DefenceTalkBeijing on Tuesday dismissed an annual Pentagon report that accused it of widespread cyberspying on the US government, rejecting it as an “irresponsible” attempt to drum up fear of China as a military threat. The paper came as concerns in Washington have grown over Beijing’s double-digit rises in defence spending and a steady hacking campaign […]https://www.defencetalk.com/beijing-says-us-defence-report-hypes-china-threat-47724/

DefenceTalkWhile the U.S. continues to reduce its military presence in Europe, the Defense Department is conducting a review to identify more Europe-based installations and training areas to recommend for closure or realignment. Then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta directed the review in January, and results are expected by the year’s end, a senior defense official told […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dod-conducts-brac-like-review-in-europe-47637/

DefenceTalkAs Defense Department leaders defend before Congress the president’s $526.6 billion base defense budget request for fiscal year 2014, DOD officials are preparing a review that reassesses assumptions driving the Pentagon’s investment and force structure decisions, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hagel said the review, conducted […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-review-to-assess-investment-force-structure-assumptions-47508/

DefenceTalkDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Monday cancelled a new combat medal for US troops who launch drone strikes or cyber attacks after a torrent of criticism from veterans and lawmakers. Hagel opted to scrap the new “Distinguished Warfare Medal” for a pin or device that could be added to existing medals to recognize service members […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-calls-off-new-medal-for-drone-cyber-warriors-47504/

DefenceTalkPentagon officials have put off sending furlough notices to civilian employees until they’ve had a chance to analyze how pending legislation that would fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year will affect the Defense Department. Officials now estimate that furlough notices will go out on or about April 5, Navy Cmdr. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-delays-sending-furlough-notices-to-civilian-workforce-47222/

DefenceTalkOn his first day at the Pentagon’s helm, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today issued a message to the men and women of the Defense Department. Here is the secretary’s message: “Earlier today I was privileged to take the oath of office to become the 24th secretary of defense. I am humbled by and grateful for […]https://www.defencetalk.com/hagel-issues-message-to-defense-department-workforce-46981/

DefenceTalkAfter a two month battle by a group of Republican senators opposing his nomination, the US Senate Tuesday confirmed former Republican senator Chuck Hagel to be the next Secretary of Defense by a vote of 58-41. Hagel is set to be sworn into office on Wednesday. Republicans opposed Hagel’s nomination, citing concerns about his approach […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-senate-confirms-hagel-as-sec-of-defense-46963/

DefenceTalkIf sequestration is triggered next week, unpaid furloughs for civilian Defense Department employees will start in late April, Pentagon officials said here today. Sequestration is a provision in budget law that will trigger major across-the-board spending cuts March 1 unless Congress agrees on an alternative. DOD Comptroller Robert F. Hale told reporters at a Pentagon […]https://www.defencetalk.com/if-sequestration-triggers-furloughs-begin-in-late-april-46894/

DefenceTalkThe Defense Department has revamped its approach to communicating and interacting with the defense industrial base after applying lessons learned from previous economic downturns, a senior defense official said here today. Brett B. Lambert, deputy assistant secretary of defense for manufacturing and industrial base, spoke during an Atlantic Council panel session. Lambert said he was […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-revamps-approach-to-industrial-base-46890/

DefenceTalkThe debate surrounding Pentagon sequestration—the planned reductions to Pentagon spending scheduled to go into effect in March—is raging. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has said the spending reductions would lead to the U.S. becoming “a second rate power.” Chairman of the House Armed Service Committee, Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), said, “It’s going to start costing lives.” […]https://www.defencetalk.com/the-360-billion-gorilla-in-the-sequestration-debate-46750/