Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 23 Oct 2009 [PDF]
• Oct. 22 airpower summary: Predators provide overwatch AFNS 23 Oct 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
• Iraqis Arrest Terrorism Suspects AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- Iraqi police and soldiers, working with U.S. advisors, arrested seven terrorism suspects in Iraq over the last two days.
• Iraq Election Debate Won't Affect U.S. Drawdown AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- US officials are confident that both the US troop drawdown and the elections will be accomplished on schedule.
• U.S. Forces Prepare Iraqis to Train Others AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- Aided by U.S. forces, Iraqi soldiers gained valuable skills ranging from first aid to Humvee maintenance during course at Camp Mirra, Iraq.
• Deploying To Iraq With New Technology For Soldiers Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- Laser technology is taking Chief Warrant Officer 3 Cary Nadeau to Iraq for his fourth deployment in support of overseas contingency operations
• Newly opened Iraqi cigar shop at Q-West Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- An Iraqi-owned and operated cigar shop celebrated its grand opening Oct. 14 at Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq
• New M-ATV arrives in Southern Afghanistan Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- The first Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) designated for Southern Afghanistan arrived here Oct. 22 by air transport
• Combined Force Kills Enemy Fighters, Detains Suspects AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- A combined Afghan and international security force killed enemy fighters and wounded another in Afghanistan’s Wardak province.
• New All-terrain Vehicles Arrive in Afghanistan AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- The first mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles designated for southern Afghanistan arrived here Oct. 22 by air transport.
• Gates Receives 'Mounting Endorsements' of Strategy Proposals AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates: Encouraged by unofficial endorsements NATO ministers expressing for Gen. McChrystal’s proposals.
• NATO Ministers Endorse McChrystal Approach in Afghanistan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- NATO defense ministers endorsed counterinsurgency approach for Afghanistan that is the basis for the pending troop request by the NATO.
• McChrystal to Brief as NATO Ministers Focus on Afghanistan AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates and his fellow NATO defense ministers will hear from the commander of ISAF and US forces in Afghanistan.
• UN Envoy Endorses More Troops for Afghanistan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- The top United Nations envoy for Afghanistan says more foreign troops are needed to help secure the country, and to train its army and police forces.
• Gates: US Committed to Afghanistan Mission VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates reassured NATO allies that the US is committed to its mission in Afghanistan.
• US Lawmakers Hear Diverse Opinions on Afghanistan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- US lawmakers have received more advice from strategic and regional specialists about the pros and cons of strategies and what is at stake.
• Run-off Election Won't Resolve Afghanistan's Dilemma VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Afghanistan's presidential run-off election on 7 November is expected to keep incumbent Hamid Karzai in power.
• Afghanistan Prepares for Presidential Runoff VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Afghanistan is getting ready for a second-round presidential election between President Hamid Karzai and former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah.
• North Afghanistan 'a bridgehead for drug-trafficking to Russia' RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Afghan regions controlled by the Northern Alliance serve as a bridgehead for drug-trafficking to Russia.
• Blasts Take More Than 20 Lives in Northwest Pakistan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Police in Pakistan say three explosions in the northwestern part of the country have killed more than 20 people.
• US Secretary of State Clinton to Travel to Pakistan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- US State Department: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is to travel to Pakistan, but details on the timing of the trip are not being released due to security reasons.
• Clinton set for visit to Pakistan RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Pakistan in the near future, the U.S. envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan said.
• 1 Dead, 8 Wounded in Army-Navy Exercise AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- One military member was killed and 8 injured after an Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into a Navy ship off the coast of Fort Story.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD News: 41st U.S.-RoK Security Consultative Meeting Joint Communique DoD 23 Oct 2009-- The following is the text of a joint communiqué issued in Seoul, Korea, on Oct. 22, 2009
• Transcript: Press Conference with Secretary Gates During the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting DoD 23 Oct 2009 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• DoD News: Senior Executive Service Appointments and Reassignment DoD 23 Oct 2009
• Command Offers Key Piece to Policymaking Puzzle AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- A key element in the debate about the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan is a reported request by Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top American commander there, for additional troops.
• 37th conducts St. Michael's Jump operation at JBB Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- The 37th Engineer Battalion held a St. Michael's Jump operation Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq
• Main body of Task Force Kitgum moves into Life Support Area Fist Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- Weeks of hard work have come to a head for the advance and torch parties of Natural Fire 10 as the main body moved from Entebbe, Uganda, to Kitgum and into their new home at Life Support Area Fist on Pajimo Barracks
• Finney Recreation Center named best in Europe Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- USAG Schweinfurt's Finney Recreation Center on Conn Barracks is the winner of IMCOM-Europe's Outstanding Recreation Program. The recreation center is just one of the three USAG Schweinfurt Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) facilities to win the award. Ledward Library and the Auto Skills Center also received top prizes.
