• 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 20 Mar 2009 [PDF]
• MND-C Soldier dies from non-combat related causes
• March 19 airpower summary: B-1B destroys enemy positions AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the ISAF in Afghanistan during operations.
• Forces Uncover Weapons Stockpiles in Baghdad, Southern Iraq AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- Iraqi soldiers and police, along with U.S. soldiers, seized numerous enemy stockpiles in Baghdad and in southern Iraq.
• To build an army: Military Transition Team cornerstone to 6th IA success Army News 20 Mar 2009 -- The U.S. withdrawal plan for Iraq hinges on the ability of Iraqi Security Forces to stand on their own without the support of Coalition forces
• Iraq Recruiting English-Speaking Students As Pilots RFE/RL 20 Mar 2009 -- Iraqi Air Force launching a recruitment plan to attract university students to be trained as pilots in the US and other Western countries.
• Protests, Questions Mark 6th Anniversary of Iraq Invasion VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Iraq is marking the sixth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Col. Thomas O'Donovan at the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington Va. DoD 20 Mar 2009 -- Presenter: Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Afghanistan Engineer District Army Col. Thomas O'Donovan
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Mart de Kruif From Afghanistan DoD 20 Mar 2009 -- Presenter: Commander, Regional Command South Afghanistan Maj. Gen. Mart de Kruif
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 36 Militants, Detain Suspects AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed 36 enemy fighters and detained eight suspects in operations in Afghanistan.
• US, Afghan Military Kill 33 Militants in Afghanistan VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The U.S. military in Afghanistan said Afghan and U.S.-led troops have killed 33 militants in separate clashes in Helmand and Logar provinces.
• Influx of U.S. Troops in Afghanistan to be Met With Rising Violence AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- The number of attacks in Afghanistan is likely to rise with the influx of additional U.S. forces there.
• Manas KC-135s revolutionize combat operations AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- The 376th Air Expeditionary Wing's fleet is revolutionizing the way war is fought by serving as a data network relay high above the battlefield.
• U.S. Projects in Afghanistan Support Security, Stability Efforts AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- Construction programs under way in Afghanistan helping to improve security and provide a better future for the people of that country.
• Afghan Clerics Call for Saudi-Mediated Talks With Taliban VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Afghanistan's top Muslim clerics are calling for Saudi-mediated talks with the Taliban, aimed at reducing violence in the country.
• Afghan Peace Jirga Calls For Talks With Taliban RFE/RL 20 Mar 2009 -- Afghanistan's forum of tribal and political leaders has called for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
• Pakistan's Islamic party condemns US plan to expand drone attacks IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- Pakistan's main Islamic party angrily reacted to a reported American plan to expand its covert operation in the country.
• U.S. Navy Ship, Sub Collide in Middle East's Hormuz Strait AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- Two U.S. Navy vessels, a submarine and a surface ship, collided in the Strait of Hormuz.
• US Navy Vessels Collide in Strait of Hormuz VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The U.S. Navy says two of its vessels have collided in the Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and the Arabian peninsula.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD Announces Recovery Act Construction and Repair Projects DoD 20 Mar 2009 -- The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today details of approximately 3,000 military construction and facility improvement projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
• Defense Department Officials List Stimulus Act Projects AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- Defense Department officials today announced 3,000 projects that the economic stimulus legislation signed last month will fund.
• Osan exercise optimizes communication between forces AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- More than 2,000 Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors participating jointly with South Korean air force members in Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle in mid-March here have learned the key to success is communication.
• Navy-led Arctic Care team returns to Western Alaska AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- Personnel here were part of a team that participated in a joint Air Force, Army and Navy medical and dental exercise in 11 of Western Alaska's most remote villages March 6 through 15.
• Army Reserve Employer Partnership Unfazed by Flagging Economy AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- A program that links Army reservists with civilian employers is going strong -- despite record unemployment and gloomy hiring predictions -- as more employers sign on every month so they can hire qualified reservists.
• Pay Incentives Help Military Avoid Nursing Shortage AFPS 20 Mar 2009 -- The Army, Navy and Air Force nurse corps are highly trained, capable and critical to the wartime mission of each service, the corps’ leaders told a congressional committee this week.
