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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 9 Oct 2008 [PDF]
• Oct. 8 airpower summary: F-15Es deter enemy activities AFPN 9 Oct 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations.
• DoD News Briefing with Col. Battaglia from Iraq US Dept. of Defense 09 Oct 2008 -- Presenter: Commander, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division Col. Philip Battaglia
• Troops Detain Two Suspected Terrorists in Mosul Area AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during operations, further dismantling al-Qaida in Iraq's network in and around Mosul.
• Roadside Bomb Kills Senior Shi'ite Lawmaker in Iraq VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- The Iraqi Shi'ite faction led by cleric Moqtada al-Sadr says one of its senior lawmakers has died of wounds suffered in a bomb attack in Baghdad.
• Turkish Leaders Mull Iraq Buffer Zone VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Turkish officials are discussing new measures against separatist Kurdish rebels following two deadly attacks on security forces.
• Progress More Durable in Iraq, Petraeus Says AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Army Gen. David H. Petraeus: Progress there has become a little less fragile and more durable.
• Iraq Security Sustainable, Challenges Remain, Commander Says AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Forces have been successful in setting the conditions for sustainable security in Iraq, but significant challenges remain.
• AFGHANISTAN: Ministry warns of severe food shortage IRIN 09 Oct 2008 -- Afghanistan faces a deficit of two million tonnes of staple food - primarily wheat flour and rice - to feed millions of vulnerable people in the coming six months, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) has said
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Militants AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Afghan national security forces and coalition forces killed numerous militants and detained two others in operations.
• Afghan Forces Receive NATO Weapons AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Afghan national security forces receive huge boost throughout the next year with 6,000 up-armored vehicles and 75,000 M-16 rifles.
• NATO Ministers Discuss Afghan Problems, Challenges AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates: NATO has proven it is up to the job in Afghanistan, and the alliance is adjusting to changing situations in the country.
• New Strategy to Broaden Scope, Coordination in Afghanistan, Mullen Says AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Changing situation in Afghanistan, particularly violence along the Pakistani border, warrants full review of US strategy there.
• Security Force Nations Look Ahead on Afghanistan AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates: Meetings with NATO and troop-contributing nations making up the alliance's Security Force in Afghanistan will help chart the way ahead.
• Defense Ministers Seek Ways to Halt Taliban's Drug Money AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates: NATO should go after the drug trade in Afghanistan to take away funding for the Taliban and al-Qaida.
• US Calls On NATO to Target Afghanistan Opium Trade VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates called on NATO allies to step up efforts against Afghanistan's opium trade.
• Pakistani parliament's in-camera session on security begins IRNA 9 Oct 2008 -- Pakistani Parliament opened 'in-camera' session to discuss security situation in country and to devise strategy to counter terrorism.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD News Briefing with Polli Brunelli from the Pentagon US Dept. of Defense 09 Oct 2008 -- Presenter: Federal Voting Assistance Program Director Polli Brunelli October 09, 2008
• CVW-2 Changes Command in Elevated Style Navy NewsStand 09 Oct 2008 -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 held an airborne change of command ceremony Oct. 6.
• Lincoln Strike Group Returns to San Diego, Air Wing Departs Navy NewsStand 09 Oct 2008 -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group pulled into San Diego Oct. 8, after a seven-month deployment supporting maritime security operations in 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
• Bonhomme Richard on Course for Successful INSURV Navy NewsStand 09 Oct 2008 -- The crew of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) is working diligently in preparation for its Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) inspection, less than a month away.
• FASOTRAGRULANT Disestablishes, Celebrates Nearly 60 Years of Training Excellence Navy NewsStand 09 Oct 2008 -- Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group, Atlantic Fleet, (FASOTRAGRULANT) Detachment Jacksonville (Jax) was disestablished Oct. 1 and merged with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU).
• MCPON Sends Birthday Message To Fleet Navy NewsStand 09 Oct 2008 -- On the occasion of the U.S. Navy's 233rd Birthday, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Joe R. Campa Jr. sends the following message to the fleet.
