Shaw AFB, S.C., plans to enter 85 members of its non-bargaining civilian workforce into the new National Security Personnel System on Jan. 21. The Pentagon still is embroiled in litigation over application of NSPS for union employees. New Defense Secretary Robert Gates told lawmakers at his confirmation hearing that he supported the NSPS concept and would review the program to see if changes needed to be made.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
