• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 19 May 2008 [PDF]
• Upcoming Iraq, Afghanistan Rotations Announced AFPS 19 May 2008 -- The Defense Department today announced force rotations for Iraq and Afghanistan, including upcoming active-duty deployments later this year and alerts to Army National Guard units to deploy in spring 2009 and 2010.
• May 18 airpower summary: Reaper destroys target AFPN 19 May 2008
• Forces in Iraq Kill 11, Capture 24, Destroy Weapons AFPS 19 May 2008 -- Iraqi and coalition forces killed 11 militants, detained 24 others and seized weapons in Iraq over the past three days, military officials said.
• Army Prepares for Fall 2008 Active-duty Rotations in Iraq Army News Release 19 May 2008 -- The Department of the Army confirmed today, May 19, the Department of Defense's announcement for the next rotation of one division headquarters and seven brigade combat teams consisting of approximately 25,000 personnel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Four National Guard brigades alerted for 2009 Iraq Operations Army News Release 19 May 2008 -- The Department of the Army today joined the Department of Defense in announcing May 19 the alert of four Army National Guard Brigade Combat Teams for planned rotations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• DoD Announces Force Adjustments 19 May 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today additional major units scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
• DoD Announces Force Adjustments 19 May 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the alert of additional major units scheduled to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
• Iraqi, Coalition Forces Continue Securing Northern Iraq AFPS 19 May 2008 -- More normalcy returns to northern Iraq every day, even as Iraqi and coalition forces continue to hunt down extremist groups, a senior military official said May 16.
• Vermont Army National Guard Brigade Alerted To Deploy In 2010 for Afghanistan Army News Release 19 May 2008 -- The Department of the Army joined the Department of Defense in announcing May 19 the alert of the 86th Brigade Combat Team, Vermont Army National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to continue training of the Afghan National Security Forces in Afghanistan.
• Troops in Afghanistan Capture 18, Destroy Drugs, Weapons AFPS 19 May 2008 -- Coalition and Afghan forces detained 18 enemy fighters and destroyed caches of drugs and weapons over the past four days in Afghanistan.
• NATO Battles Poppy Cultivation, Resource Challenges in Afghanistan AFPS 19 May 2008 -- The NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan has made significant progress in the country despite the command being "under-resourced," the alliance's top officer in the country said today.
• Afghan Police Culture Evolves Through 'Focused District Development' AFPS 19 May 2008 -- A district-by-district training regimen in Afghanistan is teaching law enforcement principles to national police members, many of whom are learning such lessons the first time.
• DoD Announces Unit for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation 19 May 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today that the 86th Brigade Combat Team, Vermont Army National Guard, has been alerted to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to continue training of the Afghan National Security Forces
• Marines Emphasize Character Building in Afghan Police Mission AFPS 19 May 2008 -- The 1st Marine Division's 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines' is focusing on Afghan people, not on fighting terrorists, the battalion commander said May 16.
• AFGHANISTAN: Food aid appeal for some 100,000 in Ghor Province IRIN 19 May 2008 -- Over 22,500 "most vulnerable" families (about 112,500 individuals) in Ghor Province, central-western Afghanistan, who have been severely affected by rising food prices and drought are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, according to aid agencies and provincial officials.
• Iran's president says foreign interference failing Afghanistan RIA Novosti 19 May 2008 -- During a meeting with the UN envoy to Afghanistan on Monday Iran's president said that foreign interference in Afghanistan would not solve the problems in the country.

Defense Policy / Programs

• McCain, Obama Debate Iran Policy VOA 19 May 2008 -- Presidential contenders John McCain and Barack Obama debated the wisdom of dealing directly with Iran Monday.
• Multiple Kill Vehicle-L Calibrated for Success MDA 19 May 2008 -- On April 16, 2008 at the Space Dynamics Laboratory in North Logan, Utah, the Multiple Kill Vehicle team completed calibration of the pathfinder carrier vehicle seeker
• 'Reset' Aims to Standardize Redeployment Services Army News 19 May 2008 -- Army officials in Europe are working to develop a standard model to ensure that all redeploying Soldiers and Families receive the same programs and services regardless of their location.
• Consolidated Maintenance Organization Stands up at NAS Whidbey Island Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- The "Sea Wolves" of Consolidated Maintenance Organization (CMO) 10 held an establishment ceremony at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island on May 16.
• Maintaining the Razor's Edge; Seabees Receive Hands-on Training Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Personnel from the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (22 NCR) attended Multi National Force-West (MNF-W) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Improvised Explosive Device (IED) training, April 23.
