When Homeland Security officials said last week that DHS would postpone the start of its new personnel system until January 2007 that left the way open for DOD to be first to unroll its version of the performance and occupation-based pay system. However, the Pentagon seems tangled up in the rules game. Earlier this summer, it postponed start up of its national security personnel system from July to this fall. However, it has yet to introduce final rules, which must have a 30-day review period.
The Air Force's mission capable rates declined again in fiscal 2024, indicating the service has work to do to adequately fund spares and maintenance. The F-22 fighter and B-1 bomber both were available less than half the time.