VA on Data Theft: In case you missed the national news coverage, Veteran Affairs confirmed that an electronic data file, taken home by an employee, was stolen. The data file contained names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for up to 26.5 million—yes, million—veterans and some spouses. There is no way to know at this point whether the thief knows what he has or can make use of it. VA plans to send individual notification letters but also suggests veterans go to this Web site to learn how to protect themselves from possible identity theft. (Here is the VA statement.)
Promotions to the Space Force’s second highest enlisted grade, senior master sergeant, have surged to the highest level in the young service’s history, bolstering the senior NCO corps as officials plan to aggressively expand the force and especially the enlisted corps.