• 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 11 Aug 2009 [PDF]
• DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Caslen from Iraq DoD 11 Aug 2009 -- Presenter: Commander of Multi-National Division North Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen
• Aug. 10 airpower summary: A-10s provide overwatch AFNS 11 Aug 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 10, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
• US Commander: Al-Qaida Still Formidable, Iraqi Army Can Contain Attacks for Now VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- The commander of coalition forces in northern Iraq says al-Qaida forces have been able to regenerate themselves, in spite of heavy losses, but he says the terror network has been weakened enough that Iraqi government forces can prevent the outbreak of widespread violence.
• Mosul Attacks Reflect al-Qaida’s Plan, Commander Says AFPS 11 Aug 2009 -- Recent high-profile attacks against civilians near Mosul, Iraq, reflect al-Qaida in Iraq’s continued desire to incite sectarian strife, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said today.
• Hanscom officials complete first fixed site security installation in Southwest Asia AFNS 11 Aug 2009 -- Members of the 642nd Electronic Systems Squadron here recently completed the first fixed site security installation in the Southwest Asia area of responsibility for the Air Force's Combined Air and Space Operations Center.
• Coalition Ready for Afghan Elections, Official Says AFPS 11 Aug 2009 -- Nine days before the Afghan national elections, coalition forces are prepared to back up Afghan security forces as necessary to ensure 17 million registered voters have safe access to the polls, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
• Patience Needed to Beat Taliban, McChrystal Says AFPS 11 Aug 2009 -- The Taliban will not win the war in Afghanistan, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces there said in Kabul today.
• US Wants NATO Troops to Stay Longer in Afghanistan VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- The Pentagon Tuesday called on NATO allies and other countries with troops in Afghanistan to maintain their current higher troop levels even after next week's presidential election.
• Fresh Violence Erupts in Southern Afghanistan VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- A fresh wave of violence has hit parts of southern Afghanistan, raising the number of dead civilians and troops just nine days ahead of the country's presidential elections.
• Pakistan: US Missile Strike Kills 10 Militants VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- Pakistani officials say a suspected U.S. missile strike has killed at least 10 militants in South Waziristan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Kuwaitis Foil Attack on U.S. Logistical Hub AFPS 11 Aug 2009 -- U.S. military officials are crediting Kuwaiti security services with foiling a planned terrorist bombing aimed at a major U.S. logistical hub and staging operation in Kuwait and several other Kuwaiti sites.
• Kuwait Says al-Qaida-Linked Plot Foiled VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- Kuwaiti authorities say they have foiled a plot by al-Qaida-linked militants to attack a U.S. military base and other locations in the Gulf state.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Geoff Morrell at the Pentagon Briefing Room, Arlington, Va. DoD 11 Aug 2009 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell
• Airmen partner with Kyrgyz security service K-9 team AFNS 11 Aug 2009 -- Airmen of the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron here are aiding a team of Kyrgyz Department of State Security Service dog handlers to hone the skills necessary to manage their own law-enforcement, force protection, antiterrorism and explosive-detection canine program.
• Air National Guard director: Fewer aircraft, more aircrew rotations overseas AFNS 11 Aug 2009 -- With a cut in the number of C-27 Joint Cargo Aircraft it is to receive, the Air National Guard may see heavier rotations of aircrews that fly the aircraft, the director of the Air National Guard said here recently.
• Mullen: U.S. Military Benefits From Language Training AFPS 11 Aug 2009 -- No training is more crucial to the U.S. military than education in critical foreign languages and cultures, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday.
• Bonhomme Richard, 11th MEU Underway for Final Certification Exercise Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- The amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) got underway Aug. 10 for a certification exercise (CERTEX) to prepare for deployment later this year.
• Everett Hosts Joint Exercise Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett hosted the Washington Army and Air National Guard (WA ANG) for a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive training exercise July 27-Aug. 7.
• USS Paul Hamilton Departs Hong Kong After Successful Port Visit Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) departed Hong Kong after a four-day port visit Aug. 4.
• Technology Enhances Warfighters' Threat Detection Capability Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- Several technological systems connected to provide an over-the-horizon threat detection capability during a demonstration Aug. 5-6 at Damn Neck, Va.
• Repairs to Gas Lines at Camp Pendleton Funded by American Reinvestment and Recovery Act Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded Weston Solutions of West Chester, Pa., Recovery Act funded construction contracts, July 28 and 29, totaling $6.3 million for new construction and renovations of various petroleum fuel, oil and lubricant facilities and systems at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton.
• Lemoore Naval Air Station Receives Recovery Act Funds for Solar Power Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded Syska Hennessy Group Inc., of San Diego a $2.69 million Recovery Act funded contract July 20 to remove and install roofing and install roof mounted solar photovoltaic power systems (SPVPS) on buildings at Naval Air Station (NAS) in Lemoore, Calif.
