Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 15 Oct 2009 [PDF]
• Oct. 14 airpower summary: KC-135s sustain flight in AOR AFNS 15 Oct 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and ISAF in Afghanistan in the following operations.
• Comprehensive Lessons Learned Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- New publication summarizing key lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan that underpin capabilities development and integration.
• Iraqis Arrest 15 in Multiple Operations AFPS 15 Oct 2009 -- Iraqi security forces arrested 15 suspects in a variety of operations in recent days, military officials reported.
• Iraq Oil Scandal Threatens Former U.S. Diplomat Galbraith RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- There is little love lost between the top UN envoy to Afghanistan, Kai Eide, and Peter Galbraith, his recently dismissed deputy.
• EOD Airmen help Iraqi police enhance skills AFNS 15 Oct 2009 -- Members of the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's explosive ordnance disposal team and Iraqi police conducted joint training.
• 3rd HBCT leaves for fourth Iraq rotation Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team's main body left for Iraq over the Columbus Day holiday weekend.
• Fort Knox welcomes 3d ESC Soldiers home in ceremony Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Members of the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) returned to Fort Knox after spending 15 months in Iraq.
• 1/10 Attack returns home from successful mission Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Soldiers of 1-10th Aviation returned to Hunter Army Airfield after a 12-month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
• US Lawmakers Question Afghanistan Strategy VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- As President Obama held meetings with advisors and military officials on Afghanistan, US lawmakers were raising questions about US strategy.
• Forces in Afghanistan Kill, Detain Militants AFPS 15 Oct 2009 -- Afghan and international forces killed and detained multiple suspected militants in operations to interdict Taliban activity in Afghanistan’s Zabul and Wardak provinces in recent days.
• Airman comments about firefight AFNS 15 Oct 2009 -- Combat outposts Keating and Fritsche were attacked by hundreds of militants from multiple firing positions, according to an International Security Assistance Force statement.
• Bomb technicians lead fight against IEDs AFNS 15 Oct 2009 -- Improvised explosive devices have forced a change in modern combat, and deadly weapons can come in the form of a five-gallon bucket.
• Election Officials in Afghanistan to Decide on Fraud Soon VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Election officials in Afghanistan are expected to announce in the coming days whether allegations of fraud in the presidential election could force a second round of voting.
• Afghan Presidential Candidate Hopeful About Runoff Vote VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah says he is hopeful that UN-backed investigation into ballot-stuffing will lead to a run-off election.
• AFGHANISTAN: "Situation is critical and demands urgent action" - NGOs IRIN 15 Oct 2009 -- 16 Afghan and international NGOs and civil society organizations have called for urgent improvements.
• U.S. Condemns Attacks in Pakistan, Approves Aid AFPS 15 Oct 2009 -- US Embassy in Islamabad strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Pakistan, vowing continued US support to help Pakistan combat violence.
• Obama Signs Massive Aid Package to Pakistan VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has signed into law a $7.5 billion aid package for Pakistan.
• U.S. pledges $7.5 billion in aid to Pakistan RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- U.S. President Obama signed legislation on Thursday providing Pakistan with $7.5 billion in aid over the next five years.
• As Pakistan Hit By Terror Attacks, Military Girds For Waziristan Offensive RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- Militants have hit police targets across Pakistan, killing at least 38 people in the east and northwest of the country.
• Pakistan Militants Attack 5 Government Sites VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Pakistani officials say five attacks on government sites across the country have killed at least 32 people.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Global Commitments Stretch Army AFPS 15 Oct 2009 -- With more than 1.1 million active and reserve-component soldiers in the U.S. Army, some may wonder how the service could be stressed.
• Army to field new plate-carrier vest Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- The Army is poised to introduce a plate-carrier vest to provide Soldiers more lightweight gear in the challenging operational environments of Afghanistan.
• Flight simulators help AMC to 'maximize value, minimize waste' AFNS 15 Oct 2009 -- In Air Mobility Command, the use of flight simulators as an Air Force Smart Operation for the 21st Century effort is helping significantly reduce costs.
• Riggers test T-11 parachute Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- The airborne operation at McLaney Drop Zone Friday was just like any other.