• Rescue Airmen undergo confined-space training AFNS 09 Oct 2008 -- Fifteen pararescuemen from the 31st Rescue Squadron and 320th Special Tactics Squadron here recently took part in training to help them execute rescue missions in confined spaces and collapsed structures.
• Pararescuemen recall recent rescue mission AFNS 09 Oct 2008 -- If jumping out of a perfectly good airplane into the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the middle of the night to help out complete strangers isn't your idea of a rush, then maybe a career as a pararescueman isn't for you.
• New manual to cover training for full spectrum Army News 09 Oct 2008 -- The Army has sent a new manual for training to the printer and it should be released to the field in about six weeks, members of the Association of the U.S. Army were told Monday.
• Myth busted: scientists unveil high-tech Army Army News 09 Oct 2008 -- Advancements in science and technology that support full-spectrum operations, like exoskeletons, were discussed Wednesday at the annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the United States Army.
• Army would be lost without civilians, says Under Secretary Army News 09 Oct 2008 -- The civilian workforce is integral to the future of the Army, the Under Secretary of the Army said Wednesday during the Army Civilian Luncheon at the Association of the United States Army annual meeting.
• New Army Operations Manual Leverages 'Soft Power' Assets AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- The U.S. Army's new manual on stability operations embraces joint effort as a reflection of the realities of a 21st-century world.
• Navy Accepts Delivery of Destroyer Stockdale Navy Newsstand 9 Oct 2008 -- The Navy accepted delivery of the guided-missile destroyer Stockdale from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works during a ceremony in Bath, Maine.
• US plans fewer troop withdrawal from Europe than previously announced IRNA 9 Oct 2008 -- Deputy Commander Richard Gallagher: US to maintain stronger military presence in Europe than was initially planned.
• Defense Leaders Meet, Reaffirm Georgia's NATO Aspirations AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reaffirmed the US and NATO pledge for Georgia's aspirations to join the alliance .
• Georgia says U.S. pledged support in NATO bid RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- SecDef Gates vowed to support Georgia's bid to join NATO at the alliance's meeting in December.
• US Defense Chief Reaffirms Support for Georgian NATO Entry VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- US Defense Secretary Robert Gates has reaffirmed American support for Georgia's NATO aspirations.
• NATO Maritime Group to Combat Pirates off Somalia AFPS 9 Oct 2008 -- NATO will send its Standing Naval Maritime Group to the waters off Somalia.
• NATO to Join Anti-Piracy Fight Near Somalia VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- NATO defense ministers have agreed to send seven military ships to waters off the coast of Somalia to help combat the growing threat of pirates.
• South Korea Says North to Test Fire More Missiles VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- South Korean news reports North Korea preparing to test fire more short-range missiles, following this week's reported launch of 2 missiles.
• Russia concerned over Ukraine's policy toward Black Sea Fleet RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- Russia is concerned about Ukrainian policies towards Black Sea Fleet aimed at stoking tensions over presence on the Crimea.
• Russia stunned by UN-NATO cooperation deal RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- FM Lavrov: Russia was shocked the UN and NATO had secretly signed a cooperation agreement without all UN member states reading the draft.
• Russian Air Force to start receiving Ka-52 helicopters in 2009 RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- The Progress aircraft maker will start deliveries of the Ka-52 Hokum-B combat helicopter to the Russian Air Force in 2009.
• Russia says no plans to sell missile systems to volatile regions RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman: Russia would not supply air defense systems to volatile regions.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 09 Oct 2008
• Press Briefing by Dana Perino The White House 09 Oct 2008

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 09, 2008
• SAIC Awarded $254 Million Contract by the Defense Intelligence Agency SAIC 09 Oct 2008 -- Science Applications International Corporation (NYSE: SAI) today announced it has been awarded a contract by the Defense Intelligence Agency to support the National Media Exploitation Center (NMEC).
