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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty
• U.S. Soldier dies of non-combat related causes
• April 2 airpower summary: Reapers protect coalition forces AFNS 03 Apr 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and ISAF troops in Afghanistan.
• MND-B aircraft engage suspected IED emplacement team MNF-I 03 Apr 2009 -- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit has been conducting a comprehensive Marine air-ground task force exercise since March 20 at numerous locations in California as part of its pre-deployment program
• Coalition Air Weapons Team Strikes Roadside Bombers in Iraq AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- A Multinational Division Baghdad air weapons team engaged 4 armed men who were spotted planting a roadside bomb.
• Contingency response element deploys to Basra AFNS 03 Apr 2009 -- Nearly 50 members of the 615th Contingency Response Wing deployed in support of coalition and joint operations.
• Iraq: Council Leader's Arrest An Isolated Case RFE/RL 03 Apr 2009 -- The arrest of an Iraqi insurgent who had renounced Al-Qaeda to lead one of Baghdad's Awakening Councils was an isolated case.
• Iraq's Basra Police Receive Human Rights Training RFE/RL 03 Apr 2009 -- A human rights campaign for police forces in Basra began this week in response to complaints of human rights abuses by security forces.
• DoD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment DoD 03 Apr 2009 -- The Department of Defense announced today the deployment of approximately 4,000 additional service members to Afghanistan, pursuant to the President's approval of the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategic review
• Coordinators in Afghanistan Perform ‘Ballet in Action,’ General Says AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- Air combat operations in Afghanistan are “the most precise” ever used, and airmen are doing “an incredible job there,” an Air Force general said.
• Gates Touts New Strategy on Afghan Television AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- The United States does not want to remain in Afghanistan one day longer than it has to, but the mission will take time, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during an interview with Afghan television today.
• Army Brigade Deployment Changed Army News Release 03 Apr 2009 -- The Department of the Army confirmed details today of the Department of Defense's announcement to deploy the 4th Brigade (Fury from the Sky), 82nd Airborne Division Infantry Brigade Combat Team in late summer 2009 to Afghanistan, instead of Iraq as previously scheduled
• Canadian General says Taliban Should Be Marginalized VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- In an exclusive interview with VOA by telephone, Brigadier General Denis Thompson characterized the recently-announced U.S. strategy for Afghanistan as just what the doctor ordered.
• Aid Groups Warn US Troop Surge Could Increase Afghan Casualties VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Aid agencies are warning that a planned U.S. troop surge in Afghanistan could lead to more civilian causalities.
• Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Five Enemy Fighters AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed five enemy fighters in operations yesterday and overnight in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
• Afghanistan Is NATO's Most Important Challenge RFE/RL 03 Apr 2009 -- This week's NATO summit is not the most important moment on this year's trans-Atlantic calendar.
• Obama Faces Reluctance From NATO Allies On More Troops For Afghanistan RFE/RL 03 Apr 2009 -- US officials: President Obama will not press for concrete commitments on Afghanistan from NATO allies.
• Obama Meets Merkel, Does Not See NATO In Pakistan RFE/RL 03 Apr 2009 -- US President Obama does not expect NATO troops to have to enter Pakistan.
• Obama: Afghan Strategy Must Include Ending Terror Threat in Pakistan VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- President Obama: US and NATO cannot be effective in Afghanistan without addressing threat in Pakistan.
• Obama to Urge NATO Support For Afghan Strategy VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- US President Obama joins other NATO leaders for a summit marking the 60th anniversary of the alliance.
• Russia does not want NATO to fail in Afghanistan - envoy RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Russia will be concerned if NATO fails to secure victory in Afghanistan.
• Extra troops could increase Afghan casualties, aid agencies warn IRNA 03 Apr 2009 -- Aid agencies have warned NATO that sending extra troops to Afghanistan could lead to a rise in civilian casualties.
• AFGHANISTAN: Military's influence on aid too great - NGOs IRIN 03 Apr 2009 -- Much of the international aid to Afghanistan over the past seven years has been spent to achieve military and political objectives.
