News

06 November 2009 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 06 Nov 2009 [PDF]
DoD News: DoD Identifies Army Casualty

Nov. 5 airpower summary AFNS 06 Nov 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 5 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
Iraqi Forces Arrest 5 Suspected Terrorists AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- Iraqi security forces arrested five suspected terrorists today in two security operations.
Iraqi Army Engineers Improve Skills AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- Iraqi army engineers put their training to good use Oct. 18 on a reconnaissance mission to evaluate a local bridge.

Ban rejects reports of UN withdrawal from Afghanistan UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today rejected any notion that the United Nations is leaving Afghanistan, amid reports that the world body is pulling out of the country following the announcement that it will temporarily relocate some of its staff owing to security concerns.
Forces in Afghanistan Detain Suspected Bomber AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- Afghan and international forces detained a group of suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader, in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Afghanistan's Karzai Faces Pressure To Confront Corruption Menace RFE/RL 06 Nov 2009 -- Following President Hamid Karzai's reelection on November 2, Kabul's Arg Palace has been abuzz with activity.
Britain's Brown: Afghan Government Must Deliver RFE/RL 06 Nov 2009 -- British PM Brown has warned that Britain will not risk more lives in Afghanistan unless the new Afghan government cracks down decisively on corruption.
British PM Calls for Halt to Afghan Corruption VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- British PM Brown warned Afghanistan's government to take action against corruption, saying he would not risk more British lives there unless it reforms.
British PM Brown Vows to Fight On in Afghanistan VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- British PM Brown: Government remains committed to the mission in Afghanistan as public support for the war falls in Britain.
Afghan Police: 2 Missing NATO Soldiers Drowned VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Afghan police say the two NATO soldiers reported missing in Afghanistan are Americans believed to have drowned in a river in the western province of Badghis.
2 NATO Soldiers Missing in Afghanistan VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The NATO-led force in Afghanistan says two of its troops are missing in the western part of the country.

UN stepping up assistance to latest wave of conflict displaced Pakistanis UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today it is stepping up aid to people uprooted by military operations in the Pakistani region of South Waziristan, while highlighting the ongoing needs of around one million people still displaced from an earlier offensive in the northwest.

Defense Policy / Programs

Nov. 6, 2009 - Press Conference Opening Statement at Fort Hood Army News 06 Nov 2009
Army Sends Counselors to Ft. Hood, as Investigation Continues VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The U.S. Army is dispatching dozens of trauma and grief counselors and military chaplains to Fort Hood in Texas, where a gunman killed 13 people and wounded 30 in a shooting rampage on Thursday. The alleged shooter was an Army officer, a psychiatrist and a Muslim, but officials, including President Barack Obama, are cautioning against jumping to conclusions about the motive for the shooting.
Mullen Cancels Trip to Focus on Fort Hood Response AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff cancelled a trip to the University of Notre Dame to focus on the soldiers and families affected by the tragic shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.
Obama Warns Against 'Jumping to Conclusions' in Fort Hood Massacre VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- US Army is dispatching dozens of trauma and grief counselors and military chaplains to Fort Hood in Texas, where a gunman killed 13 people.
Leaders Promise Fort Hood All Resources Necessary AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- The attack that killed 13 people and wounded 30 more at Fort Hood, Texas, yesterday “was a kick in the gut,” not only for Fort Hood, but also for the entire Army.
Army Sends Support Teams to Aid Hood Soldiers, Families AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- Resources to help those affected by the tragedy at Fort Hood, Texas, are flowing to the post.
President Orders Flags to Half-Staff AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- President Obama has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff until Veterans Day in honor of the victims of yesterday’s shooting at Fort Hood, Texas.
Gates Orders Moment of Silence for Fort Hood Victims AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates has directed a moment of silence throughout the DoD to honor the victims of yesterday’s attack at Fort Hood, Texas.
Obama Proclamation Honors Fort Hood Victims AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- President Barack Obama issued a formal proclamation today honoring the victims of yesterday’s shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.
National Guard Chief Offers Fort Hood Condolences AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- Fort Hood, Texas, was uppermost in the minds of National Guard members, especially with an Alabama citizen-soldier reportedly among the wounded.
Army Officials Praise Policewoman Who Wounded Shooter at Fort Hood VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Officials at Fort Hood have praised a civilian policewoman for stopping shooting spree that killed 13 people and wounded 31 others.
Suspect in U.S. Army base deadly shooting alive - officer RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- Sole shooter in a rampage at the Fort Hood military base in the U.S. state of Texas on Thursday is alive.

