Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 07 Oct 2009 [PDF]
• DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty
• Obama Praises Iraqi President's Efforts AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- President Obama met with Iraq’s president and praised him for his work toward promoting national unity in Iraq.
• Obama, Talabani Meet at White House VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- US President Barack Obama and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani discussed security and economic issues at the White House.
• "Wagonmasters" take over MND-North sustainment mission Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- The 15th Sustainment Brigade "Wagonmasters" took over the Multinational Division-North sustainment mission from 16th Sustainment Brigade in a transfer of authority ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation building here Oct. 5.
• Transcript: DoD News Briefing with Geoff Morrell from the Pentagon DoD 07 Oct 2009 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell
• DoD News: DoD Announces Replacement Units for Afghanistan Rotation DoD 07 Oct 2009 -- The Department of Defense announced today major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next rotation operating in Afghanistan
• Obama, Other Leaders Receive Afghan Resources Request AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- As President Obama and senior defense and national security leaders reconvened meetings on the way forward in Afghanistan, they did so with list of requested resources.
• Petraeus Cites Need to Reverse Insurgency AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- Commander of US Central Command said decision likely to hinge on one of three approaches to reversing the insurgency’s gains.
• Obama Rules Out Focusing Solely on Counterterrorism in Afghanistan VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- US President Obama will not reduce the number of US troops in Afghanistan, or focus solely on counterterrorism.
• NATO Secretary General calls for Russian help in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- NATO Secretary General Rasmussen urged Russia to provide assistance in training and equipping the Afghan Army.
• US, UK Public Support for Afghan War Declines VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Opinion polls in the United States and Britain indicate that on the eighth anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan Wednesday, public support for the conflict is slipping.
• NPS Experts Brief Canada's New Afghanistan Commander on Winning Counterinsurgency Wars Navy NewsStand 07 Oct 2009 -- New commander of NATO's task force in Kandahar was at the Naval Postgraduate School for 3 days of intensive briefs.
• Joint Forces Disrupt Insurgents in Afghanistan AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- NATO and Afghan troops detained several militants and destroyed weapons and drug caches in separate operations in Afghanistan today and yesterday, military officials reported.
• Marines construct new position near Taliban marketplace USMC News 07 Oct 2009 -- Since the first raid on Lakari Bazaar the Taliban has continued to use the market as a staging area for illegal activity.
• Artillery needed at Afghan outposts says author Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- More artillery is needed to protect Soldiers at Afghan forward operating bases.
• Estonian soldiers integrate with 2/8 Marines USMC News 07 Oct 2009 -- Company of soldiers from the Estonian Army have another opportunity to continue NATO's mission with 2/8th Marines.
• Controversy Grows Over UN Mission's Role In Afghan Election RFE/RL 07 Oct 2009 -- Small group of protesters gathered in front of the UN offices in Kabul to protest the world body's role in a process tainted by controversy.
• Senior UN officials deny accusations of favouritism in Afghan polls UN News Centre 07 Oct 2009 -- Top UN envoy to Afghanistan has only ever sided with electoral institutions in the country’s recent presidential ballot.
• Washington Post: UN Data Shows Vote Discrepancies in Afghan Election VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- UN officials have confirmed that data on Afghanistan's disputed election was kept confidential.
• Russian police want U.S. data on Afghan drug trafficking RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Russia's federal drug control service will provide US with data on Afghan drugs, and expects reciprocal steps from US colleagues.
• Pakistan Army: Taliban Commander Killed in Swat VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Pakistan's army says security forces killed a top Taliban commander and five other militants in the northwestern Swat Valley.
• Pakistan Army Concerned About US Aid Bill VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Pakistan's top military commanders issued a statement expressing "serious concern" over conditions in unprecedented $7.5 billion U.S. aid bill.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Future Weapons Need to be Adaptable, Cost Less AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- Future U.S. military weapons are going to have to be relevant, adaptable and affordable, the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer told defense contractors here today.
• U.S. Senate approves defense budget RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- US Senate approved a bill to allocate $626 billion on defense spending in 2010, down from $653.7 billion in 2009.
