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The Defense Department is finally getting workforce development right
To ensure the success of budding workforce initiatives, we must avoid burdening them with well-intentioned but overreaching bureaucracy.
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Federal Oversight
Senator demands DEA boss explain no-bid contracts, hires
Milgram’s boosters inside and outside the agency have defended her actions as part of an ongoing effort to clean house.
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Why the US Navy’s budget plan creates uncertainty for shipbuilders
Dualities are emerging in the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding plans, leaving industry to wonder what to make of the sea service’s near-term spending plans.
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The Army wants this many new rifles, machine guns by next year
The first unit equipped is scheduled for early 2024.
![The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing configured six F-15E Strike Eagles to carry extra bombs to bare-base locations, taking off from an undisclosed location April 25, 2021. This new configuration is allowing the Air Force to increase combat capabilities by carrying more munitions than the Strike Eagle can use on one mission to a forward operating base. (U.S. Air Force)](https://www.federaltimes.com/resizer/v2/YDO5J22TT5AAPODX2OFMDOGI5E.jpg?auth=c4698503213254b3fa749b7d8624601f1d602559af5442353a9066d56e25a430&width=8256&height=4644)
Pentagon budget aims to max munitions production, make multiyear buys
Pentagon officials say they will maximize production lines for top priority munitions as part of its $170 billion procurement budget proposal for FY24.
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Biden seeks 5.2% pay hike for federal workers
If approved, the pay boost would be the largest increase in nearly four decades.
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Army to seek multiyear munitions buys in next budget
The U.S. Army’s 2024 budget request to Congress will seek more authority to buy munitions in bulk over multiple years.
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Pentagon budgeting panel says ‘all options’ on table for reform
The budget reform panel hasn’t made any recommendations, but shared a summary of the input it's received, including nearly two dozen proposed improvements.
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US Navy reviews cost-saving design changes before resuming amphib buys
The Navy is mulling the cost and capability of the "LPD-like" amphibious ships it may buy in the future, as it takes a "strategic pause" from procurement.
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The not-really Next Generation Weapons Program
The author disputes the reliability of the Army's newest rifle and light machine gun.
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Boeing will close Super Hornet production line in 2025
Boeing will close its Super Hornet production line in 2025, or 2027 if India selects the jet, after 30 years of building F/A-18E-Fs in St. Louis.
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Navy awards Lockheed Martin $1.2B contract for hypersonic missiles
The Navy awarded Lockheed Martin $1.2 billion to produce hypersonic missiles and finalize integration between the weapon and Zumwalt-class destroyers.
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DoD pulls back Tricare contract in West Region for ‘corrective action’
It's not known whether the action will affect the timeline for starting the newest iteration of Tricare contracts.
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Buying bombs: Why the US often gets it wrong
Why doesn’t the U.S. focus more on munitions? A large factor is armed force service identity.
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Pentagon awards Tricare contracts worth $136 billion, to start in 2024
TriWest returns as a Tricare contractor, and Humana continues.
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US can strengthen security by developing domestic rare earth resources
In the long term, the status quo around critical materials is unacceptable since it gives China a “kill switch” for America’s defense manufacturing.
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Industry readies for key US Army Bradley replacement decision
The five teams who competed in the previous phase of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle are evolving to be ready for what's next in 2023.
![The U.S. Postal Service's Next Generation Delivery Vehicle. (USPS)](https://www.federaltimes.com/resizer/v2/J3HSA2UUXVC3PKELGH2ZO63WY4.jpg?auth=ec55ff167ec64101d6f90d37ddcb4da3eff26b5990cc98bc13d9ef960774483b&width=2560&height=1750)