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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 16 Mar 2009 [PDF]
• MND-B Soldier death (Baghdad)
• Iraqi, Coalition Detain Terrorists, Destroy Explosives in Iraq AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- Coalition and Iraqi forces arrested two suspected terrorists, seized weapons and destroyed thousands of pounds of explosives in operations in Iraq in the past five days, military officials reported.
• Coalition Jets Shoot Down Iranian Drone Over Iraq AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- Coalition jet fighters shot down an Iranian drone that was hovering over Iraq late last month, Multinational Force Iraq officials confirmed today.
• On the Ground: U.S. Training Efforts Build Self-sufficiency in Iraq AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- U.S. forces in Iraq are equipping Iraqis with the skills they need to assume a greater role in their nation’s security.
• Moving Troops to Iraq’s Rural Areas Will Boost Security, General Says AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- As U.S. forces move from Iraq’s urban areas in accordance with the U.S.-Iraqi security agreement, they’ll be better positioned to target insurgents where they operate, the deputy commander of Multinational Division Baghdad said yesterday.
• HS-15 To Support Special Warfare In Iraq Navy NewsStand 16 Mar 2009 -- The commanding officer of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 15 addressed the unconventional, land-based deployment of HS-15 in support of joint special operations units in Iraq.
• Iraqi, U.S. forces discuss security in Maysan Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- Operational security was at the forefront of discussions during the Maysan-Security Conference here March 10.
• Wash. state Guardsmen no strangers to change Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- When their deployment began, Comanche Soldiers of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry were securing convoys from Al-Taqqadum.
• Iron Shield mission forges Army, Navy bond Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- It's late at night most of the Victory Base Complex population is relaxing in their housing units getting ready for the next day's activities.
• Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill 11 Militants in Afghanistan AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed 11 militants, detained suspected militants, and netted drugs and weapons in operations over the past week in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
• U.S. Engineers Help Iraq, Afghanistan Self-govern AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- Military engineers have made great strides in improving infrastructure and governance capabilities in Iraq and are making positive contributions in Afghanistan as well, the Air Force’s top engineer officer said here today.
• Suicide Bomber Kill 11 in Southern Afghanistan VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- Afghan officials say a suicide bomber has killed 11 people, including nine police officers, in southern Helmand province.
• Fifteen British soldiers killed in Afghanistan this year IRNA 15 Mar 2009 -- Two more British troops have been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, bringing the total UK deaths so far this year to 15, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London announced Monday
• Russia has no plans to send troops to Afghanistan - Lavrov RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2009 -- Moscow has no intention of sending a military contingent to Afghanistan, the Russian foreign minister said on Monday.
• 5th Signal Command announces force deployments Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- 5th Signal Command units have been identified for deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Defense Policy / Programs

• GAO report mischaracterizes Army efforts on FCS Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- Army leaders question the findings in a report released by the US GAO concerning the service's Future Combat Systems.
• Special operations officials seek best, brightest pilots AFNS 16 Mar 2009 -- Wanted: Individuals able to think on their feet, adapt quickly when needed, have a love for flying, and want to get in the fight now.
• Virtual weapons provide real training for security forces AFNS 16 Mar 2009 -- Security forces personnel here are aiming to use "virtual bullets" to help Airmen hit the target on the first shot.
• European Command commander discusses USAFE role AFNS 16 Mar 2009 -- Partnering with allies to strengthen capabilities and interoperability is the future of U.S. European Command, of which airpower is a major factor.
• Engineers Move Ahead of Infantry to Clear Roadside Bombs AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- Shockwaves reverberated through the mountains and a large black cloud of smoke rose from the road as an improvised explosive device was detonated.
• New flag new mission Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- At first glance, the mission of the newly reactivated 7th Signal Command (Theater) seems a far cry from the original one back in 1975.
• New Pentagon Civilian Personnel System Faces Review AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- The Defense Department will undertake a comprehensive review of the National Security Personnel System to ascertain whether it is fair and transparent to participating employees, a senior Pentagon official said here today.
• Gates to Remain in Washington During NATO Summit AFPS 16 Mar 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will remain here to tend to Defense Department budget issues during next month’s NATO Summit in Europe, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
• DoD and OPM To Review National Security Personnel System DoD 16 Mar 2009 -- The Department of Defense and the Office of Personnel Management announced today that they will undertake a review of the National Security Personnel System
• Iwo Jima Strike Group Ships Earn Medical, Physical Readiness Honors Navy NewsStand 16 Mar 2009 -- The medical departments aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), all part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group received the 2008 Force Health and Wellness Unit Award (Green H) March 5.
• Momsen Crew Credits Teamwork for Battle E Honors Navy NewsStand 16 Mar 2009 -- Commander, Naval Surface Forces awarded the Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) Feb. 18.
• APS Nashville Strengthens Partnerships, Enhances Maritime Security in Ghana Navy NewsStand 16 Mar 2009 -- The Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville team, consisting of the USS Nashville (LPD 13) crew along with a staff of Destroyer Squadron 60 and international maritime professionals, departed Sekondi, Ghana, March 10 after an extended port visit in support of the APS mission.
• New 1st Sust. Bde. headquarters opens its doors on Custer Hill Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- The 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Infantry Division March 9 snipped the ribbon and officially opened the doors to its brand new headquarters and complex.
• SDDC units finish redeployment of Cobra Gold 2009 Army News 16 Mar 2009 -- After setting up surface portions of the move, team moved III Marine Corps Expeditionary Force cargo.
• EU Officials to Discuss Taking in Guantanamo Detainees VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- Senior European Union officials head to Washington on Monday for a two-day trip to gain more information about Guantanamo inmates it may be asked to take in after the United States closes the detention camp in Cuba.
• NATO's Future in Afghanistan Key Summit Topic VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- When NATO leaders hold their summit this April 3-4 one of the key issues will be Afghanistan. The alliance took responsibility for the main international effort in the country two-and-a-half years ago, with mixed results. And, Afghanistan may have had as much of an impact on the alliance as NATO has had on Afghanistan.
• Bulava missile test failed due to faulty part - Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2009 -- A faulty ejection cartridge was responsible for the failure of the latest test launch of the Bulava sea-based ballistic missile, a Russian Defense Ministry source said on Monday.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Mar 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/16/09 The White House 16 Mar 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 16, 2009
• 3rd Boeing C-130 AMP Aircraft Flies Ahead of Schedule Boeing 16 Mar 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] successfully completed the first test flight of the U.S. Air Force's third C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) aircraft on Jan. 17, three weeks ahead of schedule. The flight marked another milestone for the most comprehensive C-130 avionics modification ever conducted.
• U.S. Navy Deploys General Dynamics’ Common Network Interface System on USS Boxer General Dynamics 16 Mar 2009 -- The U.S. Navy has successfully deployed the General Dynamics-developed Common Network Interface (CNI) system on the USS Boxer (LHD 4). The system improves situational awareness for Expeditionary Strike Group Commanders by fusing stove-piped battle management systems into a single integrated tactical picture.