• Global Strike Command leader updates progress AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- Air Force Global Strike Command's top officer provided an update on the command's progress toward full operational capability.
• Airmen commemorate 50 years of nation's preeminent ICBM fleet AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- Members from across the ICBM community arrived here Oct. 7 for a three-day celebration of the 50th anniversary of the ICBM.
• US Attorney General: Tough to Meet Guantanamo Closing Deadline VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- US Attorney General Holder has acknowledged it will be difficult to meet deadline to close US detention center at Guantanamo Bay.
• Unmanned aircraft systems leading fight Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- It is 2230 hours and the moon casts jagged mountain shadows on an Army patrol as the Soldiers bed down for a well-deserved rest deep in enemy territory.
• More unmanned aircraft striving to eliminate IEDs Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- Army trained more than 1,400 Soldiers, Marines and civilians to fly unmanned aircraft systems in 2009.
• Women 'Soon' Will Serve on Submarines, Navy Secretary Says AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus yesterday said women soon will serve on submarines, suggesting a reversal of the long-standing ban by the Navy.
• Acquisition Chief Cites Need for Balance AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- The Defense Department needs to balance the needs of today’s wars with tomorrow’s requirements, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics said.
• Brooks wing reorganizes as base takes next step towards closure AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- As Brooks City-Base in San Antonio moves toward the BRAC-mandated 2011 closure, officials reorganized the 311th Human Systems Wing into the 311th Air Base Group.
• LUH tested at Polk for mission capabilities Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- UH-72A Helicopter sits in a hangar, ready for flight.
• Mobility commander addresses Incirlik Airmen AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- The Air Mobility Command commander talked with Incirlik Air Base Airmen Oct. 5 in the middle of a trip through the Operation Enduring Freedom area of responsibility.
• Roughead Urges More Naval Cooperation AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- International cooperation is the currency of naval power today, the chief of naval operations said today.
• Eighth U.S. Army to return Camps Eagle, Long Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- Eighth US Army announced plans to close Camps Eagle and Long in the Wonju area Oct. 5.
• GW Departs Yokosuka for 2009 Fall Deployment Navy NewsStand 07 Oct 2009 -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group departed Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan Oct. 6 for its second annual fall deployment.
• Security Cooperation MAGTF Embarks USS Wasp Navy NewsStand 07 Oct 2009 -- Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force embarked the USS Wasp Oct. 5 for a regularly scheduled deployment.
• 501st MPs build skills, trust Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- Military police prepared for the challenges they will face in their upcoming deployment to Iraq during a live-ammunition training exercise Oct. 6 at the Grafenwoehr Training Area.
• Ordnance School Prepares For Move Army News 07 Oct 2009 -- While the brigade's move to the Missile and Munitions Center at Fort Lee, Va., is still more than a year away.
• Kadena maintainers train on Japanese equipment during exercise AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- Maintainers from the 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here worked alongside their Japanese hosts Oct. 2 to learn how to use aerospace ground equipment during an aviation training relocation exercise at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan.
• Africa Exercise Strengthens Communications AFPS 07 Oct 2009 -- Nearly 200 people from 26 countries and three international organizations came together in Gabon to participate in Exercise Africa Endeavor.
• Air Force officials authorize BDU cold weather item to wear with ABUs AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- Air Force officials here now authorized Airmen to wear the battle dress uniform cold weather Gore-Tex and field jacket with the current airman battle uniform.
• Air Force HARRT arrives in Indonesia AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- Air Force humanitarian assistance rapid response team arrived at the Bandar Udara International Airport Oct. 5.
• Kadena Airmen aid Indonesian recovery operations AFNS 07 Oct 2009 -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group supporting humanitarian relief operations near Padang in western Indonesia.
• Recovery Act Funds Improvements to Pendleton Fire Pump Utility Building Navy NewsStand 07 Oct 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest awarded American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funded contract to repair fire pump utility building at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
• Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Receives Contract for Repairs, Renovation Navy NewsStand 07 Oct 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast awarded contract for repairs to Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
• NAVFAC Southeast Awards Construction Contract for Barksdale AFB Security Forces Complex Navy NewsStand 07 Oct 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast awarded contract Sept. 28 to build a Security Forces Complex at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La.