• First-of-Its-Kind Army Reserve Unit Activates at Fort Totten, New York Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Col. Calvin DeWitt assumed command of the newly activated and one-of-a-kind Army Reserve unit- the 151st Theater Information Operations Group.
• Less is More: Long Knives combine two engineer companies Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Combat Engineers stood at a modified position of attention C/4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division activation ceremony.
• With shift to Signal Command, DOIM becomes 70th APG tenant organization Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Chief of Staff of the Army has directed the assignment of the Directorate of Information Management to the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command.
• Operational Control of U.S. Army IMCOM's information management functions expected to be invisible to employees Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Directorate of Information Management network-related functions at IMCOM garrisons will be reassigned to the Army's Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command.
• USS Missouri Pulls into Dry Dock Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Battleship USS Missouri pulled away from its pier and was towed into the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Drydock 4 for extensive maintenance work.
• Enterprise Readies for Aircraft Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) is scheduled to take on jet propulsion fuel number five (JP-5) for the first time in almost two years in October 2009.
• Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Coming Home Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 will return to their homeport of San Diego Oct. 21 after a five-month Western Pacific deployment.
• USS Jarrett Returns to San Diego from Deployment Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- The USS Jarrett will return to San Diego after an independent six-month deployment to the 4th Fleet area of responsibility.
• 'Stryker University' - Seabees, SEALs study Strykers Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- 1-29th Infantry's Stryker Bradley Instructional Company leads 500 to 600 service members through three programs at the Collins Training Center.
• Field Artillerymen qualify on new weapon system Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- The 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is once again preparing for deployment, but this time around they're going 'light.'
• 82nd Airborne Division helps train troops coalition forces in Egypt Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- One tool used by forces around the world to prepare for the shifting battlefield is Military Operations in Urban Terrain training.
• Bright Star 2009 participants conduct Amphibious Operations Exercise Army News 15 Oct 2009 -- Since 1981 U.S. Central Command and the Egyptian Military have partnered in an ongoing multi-nation training exercise.
• PHIBRON 2 Showcases Command and Control Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Bataan Amphibious Ready Group began its participation in Exercise Bright Star 2009 Oct. 10.
• Forward Deployed Sailors, Marines Begin PHIBLEX with Philippine Counterparts Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Sailors of the amphibious dock landing ships USS Harpers Ferry and USS Tortuga along with Marines from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit began the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX).
• Cole Participates in Exercise Joint Warfare Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Commander of Strike Force Training Atlantic visited USS Cole to meet with senior leadership.
• Pentagon Officials Stress Cybersecurity AFPS 15 Oct 2009 -- Pentagon officials stress that no matter what computer you use, you need to take cybersecurity into account.
• Coast Guard Cutter Helps Navy on African Coast AFPS 15 Oct 2009 -- The Coast Guard cutter Legare recently returned from a 120-day mission in support of the Navy's 6th Fleet along Africa’s west coast.
• Inaugural Conference on Maritime Security Held in South Africa Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Maritime Security Africa 2009, the inaugural conference on maritime security, was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 13.
• MSC Ships Deliver Cargo for Humanitarian Relief Efforts in Indonesia Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Military Sealift Command ships delivered urgently needed supplies off the coast of Indonesia.
• Luke Airman dies of H1N1 complications AFNS 15 Oct 2009 -- A Luke Air Force Base NCO died Oct. 4 from complications with the H1N1 virus at his off-base residence.
• Dutch Donate Two River Boats to Senegal During APS Deployment Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- Dutch government donated 2 river inspection boats to the Organization de la Mise en Valeur du Fleuve Senegal.
• APS Arrives in Sierra Leone Navy NewsStand 15 Oct 2009 -- The Dutch amphibious ship HNLMS Johan De Witt (L 801) arrived in Sierra Leone Oct. 14 for a two-day port visit as part of the ongoing Africa Partnership Station initiative.
• Russia concerned by U.S. missile shield talks with non-NATO states RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Deputy FM Ryabkov: Russia is concerned by U.S. missile defense talks with countries outside NATO.
• U.S. considering Ukrainian radar for missile shield - envoy RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Possibility of a Ukrainian radar facility being used as part of a US missile defense system is being considered.
• U.S Accused of Sparking Arms Race in Space KCNA 15 Oct 2009 -- US launched two satellites for missile defense.