• Ukraine agrees for NATO non-military transit to Afghanistan RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Ukraine signed an agreement with the military alliance on the transit of non-military cargo across its territory to Afghanistan.
• Uzbekistan, U.S. sign deal on non-military cargo to Afghanistan RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- US and Uzbekistan signed on Friday an agreement on the transit of non-lethal supplies to Afghanistan.
• Pakistan to lodge protest with U.S over drone attacks: spokesman IRNA 03 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan will lodge protest with the United States over the drone strikes inside the country’s tribal regions.
• Pakistani Taliban blow up state-radio in tribal region IRNA 03 Apr 2009 -- Pakistan Taliban have blown up building of state-run radio in the country’s tribal region and have taken away all its equipment.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Fiscal 2010 Budget to Reflect 'Fundamental Shift' in Defense AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- SecDef Gates will make budget decisions this weekend that will indicate a “fundamental shift in direction” for the department.
• Air Force takes combat air acquisitions priorities to Hill AFNS 03 Apr 2009 -- Air Force and Navy officials testified before the House Appropriations Committee to outline top combat air acquisition priorities.
• Generals discuss future issues at National Space Symposium AFNS 03 Apr 2009 -- The commander of Air Force Space Command was the keynote speaker for the 25th National Space Symposium.
• Combat rescue, special tactics retention bonuses available AFNS 03 Apr 2009 -- Qualified special operations officers are now eligible for a maximum of $100,000 in critical skills retention bonus money if they voluntarily extend their active-duty service commitment for up to four years.
• Air Force officials announce OTS selections AFNS 03 Apr 2009 -- A total of 308 men and women from across America have earned an opportunity to become Air Force leaders following their selection for an officer's commission, officials here announced April 3.
• Joint Logistics Command Soldiers train Afghans on radio communications Army News 03 Apr 2009 -- Soldiers from the Joint Logistics Command trained members of the Afghanistan National Army's Central Movement Agency on radio procedures March 23 through March 28 here
• ANTS name reflects asymmetric warfare's evolving nature Army News 03 Apr 2009 -- When the Army's Improvised Explosives Device-Defeat division officially became the "ANTS" division in June, some wondered what prompted the change and how it would affect its mission.
• New FM details COIN tactics Army News 03 Apr 2009 -- A new field manual for implementation will provide Army leaders fundamental information related to tactical counterinsurgency operations, said MAJ Michael Mulherin, a doctrine writer in the Doctrine and Collective Training Division with Fort Benning's Combined Arms and Tactics Directorate
• Study aims to identify IED detection experts Army News 03 Apr 2009 -- Some Soldiers seem to have a sixth sense at being able to spot improvised explosive devices, researchers found, while others were unable to see the deadly weapons hidden in brush or buried in the middle of a road.
• EXFOR Soldiers test Land Warrior System Army News 03 Apr 2009 -- The Maneuver Battle Lab completed its limited objective experiment with the Land Warrior System March 20
• Fort Sam Houston revives historic structures for BRAC arrivals Army News 03 Apr 2009 -- Some of the oldest structures in the U.S. Army's inventory are gaining new life and uses under the Base Realignment and Closure construction and renovation program on Fort Sam Houston.
• DoD Launches New Sexual Assault Awareness Campaign DoD 03 Apr 2009 -- As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Department of Defense launched a new social marketing campaign today called Our Strength is for Defending
• DoD Releases Updated E-Learning Standard DoD 03 Apr 2009 -- The Defense Department announced today the 4th edition of its Web-based e-learning standard, used by government, commercial and international agencies, allowing organizations to easily exchange online learning, training and educational content
• Secretary Robert Gates Interview with Afghan TV DoD 03 Apr 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• 11th MEU conducts last land-based Marine air-ground task force exercise USMC News 03 Apr 2009 -- BUG: the mark does not exist in the description file
• NMCB 11 Completes Navodari Nursery Project; Gives Back to Host Nation Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- In February 2009, personnel from the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 arrived in Romania for their anticipated deployment and hit the ground running.