• U.S. Army Awards General Dynamics Orders to Produce Hydra-70 Rockets and Warheads General Dynamics 09 Oct 2008 -- The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products two new orders to produce Hydra-70 rockets and warheads
• U.S. Army Awards General Dynamics $33 Million for Production of 20mm Family of PGU Ammunition General Dynamics 09 Oct 2008 -- The U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., has awarded General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems a $33 million contract with up to four option years for the production of a variety of 20mm PGU ammunition.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICES OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AND THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT United Nations 09 Oct 2008
• S.Ossetia concerned over Georgian police numbers near border RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- S Ossetia's acting interior minister expressed concern over the build up of Georgian police in buffer zones following the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers.
• Security Council renews UN observer mission in Georgia for four months UN News 9 Oct 2008 -- The Security Council extended for another 4 months the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia entrusted with overseeing ceasefire between Georgia and Abkhazia.
• UN Georgia mandate to be extended by four months - Russia RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- The mandate of the UN Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) is to be extended by four months.
• Russia hands over control of Georgian buffer zones to EU RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- Russia has handed control of buffer zones adjacent to Abkhazia and South Ossetia over to an EU monitoring mission in Georgia.
• Russia completes troop pullout from Abkhazia buffer zone RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- Russia completed the withdrawal of its peacekeepers from a buffer zone adjacent to Abkhazia ahead of the agreed deadline.
• Ukraine sent arms to Georgia during conflict -Russia's NATO envoy RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- Russia's NATO envoy: Ukrainian weapons were delivered to Georgia, and last delivery came as Georgian forces were attacking breakaway South Ossetia.
• UK to end troop commitment to Kosovo IRNA 9 Oct 2008 -- Defence Secretary John Hutton: Britain is to end its military commitment to Kosovo.
• Sudanese President Calls War Crimes Allegations 'Fabricated' VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir says war crimes allegations against him have been fabricated.
• UN unable to confirm reports of Rwandan incursions into eastern DR Congo UN News 9 Oct 2008 -- UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has not been able to confirm reports of incursions by Rwandan troops said to be fighting alongside rebels.
• DRC Says Rwanda Threatens Attack VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo accusing the military of neighboring Rwanda of participating in attacks on its forces in eastern Congo and of preparing a larger assault.
• DRC Accuses Kigali of Supporting Renegade Army General VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Democratic Republic of Congo President Kabila reportedly accusing Rwanda of supporting rebel incursions, a move that Kinshasa says could escalate diplomatic tension.

News Reports

• Frictions Emerge Between Belarus and Russia VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Russia has praised recent parliamentary elections in Belarus while international observers criticized the balloting.
• Thailand cannot extradite suspected arms dealer to U.S. - lawyer RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- A Russian lawyer for a suspected arms dealer said the United States has no chance of securing his extradition under Thai law.
• Ukraine's Yushchenko may lead coalition at December polls RIA Novosti 9 Oct 2008 -- Ukrainian President Yushchenko could lead an electoral coalition at snap parliamentary polls.
• Ukraine's President Schedules Early Elections for December 7 VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Ukraine's president says early parliamentary elections will be held on December 7.
• EU Lawmakers Urge Easing of Belarusian Sanctions VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- European Parliament voted to reexamine sanctions against Belarus, with the aim of eventually easing visa bans against government leaders.
• Zimbabwe Opposition Dismisses Ruling Party Accusation VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party blaming main opposition Movement for Democratic Change for the ongoing impasse in forming a unity government.
• ZIMBABWE: WFP makes emergency US$140 million appeal IRIN 09 Oct 2008 -- Emergency food assistance for nearly half of Zimbabwe's 12 million population could run out at the peak of the crisis if donors fail to provide US$140 million, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said in a statement on 9 October
• Mauritanian Coup Leader Calls for Election Referendum VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- The leader of the recent coup in Mauritania has called for a national gathering to decide the future of the country, including the date of new presidential elections.
• Thai Government to Launch Probe Into Deadly Clashes VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Thailand's PM Wongsawat: The government has launched an independent probe into this week's deadly clashes between police and protesters.
• Maldives Presidential Election Heads for Runoff VOA 9 Oct 2008 -- Maldives' first democratic presidential election is headed for a runoff vote, after Asia's longest serving ruler failed to gain a clear victory.