• 3d MEDCOM helping Soldiers, Families adjust after deployment Army News 20 Mar 2009 -- Increasing demands on Soldiers in the Global War on Terror are placing increasing stresses on the Families of those deployed Soldiers
• Army Led Solid State Laser Science & Technology Effort Achieves 100kW Army News 20 Mar 2009 -- A Joint solid state laser (SSL) Science & Technology effort executed by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command has achieved weapon level (100kW+) performance in the laboratory
• Marines test Super Stallions’ horsepower with night lift qualification USMC News 20 Mar 2009 -- Marines from Landing Support Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducted helicopter support team operation at night in support of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, here, March 18
• VFA-86 sailors return to Beaufort USMC News 20 Mar 2009 -- After four weeks of training aboard the USS Nimitz, the Sidewinders of Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 86 returned to the Air Station Saturday
• First Marine pilots Joint Strike Fighter USMC News 20 Mar 2009 -- The first Marine Joint Strike Fighter developmental test pilot took off from the flight line at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics plant here March 19
• Maintenance Marines keep air station on track USMC News 20 Mar 2009 -- Fightertown maintainers are a vital part to getting the mission accomplished and continuing productivity around the Air Station
• Safeguard: DoD to Remove Sensitive Information from Identication Cards USMC News 20 Mar 2009 -- The Department of Defense has begun the process of removing Social Security numbers from issued identification cards in an effort to prevent identity theft
• Navy's ERM Program Projects $1.8B Maintenance Savings Navy NewsStand 20 Mar 2009 -- Shipboard coatings initiatives managed by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Engineering for Reduced Maintenance (ERM) program are projected to save the Navy more than $1.8 billion over 20 years, as outlined by naval engineers March 13.
• WASP flight deck qualifies for MV-22s Navy NewsStand 20 Mar 2009 -- The USS Wasp (LHD 1) Air Department completed their final MV-22 Osprey qualification March 18, certifying them to perform launch and recovery evolutions.
• USFF Closer to Maritime Operations Center Accreditation Navy NewsStand 20 Mar 2009 -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) conducted Maritime Operations Center (MOC) training for civilian and military personnel last week to move closer towards pre-accreditation as a MOC to support fleet operations.
• Continuing Promise 2009 Making Preparations to Get Underway Navy NewsStand 20 Mar 2009 -- USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will depart Norfolk, Va., April 1 for a four-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of focus (AOF) in support of Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).
• Sniper pod improves capabilities, lethality of B-1 AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- The B-1 Lancer, one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force arsenal, is now even more lethal.
• U.S. warship enters Black Sea RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- The USS Klakring frigate has entered the Black Sea, and is being closely monitored by Russia.
• B-2 aircrew participates in exercise in Pacific AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- Airmen aboard a B-2 Spirit tested their endurance in a 24-hour, 8,000-mile mission to Alaska and back to Guam March 12 in an exercise.
• Patriot 7 course combines ISR with mission AFNS 20 Mar 2009 -- Troops on the frontlines are armed with pistols, rifles and grenades, but their most potent weapons might actually be flying overhead.
• N.Korea reopens military communication channel with South RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- DPRK informed ROK that it would reopen communications channel, which was cut in protest against ROK-US military drills.
• North Korea to Reconnect Military Phone Line With South VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- North Korea has re-established a key military phone line with South Korea, after severing it nearly two weeks ago.
• Russia, U.S. could agree new START treaty by December - Moscow RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- Russia and US have every chance of reaching agreement on new treaty to replace START-1 by December this year.
• Russia continues air surveillance over Sea of Japan RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- Russian Pacific Fleet aircraft have been conducting scheduled patrol exercises this week over the Sea of Japan, where US ships have been holding exercises.
• Russian Military Rearmament Plan Pits Politics Against Economics VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev announced military rearmament program, which will require considerable resources.
• Up to 10 Russian subs at sea around world - Navy source RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- About 10 submarines from the Russian Navy are accomplishing various tasks throughout the world's oceans.
• Russian Navy to commission first Lada class diesel sub in 2010 RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- First Lada class submarine featuring extended noise reduction will be commissioned with the Russian Navy in 2010.
• Russian army creates 20 motorized infantry brigades RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- Russia has created 20 motorized infantry brigades as part of ongoing military reforms.
• Russia's Su-35 fighter prototype makes 100th test flight RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- A prototype of the advanced Su-35 Flanker multi-role fighter plane has conducted its 100th test flight.
• GUINEA-BISSAU: Buying more time to reform army IRIN 20 Mar 2009 -- The head of the European mission to help Guinea-Bissau reform its security sector has called on the government to extend the mission’s mandate by one year.
• MPs doubt timetable to replace UK nuclear missile system IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- MPs expressed concern about Britain's ability to maintain a continuous nuclear deterrent.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 20 Mar 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 3/20/2009 The White House 20 Mar 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 20, 2009
• Northrop Grumman Successfully Executes Acceptance Trials for the U.S. Navy's Newest Amphibious Ship Makin Island (LHD 8) Northrop Grumman 20 Mar 2009 -- Northrop Grumman shipbuilders and U.S. Navy personnel joined forces aboard the amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) to complete a successful U.S. Navy acceptance sea trial in the Gulf of Mexico.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 20 Mar 2009
• UN relief official calls on Sudan to respect humanitarian aid agreements UN News Centre 20 Mar 2009 -- A top United Nations humanitarian official today urged the Government of Sudan to respect existing agreements and its own laws on the operation of relief groups in strife-torn Darfur, 13 of which have been ousted, resulting, he said, in “significant” threats to the dependent population.
