximize value for every taxpayer dollar. To that end, this legislation supports and protects our warfighters and their families; addresses ongoing and emerging conflicts with resolve and accountability; protects America today while making wise choices. Read More
Andrew Davis
The Reserve Officers Association (ROA) executive director’s experience—newspaper publisher, university faculty member, and the head of another not-for-profit—can be used to illustrate what can happen when a reserve officer is mobilized. Read More
USCSC Polar Star (WABG-10) in the Antarctic in 2006. US Coast Guard Photo
The U.S. Coast Guard is sending its refurbished icebreaker to Antarctica as part of a long-standing mission to support research in the region, the service announced on Wednesday. Read More
Christine H. Fox in 2010. DoD Photo
President Barack Obama is appointing Christine Fox as the acting deputy secretary of defense, according to a Tuesday Pentagon statement. Read More
From the Nov. 22, 2013 U.S> Defense Department’s Arctic Strategy:
The Arctic is at a strategic inflection point as its ice cap is diminishing more rapidly than projected2 and human activity, driven by economic opportunity—ranging from oil, gas, and mineral exploration to fishing, shipping, and tourism—is increasing in response to the growing accessibility. Read More
As China builds a coast guard with ties to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the quest for naval power becomes more complicated as the U.S. Navy shifts towards the Asia Pacific. Read More
Saying “we’re making it harder and harder for good people to serve in the system,” the vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee said Monday that for “roughly the next two years” the panel will focus on how to overhaul the acquisition process in all its hearings, including personnel policies limiting program managers to relatively short periods of service in their positions. Read More
The following is from Oct. 24, 2013 Congressional Research Service report: FY2014 Appropriations Lapse and the Department of Homeland Security: Impact and Legislation.
Absent legislation providing appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for FY2014, the Department implemented a shutdown furlough on October 1, 2013. Operations of different components were affected to varying degrees by the shutdown. Read More
