The National Security Personnel System isn’t going to save DOD money, but it will help better control personnel funds, said Gordon England, deputy secretary of defense. Speaking at a Senate hearing Wednesday, England said the Pentagon will be better able to track personnel dollars with the new system because “we approve the money, we approve bonuses.” In fact, it is not a goal of the NSPS to spend less than before on compensation, but now there is a “defined pot of money for raises and pay-for-performance,” England continued. When probed by Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) about a possible cost increase, England said NSPS would not be more expensive than the existing pay system. “NSPS is a must, it’s an investment, we will allocate money appropriately,” England remarked.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.