• Warrior Transition Unit deactivated Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- A Warrior Transition Unit was a part of Fort Leavenworth for only two years, but Munson Army Health Center staff said the unit's presence made lasting changes in medical care on post
• Soldiers affect brigade modernization Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- Ground sensors that are part of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization program were recently overhauled in line with input from Soldiers.
• Black Falcons conduct heavy drop exercise Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- Personnel on the ground looked to the skies on a rainy afternoon searching for the source of the unmistakable sound of a large aircraft. Within seconds, a lone C-17 parted the clouds
• Fort Bragg paratroopers brave weather for training exercise Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- For many living and working in the area, last Wednesday's cold and rainy forecast might have kept them at home or in a warm and dry place
• Lejeune-based infanty Marines practice helo tactics in Arizona USMC News 23 Oct 2009 -- Gearing up for an approaching deployment to Afghanistan, infantry Marines based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., took off on a nighttime helicopter raid from the flight line here Oct. 16, 2009
• CLB-7 provides support, supplies for Operation Steel Knight USMC News 23 Oct 2009 -- Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 7 are working round the clock to make sure the 1st Tank Battalion and 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion have the supplies they need to complete a pre-deployment exercise here Oct. 17 through 30
• Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Returns Home Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 returned to their homeport of San Diego Oct. 21 after a five-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).
• Recovery Act Will Repair Roof, HVAC at Camp Pendleton Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded a $1.24 million Recovery Act funded contract to DRI Commercial Corp. of Irvine, Calif., Sept. 10 to repair the Camp Pendleton headquarters building.
• NPS Launches New Online Human Systems Integration Certificate Program Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- The Naval Postgraduate School has recently launched a new distance learning certificate program in Human Systems Integration open to all federal government personnel - officers and enlisted military, U.S. civilians and Department of Defense contractors - as well as international officer students.
• Detailers to Field Applications for Break from Active Duty Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Responding to a need for greater flexibility, the chief of naval personnel revised a pilot program allowing Sailors to take a break of up to three years from active duty, by authorizing the review of applications on a rolling basis in place of an annual selection board.
• Submariners Glimpse into Each Other's World Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Crew members from USS Wyoming (SSBN 742)(Gold) and Italian submarine (ITS) Scire (S 527) toured each other's boats Oct. 19-20.
• Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 Returns Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Over 500 active and reserve Sailors assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3 returned to Naval Air Station North Island, Oct. 21 following a seven-month deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations.
• Normandy Completes Group Sail with Ike Strike Group Ships Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- USS Normandy (CG 60) completed a three-week multimission training Oct. 19 during her first underway period since entering an Extended Dry-docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) period.
• $19.8 Million Barracks Renovation Complete at NAS Meridian Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- The quality of life of nearly 1,000 Sailors on board Naval Air Station Meridian recently reached a new level.
• Coast Guard, Navy Partner With CNMI To Assess Storm Damages Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy partnered to assist neighboring islands affected by Typhoon Melor and conduct damage assessments Oct. 4.
• Amphibious Squadron 2 Changes Command Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 2 held a change of command ceremony Oct. 22 aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) during a port visit to 5th Fleet's Area of Operations.
• Army-Navy Joint Training Incident at Sea Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- One service member is dead and eight are injured following a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter crash on the Navy fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) at approximately 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, 20 nautical miles off the coast from Fort Story, Virginia.
• Stop Loss Payment Application Window Opens Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- The Department of Defense announced Oct. 21 the implementation of plans to issue retroactive stop loss special pay to compensate active duty, Reserve component, former and retired service members who, at any time between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, served on active duty and had their enlistment or period of obligated service involuntarily extended.
• SECNAV Visits Southern California Navy NewsStand 23 Oct 2009 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made a visit to Southern California this week, including San Diego, Camp Pendleton and Los Angeles.
• Mullen Vows Continued Support for Korean Military AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- As S. Korea’s military transitions to full operational control, important to remember 60 years of US commitment to the country.
• Battlefield Airmen considered a weapon system AFNS 23 Oct 2009 -- Capabilities of battlefield Airmen are considered just as lethal as any advanced weapons system.
• Army Lab Aims to Lighten Soldiers' Load AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- Soldiers carry a heavy load, with basic body armor alone weighing about 45 pounds, not to mention firearms, ammunition, other equipment.
• Air Force awards $14M to 2010 Young Investigators Research Program AFNS 23 Oct 2009 -- Air Force Office of Scientific Research announced it will award more than $14 million in grants to 38 scientists and engineers.
• Bright Star Exercise 2009 Army News 23 Oct 2009 -- Bright Star is the oldest exercise in the United States Central Command's area of operation.
