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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Nov. 6 airpower summary: F-15Es conduct show of force AFNS 07 Nov 2008 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 6, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
• Coalition Forces Capture 24 Suspected al-Qaida Members, Associates VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- The U.S. military says coalition forces have captured 24 suspected members and associates of al-Qaida in Iraq in operations Friday.
• Forces in Iraq Round Up Two Dozen Terror Suspects AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Coalition troops captured 24 suspected terrorists throughout Iraq today and yesterday, dealing a blow to al-Qaida in Iraq in multiple locations, military officials reported.
• Combined Operation Kills al-Qaida in Iraq Leader AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- A senior al-Qaida in Iraq leader was killed yesterday during a combined cache-clearing operation by Iraqi security forces and a “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group, supported by coalition forces, military officials reported.
• Afghan Investigators Say Wedding Party Raids Killed 65 VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- An Afghan government investigation has found that U.S. coalition air strikes and clashes that hit a wedding party in southern Afghanistan earlier this week killed 37 civilians and 26 Taliban militants.
• Troops Disrupt Terrorist Networks in Afghanistan AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Afghan and coalition forces detained four insurgents during operations yesterday targeting the Haqqani and Taliban bombing and foreign fighter networks in Afghanistan, military officials reported.
• Reconstruction Team Saves Time, Money by Mapping Afghanistan Improvements AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Using a method called “district mapping,” the provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province helps to make the decisions on how to spend $57 billion allocated for construction and infrastructure improvements.
• Time For A New Focus On Afghanistan RFE/RL 07 Nov 2008 -- Following the historic election of Barack Obama as U.S. president on November 4, we asked some of our broadcasters and other contributors to offer the next president their advice on how to proceed in some of the key regions of the world for U.S. policy
• Pakistan: At Least 13 Killed in Suspected US Missile Attack VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- A suspected U.S. missile attack has killed at least 13 suspected militants in a remote region of Pakistan close to the Afghan border where al-Qaida-linked operatives are believed to have established their bases.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Hyperbaric chamber to study traumatic-brain-injury treatment AFNS 07 Nov 2008 -- The San Antonio Military Medical Center Hyperbaric Center and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine received funding to study the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on mild to moderate traumatic brain injuries.
• Middle East Tops List of Joint Chiefs’ Concerns, Mullen Says AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Instability in the Middle East is front and center on the list of concerns the Joint Chiefs of Staff confronts, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said yesterday.
• Staying Power: Army’s Wounded Care Program Transformed for Future AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Brig. Gen. Gary Cheek, the Army's assistant surgeon general for warrior care and transition, recently spoke with American Forces Press Service about the Army’s transformed wounded warrior care program. What follows is a question-and-answer session from that interview.
• Army spotlights Warrior Care during November Army News Release 07 Nov 2008 -- The U.S. Army will highlight the care and range of support available to the service's wounded injured and ill Soldiers and their Families throughout the month of November and recognize the dedicated health care professionals who are part of Army medicine
• Warrior Care: DoD, VA Collaborate on Disability Evaluation Pilot Program AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- The departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are collaborating on a pilot disability evaluation system that’s set to expand next year, compensation officials said.
• Coast Guard Modernizes Acquisition System AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- A newly transformed Coast Guard directorate has reached its full operating capability in recent weeks, working to modernize the service’s acquisition system and build its operational assets for the 21st century, a senior officer said today.
