These are Ukraine’s $1,000 interceptor drones the Pentagon wants to buy
Ukraine spent years perfecting cheap drone killers. After burning through billions in missiles in three days, the U.S. and its allies are asking for help.
Pentagon and FAA agree to conduct anti-drone laser tests in New Mexico
The agreement comes after the deployment of lasers led the FAA to suddenly close airspace in Texas twice in the last month.
Special Features
Open Season Coverage
Tips, tricks, and other information to help you navigate Open Season.
Federal workers, both Democrat and Republican, eager to vote this fall
Past behavior shows this population will show up big at the polls. How feds will vote is less clear.
Office reentry pushing feds to job hunt, Federal Times survey shows
Of those who left their government job, more than a third said the ability to work to telework was the deciding factor.
‘No greater honor’: Federal retirees proud of public service in survey
A desire to serve the public principally motivated many of the more than 530 respondents to pursue a career, long or short, in the federal government.
Latest
Supreme Court declines COVID vaccine mandate cases
The justices denied petitions Monday for Poffenbarger v. Meink and Doster v. Meink.
Rapid scaling, soldier-led market key to US drone ambitions, Army secretary says
U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll said the service will soon launch a soldier-led marketplace to market drone innovations alongside private industry.
How commercial drones make the Pentagon’s ‘Blue UAS Select’ list
For an off-the-shelf drone to be added to the Blue UAS list, it must pass rigorous testing and cyber security evaluations.
SpaceX and Blue Origin abruptly shift priorities amid US Golden Dome push
The largest U.S. commercial space companies recently shifted priorities toward lunar development, just as DOD pushes its next-gen missile shield plans.
VA restores gun rights to some disabled veterans
The VA announced it will immediately stop reporting veterans to the FBI’s national background check database if they need a fiduciary for their finances.
Pentagon official blesses Europe’s push to spend defense money at home
“Otherwise people in Germany or Poland or whatever are going to say: ‘Why are we only sending money across the Atlantic?’” said the Pentagon policy chief.
Coast Guard to work without pay during DHS shutdown
Coasties will likely not feel the effects until the next scheduled military payday Feb. 27, which they could miss if Congress can’t reach an agreement.
Unemployment rates for veterans worsen amid civilian job market gains
While overall hiring increased by 130,000 jobs in January, post-9/11 veterans saw their jobless rates balloon to 5.8%.
Sore throat? Tricare Prime now offers virtual option for urgent care
Nurses will decide whether the symptoms can be treated virtually, and set up the virtual appointments.
Judge dismisses deportation case for Mexican father of 3 US Marines
The Department of Homeland Security said Thursday that it would appeal the judge’s decision.
Federal Oversight
War powers debate intensifies after Trump orders attack on Iran without approval by Congress
Many Democrats are calling the operation illegal, saying the Constitution gives Congress alone the power to declare war.
Retirement
Ask Reg: Can I negotiate my federal salary offer?
Departments and agencies vary in the latitude they give their supervisors and managers to vary the step they offer to a prospective employee.
Ask Reg: How long does it take to be vested for federal pension?
A reader asks if their military service counts toward their retirement eligibility.
Ask Reg: The process for counting active duty time toward retirement
A reader asks what documents are needed to prove the time acquired while in the armed forces.
Your Career
Ask Reg: Can I stay on FEHB self-plus-one if spouse moves to Medicare?
A reader asks when he can shift back to self-only coverage once his spouse moves to Medicare.
Ask Reg: Social Security says I’m subject to Windfall Elimination. Why?
There have been ongoing attempts in Congress and by financial advocates to repeal the WEP.
Ask Reg: Does my military buyback count toward my retirement service?
A reader who wants to apply for deferred retirement wonders if their military buyback counts toward their service time.
Pay and Benefits
Military hospitals, clinics resume billing civilians following 3-year pause
An estimated 137,000 civilians are expected to receive bills for medical care they received at military hospitals and clinics since 2023.
By Karen Jowers
Management
Military hospitals, clinics resume billing civilians following 3-year pause
An estimated 137,000 civilians are expected to receive bills for medical care they received at military hospitals and clinics since 2023.
By Karen Jowers
AI and IT