• Bilateral Training in Brunei Preps Forces for Global Humanitarian Ops Navy NewsStand 11 Aug 2009 -- From disaster relief to maritime security, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2009 provided the armed forces of Brunei and the United States with a week's worth of invaluable training and cooperation.
• Robins maintainers give pilots unobstructed vision AFNS 11 Aug 2009 -- Members of the 561st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron transparency shop here has a "clear" mission: to ensure there are no blemishes in F-15 Eagle canopies that could impact pilots' views.
• Conventional training prepares Soldiers for unconventional contingencies Army News 11 Aug 2009 -- According to Michael Dunson, lead instructor for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Course offered at the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command's (JMTC) Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) in Vilseck, Germany, today's Soldier needs to be prepared for chemical weapons on the battlefield, as more and more countries continue to test chemical and biological weapons
• DoD News: Senior Executive Service Appointments and Reassignments DoD 11 Aug 2009-- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service, senior leader, and scientific and professional appointments and reassignments
• Afghanistan-bound Marines rehearse wide range of enemy encounters USMC News 11 Aug 2009 -- Marines and sailors of the 7th Marine Regiment held small, training sessions during a pre-deployment exercise here July 27-Aug. 14 to prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan as part of Regimental Combat Team 7
• Training to Prevent Tragedy; 24th MEU Marines prepare for worst case scenario USMC News 11 Aug 2009 -- Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion-24 teamed for a week of mass casualty drills, practicing the evacuation, evaluation and treatment of casualties here beginning Aug. 3.
• NATO chief pledges new 'chapter' in ties with Russia - Rogozin RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- Russia's NATO envoy said on Tuesday the new secretary general of the alliance had reaffirmed his commitment to ending the "dark chapter" in the history of relations with Russia.
• NATO's secretary-general, Russia's envoy to discuss improving ties RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- Russia's NATO envoy will hold his first meeting on Tuesday with the alliance's newly appointed secretary-general to discuss steps to normalize Russia-NATO relations.
• Russia to revamp air-space defenses by 2020 - Air Force chief RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- Russia will create a new generation of air and space defenses to counter any strikes against its territory by 2020 due to a potential foreign threat, the Air Force commander said on Tuesday.
• Russia Developing New Missiles to Counter US System VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- A top Russian military officer says his country is developing new missiles to counter space-based missile systems that could soon be deployed by the United States.
• Russia shortlisted for submarine contract with Indonesia RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- Russia has been shortlisted for a $700 million contract to deliver two submarines to Indonesia, the Indonesian Navy commander said on Tuesday.
• Gaggle by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs aboard Air Force One en route New Hampshire, 8/11/09 The White House 11 Aug 2009
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 11 Aug 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for August 11, 2009
• Boeing Delivers Qatar's 1st C-17 Globemaster III Boeing 11 Aug 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered Qatar's first C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Qatar Emiri Air Force during a ceremony at the company's facility in Long Beach.
• Team K-MAX Receives U.S. Marine Corps Contract To Demonstrate Unmanned Cargo Delivery Lockheed Martin 11 Aug 2009 -- Kaman Aerospace Corporation has received a contract from the U.S. Marine Corps on behalf of Team K-MAX to demonstrate the ability of the Unmanned K-MAX® helicopter to deliver cargo to troops in extreme environments and at high altitudes.
• Boeing, Schiebel to Pursue Opportunities in Unmanned Airborne Systems With CAMCOPTER S-100 Boeing 11 Aug 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Schiebel Industries AG of Austria today announced they have signed a teaming agreement to pursue marketing and support opportunities for Schiebel's S-100 CAMCOPTER.
• Northrop Grumman Land-Based MQ-8B Fire Scout Completes RSTA/ISR Demonstration Northrop Grumman 11 Aug 2009 -- A Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) owned land-based MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Unmanned Aircraft System (VUAS), designated P7, successfully demonstrated its reconnaissance surveillance and target acquisition/intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (RSTA/ISR) capabilities this week at Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Ariz.

Other Conflicts

• ICRC Calls for Greater Compliance with Geneva Conventions VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for greater compliance with the rules of war by states and armed groups around the world.
• UN mission in Lebanon conducts natural disaster response exercise with army UN News Centre 11 Aug 2009 -- The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon today wrapped up a two-day large-scale disaster response exercise, responding to a fictitious earthquake in the south of the country.
• Clinton Pushes Congo on Atrocities Against Women VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is demanding an end to the widespread rapes and attacks on women in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
• United States vows support for UN efforts against sexual violence in DR Congo UN News Centre 11 Aug 2009 -- The United States stands alongside the United Nations ready to face down the use of rape as a weapon of war in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told a local UN-backed radio station during her visit to the strife-torn nation.