• ROK Navy Task Group Chung-Hae Arrives in Bahrain Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- The Republic of Korea (ROK) Task Group Chung-Hae and its flagship ROKS Munmu the Great (DDG 976) arrived in Bahrain April 3 to make a port visit before joining Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in the Gulf of Aden conducting counterpiracy operations.
• 13th MEU Participates in Eastern Maverick Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- Elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), began conducting Exercise Eastern Maverick 2009, alongside Qatari military forces on March 28, a bilateral training exercise designed to build and improve cooperation between both military forces.
• MSC's Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic Holds Change of Command Ceremony Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- Sealift Logistics Command Atlantic (SEALOGLANT) held a change of command ceremony in Norfolk April 3. The Norfolk-based U.S. Navy command is responsible for operational control over Military Sealift Command vessels providing ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition in the Atlantic.
• Seabees Gain Confidence and Display Teamwork Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4's Alfa Company participated in an annual chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) response qualification March 27.
• Underwood Sailors Enjoy Liberty in Cartagena Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- Sailors from USS Underwood (FFG 36) enjoyed a three-day port visit to Cartagena, Colombia March 26-29 prior to completing a highly successful counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) deployment in the Latin America.
• USNS Comfort Departs for Humanitarian Mission Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- Hospital Ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Norfolk, April 1 for a four-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of focus in support of Continuing Promise 2009.
• NAVSEA Eliminates CFC Refrigerants on Aircraft Carriers Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- All U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are now chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-free.
• USS Samuel B. Roberts Visits Guantanamo Bay Navy NewsStand 03 Apr 2009 -- USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), made a brief port visit to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay (GTMO) April 2 to refuel and replenish stores.
• NATO Summit To Examine Alliance Goals, Mission RFE/RL 03 Apr 2009 -- The leaders of 28 NATO countries are converging to cdebate challenges ranging from Afghanistan to the resurgence of Russia.
• Afghanistan, Alliance's Future Role Command NATO's Focus at Summit AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- President Obama: NATO has pressing issues concerning Afghanistan and the alliance’s future role.
• Estonian president warns Russia to stop bullying its neighbors RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Estonian President: Russia should stop bullying its neighbors to restore NATO's confidence.
• Obama, Sarkozy Share Views on NATO, Russia, Afghanistan AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- French President Sarkozy called for greater integration between the US and Europe under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
• NATO Remains as Necessary as Ever, Secretary General Says AFPS 03 Apr 2009 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization must hold together to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
• Obama urges NATO 'to engage' Russia RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- US President: NATO should engage Russia and recognize that Moscow has legitimate interests.
• Obama Reaches Out to Europeans, Plans Push for Nuclear Disarmament VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- US President Obama reaching out to the Europe, promising a new era in ties across the Atlantic.
• Turkey Voices Opposition to Danish PM's Candidacy for NATO Chief VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Turkish PM Erdogan reaffirmed opposition to nomination of Danish PM Rasmussen as NATO's new secretary-general.
• NATO leaders gather for 60th anniversary summit RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Leaders of NATO member countries are gathering for a two-day summit to mark NATO's 60th anniversary.
• Small Protests Precede NATO Summit VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Police in France and Germany have encountered small, peaceful protests in sharp contrast to the violent clashes in Strasbourg ahead of NATO summit.
• Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 03 Apr 2009
• Gaggle by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Aboard AF1 en route Strasbourg 4-3-2009 The White House 03 Apr 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for April 3, 2009
• BAE SYSTEMS ENTERS STRATEGIC PARTNERING WITH SSMART S.A. AND SIGNAAL HELLAS S.A. BAE Systems 03 Apr 2009 -- BAE Systems Integrated System Technologies Limited today announced it has entered into a definitive Memorandum of understanding to establish a long term strategic partnership in support of the Hellenic defence forces acquisition and integration programmes with SSMART S.A and SIGNAAL HELLAS S.A., based in Mandra Attikis.