• U.S.-Japan Alliance Transformation Continues, Admiral Says AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Both the United States and Japan remain committed to plans to transform the U.S.-Japan alliance, including the move of about 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam the senior U.S. commander in the Pacific reported.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Secretary Geren from the Pentagon DoD 07 Nov 2008 -- Presenter: Secretary of the Army Pete Geren/li>
• DoD Announces Expansion of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Disability Evaluation System Pilot DoD 07 Nov 2008 --The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the expansion of the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot to 19 installations across the country, representing all military departments
• MAG-31 celebrates 65 years USMC News 07 Nov 2008 -- Marines and sailors with Marine Aircraft Group 31 joined Col. Gregg Brinegar, MAG-31's commanding officer, in celebrating the Group's 65th birthday, held at the Air Station's VIP Line, Oct. 30
• US Pacific Commander Sees No Major Changes Under Obama VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- The commander of U.S. forces in Asia and the Pacific says he does not anticipate any major change in U.S. military policy toward the region when President-elect Barack Obama takes office in January
• McChord Airmen help controllers train for new runway AFNS 07 Nov 2008 -- McChord Air Force Base Airmen shared their training simulator here with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport tower controllers to ensure they are certified and ready for operations when the civilian airport's third runway officially opens Nov. 20.
• Air Force officials seek recruiters, instructors, MTIs AFNS 07 Nov 2008 -- Air Education and Training Command officials here are seeking hundreds of members for immediate assignment as recruiters, technical school and Basic Military Training instructors.
• U.S., Japan Committed to Transformation Despite Delays, Admiral Says AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Both the United States and Japan remain committed to moving about 8,000 U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam, but budget constraints could cause the process to take longer and cost more than initially expected, the senior U.S. commander in the Pacific reported.
• DoD Announces $400 Million Investment To Basic Research US Dept. of Defense 07 Nov 2008 -- The Department of Defense today announced plans to invest an additional $400 million over the next five years to support basic research at academic institutions
• DoD Names Two Additional National Security Science And Engineering Fellows US Dept. of Defense 07 Nov 2008 -- The Department of Defense today announced two additional National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellows (NSSEFF), bringing the total number of distinguished scientists and engineers in the inaugural round of this prestigious program to eight
• U.S. 6th Fleet, USS Mount Whitney visit Sevastopol Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- The amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) arrived in the port of Sevastopol, Ukraine, Nov. 6, in preparation for the begining of this year's Black Sea Partnership Cruise (BSPC), Nov. 10.
• Secretary of Defense Tours USS Rhode Island Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- The Secretary of Defense paid a visit to USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), a ballistic missile submarine, homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Oct 31.
• Top Naval Officer in Europe Explains Importance of Navy Ethos Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- Following several months of a worldwide, Web-based survey of Sailors and civilians, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead announced, Nov. 5, the creation of a new United States Navy Ethos.
• Interagency Disaster Exercise Preps Japan-Based Teams Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- U.S. Navy medical first responders from Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan, joined with their U.S. Air Force counterparts, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and civilian emergency response teams, during an aircraft mishap drill at Misawa Airport Nov. 6.
• 7th Fleet Commander Visits Essex During Bilateral Exercise With Korea Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- The visit served as an opportunity for Vice Adm. John M. Bird to see Essex's amphibious capabilities while fully engaged in bilateral operations.
• Pacific Fleet Commander Discusses the Littoral Combat Ship Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- In his latest edition of the "Rat-Pac Report" podcast, posted Nov. 5, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Robert F. Willard discussed the importance of the Navy's latest addition to its surface forces, the littoral combat ship (LCS).
• Stennis Successfully Completes COMPTUEX Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- The John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) successfully completed Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), Nov. 5, off the coast of southern California.
• Naval Air Pacific Repair Activity Renamed Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- Effective Oct. 1 the Naval Air Pacific Repair Activity (NAPRA) headquartered in Atsugi, Japan, became the 7th Fleet Readiness Center, Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific (FRCWP).
• Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Opens New Sports Complex Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba opened its new Cooper Field Sports Complex Nov. 3.
• Blue Ridge Enhances Comms, Improves Capability Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- Months of planning to create the Navy's most sophisticated at-sea communications platform went on-line Oct. 10 aboard amphibious flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with increased command and control capabilities.