Other Conflicts

• Top UN envoy hails joint Ugandan, Congolese operation against rebels UN News Centre 16 Mar 2009 -- As Ugandan troops began withdrawing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after a three-month joint operation to flush out a notorious rebel group, the United Nations’ top envoy in the country praised the cooperative effort, the world body’s mission there said today.
• Sri Lanka: UN voices concern over staff member forcibly recruited by rebels UN News Centre 16 Mar 2009 -- The United Nations today voiced its “grave” fears for the safety of one of its staff and three family members, including a 16-year-old girl, forcibly recruited this weekend by the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) who have been fighting the Sri Lankan Government in the country’s north.
• EU Links Israel Ties to Two-State Solution VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- The European Union says its relations with Israel will depend on the Jewish state's commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• SRI LANKA: Clinton raises security fears for IDPs in north IRIN 16 Mar 2009 -- International concern is growing over the security of tens of thousands of displaced people trapped in Sri Lanka’s northern combat zone where government forces are battling the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
• UGANDA: Phasing out food aid in the north IRIN 16 Mar 2009 -- Improved security in northern Uganda has allowed returnees to resettle on their farms and resume productive agriculture, despite a recent drought that threatened the harvest, an official said.
• SOMALIA: Thousands displaced in Galgadud attack IRIN 16 Mar 2009 -- An estimated 30,000 people were displaced in Wabho town in the Galgadud region following fighting between Islamist groups over the weekend, locals told IRIN.
• Israeli cabinet postpones Hamas prisoner swap session RIA Novosti 16 Mar 2009 -- Israel's prime minister has postponed until Tuesday a cabinet session to debate a Hamas prisoner swap aimed at securing the release of a soldier seized by militants almost 3 years ago, his press service said on Monday.
• International Justice Experts Call for War Crimes Inquiry of Israel VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- A group of prominent international war crimes experts is calling for an inquiry into the behavior of Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups during the Jewish state's recent offensive in Gaza.
• Ugandan Troops Begin Leaving DR Congo VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- Democratic Republic of CongoUganda has begun withdrawing its soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a three-month hunt for members of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).

News Reports

• Army Occupies Madagascar Presidential Palace VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- Soldiers in Madagascar's capital took over a presidential palace late Monday, soon after opposition leader Andry Rajoelina called for the arrest of President Marc Ravalomanana.
• MADAGASCAR: Malagasy stand-off IRIN 16 Mar 2009 -- President Marc Ravalomanana's proposal of a holding a referendum to end Madagascar's violent political crisis has been met with rejection and, worse, a call for his arrest by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina.
• Iran's Khatami May Withdraw From Presidential Race VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- A close aide says Iran's moderate former President Mohammad Khatami may soon withdraw from the June presidential election.
• Ban calls on Pakistan's leaders to resolve differences through dialogue UN News Centre 13 Mar 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, concerned about the current political crisis in Pakistan, has called on the country's leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
• US Welcomes Easing of Pakistan Tensions VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- The United States on Monday welcomed the peaceful outcome of the week-long political crisis in Pakistan, saying it brought the country "back from the brink" of broader political upheaval. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made calls to key Pakistani officials to try to defuse tensions.
• Pakistan restores deposed Chief Justice to end political crisis IRNA 16 Mar 2009
• Pakistan Reinstates Chief Justice, Defusing Political Standoff VOA 16 Mar 2009 -- Pakistan's prime minister has acceded to demands to reinstate the country's former supreme court chief justice, who was fired by then-President Pervez Musharraf in 2007. The announcement in Islamabad appears to have defused the standoff between the government and its opponents.