• New U.S. missile defense plans pose no threat to Russia - Lavrov RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- New US missile shield plans present no risks for Russia, and favorable conditions now emerging for bilateral dialogue.
• Russian FM: Obama Missile Shield Plan Presents No Threat VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Russia's FM: US Presidents new missile shield plan does not threaten Russia and creates preconditions for US-Russian dialogue.
• US Call for S. Korea's Participation in Missile Shield KCNA 07 Oct 2009 -- US forces underscored the "necessity" of south Korea in the establishment of missile defence system.
• Russia Airborne Troops chief gets reprimand for abuse of office RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Russian Airborne Troops commander Lt. Gen. Vladimir Shamanov has received an official warning following probe.
• India gives names to 3 frigates built by Russia RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Three frigates being built at the Yantar shipyard for the Indian navy have been named by the Indian president.
• Japan's New Foreign Minister Considers Wider Alliances in Asia, US Ties VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Japan's new FM laid out plan for his first 100 days in office, elaborating on discussions to alter status of US bases.
• Russia has 5 arms deals with Libya - Rosoboronexport RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport: Russia has 5 ongoing contracts with Libya in the sphere of military cooperation.
• Two killed as MiG-23 fighter crashes at Tripoli air show RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Two pilots killed when a Libyan Air Force MiG-23 Flogger fighter crashed in Tripoli during a demonstration flight.
• What If The CIS Holds A Summit, And No One Comes? RFE/RL 07 Oct 2009 -- None of the extraordinary street-cleaning that one might expect as the city prepares to host a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
• KCNA and Japan Overseas KCNA 07 Oct 2009 -- Japanese government considering signing a defence logistics agreement with Australia.
• Officials Say Somali Piracy is Declining VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- In 2008, Somali pirates captured more than 100 large commercial vessels, provoking a massive international response.
• French Navy Repels Somali Pirate Attack VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- France says its navy has captured five Somali pirates who attacked a French naval vessel, after apparently mistaking it for a commercial boat.
• MNSTC-I, NTM-I conduct Change of Command Ceremony MNF-I 07 Oct 2009-- BUG: the source does not exist in description file
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 07 Oct 2009
• Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 10/7/09 The White House 07 Oct 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 07, 2009
• ATK Awarded $49 Million Follow-on Contract to Provide AAR-47 Missile Warning System Components for U.S. and Allied Military Aircraft ATK 07 Oct 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) has been awarded a $49.3 million contract by the U.S. Navy for the procurement of AAR-47 Missile Warning System components for the U.S. military and allies.
• BAE SYSTEMS RECEIVES $13 MILLION U.S. ARMY AMCOM CONTRACT FOR UP-ARMORED HIMARS CABS BAE Systems 07 Oct 2009 -- BAE Systems announced today the award of a $13.97 million contract from the Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command (AMCOM), to manufacture 64 Increased Crew Protection (ICP) cab upgrade kits for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
• 3rd Boeing C-17 Joins 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability Initiative Boeing 07 Oct 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered a third C-17 Globemaster III to the NATO Airlift Management Organization (NAMO) in support of NAMO's 12-nation Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) initiative.
• Boeing AH-6i Light Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter Makes 1st Flight Boeing 07 Oct 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that the AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter successfully completed its first flight on Sept. 16, seven months after the company started work on the prototype aircraft.
• Army Awards Raytheon $13 Million to Improve Situational Awareness for Pilots Raytheon 07 Oct 2009 -- The U.S. Army has awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $13 million contract to develop additional sensor prototypes for the Advanced Distributed Aperture System, which gives helicopter pilots 360-degree situational awareness.
• Nation’s Newest USAF Weather Satellite Ready For Launch Lockheed Martin 07 Oct 2009 -- The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-18 Block 5D-3 spacecraft, built under contract for the U.S. Air Force by Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT], is undergoing final preparation for a launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. on October 18, 2009.