• Russian Pacific Fleet exercises end in Sea of Japan RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Multistage naval exercises involving a mixed task force of Russia's Pacific Fleet have ended in the Sea of Japan.
• Russia, India to jointly develop 5th-generation fighter RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Russia and India are set to jointly develop helicopters, infantry fighting vehicles and a fifth-generation fighter.
• Russia, Brunei leaders to talk trade, military cooperation RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev and the leader of Brunei will discuss trade, energy and military cooperation at talks in Moscow.
• Medvedev to attend final stage of CSTO exercise in Kazakhstan RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev is arriving in Kazakhstan and will attend on the final stage of a joint military exercise.
• Conference in Bratislava to focus on Russia-NATO relations RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Relations between Russia and NATO will be one of the main issues to be discussed at a security conference.
• EU Faces Decision On Uzbek Arms Embargo RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- The fate of Europe's last remaining sanction imposed against Uzbekistan in the wake of the 2005 Andijon massacre will soon be decided.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 15 Oct 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 15, 2009
• BAE SYSTEMS SECURES TYPHOON SUPPORT CONTRACT WORTH MORE THAN £400M BAE Systems 15 Oct 2009 -- two international consortia.
• Sagem unveils SAPS multirole optronic aiming sight during NATO’s Belcoast 09 field demonstration Sagem (Safran group) 15 Oct 2009 -- The new Sagem Advanced Panoramic Sight (SAPS™), developed and produced by Sagem (Safran group) was presented for the first time during the NATO demonstration Belcoast 09 *. It was deployed in various operational scenarios for these trials, designed to demonstrate “protection of critical infrastructures”.
• Lockheed Martin Awarded $31M Research Contract To Develop Cyber Information Assurance For Military Networks Lockheed Martin 15 Oct 2009 -- Protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and security of military networks is the goal of a new contract that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded to Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT].
• Northrop Grumman Wins U.S. Navy Knowledge Management and Process Support Contract for Integrated Logistics Services Northrop Grumman 15 Oct 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) subsidiary AMSEC LLC has been awarded a task order under the U.S. Navy seaport enhanced contract for logistics knowledge management and process support for Integrated Logistics Services.
• General Dynamics Awarded $16 Million for Chemical Detection Systems Production General Dynamics 05 Oct 2009 -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $16 million order to provide Joint Service Lightweight Standoff Chemical Agent Detector (JSLSCAD) systems and spares for Stryker Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBCRVs).
• Lockheed Martin Successfully Launches Target Missile For Air Defense System Test Lockheed Martin 15 Oct 2009 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced that it successfully launched a target missile for today’s ATM-48 intercept test of the U.S. Army’s Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2) air defense system.

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 15 Oct 2009
• Hamas Seeks Changes to Palestinian Reconciliation Deal VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Palestinian militant group Hamas says it has rejected an Egyptian-mediated proposal to reconcile with the rival Fatah group.
• Fatah signs Palestinian national reconciliation deal RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Palestinian movement Fatah signed a national reconciliation deal called upon to end the conflict with its rival Islamist faction Hamas.
• Israel Urges West to Reject War Crimes Resolution VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- The U.N. Human Rights Council is meeting in Geneva to discuss alleged Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
• Lebanon: UN envoy upbeat on chances of forming unity government UN News Centre 15 Oct 2009 -- UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon: Country had entered “a crucial week” for efforts to end the deadlock over the formation of a national unity government.
• EU's Sudan Envoy Argues Peace Will Pay VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- The European Union's special representative for Sudan says that the financial benefits of peace make a key argument for ending fighting in southern Sudan.
• Darfur Groups Demand US Special Envoy's Ouster VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Expatriate groups representing more than 1,000 Darfuris living in the United States have sent a letter asking President Obama to relieve Major General Scott Gration.
• Human rights expert calls joint UN-Congolese army action 'catastrophic' UN News Centre 15 Oct 2009 -- Government troops in the DRC have killed, raped or mutilated scores of civilians this year in the context of “catastrophic” joint military operations.
• Aid Group Calls for Urgent Response to DRC Crisis VOA 16 Oct 2009 -- Doctors Without Borders: Humanitarian response to the crisis in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo must be urgently stepped up.