• New Commanding Officer for 'Blacklions' Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- The "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 recieved a new commanding officer May 15, during a change of command ceremony in the foc'sle aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).
• MQ-9 Reaper drops first GPS-guided weapon AFPN 19 May 2008 -- A test team with the 658th Aeronautical Systems Squadron completed the first Global Positioning System guided weapons release from an MQ-9 Reaper May 13 at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake, Calif.
• Pentagon Improves Services for Transitioning Servicemembers, Families AFPS 19 May 2008 -- The Defense Department recently merged two military support programs into one as part of efforts to better address departing servicemembers' financial and transition needs, a senior Pentagon official told U.S. legislators May 16.
• U.S. to Provide China Satellite Images of Quake-Stricken Region AFPS 19 May 2008 -- The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is expected to provide satellite images to China as soon as today to assist in damage assessments in earthquake-stricken Sichuan province, a senior defense official said today.
• USS North Carolina Arrives at New Home Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Southeastern Connecticut welcomed USS North Carolina (SSN 777), the Navy's newest nuclear-powered submarine, as it arrived at its new homeport May 16.
• Continuing Promise Offers Surgeries Aboard Boxer Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Civilian and military medical professionals, embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), performed nearly 40 surgeries on Guatemalan patients brought aboard ship as of May 15 as part of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
• Stennis Partners with International Pilots Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Two pilots from India completed their Training Command Carrier Qualification (TCCQ) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) May 16.
• Great White Fleet Anniversary Honored in Northwest Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Ben Pearson commemorated the Great White Fleet by exchanging gifts with Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman just before the kick off of Bremerton's 60th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade on May 17.
• Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group Makes the Grade During COMPTUEX Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) completed a three week-long Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) May 16.
• Boxer Exemplifying Maritime Strategy, Arrives in El Salvador Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) along with various embarked units and non-governmental organizations (NGO) arrived in Acajutla, May 19 for the second stop of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
• SECNAV Visits USS John L. Hall, Celebrates 100 Years of the Great White Fleet Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter, visited the USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) in Batumi, on May 6, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet.
• United Kingdom Ministry of Defense Visits Kearsarge Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Four United Kingdom Ministry of Defense (MoD) civilians, sponsored by Naval Sea Systems Command visited the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), as part of a larger official visit as a guest of Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command on May 7.
• Sailors and Marines Integrate Aboard USS Iwo Jima Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Sailors and Marines aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) are preparing for their upcoming deployment by learning to combine their individual skills to complete ship, strike group and Marine missions.
• NSWC Crane Recommended as Executive Agent for Printed Circuit Board Technology Navy NewsStand 19 May 2008 -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Disvision will serve as the oversight facility for the U.S. Navy's role as executive agent for printed circuit board (PrCB) technology.
• Syrian military delegation arrives in Moscow RIA Novosti 19 May 2008 -- A group of Syrian military officials arrived in Moscow on Monday to discuss prospects for bilateral military and technical cooperation, a Russian Air Force spokesman said.
• 9 Indian Ocean Nations Partner in Security Cooperative VOA 19 May 2008 -- A new organization dedicated to Indian Ocean regional port and maritime security has been launched
• Cluster Bomb Ban Debated in Dublin VOA 19 May 2008 -- Representatives of 109 countries have gathered in Dublin for a 12-day conference aimed at a global ban on cluster munitions
• Secretary-General Ban issues call to eliminate scourge of cluster munitions UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed for the creation of a new global pact to rid the world of cluster munitions, deadly weapons which he described as "particularly indiscriminate and unreliable."
• World: Dublin Conference Aiming At Landmark Treaty On Cluster Bombs RFE/RL 19 May 2008 -- Delegates from more than 100 countries are meeting in Ireland to try and negotiate a landmark treaty on cluster bombs.
• Press Briefing by Scott Stanzel The White House 19 May 2008
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 19 May 2008

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for May 19, 2008
• U.S. Army Awards Gyrocam® Systems $302 Million VOSS II Contract Gyrocam Systems 19 May 2008 -- Gyrocam Systems, LLC, a leading integrator of ground-based gyro stabilized camera systems for the Military, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security and Intelligence Services, announced that the U.S. Army has awarded the company a $302 million contract for Phase II of the Vehicle Optic Sensor System (VOSS) program, a network of night vision, day and thermal imaging cameras used by all U.S. Armed Services to locate and stifle the threats of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
• Northrop Grumman KC-45: Why We Won -- Key Selection Criteria Northrop Grumman 19 May 2008 -- U.S. Air Force found Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) bid to build the next generation of aerial refueling tankers superior to Boeing's in four of the five most important selection criteria.