• U.S. Army Awards Lockheed Martin $133 Million to Provide Persistent Threat Detection Aerostat Systems Lockheed Martin 07 Oct 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently received a $133 million award to provide the U.S. Army with eight additional Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) to support coalition forces.
• Raytheon Introduces Improved Mobile Device for Fast Intelligence Sharing Raytheon 07 Oct 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is debuting at the 2009 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition a breakthrough mobile device for faster intelligence sharing.

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 Oct 2009
• Abbas Aide: We Erred Over Gaza Report VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Aide to Palestinian President Abbas: Palestinian leadership erred by suspending action on UN report that criticizes Israel's offensive in Gaza.
• UN Security Council to consider session on Gaza report RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- UN Security Council will discuss holding an official session to examine the Goldstone report on the Israeli military incursion into Gaza.
• Jerusalem Tense as Arab Leaders Visit Disputed Holy Site VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Tension remains high between Jews and Muslims at a disputed Jerusalem holy place after several days of unrest.
• Israeli Police Arrest Arab Man For Alleged Incitement in Jerusalem VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Israeli police have arrested an Arab man on charges of incitement in connection with recent violence in Jerusalem's Old City.
• Food enters Gaza through crossings while fuel pipeline remains shut down - UN UN News Centre 07 Oct 2009 -- Food and animal feed have entered Gaza from Israel in recent days, but the Nahal Oz fuel pipeline remains closed.
• Lebanon: UN official confers with minister on ceasefire with Israel UN News Centre 07 Oct 2009 -- Senior UN official conferred with Lebanese FM Salloukh on the need for a longer-term ceasefire in the south of the country.
• Inter-ethnic violence in southern Sudan threatens return of displaced - UN UN News Centre 07 Oct 2009 -- Significant challenges remain to the return of displaced people in southern Sudan following the 2005 peace accord.
• Nigerian Government Plans Permanent Military Bases in Niger Delta VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- The Nigerian government plans to establish a permanent security presence in the Niger Delta region.
• Transdnestr conflict mediators urge resumption of talks RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Mediators and observers in conflict over Moldova's breakaway region of Transdnestr have urged the parties to resume talks.
• Russia put 750 militants out of action in 2009 - Interior Ministry RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Russian police and interior troops have killed or detained some 750 militants in the North Caucasus region in 2009.
• UN envoy calls on Cypriots to focus on unification issues UN News Centre 07 Oct 2009 -- Senior UN official urged the people of Cyprus to concentrate on the issues at hand in the ongoing discussions.
• New Kosovo War Victims Report Released RFE/RL 07 Oct 2009 -- The Humanitarian Law Center in Belgrade has presented a new report on the dead and missing people from the 1998-99 Kosovo war.

News Reports

• OAS Delegation to Hold Talks in Honduras VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Delegation from the Organization of American States is converging on Honduras to discuss the ongoing political crisis.
• Guinea Opponents Want Military Ruler's Resignation Before Talks VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Political opponents in Guinea say the country's military ruler must resign before they take part in regional mediation efforts.
• Aung San Suu Kyi Meets With Burmese Government Minister VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi held talks with a Burmese government official, the second time in less than a week.
• At Home And Abroad, Turkey Deal A Tough Sell For Armenian President RFE/RL 07 Oct 2009 -- Singing patriotic songs about historic battles against the Turks, dozens of hunger strikers have been camped out in front of Armenia's foreign ministry building for weeks.
• Turkish PM ready for deal on relations with Armenia - paper RIA Novosti 07 Oct 2009 -- Turkish PM: Turkey is ready to sign a pact on October 10 on reopening its border with Armenia and reestablishing relations.
• Madagascar: Ban urges leaders to build on momentum for unity government UN News Centre 07 Oct 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban called on Madagascar’s leaders to quickly conclude talks on a transitional government.
• Liberian Opposition Leader Says Some President Sirleaf Appointments Violate Constitution VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Liberian opposition leader is accusing President Sirleaf of violating the country's constitution.
• Ivory Coast Moves Closer to Elections With Voter List VOA 07 Oct 2009 -- Ivory Coast's electoral commission has officially delivered the provisional voter list to President Laurent Gbagbo.