Management

Trusted Workforce is the kind of bipartisan, broad government reform we need

COMMENTARY | Creating better, more agile processes for onboarding federal workers, is an example of the kind of reform that’s difficult, but not impossible when government agencies and the executive and legislative branches work together, writes one observer.

Defense

White House issues AI guidelines for national-security agencies

The new memo requires agencies to monitor, assess, and mitigate AI risks related to invasions of privacy, bias, and other human rights abuses.

Workforce

New Vanderbilt center aims to place national security students at unexpected government agencies

Ex-NSA chief Gen. Paul Nakasone envisions students at Vanderbilt’s new Institute of National Security pursuing the roles in non-traditional federal offices, a sign of the evolving nature of today’s threats.

Workforce

The future of the intelligence workforce will center on STEM, diversity and flexibility, experts say

Experts also agreed that the national security workforce will place greater emphasis on DEI efforts and facilitating transitions between federal agencies and private business.

Defense

The agency that dared not speak its name is launching a podcast

The NSA's "No Such Podcast" will interview agency experts in a bid to raise its public profile.

Defense

Former NSA chief wants academia to play larger role in national security

Paul Nakasone is pushing for new initiatives to bolster national security research and workforce recruitment. It begins with a new institute at Vanderbilt University next month.

Tech

Biden to receive AI national security memo outlining forbidden uses, opportunities for innovation

The memorandum expected to be delivered Friday to President Joe Biden will build upon existing artificial intelligence guidance while highlighting workforce needs and prohibited use scenarios.

Tech

Biden looks to preserve his tech and cyber legacy with veto threat

Experts see continuity in tech policy from the Biden administration to a possible Kamala Harris presidency, with possible divergence on some national security and antitrust issues.

Defense

Air Force unit resumes intel ops after Discord leak

Jack Teixeira's former group went through “recertification” before it could continue its mission.

Defense

If a national security agency head becomes medically incapacitated, a House-passed bill would require notifications

The measure is a legislative response to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin not telling the White House that he was hospitalized earlier this year.

Workforce

Honesty is always the best policy, but it isn’t a silver bullet for security clearances

COMMENTARY | Candor isn’t helping the growing number of security clearance holders and applicants with drug use issues.

Oversight

Why plugging leaks sometimes means protecting leakers

COMMENTARY | Congress needs to establish a form of amnesty that, where appropriate, provides an exit ramp for individuals who have unwittingly violated the terms of a security clearance and wish to come clean.

Oversight

Bill would axe classified access for feds charged with a crime

Legislation sponsored by Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., appears tailored to allegations of Donald Trump's retention of classified documents, but would remove almost any federal employee’s access if they were charged with specific offenses.  

Oversight

NSA illegally purchases Americans’ internet data without a warrant, senator says

The NSA’s purchases of commercial metadata without a court order — revealed in documents exchanged with Sen. Ron Wyden — violate consumer protection laws, the Oregon Democrat claims.

Defense

Some secret military programs are getting a little less secret

New classification guidance aims to streamline operations within the Pentagon and with foreign partners.

Defense

To solve national security problems, the US may have to rethink higher education

Advanced STEM degrees take too much time and cost too much, said the former science and tech head at Homeland Security.

Defense

TSA proposes allowing federal acceptance of digital IDs while future requirements are crafted

The coming rulemaking would waive REAL ID Act requirements so that federal agencies can still accept mobile driver's licenses when the law’s implementation starts in 2025.

Tech

NBIS says it will deliver continuous monitoring for all customers by December

The National Background Investigation Services system was initially scheduled to be up and running in 2019.

Defense

US power grid faces escalating cyber threats, infrastructure experts warn

The power grid is experiencing heightened threats from foreign adversaries and domestic extremist groups that can pose devastating consequences for the nation’s supply of electricity, experts told a House subcommittee on Tuesday. 

Defense

A senator's holds on military nominations are hurting readiness against China, Defense official says

From Defense policy bill amendments and "poison pill" spending bills to promotion holds, Republicans' efforts are frustrating Pentagon officials.