• 'Pressure Hull Complete' for Northrop Grumman-Built New Mexico Submarine Northrop Grumman 19 May 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Shipbuilding sector reached an important construction milestone May 18 when it completed the final hull welds of the Virginia-class submarine New Mexico (SSN 779).
• NEW £43.9M CONTRACT ENSURES RAF VC10 FLEET AVAILABILITY BAE Systems 19 May 2008 -- The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a five year contract worth £43.9 million to ensure the RAF's VC10 tanking and transport fleet is available on the frontline to meet operational requirements.
• BAE SYSTEMS WINS COUNTER-IED OPERATIONS SUPPORT CONTRACT BAE Systems 19 May 2008 -- BAE Systems has been awarded one of four prime contractor positions on the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) Operations Support Contract.
• BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $60 MILLION THERMAL IMAGING MODULE CONTRACT FOR U.S. ARMY REMOTE WEAPON SYSTEMS BAE Systems 19 May 2008 -- BAE Systems has received a $60 million order to provide thermal imaging modules to Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS for its contract with the U.S. Army's Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) II program awarded in August 2007.
• Boeing-SAIC Team, Future Combat Systems Program Play Key Roles in Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008 Boeing 19 May 2008 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Science Applications International Corp. [NYSE: SAI], the Lead Systems Integrator (LSI) for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, today announced that FCS played a pivotal role in the U.S. Air Force-led Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2008 (JEFX 08), marking an important step toward integrating critical FCS technologies into the current force.
• General Dynamics Delivers First Unmanned Surface Vehicle to U.S. Navy for Littoral Combat Ship General Dynamics 19 May 2008 -- General Dynamics Robotic Systems delivered the first 11-meter "Fleet" class Anti-Submarine Warfare Unmanned Surface Vehicle (ASW USV) to the U.S. Navy on May 2 as part of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission package.
• U.S. Air Force's Second KC-45 Tanker Airframe Completes Test Flights, Two Aircraft Now Ready for Tanker Modification Northrop Grumman 19 May 2008 -- The second aircraft that Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has designated for the U.S. Air Force KC-45 Tanker program completed its final check flight May 15, illustrating the rapid production capability that will allow Northrop Grumman to quickly replace the aging KC-135 Tanker fleet.
• SAIC Awarded $46 Million Contract by the U.S. Army Contracting Agency SAIC 19 May 2008 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a contract from the Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) to support the Army Equipping Enterprise System (AE2S).
• Boeing Begins Firing High-Energy Laser Aboard Advanced Tactical Laser Aircraft Boeing 19 May 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has fired a high-energy chemical laser aboard a C-130H aircraft in ground tests for the first time, achieving a key milestone for the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration program.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 19 May 2008
• SOUTHERN AFRICA: Who will pay for peacekeeping? IRIN 19 May 2008 -- The southern African contribution to the African Standby Force (ASF) to fulfil the African Union's (AU) peacekeeping ambitions will depend heavily on South Africa, but with its army already overstretched, underfunded and struggling to meet existing commitments, regional military experts believe this will be a burden the country cannot carry.
• UN starts feeding thousands of Sudanese who fled disputed town UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) today started distributing food and clean water to tens of thousands of people who fled fighting in the disputed Sudanese town of Abyei last week.
• UN refugee agency praises Yemen for protecting people fleeing Somalia UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) António Guterres today praised Yemen for providing protection to people making the dangerous Gulf of Aden crossing from Somalia, and called for more international support so the country can assist the refugees.
• UN Peacebuilding Commission meets to discuss assistance to Sierra Leone UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- Representatives of the United Nations, individual Member States, regional organizations, the private sector and civil society have gathered today in New York to discuss how to increase the level of international involvement in Sierra Leone's efforts to make the transition from years of civil conflict towards eventual stability and prosperity.
• UN Peacebuilding Commission meets to discuss assistance to Sierra Leone UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- Representatives of the United Nations, individual Member States, regional organizations, the private sector and civil society have gathered today in New York to discuss how to increase the level of international involvement in Sierra Leone's efforts to make the transition from years of civil conflict towards eventual stability and prosperity.