• Epperson Relieved by Polk as Middle Pacific Afloat Training Commander Navy NewsStand 07 Nov 2008 -- Afloat Training Group, Middle Pacific (ATG MIDPAC) held a change-of-command ceremony Oct. 30 on historic Ford Island.
• U.S. warship leaves Ukrainian port RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- A U.S. warship left Ukraine's Black Sea port of Sevastopol on Friday morning after a short stay.
• South Dakota National Guard Prepares for Blizzard Response AFPS 07 Nov 2008 -- Leaders of the South Dakota National Guard began preparing personnel and equipment last night to support the state's emergency response in the wake of a fall blizzard that began two days ago in the western part of the state.
• Russia to equip 5 brigades with Iskander missile systems by 2015 RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- At least five missile brigades deployed on Russia's western border will be equipped with new Iskander-M short-range missile systems by 2015, a Defense Ministry source said on Friday.
• EU criticizes Russian plans to deploy missiles near Poland RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- The announcement by President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia's plans to deploy Iskander missile systems near Poland harms European security, France said on Friday in its role as EU president.
• Moscow receives updated U.S. missile shield proposals RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- Moscow has received new U.S. proposals aimed at easing Russia's concerns over a planned European missile shield and replacing a strategic arms reduction treaty, a Foreign Ministry official said on Friday.
• Poland sends U.S. missile shield deal to parliament for ratification RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- The Polish government has submitted a number of missile-defense agreements with the United States to parliament for ratification, the Polish foreign minister said on Friday.
• Russian warships to visit Venezuela on November 24-30 RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- A task force from Russia's Northern Fleet led by the Pyotr Veliky missile cruiser will visit Venezuela on November 24-30, a spokesman for the Venezuelan Defense Ministry announced Friday.
• Russia to open military bases in Abkhazia, S.Ossetia in 2009 RIA Novosti 07 Nov 2008 -- Russia will open military bases in two Georgian breakaway republics, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, in 2009, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
• With Obama Win, NATO Prospects For Ukraine, Georgia Appear To Shift RFE/RL 07 Nov 2008 -- Barack Obama's election may have prompted celebrations from Chicago to Nairobi
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2008
• Press Briefing by Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto The White House 07 Nov 2008

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 15, 2008
• Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Navy E-2 Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound Maintenance Contract Northrop Grumman 07 Nov 2008 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a contract to provide maintenance for both E-2C Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound aircraft at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Patuxent River, Md.
• Turkish F-35 Supplier to Northrop Grumman Opens New Composites Factory Northrop Grumman 07 Nov 2008 -- Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI), Ankara, Turkey, a major international supplier to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) on the F-35 Lightning II program, today opened a new facility dedicated to producing composite subassemblies for the new international, multi-role fighter
• Northrop Grumman Statement Regarding Its Filing of JLTV Protest With Government Accountability Office Northrop Grumman 07 Nov 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today filed a formal protest with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of the evaluation conducted by the U.S. Army/Marine Corps Source Selection Authority (SSA) to identify development teams for the technology development (TD) phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program
• Defence Minister visits home of the Bushmaster Thales 07 Nov 2008 -- The visit follows a recent Commonwealth order for 293 more vehicles, taking the Australian Defence Force's total to 736.

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 07 Nov 2008
• PRESS CONFERENCE BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS ON SITUATION IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO United Nations 07 Nov 2008
• Nepal: Security Council stresses need for all sides to make compromises in peace process UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- The Security Council today urged Nepal’s new Government and its other major political parties to cooperate in a spirit of compromise to ensure the peace process in the South Asian country continues.
• Security Council dismayed by another delay to Ivorian elections UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- Another delay in the holding of elections in Côte d’Ivoire – the third consecutive one since the signing of the north-south peace pact last year – could have serious repercussions for the West African nation’s entire peace process, the Security Council said today.
• UN reports highlight Israeli infringement of Palestinians’ rights UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spotlighted in two new reports to the General Assembly how Israeli practices impinge upon the rights of Palestinians through the continued building of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory and other means.