• Nigerian President Declares Niger Delta Stable VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua has declared the conflict that plagued the oil producing Niger Delta has ended.
• Nigerian President Declares Oil Attacks Over VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Nigeria's president says rebel attacks in the oil-rich Niger Delta are over, despite a militant group's vow to resume attacks.
• Nigeria Police Hail EU Logistical Support Pledge VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Nigeria's police have welcomed the European Union's assistance pledge to provide training and logistical support in its operations.
• Kosovo FM: Serbia Interfering in Upcoming Local Elections VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- The foreign minister of Kosovo has accused Serbia of interfering in next month's municipal elections by urging Kosovo-Serbs to boycott the vote.
• Kosovo: UN mission says its role hindered by sides' differing views UN News Centre 15 Oct 2009 -- UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo caught between the differing perceptions of the opposing sides.

News Reports

• Court sentences 6 to death over northwest China riots RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- A court in Urumqi sentenced six people to death over July's deadly riots in the city.
• China Hands Down More Death Sentences for Xinjiang Riots VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- China has sentenced six more people to death for murders committed during July riots in far northwestern Xinjiang region.
• Five Countries Elected to Two-Year Security Council Terms VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria were elected Thursday to non-permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council.
• Next five non-permanent members of Security Council chosen UN News Centre 15 Oct 2009 -- Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria will serve two-year terms on the Security Council starting next January after they won elections to the 15-member body today.
• Nobel Committee deserve prize for Obama surprise -Swedish minister RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Swedish FM Bildt: Nobel Committee deserve special prize for surprising the world with their decision.
• U.S. urges sides to seek peaceful end to conflict in Honduras RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- US has called on both sides in the conflict in Honduras to seek peaceful ways to resolve their differences.
• Honduras Political Talks to Continue VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- Negotiators in Honduras are to continue talks Thursday in an effort to resolve the political crisis over the ouster of President Zelaya.
• Demands For More Reform by Turkey Lessen EU Membership Chances VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- EC's annual progress report on Turkish membership says Ankara has improved its handling of human rights issues.
• Will Serzh Sarkisian's Biggest Gamble Pay Off? RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- Now, thanks in large part to Sarkisian's personal commitment and with the support of the United States, the two countries are tantalizingly close to attaining that goal.
• Russia reiterates support for Turkish-Armenian thaw RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Russia will continue to support Armenia and Turkey's efforts to normalize their relations.
• Prosecutor of International Criminal Court looking into recent events in Guinea UN News Centre 15 Oct 2009 -- ICC confirmed that its prosecutor is looking into last month’s events in Guinea.
• Russian parties could return to parliament after boycott RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Two of the Russian parties that walked out of parliament in protest against Sunday's election results have said they may return on Friday.
• Pressure Mounts In Russian Election Standoff RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- For the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union, there is only one party at work in Russia's legislature.
• US Blasts Prosecution of Zimbabwe Legislator VOA 15 Oct 2009 -- State Department called the terrorism prosecution against Zimbabwean parliament member Roy Bennett a "blatant example" of the absence of rule of law in the African country.
• Man surrenders to police after grenade threat in Chisinau RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- A man who threatened to set off a grenade in Moldova's capital a day after a blast at a concert injured dozens of people has surrendered to police.
• Man threatens new grenade blast after Moldova concert attack RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- Day after devastating grenade attack, a grenade-armed man is now threatening to blow himself up outside the General Prosecutor's Office.
• Moldovan Officials Say Blast An 'Act Of Terror' RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- Moldovan officials say the explosion of a grenade at a concert in downtown Chisinau on October 14 that left some 40 people injured was an "act of terror."
• Chisinau city day festivities marred by blast, 36 injured RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- A total of 36 people received various injuries when a grenade exploded during city day celebrations in the Moldovan capital.
• Unlikely Pirates: The 'Arctic Sea' Mystery's Estonia Link RFE/RL 15 Oct 2009 -- Estonia drawn into an international mystery that prompted speculation about a secret sale of Russian weapons to the Middle East.
• Court remands in custody two more suspects in Arctic Sea case RIA Novosti 15 Oct 2009 -- A Moscow court extended custody of two men charged with hijacking the Arctic Sea cargo ship in July.