• Israel's Defense Minister to Discuss Hamas With Egyptian President VOA 19 May 2008 -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak is set to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to discuss a proposed truce between the Jewish state and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
• Lebanon Talks in Qatar Falter, But Mediators Hope for Deal VOA 19 May 2008 -- Lebanese political leaders are locked in negotiations in Qatar aimed at reaching a power-sharing deal to solve Lebanon's political crisis
• Burundi Peace Talks Continue VOA 19 May 2008 -- Rebels in Burundi have returned to negotiations with the government in the capital Bujumbura
• KENYA: Guns recovered, militiamen surrender after leader's killing IRIN 19 May 2008 -- Kenyan security officers have recovered more guns and witnessed "several" militiamen surrendering after the killing of a militia leader in the western Mt Elgon district, a police official told IRIN on 19 May.
• SOMALIA: Thousands displaced by fighting in Lower Juba IRIN 19 May 2008 -- Hundreds of Somali Bantu families have been displaced in the southern region of Lower Juba after days of inter-clan fighting in which 10 people were reportedly killed and more than 20 wounded, locals told IRIN.
• SUDAN: Blame game while thousands remain displaced in Abyei IRIN 19 May 2008 -- Thousands of civilians who were displaced from Abyei town by clashes last week between the Sudanese army and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) are living rough in nearby forests.
• Lebanon Opposition Ignores Qatar Compromise Proposal at Talks VOA 19 May 2008 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah-led opposition appears to have ignored a proposal by Qatari mediators aimed at pulling Lebanon out of a political crisis.
• Philippine Government Denies Slowing Peace Process With Muslim Rebels VOA 19 May 2008 -- The Philippine government denies that it is deliberately slowing down the peace process with Muslim rebels, and says the pullout of Malaysian truce monitors from the south of the country will not likely lead to new fighting.
• India to Raise Infiltration, Terrorism in Bilateral Talks with Pakistan VOA 19 May 2008 -- The foreign ministers of India and Pakistan are meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday, May 21, for the fourth round of the so-called composite dialogue process

News Reports

• Ban Ki-Moon to travel to Myanmar to boost aid effort UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to arrive in Myanmar on Thursday to visit the areas that have been most affected by Cyclone Nargis, which swept through Myanmar early this month, and also to meet with senior Government officials.
• UN Chief Heads to Cyclone-Stricken Burma VOA 19 May 2008 -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon goes to Burma Thursday, where he plans to visit some of the hardest hit areas of the cyclone-devastated country and meet with the reclusive regime's top leaders.
• ASEAN, UN Press Burma to Speed Up Assistance for Cyclone Victims VOA 19 May 2008 -- Burma has agreed to allow foreign medical teams into regions hit by Cyclone Nargis
• 34,000 Confirmed Dead in China Quake VOA 19 May 2008 -- Chinese flags flew at half-staff to mark the beginning of a three-day mourning period for the victims of a massive earthquake that struck southwestern China one week ago
• UN agencies increase aid relief in quake-affected south-western China UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are stepping up their support to authorities in China as they deal with relief efforts in the wake of last Monday's devastating earthquake in Sichuan province.
• 34,000 Confirmed Dead in China Quake VOA 19 May 2008 -- Chinese flags flew at half-staff to mark the beginning of a three-day mourning period for the victims of a massive earthquake that struck southwestern China one week ago
• Zimbabwe Opposition Says Military Plotting to Kill Tsvangirai VOA 19 May 2008 -- Zimbabwe's main opposition party has accused the government's military intelligence of plotting to assassinate presidential candidate Morgan Tsvangirai.
• Analysis: Georgian Opposition Sounds Alarm Over Parliamentary Elections RFE/RL 19 May 2008 -- Although Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili pledged during his annual address to the nation on April 23 that the May 21 parliamentary elections will be "the most fair and democratic in the history of our country," opposition parties have in recent weeks repeatedly alleged pressure on their candidates by the Georgian authorities, and attempted vote-buying by candidates representing Saakashvili's United National Movement for a Victorious Georgia.
• At least 3 million Ethiopians now need food aid - UN relief wing UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- Some 3.2 million people are now in urgent need of food aid in Ethiopia because of the continued drought in the African country, up from 2.2 million just one month ago, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
• Over 2.6 million Somalis could go hungry, UN agency warns UN News Centre 19 May 2008 -- More than 2.6 million Somalis - comprising 35 per cent of the Horn of Africa nation's population - need food assistance due because of the deteriorating humanitarian situation triggered by skyrocketing food prices, the weak currency and worsening drought, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) cautioned today.
• Pakistan's Sharif Says Resolving Judiciary Key to Addressing Problems VOA 19 May 2008 -- Pakistan's fragile coalition government has made little progress on the key issue that swept them to power in February's elections: reinstating judges who were thrown out of office by President Musharraf last November