August 2001 Military News

The Bio-Tech Army of the Future VOA 30 Aug 2001 -- A new report recommends that the United States Army take advantage of dramatic advances in biotechnology to help soldiers both survive and perform better in the 21st century. The study says new partnerships between the biotech industry and the government could reap benefits for both the Army and civilian society.
U-S UNILATERALISM VOA 30 Aug 2001 -- U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell's decision not to attend the international racism conference in South Africa has sparked renewed criticism of the Bush Administration and what is perceived as a "go-it-alone" approach to international issues.
BUSH BUDGET VOA 29 Aug 2001 -- President Bush wants more money for defense despite figures that show he may have to borrow from government retirement accounts to balance this year's budget. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush says he will not back down from asking Congress for 18-billion dollars more for the military.
BUSH FOREIGN POLICY: 'AMERICA'S RISKY PATH' US Dept. of State Foreign Media Reaction 29 Aug 2001
BUSH / DEFENSE VOA 24 Aug 2001 -- President Bush has chosen a new chairman of the military joint chiefs of staff. The decision comes as the administration continues its review of U-S military operations.
MYERS PROFILE VOA 24 Aug 2001 -- President Bush has nominated General Richard Myers to lead U-S military forces. He could become the first person from the Air Force to serve as the nation's top military officer in nearly two decades. If confirmed by the Senate, he would take over from the Army's Henry Shelton as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in October. The four star general's background in Asia and aerospace defense played a key role in Mr. Bush's selection.
Text: Senator McCain Advocates NATO Membership for Baltic States Washington File 24 Aug 2001 -- Senator John McCain, a Republican from Arizona, told an audience in Tallinn, Estonia August 24 that he strongly supports NATO membership for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania regardless of Russian sensitivities.
F-B-I / COLE INVESTIGATION VOA 22 Aug 2001 -- It's been almost a year since a terrorist bomb nearly sank the U-S destroyer "Cole" while the Navy ship was on a refueling stop in Yemen. Seventeen American sailors were killed. The threat of more terrorism forced the F-B-I to temporarily pull its agents off a case. And Yemen reportedly has refused to allow the F-B-I access to key suspects.
Text: U.S. Troops in Argentina for Peacekeeping Exercise Washington File 21 Aug 2001 -- About 400 U.S. troops and more than 700 military personnel from countries in Latin America will participate in the "Cabanas 2001" peacekeeping exercise in Salta, Argentina, from August 22 through September 11, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced.
U-S ARMS SALES VOA 20 Aug 2001 -- new U-S Congressional report finds the global arms trade grew again last year, with the United States by far the biggest supplier. Most of those American-made weapons are going to developing countries.
HONG KONG / U-S MILITARY VOA 20 Aug 2001 -- Chinese officials have disclosed they barred a sophisticated U-S Navy surveillance plane from coming to Hong Kong, last week, to take part in a training mission. As V-O-A's Alisha Ryu reports, authorities in Beijing turned down the Pentagon request before two U-S aircraft carriers battle groups held an exercise in the South China Sea, Friday.
THREE MORE CIVIL SUPPORT TEAMS CERTIFIED 15 Aug 2001 -- The Department of Defense notified Congress today that Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (WMD-CST) from the Massachusetts, Missouri and Texas National Guard are now certified. These teams are fully ready to assist civil authorities respond to a domestic weapon of mass destruction incident, and possess the requisite skills, training and equipment to be proficient in all mission requirements.
U-S DEFENSE REVIEW VOA 08 Aug 2001 -- U-S defense officials are declining comment on reports they may be planning deep cuts in America's troop strength. The Pentagon is reviewing its needs and will present the findings to Congress next month.
RUMSFELD/STRATEGY VOA 03 Aug 2001 -- U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has hinted at a major shift in security policy that could lead to significant troop reductions.
SPECIAL REPORT: BUSH FOREIGN POLICY: MAJORITY CONDEMN U.S. 'UNILATERALISM' US Dept. of State Foreign Media Reaction 03 Aug 2001
PENTAGON/BASES VOA 02 Aug 2001 -- A senior Pentagon official has revealed defense officials are considering shutting down some bases even if Congress fails to approve a formal plan to close military facilities.