Media Availability with Deputy Secretary Lynn in New Delhi, India DoD 06 Nov 2009 -- Presenter: Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn III
Building Information Models in the Corps of Engineers Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- With the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers implementing building information modeling systems - better known as BIM - across the divisions, the Europe District is beginning to require German government construction agencies, or bauämter, to use the system on a limited basis
MICC unfurls command colors, gains new commander Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command held a change of responsibility and assumption of command ceremony Nov. 4 at the Sam Houston Club
USACE emergency response teams train near Sacramento for disaster preparedness Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- The earthquake struck, and within hours the first U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District emergency response team was on the scene.
USACE team to assist Europe District align quality assurance processes Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- A team of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers quality assurance experts will visit Europe District December 7 to 11 to review processes and programs as part of the district's first Quality Assessment Peer Review
Fort Bragg tests JFEX capabilities Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- BAs America's only airborne capable corps, the XVIII Airborne Corps acts as the nation's rapid response force for any strategic contingency providing combat power for full-spectrum operations
XVIII Airborne Corps conducts command post exercise Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- Six months after redeploying from Iraq, the XVIII Airborne Corps headquarters staff was busy training and rebuilding the team during a command post exercise at the Joint Task Force Compound on Fort Bragg, Oct. 26 through Friday
NCOs learn skills online Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- Soldiers preparing for the Advanced Leader Course, formerly called the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, will notice a significant difference in the training they receive
New treatment facility, new approach to care Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- In the Army, it's sometimes a rare thing to see the fruition of a project you worked on from the beginning
APFT changes to benefit redeploying troops Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- Army Regulation 350-1 is being revised to give more Soldiers a chance to excel in Army training.
General Says War Must Be Addressed In Global Terms Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- During a question-and-answer session, Joint Chiefs of Staff vice chairman Gen. James Cartwright was asked a question that cut to the heart of America's concerns related to overseas contingency operations - What have you, general, advised President Barack Obama concerning the future war effort in Afghanistan?
AFAP conference tackles Fort Benning issues Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- Housing and the proposal of a high school on post were among the 73 issues addressed at the annual Fort Benning Army Family Action Plan Conference Oct. 27-29
New rappel tower a boost to Ranger mountain training Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- A new four-story rappel and climb tower has given the Army an added boost in Ranger training's mountain phase
201st MI Battalion continues field training for deployment Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- The 201st Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion conducted more training here Oct. 26-29 in preparation for its deployment overseas next year.
Arabic-speaking role-players help Soldiers ready for deployment Army News 06 Nov 2009
Rakkasans ready to roll Army News 06 Nov 2009 -- Getting ready for deployment is a job that doesn't end just because a Soldier's gear is packed
Open season set for 3 civilian benefit programs AFNS 06 Nov 2009 -- Air Force Personnel Center officials here have announced the open season for three civilian benefit programs lasting Nov. 9 through Dec. 14.
Airman culture key to Exercise Salitre success AFNS 06 Nov 2009 -- Exercise Salitre ended Oct. 30 with a total force effort of nearly 200 active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen representing five U.S. bases, and supporting coalition efforts to strengthen regional military ties and interoperability.
3/11 fires support for EWTG-PAC USMC News 06 Nov 2009 -- Combat Center artillery Marines dove into their second consecutive week of air strike training in support of students with the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific, Nov. 2 through 6.
Breaking and entering Marine Corps-style USMC News 06 Nov 2009 -- Goettge Demo Range lies in the extreme western part of the base west of Interstate 95
BRAC Phase II Construction Begins at NNMC Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- Work officially began on the second phase of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) construction at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) when 11 shovels pierced the sand Oct. 30.
NCIS Participates in International Police Chiefs' Conference Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) sent a delegation of senior special agents and other personnel to the 116th annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Denver Oct. 3-7.
A Fitting Tribute to the Newest Navy Warship Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- Symbolically crafted from the wreckage of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, a sculpture honoring fallen New York City firefighters was presented to the newest ship in the Navy, the future USS New York (LPD 21), just days before the ship was commissioned.
MCPON Fleet and Force Master Chief Leadership Conference Stresses Deckplate Concerns Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West hosted the Navy's Fleet and Force Master Chief Leadership Conference for 53 fleet, force, region, and a number of command master chiefs at the Officer's Club on Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Nov. 1-6.
Naval Base San Diego Hosts Innovative Environmental Recycling Event Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) hosted its first electronic waste turn-in event on Oct. 28, which was supported by personnel from Defense Reutilization Marketing Offices (DRMO), Navy Region Southwest (NRSW) Recycling, Clean Harbors and NBSD.
Bonhomme Richard Sailors, Marines Team Up for Community Projects in Thailand Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- A group of 27 Sailors and Marines from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Amphibious Squadron 7, the 11th MEU and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) visited the Baan AoBor Nam School in Phuket. Participants helped the school by painting and repairing cafeteria tables.
Carl Vinson Prepares for Final Crew Certifications Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- Sailors aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are preparing for the third and final phase of crew certifications to become deployable.
Vietnamese-born U.S. Commander Humbled to Visit Three Decades Later Navy NewsStand 06 Nov 2009 -- In a historic sign of strengthening relations between the United States and Vietnam, USS Lassen (DDG 82), commanded by Vietnamese-born Cmdr. H. B. Le, will make a historic goodwill port visit to Da Nang, Vietnam, Nov. 7.
Air Force officials unveil new strategic basing process AFNS 06 Nov 2009 -- Senior Air Force officials have applied a new basing process to more than 200 sites for training and operational basing of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
Air Force finishes safest flying year AFNS 06 Nov 2009 -- Fiscal 2009 was the safest flying year in the 62-year history of the Air Force.
Simulator helps attack controllers train AFNS 06 Nov 2009 -- Coalition and joint terminal attack controllers used a simulator to hone their skills in calling in close-air support during Bold Quest 2009.

