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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 16 Nov 2009 [PDF]
• DoD News: DoD Identifies Marine Casualty
• U.S. Soldier dies of non.combatant injuries (COB Speicher)
• Airpower Summary: November 14 AFNS 16 Nov 2009
• Airpower Summary: November 15 AFNS 16 Nov 2009
• Iraqi Forces Arrest 21 Terrorism Suspects AFPS 16 Nov 2009 -- Iraqi security forces, working with U.S. advisors, arrested 21 terrorism suspects in various operations.
• 1st Air Cav, IA, IqAF conduct joint air assault Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- U.S. and Iraqi forces worked together in an air assault and patrol mission to check on the standard of living in a small village.
• Killings in Iraq Highlight Continuing Security Concerns VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Iraqi officials: Gunmen have killed 13 people west of Baghdad, while in Kirkuk, a car bomb exploded in a market.
• Gunmen Kill 13 Villagers Near Baghdad VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Iraqi villagers and police say gunmen dressed in military uniforms killed 13 people before dawn in a mainly Sunni village west of Baghdad.
• Iraqi Police Make Strides Toward Independence AFPS 16 Nov 2009 -- As the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq advances, efforts to build the nation’s police force have made great strides.
• Bike cops soon to be new addition to Iraqi Police force Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- Being a police officer is usually not easy, but soon it may be as easy as riding a bike.
• With crucial elections ahead, UN must commit to Iraq for the long term - top official UN News Centre 16 Nov 2009 -- UN must redouble its long-term commitment to country still threatened by both insurgents and potential conflict.
• Long Knives restore, refit for Iraq Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division received word of a future deployment to Iraq less than a month ago.
• International, Afghan Forces Kill, Detain Militants AFPS 16 Nov 2009 -- Combined Afghan and international forces killed or detained numerous enemy fighters in Afghanistan.
• 3/4 Marines patrol Farah village, build trust USMC News 16 Nov 2009 -- Marines and sailors from I/3/4th Marine Regiment, made its way into the village of Kace Satar, Afghanistan, Nov. 11, with a mission: protect the locals, and gain their trust.
• Rockets Kill 10 Civilians in Afghanistan VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Insurgents in eastern Afghanistan have fired rockets into a marketplace, killing 10 civilians in an area where French forces were meeting with tribal elders.
• Rocket attack in Afghan market kills at least 10 RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Insurgents fired rockets into a market in central Afghanistan on Monday, killing at least 10 civilians and injuring dozens more.
• Soldiers, Sailors Work to Avoid Civilian Casualties AFPS 16 Nov 2009 -- Two soldiers working deep inside this aircraft carrier serve as liaisons between the aviators of Carrier Air Wing 11 and coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan.
• Forces work jointly for security at Bagram AFNS 16 Nov 2009 -- US military and coalition servicemembers who enforce security on Bagram Airfield work closely to accomplish a singular mission to ensure a safe and secure environment.
• Georgia sends first peacekeepers to Afghanistan RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Georgia will dispatch 173 peacekeepers to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force.
• US Veterans Groups Speak Out On Afghanistan VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- As President Barack Obama considers sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan, veterans' groups are speaking out, though not always with one voice.
• Russia, U.S. agree on joint anti-drug efforts in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Russian and US officials agreed at talks in Moscow to carry out joint work in Afghanistan to prevent drug trafficking.
• Afghanistan to Form Major Anti-Corruption Unit VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- The Afghan government says it will form a major anti-corruption unit to investigate graft among senior officials.
• Soldiers in Europe prepare for Afghanistan using advanced simulation system Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- US, Romanian and Bulgarian Soldiers enhanced their skills with the Deployable Instrumentation Systems Europe
• Pakistan Strongly Reacts to Reported Obama Letter VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Pakistan has strongly reacted to a reported letter from the US president said to urge Pakistan to do more in the fight against extremists.
• Bomb in Pakistan Kills 6 VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Pakistani police say a suicide bomber blew up a vehicle filled with explosives near a police station in the country's northwest, killing at least 6 people.
• Blast in Pakistan's northwest kills 3 RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- At least 3 people died and around two dozen were injured when a bomb exploded outside a police station near Pakistan's northwestern city of Peshawar.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Pentagon Reviews Security After Ft. Hood Shootings VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates has ordered top officials to review security measures following the shootings earlier this month at Ft. Hood.
• DoD News: DOD and VA Announce Disability Evaluation System Pilot Expansion DoD 16 Nov 2009 -- The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today that beginning in January 2010, the Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot will expand to an additional six installations across the country.
• Ford Keel Laid for Future Carrier, Class Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2009 -- A keel-laying ceremony for the Navy's first Ford-class aircraft carrier, Gerald R. Ford, (CVN 78) was held Nov. 14.
• Tomahawk Test Demonstrates Time-Critical Use Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2009 -- US Navy Tomahawk Block IV cruise missile was launched during an operational test Nov. 5 which demonstrated missile's new anti-jam GPS system and successful use against time-critical targets.
• Nellis officials plan for F-35's opportunities, challenges AFNS 16 Nov 2009 -- Officials are looking forward to joint training opportunities while recognizing the challenges of providing realistic training on such a technologically advanced aircraft.
• Joint Strike Fighter lands closer to Corps' air arsenal USMC News 16 Nov 2009 -- The Marine Corps came one step closer to adding the Joint Strike Fighter F-35B STOVL variant to its arsenal.
• Island Paradise at the Forefront of Missile Defense Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- The 32nd largest island in the U.S., Guam, currently finds its self the primary focus of world-wide missile defense.
