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 displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…