Moscow hopes to begin final round of arms talks on Nov. 9 RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- Moscow hopes November 9 will see the start of the concluding round of US-Russian arms reduction talks.

Warsaw denies asking for U.S. troops to defend Poland RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- Warsaw denied Russian media reports that Polish FM Sikorski asked Washington to deploy US troops to protect Poland from potential attacks from Russia.
Russian Deputy Says Polish Comments Could Hurt Relations RFE/RL 06 Nov 2009 -- A Russian Duma deputy says that comments by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski could harm Russian-Polish relations.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 06 Nov 2009
Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 11/6/09 The White House 06 Nov 2009

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 06, 2009
Second Northrop Grumman-built National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) Delivered to U.S. Coast Guard Northrop Grumman 06 Nov 2009 -- The U.S. Coast Guard accepted the second Northrop Grumman Corporation-built (NYSE:NOC) National Security Cutter, Waesche (WMSL 751) today at the company's shipyard in Pascagoula. Following acceptance, the Coast Guard placed Waesche 'In-Commission Special' during a ceremony on the flight deck of the ship.
Boeing Team Delivers 1st Remote Aerial Refueling Operator Trainer for Japan Tanker Boeing 06 Nov 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and development teammate ACME Worldwide Enterprises delivered the first Remote Aerial Refueling Operator (RARO) Trainer to the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) on Oct. 12.
Boeing Submits Small Diameter Bomb II Contract Proposal to US Air Force Boeing 06 Nov 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] submitted a proposal to the U.S. Air Force on Nov. 5 for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II weapon system program, following the completion of a successful 42-month risk reduction program.
Boeing C-130 Avionics Modernization Program Receives Aviation Week Program Excellence Award Boeing 06 Nov 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) received Aviation Week magazine's Program Excellence Award in the category of System Level Research & Development/System Development & Demonstration at the Aviation Week Aerospace & Defense Programs conference in Phoenix on Nov. 3. The award recognizes excellence in leading system-of-system and sub-system programs with unique, innovative solutions to challenges.
Northrop Grumman Continues Pursuit of Electronic Warfare Program Northrop Grumman 06 Nov 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has submitted its proposal for the Technology Maturation phase in the U.S. Navy's competition to develop and field the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ). The jammer will complete the Navy's fielding of a flexible, adaptable weapon that will help defeat enemies on the electronic battlefield, whose weapons can range from those developed in defense laboratories to weapons procured from the corner store.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Offices of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 06 Nov 2009

Assembly President calls on Israel, Palestinians to implement resolution on Gaza conflict UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- General Assembly President Ali Treki today urged Israel and the Palestinians to heed the body’s call to conduct credible investigations into charges that both sides were guilty of serious human rights violations during the conflict in the Gaza Strip at the start of the year.
Israel may begin new war in Lebanon in spring 2010 - paper RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- Jordan's Ad-Dustour daily: Israel could begin a new military operation in Lebanon in spring 2010.
Lebanon: UN envoy holds talks to try to end delays on formation of government UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon met with the country’s PM-designate and its parliamentary speaker as he continues his efforts to try to help end the political deadlock.
Palestinian leader Abbas says wants to quit over stalled talks RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- Palestinian President Abbas said he did not want to run for reelection in January but his wording made some think he could change his mind.
Israel Rejects UN War Crimes Resolution VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Israel has responded angrily to a United Nations resolution that accuses the Jewish state of war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
UN Endorses Israel-Palestinian War Crimes Report VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly endorsed a report calling for domestic investigations into alleged war crimes committed during Gaza conflict.
UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Gaza investigations RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- UN General Assembly adopted a nonbinding resolution urging Israel and Palestinians to investigate war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

SOMALIA: Donor caution alarms aid workers IRIN 06 Nov 2009 -- Aid agencies operating in Somalia say they need more money but that some donors are holding back, concerned at where resources might end up in areas too dangerous for international staff.