Other Conflicts

• DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 03 Apr 2009
• Former War Crimes Prosecutor to Lead UN Gaza Probe VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- A widely respected South African judge and former International War Crimes Prosecutor will lead a UN investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip.
• Former war crimes prosecutor to head UN rights probe into Gaza conflict UN News Centre 03 Apr 2009 -- The former chief prosecutor of 2 United Nations criminal tribunals, Richard J. Goldstone, will lead an investigation into recent conflict in Gaza.
• Germany reaffirms support for Mideast peace amid Lieberman remarks IRNA 03 Apr 2009 -- Germany reiterated its support for a two-state solution in the Mideast.
• UN assesses impact of aid groups' ouster on Southern Sudan UN News Centre 03 Apr 2009 -- A United Nations humanitarian team has been sent to Southern Sudan to assess the impact of Khartoum's recent decision to expel 13 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and suspend three national NGOs.
• ICC Chief Prosecutor: Sudan's Bashir Will Face Justice VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir continues to defy an international arrest warrant, recently returning from an Arab League meeting in Qatar.
• Sudan's 2010 elections crucial benchmark in peace process - Ban UN News Centre 03 Apr 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban welcomed announcement that national elections will be held in Sudan in February 2010.
• Sudan welcomes U.S. special envoy RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- The Sudanese government welcomed the decision by the U.S. to send a new special envoy to Khartoum.
• Ban 'deeply distressed' at plight of civilians in northern Sri Lanka UN News Centre 03 Apr 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today reiterated the need to protect civilians trapped in the area of conflict between the Government and Tamil rebels in northern Sri Lanka, voicing concern at reports of heavy casualties, restrictions on movement and forced recruitment, especially of children.
• Two top LTTE leaders among 47 killed in Sri Lanka IRNA 03 Apr 2009 -- Sri Lankan troops on Friday killed at least 47 rebels, including two top commanders and captured a strategic area in Pudukudiyirippu.
• At Least 2 Thai Soldiers Killed in Cambodia Border Clash VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Thai officials say border clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers have left at least 2 Thai soldiers dead and 7 wounded.
• PHILIPPINES: ICRC hostage freed IRIN 03 Apr 2009 -- Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants have freed one of 3 employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross seized in January.

News Reports

• Suspect in Yamadayev murder to be named next week - Dubai police RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Dubai's police chief promised to name the main suspect in the murder of Sulim Yamadayev as early as next week.
• Russian diplomat expelled from Riga - Latvian TV RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Russian diplomat previously accused of involvement in a plot to assassinate the Georgian president has been expelled from Latvia.
• Yushchenko sets conditions for early presidential polls RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Ukrainian President Yushchenko: Would agree to early elections only if they take place at the same time as parliamentary polls.
• Malagasies Look to Crisis Summit to Chart New Direction for the Country VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- A two-day national conference is expected to alert Malagasies later today when elections for a new president will take place.
• South Africa Prosecutors to Signal Whether to Drop Graft Charges against Zuma VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- South African prosecutors are expected to signal their decision on whether to drop graft charges against the leader of ruling African National Congress, Jacob Zuma.
• Guinea Military Frees Three Former Ministers VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Military rulers in Guinea have released three former mining ministers who they accuse of stealing money while in power.
• Civilian Politicians Oppose Elections by Mauritanian Military VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Political opponents of Mauritania's military government say they will demonstrate against plans for new elections in June.
• New Malaysian Prime Minister Sworn Into Office VOA 03 Apr 2009 -- Malaysia's new prime minister, Najib Razak, freed 13 people held under security laws in his first act after taking office.
• Venezuela's Chavez slams results of G20 summit RIA Novosti 03 Apr 2009 -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has harshly criticized the plans to overcome the global financial crisis announced by G20 leaders after their summit in London.