• OPT: Rubble removal uncovers potential health hazards IRIN 11 Aug 2009 -- Nearly seven months after Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has begun removing some 600,000MT of rubble containing asbestos and other hazardous material.
• SUDAN: Tensions high, food short in Akobo IRIN 11 Aug 2009 -- Tensions have remained high in Akobo County of Jonglei State, Southern Sudan, a week after inter-ethnic clashes left at least 185 people, mainly women and children, dead.
• Armenia, Azerbaijan 'Coming Closer' To Peace RFE/RL 11 Aug 2009 -- The top U.S. official for Nagorno-Karabakh talks insists that Armenia and Azerbaijan are moving closer to a framework agreement over the disputed territory, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports
• The Price Of Progress -- Life In Kadyrov's Grozny Permeated By Fear RFE/RL 11 Aug 2009
• First phase of ex-combatants’ demobilization wraps up in Sudan – UN UN News Centre 11 Aug 2009 -- Thousands of former fighters have taken part in the first phase of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) programme, marking a key milestone for the 2005 agreement that ended Sudan’s north-south civil war, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country reported today.
• Fragile Four-Year Peace Prevails in Indonesia's Aceh Province VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- August 15 marks the fourth anniversary of peace in Aceh province in Indonesia. The tsunami that decimated the region in 2004, killing nearly 170,000 people, and the immense international relief effort that followed helped end a 30-year separatist war.
• South Sudan Warns of Unilateral Secession VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- A senior South Sudanese leader has threatened the region may unilaterally declare independence if key disagreements over a scheduled referendum are not resolved. The January 2011 vote gives South Sudan the option of choosing independence.

News Reports

• Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi Ordered to Serve 18 More Months of House Arrest VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to 18 more months of house arrest. The sentence drew condemnation from foreign governments and human rights groups.
• Obama: Suu Kyi Sentencing 'Unjust,' Urges Her Immediate Release VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- President Barack Obama said Tuesday the Burmese decision to extend democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest for another 18 months is unjust and called for her immediate, unconditional release.
• Burma's Sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi Draws Worldwide Condemnation VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- The international community is condemning Burma's decision to keep pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for another 18 months. A Burmese court on Tuesday convicted the 64-year-old opposition leader of violating an internal security law by allowing an uninvited American to stay at her home.
• Deploring Myanmar verdict, Ban urges immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi UN News Centre 11 Aug 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today deplored the decision by a Myanmar court to sentence pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to an additional 18 months of house arrest, and urged that she be released immediately.
• Clinton Calls for Release of Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is calling for the release of Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The top U.S. diplomat commented during a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• International Community Outraged at Aung San Suu Kyi Verdict VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- The Burmese government's decision to keep opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest for another 18 months has drawn strong criticism from world leaders.
• Thai court rejects U.S. 'merchant of death' extradition request RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- A Bangkok court on Tuesday turned down a U.S. request for the extradition of Russian businessman Viktor Bout, wanted by Washington on suspicion of illegal arms trafficking.
• Alleged Russian arms dealer hopeful of 'fair' Thai court verdict RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- Russian businessman Viktor Bout, who is facing extradition from Thailand to the United States for alleged illegal arms trafficking, said on Tuesday he was hopeful of a "fair" verdict.
• Thai Court Rules Against US Extradition for Alleged Russian Arms Dealer VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- A court in Thailand has rejected a request by the United States to extradite Viktor Bout, an alleged Russian arms smuggler believed to have fueled conflicts around the world.
• Russian President Lashes Out at Ukraine VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has strongly criticized Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and his government, accusing them of everything from supporting Georgia in last year's war to suppressing the use of the Russian language in Ukraine.
• China Fails to Gag Uighur Leader in Australia VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- China has failed to stop exiled Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer from addressing Australia's National Press Club in Canberra. Beijing considers Kadeer to be a terrorist and has attempted to derail other appearances during her visit to Australia.
• Iranian Nobel Laureate Calls for New Election Under UN Supervision VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi repeated her call for a fresh election in Iran, held under the supervision of the United Nations.
• Iran Lawmakers Urge President Ahmadinejad to Pick 'Experienced' Cabinet VOA 11 Aug 2009 -- Several members of Iran's parliament have told President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to pick experienced members for his Cabinet.
• Tajikistan Sentences Five From Banned Islamic Group RFE/RL 11 Aug 2009 -- Tajikistan's Supreme Court sentenced five members of Jamoai Tabligh, a banned Islamic group, to prison terms ranging from three to six years, RFE/RL's Tajik Service has reported
• WHO confirms 1,668 swine flu deaths RIA Novosti 11 Aug 2009 -- WHO officially confirmed a total of 1,668 deaths from the A/H1N1 virus worldwide and 208,058 confirmed infections, Russia's consumer watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said on Tuesday.