• Navy, Marine Corps team serve as America's 911 force in the Asia-Pacific Region USMC News 23 Oct 2009 -- 31st MEU and Amphibious Squadron Eleven remain part of America's 911 force in the Asia-Pacific Region.
• Little Rock Airmen fuel up to save environment, money AFNS 23 Oct 2009 -- Airmen from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron's Fuels Management Flight have been selected to test 2 types of aviation fuel in an effort to save money and the environment.
• Collaboration Drove Earthquake Relief, Commander Says AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- In the aftermath of earthquakes in Indonesia, rapid response and cooperation led to a successful humanitarian relief effort.
• Air Force officials revise civilian hiring policy AFNS 23 Oct 2009 -- Department of Defense civilian employees will now be referred to the hiring official along with current Air Force civilians for all permanent Air Force civilian positions.
• NHB Staff Prepares for Seasonal Flu Vaccination Navy NewsStand 22 Oct 2009 -- Naval Hospital Bremerton preparing to distribute seasonal flu vaccinations.
• Biden Praises Central European Allies AFPS 22 Oct 2009 -- VP Biden speaking: US relies on its Central European allies to help confront 21st century challenges and praised the region for its post-Cold War progress.
• RFE/RL Interview: U.S. Vice President Joe Biden RFE/RL 23 Oct 2009 -- In an exclusive interview, US VP Biden spoke about the US administration's policy on Russia, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
• Biden Says Trip Has Laid Eastern Europe's 'Reset' Fears To Rest RFE/RL 23 Oct 2009 -- US VP Biden believes he has successfully laid to rest fears that the White House's efforts to improve relations with Russia.
• Gates Finds Broad Support for New Missile Defense Approach AFPS 23 Oct 2009 -- Gates: NATO defense ministers are expressing broad support for the new U. approach to missile defense in Europe.
• Czech PM Backs New US Missile Defense Plan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- US VP Biden has secured the Czech Republic's support for US missile defense plans after winning the backing of Poland and Romania.
• US VP Warns Europe of Missile Threats VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- US VP Biden has called on America's European allies to step-up their defense efforts in the face of security threats from outside Europe.
• Albright Says Russia Still Concerned With NATO RFE/RL 23 Oct 2009 -- Russia continues to view NATO as a hostile alliance, two decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
• Russia-NATO Council meeting penciled for December 4 RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- First formal Russia-NATO Council ministerial meeting since Russia and Georgia conflict may be held in early December.
• Russian parliament passes bill on using troops abroad RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Lower house of the Russian parliament passed amendments to a defense law which expands the use of Russian Forces abroad.
• United Aircraft Corp buys 100% stake in MiG aircraft maker RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Russia's United Aircraft Corporation has bought a 100% interest in the MiG aircraft making corporation.
• Russia, Ukraine not seeking changes to Black Sea Fleet deal RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Neither Russia nor Ukraine are seeking to revise the terms of an agreement on the presence of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea.
• Ukraine's foreign minister says ready to improve ties with Russia RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Ukraine is ready to step up dialogue with Russia to improve relations, the country’s foreign minister told his Russian counterpart.
• Russia to discuss rent for military facilities in Kyrgyzstan RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Russian PM Putin has instructed the government to conduct negotiations with Kyrgyzstan on rental payment for Russian military facilities.
• MiG-27 military jet crashes in India RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- An Indian Air Force (IAF) MIG-27 Flogger ground support aircraft crashed Friday in northeast India.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 23 Oct 2009
• Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton aboard Air Force One en route Boston, MA, 10/23/09 The White House 23 Oct 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 23, 2009
• F-35 Brings Unique 5th Generation Capabilities Lockheed Martin 23 Oct 2009 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35 Lightning II program is the only fighter program delivering 5th generation capabilities internationally, a Lockheed Martin executive said Tuesday at the Seoul Air Show.
• NASA, Northrop Grumman Announce Initial Flight of Global Hawk Unmanned System for Environmental Science Research Northrop Grumman 23 Oct 2009 -- NASA and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) today announced the initial flight of a Global Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to be used for environmental science research.
• Boeing Submits Proposals to India for Apache and Chinook Helicopters Boeing 23 Oct 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] submitted two proposals to the Indian Air Force this week, offering the AH-64D Apache and the CH-47F Chinook for India's attack and heavy-lift helicopter competitions.
• Boeing Delivers 2 Apache Longbow Crew Trainers to US Army Boeing 23 Oct 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered two new Apache Longbow Crew Trainers (LCT) to the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas, and the Army declared the helicopter simulators "ready for training" on Sept. 4.

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 23 Oct 2009
• Israel Accuses UN of 'Hypocrisy, Prejudice' VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Israel has complained that it is getting unfair treatment at the United Nations amid allegations that it committed war crimes against the Palestinians.
• Israel urges UN chief to block Gaza report RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Israeli FM urged the UN Secretary General to prevent both the General Assembly and the Security Council from considering report on war crimes in Gaza.
