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March 1, 2013

News for Reservists

Top Story

Sequester measures fail; cuts begin
Sequestration cuts began today, after the Senate on Thursday failed to pass two bills that would have stopped the cuts. Democrats advanced a bill that would have included tax increases and spending cuts, while a Republican measure focused on reducing spending. It's unclear whether lawmakers will craft new legislation aimed at halting sequestration. The Hill (2/28) , Defense News (2/28)

In the Pentagon

Hagel to meet with Joint Chiefs to discuss sequestration
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is meeting today with the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be briefed on how sequestration will affect U.S. military services. Hagel on Thursday approved deployment orders for replacement troops in Afghanistan. U.S. News & World Report (3/1) , CNN (3/1)

Pentagon lifts ban on F-35 flights
The Pentagon has restored the flight status of its F-35 fighter jets. Officials grounded the jets Feb. 21 after a crack was discovered in the turbine blade of one of the planes. The Yuma Daily Sun (Ariz.) (2/28)

On the Hill

White House releases guidelines for managing sequestration
The White House on Wednesday recommended for the first time that federal agencies consider restrictions on hiring, travel budgets and employee bonuses in response to sequestration. The recommendations were outlined in a memo that suggested that federal agencies would have some flexibility in implementing the cuts. The Hill/On the Money blog (2/28)

Senate panel to hold hearing on sexual assaults
The Senate is scheduled to hold a hearing on military sexual assault for the first time in 10 years, according to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. The hearing is set for March 13 before the Senate Armed Services Committee, which Gillibrand chairs. Air Force Times (free registration) (2/28)

On the Home Front

Sequestration is likely to halt flyovers at sporting events
The Air Force Thunderbirds, which perform flyovers at sporting events, are expected to stand down starting April 1. Also, the Navy has said it is halting flyovers by the Blue Angels. USA Today (2/28)

Reserve Strength

Pentagon wants BRAC rounds in 2015 and 2017
Pentagon officials told a panel of state governors this week that the Defense Department plans to seek authorization from Congress to institute two rounds of the Base Realignment and Closure process -- one in 2015 and another in 2017. Congress last year refused a BRAC request from the Pentagon. Politico (Washington, D.C.) (3/1)

Reserve Life

Hundreds participate in Army citizenship program
Hundreds of immigrants are participating in a Pentagon program that provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship to those with specialized skills. The Army reopened the program in September and has enlisted about 470 qualifying immigrants. Stars and Stripes/The Associated Press (2/28)

For-profit schools look to improve outreach to student veterans
A group of for-profit colleges has issued a document that outlines ways for schools to better communicate their services to veterans. The report calls for colleges to provide full information on accreditation and on GI Bill benefits. Stars and Stripes (2/26)

SmartQuote

Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius."

--Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,
Scottish-born writer

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