DefenceTalkThe shadow of sequestration in 2013 and ongoing fiscal uncertainty will affect critical programs and objectives for years to come, Air Force officials said yesterday at a Pentagon briefing on the service’s fiscal year 2014 budget request. While Air Force officials have scrambled to minimize impacts on readiness and people, the bow-wave of reductions, deferments, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-budget-official-outlines-fiscal-2014-funding-request-47452/

DefenceTalkSoldiers will see a one percent pay raise in 2014. Their untaxed paycheck will also benefit from a 3.9 percent increase in basic allowance for housing and a 3.4 percent increase in basic allowance for subsistence as well. The Army announced April 10 its fiscal year 2014 budget request, which amounts to $129.7 billion — […]https://www.defencetalk.com/in-2014-soldiers-get-1-percent-raise-3-9-percent-increase-in-bah-47450/

DefenceTalkThe world spent less on weapons and military services in 2012 than the year before, the first annual drop since 1998, a Swedish think tank said on Monday. But despite the overall decrease, driven mainly by budget cuts in the Western countries, China and Russia both boosted spending last year, the Stockholm International Peace Research […]https://www.defencetalk.com/world-spends-less-on-military-sipri-47470/

DefenceTalkUpon release of the Air Force Fiscal Year 2014 budget here April 10, the services’ senior leaders said the shadow of sequestration in 2013 and on-going fiscal uncertainty will affect critical programs and objectives for years to come. While Air Force officials have scrambled to minimize impacts on readiness and people, the bow-wave of reductions, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fy-14-budget-sequester-puts-key-air-force-objectives-at-risk-47441/

DefenceTalkAir Force officials will begin to stand down active-duty combat units starting April 9 to ensure the remaining units supporting worldwide operations can maintain sufficient readiness through the remainder of the fiscal year. The stand down is the result of cuts to Air Combat Command’s operations and maintenance account, which must be implemented in part […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-combat-command-stands-down-units-due-to-budget-cuts-47421/

DefenceTalkCiting a series of technological breakthroughs, Navy leaders announced plans Apr. 8 at the Sea-Air-Space exposition to deploy for the first time a solid-state laser aboard a ship in fiscal year 2014. “Our directed energy initiatives, and specifically the solid-state laser, are among our highest priority science and technology programs. The solid-state laser program is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navy-leaders-announce-plans-for-deploying-cost-saving-laser-technology-47414/

DefenceTalkAs defense budgets are slashed in dire financial times, governments increasingly rely on alliances and cooperation with their partners. Instead of going solo, militaries pool resources to increase efficiency. The financial crisis has put pressure on governments all over the world to drastically cut down expenses. What started five years ago now has started to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nato-under-pressure-as-allies-cut-defense-costs-47387/

DefenceTalkDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel today signaled possible big changes ahead for his department in acquisition, personnel and organization as he delivered his first major policy speech as Pentagon chief. Hagel outlined his plan of attack for the strategic and financial challenges the Defense Department faces during remarks at the National Defense University here. “We need […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dod-review-will-lead-to-big-choices-hagel-says-47355/

DefenceTalkWith the U.S. Government facing significant challenges to the overall budget, tough cuts can be expected to the defense budget – one of the largest areas of discretionary spending. Frost & Sullivan’s latest research looks at the envisioned future defense capabilities and identifies various market opportunities that will appear if those capabilities are fully funded. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/where-can-a-us-contractor-find-future-growth-47362/

DefenceTalkThe Defense Department has revised from 22 to 14 the number of days hundreds of thousands of civilian employees could be furloughed this year because of the budget sequester, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced March 28. In addition, a senior Defense Department official speaking on background, told reporters the start of the furloughs will be […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-announces-fewer-furlough-days-for-civilians-47315/