The Pentagon is moving out on its implementation of the National Security Personnel System—minus the part that deals with labor relations. DOD and union officials last week agreed to hold off on the labor relations portion of NSPS until February. A group of unions filed suit against DOD over the NSPS rules published earlier this month. (DR 11/09/05) What can DOD do before February? It can train employees and issue implementing guidance. The agreement does not rule out the possibility of the unions filing a request to temporarily or permanently stop NSPS—it just provides more breathing room for both sides.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.