• Darfur Rebels Quit Peace Talks With Sudan Government VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The leader of Darfur's main rebel group says it has pulled out of peace talks with the Sudanese government until President Omar al-Bashir reconsiders his decision to expel international aid groups from the nation.
• Somali FM Says Peace and Security New Government's Top Priority VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Somalia's foreign minister told the U.N. Security Council on Friday that the new transitional federal government's first priority is to establish peace and security in the Horn-of-Africa country. Mohamed Abdullahi Omaar said the government, which was sworn-in just one month ago, is focused on its first 100 days in office.
• SUDAN: Fallout scenarios IRIN 20 Mar 2009 -- Expulsion or closure of 16 aid groups in Sudan could worsen North-South relations, stall the Darfur peace process and deter future humanitarian action.
• AU Darfur Panel Asked To Find Middle Path Between Justice and Reconciliation VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Newly-formed AU panel assigned task of developing formula that would reconcile justice with the need to heal.
• Hutu Militia Continue Attacks In North Kivu VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- UN refugee agency reports attacks by the Hutu rebel group still causing displacement over a wide area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Fresh attacks by Hutu rebels lead to more displacement in DR Congo - UN UN News Centre 20 Mar 2009 -- Attacks by a Hutu rebel group are continuing to uproot thousands in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Ongoing Rebel Attacks in Eastern Congo Displace Tens of Thousands More Civilians VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Ongoing rebel attacks in the eastern DRC continue to displace thousands of civilians.
• Russia seeks to bring Georgia under control - intelligence chief RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- The head of Georgia's foreign intelligence service accused Moscow of trying to oust the current Georgian leader.

News Reports

• Iran Warms to Obama Appeal for Better Relations VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- President Obama's message to the Iranian people calling for better relations between the US and Iran has ordinary Iranians talking.
• Iran Welcomes Obama Overture VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Iran is welcoming the appeal by U.S. President Barack Obama for better relations between the two countries, but says words alone are not enough.
• EU Has High Hopes for US Message to Iran VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The European Union is hopeful U.S. President Barack Obama's message to Iran can help thaw relations between Tehran and much of the world.
• Videotaped Remarks by the President in Celebration of Nowruz The White House 20 Mar 2009
• Obama Offers New Start With Iran In Video Appeal RFE/RL 20 Mar 2009 -- US President Barack Obama has offered Iran a "new beginning" in its relations with the United States.
• Obama Calls for 'New Beginning' in Message to Iran VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is offering Iran's leaders the promise of a new beginning in relations.
• New Madagascar Leader Prepares for Installation VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The head of Madagascar's new transitional authority is preparing to take the oath of office despite international criticism.
• AU Suspends Madagascar; Calls Rajoelina Rule Illegitimate VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The African Union has suspended Madagascar's membership, calling the change of government in Antanananarivo an unconstitutional coup.
• US Suspends Non-Humanitarian Aid to Madagascar VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The United States says it will suspend non-humanitarian aid to Madagascar, saying this week's change in government there was tantamount to a coup d'etat.
• US in Contact With North Korea Over Missing Journalists VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- The U.S. State Department says it is in contact with North Korea about two U.S. journalists taken into custody by Pyongyang.
• Medvedev says hopes for 'reset' in relations with U.S. RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev: Hoped for a real fresh start in relations with Washington after meeting with the new US leader.
• EU Approves 'Ambitious' Partnership For Belarus, Other Ex-Soviet Neighbors RFE/RL 20 Mar 2009 -- After weeks of fierce internal debate, EU leaders have put their seal of approval on the Eastern Partnership.
• EU leaders approve Belarus joining Eastern Partnership program RIA Novosti 20 Mar 2009 -- Leaders of the 27 EU member countries have approved the inclusion of Belarus in the bloc's Eastern Partnership program.
• European Leaders Give Green Light To Nabucco RFE/RL 20 Mar 2009 -- EU leaders in Brussels has given final approval to 5 billion euros of investment in energy and telecom infrastructure projects.
• Netanyahu Gets More Time to Form Israeli Government VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu has been granted two more weeks to form a new government.
• Pakistan seeks reverse of court verdict against opposition leader IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- Pakistani's government filed a petition seeking review of verdict to disqualify former PM Sharif from elections.
• Somalia on path to consolidating stability - top UN envoy UN News Centre 20 Mar 2009 -- Top UN envoy: Somalia is “back from the brink” following a peace pact.
• ECOWAS Pleased with Guinea-Bissau Democratic Transition Process VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Economic Community of West African States pleased so far with the transition process in Guinea-Bissau.
• Maoist activist likely to be Nepal's new Ambassador to India IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- Maoist activist and economist Chandra Kanta Poudyal named as Nepal's new Ambassador to India.
• South Africa Ruling Party Youth Describes Opposition Concerns as a Joke VOA 20 Mar 2009 -- Youth wing of African National Congress has described as a joke opposition accusation that it would be illegal if graft charges against party leader.