WASHINGTON, March 13, 2013 – Spending cuts that took effect March 1 will diminish recruiting, training, and medical and support programs that sustain the all-volunteer force, a senior Pentagon official told Congress today. Jessica L. Wright, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, noted to the House Armed Services Committee that President Barack … [Read more...]
Archives for March 2013
Clapper Places Cyber at Top of Transnational Threat List
WASHINGTON, March 12, 2013 – Ten years ago, the idea that cyber posed a leading threat against the United States would be laughed at. But no one is laughing any more. James R. Clapper, the director of national intelligence, testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence today, and cyber led off his presentation of transnational threats. Threats are more … [Read more...]
Energy Drinks May Offer Morning Boost, but Could Have Adverse Effects
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO -- For as long as there’s been an American military, coffee has been a staple, but in today’s modern military, troops are fueling up on a stronger beverage. According to a Walter Reed Army Institute of Research study, 45 percent of combat troops consume at least one energy drink per day, while 14 percent drink three or more per day. Even … [Read more...]
Betty ‘Tack’ Blake: Only Surviving Member of 1st WASP Class
3/10/2013 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- Last year, a young female pilot recently showed her 91-year-old guest the F-16 Fighting Falcon she flies at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. She thanked Betty "Tack" Blake several times as she talked about her job, so Blake finally asked the young captain why she was thanking her. "Because you started it," the captain said. "If you … [Read more...]
New Automation Process Cuts Post-9/11 GI Bill Claims Processing Times by More Than Half
WASHINGTON – As part of its ongoing transformation from paper-based to electronic claims processing, the Department of Veterans Affairs has continued to improve the automated payment of benefits for Veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GI Bill education program. As a result, VA is now providing benefit payments to currently enrolled students in an average of six days … [Read more...]