Banja Luka Takes Autonomy Battle To U.S., As Russia Comes To Sarajevo RFE/RL 06 Nov 2009 -- The government of Bosnia's Serb entity has launched a two-pronged diplomatic offensive sending message: stay out of Bosnia's internal affairs.

Clinton Stands By UN Mediation for Western Sahara VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The Obama administration says it continues to support United Nations efforts to resolve the future of the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Tribal clashes uproot over 16,000 civilians in northern DR Congo, reports UN UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- Clashes between two tribes in northern DRC have caused more than 16,000 civilians to flee their homes.

Little progress in overcoming deadlock in Nepal's peace process, says UN envoy UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- Top UN envoy to Nepal lamented the fact that there has been limited progress in overcoming the political impasse that emerged.

Displaced Sri Lankans increasingly returning home from camps - UN UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- About 90,000 Sri Lankans displaced by the conflict between Government forces and Tamil separatists have returned to their homes in the past 3 months.

UN providing essential health services to displaced persons in northern Yemen UN News Centre 06 Nov 2009 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) is providing vital health services to thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been driven from their homes since clashes between Government forces and Al Houthi rebels resumed across Sa’dah province in northern Yemen in mid-August.

News Reports

What Does Iran's Green Movement Want From Obama? RFE/RL 06 Nov 2009 -- Members of the Green movement opposed to President Ahmadinejad voiced a clear demand to US President Obama this week.

China Looks Forward to Hosting President Obama VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- China says President Obama's visit to will help push Sino-American relations to what a Chinese official described as "a new historical starting point."

US Disappointed at Breakdown in Honduras Political Talks VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The United States Friday expressed disappointment that efforts to resolve the four-month-long political crisis in Honduras have hit another roadblock. Rival parties in the dispute over who is the Central American country's rightful president failed to meet a deadline Thursday for setting up a national unity government.
Zelaya Aide Says Honduran Agreement Has Failed VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- An aide to ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya says a deal designed to end the country's political crisis has failed.
Honduran de-facto leader forms reconciliation government RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- Honduran de-facto leader Roberto Micheletti announced late on Thursday the formation of a reconciliation government.

Breakdown Looms in Madagascar Political Talks VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Madagascar's main political movements have extended talks in Addis Ababa aimed at patching over bitter rivalries preventing the formation of a transitional government.

Ethiopia Ruling Party Denies Opposition Imprisonment Claims VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Ruling Ethiopia People's Revolutionary Democratic Front says it's unaware that hundreds of opposition members have allegedly been jailed ahead of next year's election.

Rights Groups Criticize Gambia Hosting AU Rights Conference VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The third conference of African National Human rights Institutions is scheduled to take place in The Gambian capital Banjul from this Sunday November 8 to the 10th.

Berlin Prepares for Celebrations 20 Years After Fall of Wall VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The German capital Berlin prepares for major commemorative celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Wall that divided the city.
Impact of Berlin Wall Collapse Still Rippling Through Russia VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Since the collapse of the Berlin Wall 20 years ago, many former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe have distanced themselves from Russia.
Witnesses Recall Berlin Wall's Fall AFPS 06 Nov 2009 -- A divided Berlin symbolized the Cold War.
Berlin Wall Remembrances Vary VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- The demise of the Berlin Wall and all it stood for hold different memories for different people.

Official: Ukrainian Election May Be Postponed Due To Swine Flu RFE/RL 06 Nov 2009 -- Ukrainian President Yushchenko is considering postponing the country's presidential election due to the spread of swine flu.

Thailand-Cambodia Tensions Rise Over Appointment of Fugitive Thai Official VOA 06 Nov 2009 -- Tensions between Southeast Asian neighbors Thailand and Cambodia are high after Cambodia's leader appointed a fugitive former Thai prime minister as an advisor.

Arctic Sea repaired, still docked in Maltese port RIA Novosti 06 Nov 2009 -- The Arctic Sea freighter, the vessel at the centre of a mysterious hijacking case this summer, has been repaired but is still anchored at a Maltese port.

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