• New glossary in Sierra Leone’s major languages issued by UN-backed tribunal UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- The top official of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL) has launched the first-ever glossary of national legal terminology in the West African nation’s four major local languages.
• GREAT LAKES: Trying not to repeat history IRIN 07 Nov 2008 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is on the brink of slipping back into the kind of devastating international war that raged from 1998 to 2003, according to one of the architects of the Great Lakes peace accords.
• UN-backed summit urges immediate ceasefire in DR Congo, access for aid workers UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- African leaders meeting at a United Nations-backed summit in Nairobi have urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of people displaced by the recent crisis can get the assistance they need.
• UN peacekeeping missions overwhelmed, top officials warn on anniversary UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- The bitter reality of conflicts in many countries dwarfs the ability of United Nations peacekeeping efforts to halt warring factions and maintain security despite their best intentions, General Assembly President Miguel D’Escoto said today.
• Ban calls for urgent measures to end DR Congo crisis at Nairobi summit UN News Centre 07 Nov 2008 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for urgent measures to contain the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), stressing to a United Nations-backed summit in Nairobi that neither the vast African nation nor the surrounding region can afford to be dragged back into conflict.
• Rice: Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process Has Not Failed VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the Israeli Palestinian peace process remains vibrant, even though both sides say they will likely miss their target of signing a peace deal by the end of the year
• US Says Georgia Erred in August Attack in South Ossetia VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- The U.S. State Department said Friday the Georgian attack in South Ossetia last August was a mistake, but that it did not justify Russia's large-scale intervention.
• BURUNDI: One word blocking peace process IRIN 07 Nov 2008 -- An attempt by regional mediators to revive the peace process between the government and the rebel Forces nationales de libération (FNL) hit a snag on 6 November after the rebels rejected a name-change proposal.
• DRC: At least 20 civilians killed in North Kivu clashes IRIN 07 Nov 2008 -- Tens of civilians were killed and many more wounded during fighting between rebels of the Congrès national pour la libération du Congo (CNDP) led by renegade general, Laurent Nkunda, and a coalition of regular army and Mai Mai militias in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), UN sources and human rights activists said.
• Fears Rising for Civilians in Eastern DRC VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- The U.N. refugee agency says it is concerned about the safety of tens of thousands of displaced civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where fighting between government and rebel forces threatens North Kivu's provincial capital Goma. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva.
• UN Chief Says DRC Fighting is Spreading VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- A regional summit on the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is under way in Nairobi. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an end to the fighting and warned that the conflict risked spilling over into the wider sub-region. Derek Kilner has more from Nairobi.
• Rice: Creation of Palestinian State Coming VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the creation of a Palestinian state is approaching, but cautioned that Israel's plans for more West Bank settlements are hurting negotiations.

News Reports

• US Calls Bolivian Drug Charges Absurd VOA 07 Nov 2008 -- The State Department Friday rejected as patently absurd a charge by Bolivian President Evo Morales that U.S. drug enforcement agents encouraged drug trafficking in Bolivia.
• Will Georgian Anniversary Bring Renewed Political Violence? RFE/RL 07 Nov 2008 -- November 7 marks the first anniversary of the Georgian government's use of force to break up peaceful opposition demonstrations in the heart of Tbilisi
• One Year After Crackdown, Georgian Opposition Remains Angry -- But Weak RFE/RL 07 Nov 2008 -- The brutal intervention by Georgian police on November 7, 2007, to disperse peaceful opposition demonstrators in Tbilisi served to focus international attention on the extent to which the initial wave of democratization that followed the Rose Revolution four years earlier had been rolled back
• Russian Opposition Leader Says Putin, Saakashvili 'Like Twins' RFE/RL 07 Nov 2008 -- Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov says he sees a lot of similarities between Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Russia's autocratic Prime Minister Vladimir Putin