The Pentagon has begun to craft the governing guidance that will usher the Defense Department’s blue-collar workforce from the Federal Wage System to the new National Security Personnel System, reports Government Executive. The work has begun despite a federal court ruling baring the Pentagon from converting any union-represented employee to the new system. The Pentagon plans to appeal. Meanwhile, DOD is set to induct the next round of nonunion employees into NSPS in October.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.