• Al-Shabab Threatens Uganda, Burundi VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- The Ugandan government has warned a Somali rebel group that it would quickly regret any attack attempted within Ugandan territory.
• Somali General Confirms Kenya Recruiting Soldiers VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- A Somali general says 1,500 young men have been recruited from Kenya on his government's behalf and are receiving military training in Kenya.
• Somalia: UN political chief calls for increased world support in push for peace UN News Centre 23 Oct 2009 -- Top UN political officer called for an urgent increase in international support for the strife-torn country.
• Russia demands release of two men detained in Georgia RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- Moscow is demanding the release of a Russian human rights activist and a retired army officer detained in Georgia.
• Envoy urges caution on cuts to UN police strength in Timor-Leste UN News Centre 23 Oct 2009 -- Top UN envoy: Any drawdown of international security forces in Timor-Leste should proceed with caution.
• Sri Lanka to Release Thousands of Tamil Refugees VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Over the coming weeks, the Sri Lankan government plans to release nearly 40,000 ethnic Tamils confined in military run-refugee camps.
• SRI LANKA: Donor frustration over IDP camps IRIN 23 Oct 2009 -- Donors are increasingly concerned over the conditions in Sri Lanka’s camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) and are less likely to provide funding if they continue to restrict IDPs’ freedom of movement, say UN officials.
• Diplomats from Security Council members tour barracks in Nepal UN News Centre 23 Oct 2009 -- A team of Nepal-based diplomats from 6 Security Council members visited army barracks and cantonment sites.
• Armenia, Turkey Differ Over Karabakh's Impact On Relations RFE/RL 23 Oct 2009 -- A spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry says Yerevan has never discussed the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh with Ankara.
• Chechnya says assassination attempt on Kadyrov averted RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- An attempt on the lives of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov and a federal parliament member has been prevented in Grozny.
• War Crimes Suspect Surrenders to Police in Australia VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- An Australian man accused of killing a Jewish youth in Hungary during the Second World War is in jail, awaiting possible extradition.
• Registration of people displaced by conflict in northern Yemen continues – UN UN News Centre 23 Oct 2009 -- The United Nations refugee agency says that displaced families from embattled Sa’ada province in northern Yemen are continuing to arrive in Al Mazrak camp, which now houses an estimated 8,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• COTE D'IVOIRE-GUINEA: UN expands aid to Ivoirian refugees IRIN 23 Oct 2009 -- UN aid agencies are expanding assistance to Ivoirian refugees in Guinea, for whom aid plans have been thrown off repeatedly by gridlock over elections and general uncertainty in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Africa Signs Off on Intent to Protect Internally Displaced People VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- An Africa Union summit in Kampala has adopted a landmark convention on the rights of people uprooted from their homes by conflict or natural disasters. But the occasion was tarnished by a lukewarm show of support from member states.
• UN human rights chief hails new pact to protect Africa's displaced UN News Centre 23 Oct 2009 -- UN human rights chief welcomed a new treaty to protect and assist those uprooted from their homes due to conflict and natural disasters in Africa.
• African States Sign Declaration on Forced Displacement VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- About 46 African nations have agreed to a declaration obligating governments to protect and help people displaced by violence and other acts.

News Reports

• Expert Panel Questions US Space Exploration Plan VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- AugustineCmteReport-cover_210A panel of space experts has officially delivered its final report assessing options for America's future in human space exploration. The report questions some fundamental assumptions about the future direction of the U.S. space program over the coming years.
• Cuban-Americans Rally Support for Honduras Government VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Ongoing political crisis in Honduras drawing attention from Cuban-Americans in Miami, who are concerned about the spread of leftist governments.
• Honduras Talks Collapse Over Zelaya's Return VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Negotiators for ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya said Friday the talks to resolve the country's deep political crisis have collapsed.
• Is Russia Using Serbia To Strengthen Hand On European Security? RFE/RL 23 Oct 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev traveled to the Serbian capital this week bearing gifts: a $1.5 billion loan and a clutch of energy and development deals.
• Preliminary Legislative Election Results Show Win for Niger Ruling Party VOA 23 Oct 2009 -- Preliminary results from legislative elections in Niger indicate a big win for the ruling party in a vote boycotted by the opposition.
• Moscow Precinct Recount Reveals Vote-Count Errors RFE/RL 23 Oct 2009 -- An official recount of votes in one precinct from the October 11 Moscow City Duma elections has given 16 votes to the liberal opposition Yabloko party.
• Arctic Sea cargo vessel heading for Malta RIA Novosti 23 Oct 2009 -- The Arctic Sea cargo ship, which has been at the centre of a mysterious hijacking case since July, is currently being towed towards Malta.