• Rapid Port Opening Element: Logistics first responders Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- The addition of 3 Rapid Port Opening Elements to the Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command brings an expeditionary answer to the challenge of logistics support in contingency response operations.
• U.S., Japanese Sailors Strengthen Ties During ANNUALEX 21G Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2009 -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group Sailors and embarked members of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force working hand-in-hand during the Annual Exercise 21G.
• Airmen speed delivery of vital vaccine AFNS 16 Nov 2009 -- Airmen in the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron handle nearly every passenger and piece of cargo that travels through the US Central Command area of responsibility.
• Vietnam military health, logistics reps visit Hickam AFNS 16 Nov 2009 -- Six delegates from the Vietnam military's health and general logistics fields met with U.S. Air Force officials here Nov. 10 during a 13th Air Force-hosted visit.
• Comprehensive Transition Plan Army News 16 Nov 2009 -- Comprehensive Transition Plan is a personal goal setting process being implemented for wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers.
• Pentagon, VA Expand Disability Claims Test AFPS 16 Nov 2009 -- Defense and Veterans Affairs officials today announced another step in their efforts to streamline the process of determining veterans’ disability ratings.
• Officials announce fiscal 2010 force management measures AFNS 16 Nov 2009 -- Air Force officials announced measures to meet FY10 end strength of 331,700.
• Navy Personnel Command Moving Sailors Despite Budget Constraints Navy NewsStand 16 Nov 2009 -- Navy Personnel Command released Permanent Change of Station orders to keep the fleet moving, despite the lack of a FY10 budget.
• Navajo Code Talkers Honored in New York VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Elite Marine unit of Navajo soldiers whose cryptic code remained unbroken during World War II was honored at the annual Veterans' Day parade in New York City.
• No Russia-US arms cuts treaty ratification by Dec.5 - Mike McFaul RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Russia and the US will not ratify a new treaty on strategic arms reductions by the time the previous treaty expires.
• Russian arms program unaffected by crisis - Medvedev RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Russian president: Ongoing financial crisis will have virtually no impact on arms procurements for the Russian military.
• Medvedev says Russia to step up navy presence in world's oceans RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Russia plans to increase its naval presence in the world's oceans, President Dmitry Medvedev said.
• Russian ships return home after anti-piracy mission off Somalia RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- A Russian Pacific Fleet task force returned to its base in Vladivostok after completing an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden.
• NATO-Ukraine consultations to take place in Brussels RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- NATO-Ukraine consultations at the level of Defense Ministers will take place at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
• Georgian president to visit Ukraine on Wednesday RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili will arrive in Ukraine on November 18 for a three-day official visit.
• Greater efforts needed on land to fight piracy off Somali coast, says Ban UN News Centre 16 Nov 2009 -- The Somali Government and the African Union force in the country need more help on land to fight piracy in the waters.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 16 Nov 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 16, 2009
• ATK Delivers Third AC-208 'Combat Caravan' Aircraft to Iraqi Air Force ATK 16 Nov 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK), announced that it delivered a third AC-208B "Combat Caravan" aircraft to the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission in Kirkuk, Iraq. To date, ATK has delivered 11 modified C-208 aircraft in support of U.S. Government contracts for rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force: three reconnaissance aircraft, five trainer aircraft and three AC-208B aircraft.
• BAE SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE SOLDIER PROTECTION THROUGH U.S. ARMY VEHICLE ARMOR CONTRACT BAE Systems 16 Nov 2009 -- BAE Systems has received a $42 million U.S. Army contract to produce bar armor kits that protect soldiers in ground vehicles from rocket-propelled grenade attacks
• Astute Leaves for Sea Trials BAE Systems 16 Nov 2009 -- Astute is all about operational capability – but her crew will be the first to each have their own bunk, removing the need for ‘hot bunking’ when during shifts one crewman would occupy a bunk vacated by another. Astute also has a comparatively large and extremely well-equipped galley to ensure the meals that punctuate the round the clock watch system are of the highest standard.
• Lockheed Martin Flies Optimized Conventional F-35 Lockheed Martin 16 Nov 2009 -- Lockheed Martin's [NYSE: LMT] first optimized conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35 Lightning II fighter made its inaugural flight on Saturday, Nov. 14, the fourth F-35 to begin flight operations.
• Lockheed Martin F-35B Flies To Maryland Test Site, Prepares For Vertical Landings Lockheed Martin 16 Nov 2009 -- The first Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) stealth fighter arrived Sunday at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., where it will conduct its first hovers and vertical landings. The ferry flight initiates a sequence of F-35 arrivals at Patuxent River this year and next.
• Navy Awards Northrop Grumman $635 Million Contract for Submarine Work Northrop Grumman 16 Nov 2009 -- The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a $635 million cost plus fixed-fee/level of effort contract for engineering, design and modernization support of new construction, operational and decommissioning submarines.
• Pratt & Whitney Delivers F100-229 Engines to Pakistani Air Force Pratt & Whitney 16 Nov 2009 -- Pratt & Whitney has delivered the first Pakistani Air Force F100-PW-229 Engine Enhancement Package (EEP) engine to Pakistan this week, for installation in their F-16 Block 52 aircraft. The engine program is valued at approximately $150 million and is scheduled for delivery in 2009 and 2010. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
• Thales and Trusted Computer Solutions showcase innovative technology for simultaneous access to security networks Thales 16 Nov 2009 -- Thales Australia and Trusted Computer Solutions, Inc (TCS) are pleased to announce that Thales has been recognised as an official Technology Alliance Partner by TCS.
• TALON Laser-Guided Rocket Team Completes Environmental Test Flights Raytheon 16 Nov 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Emirates Advanced Investments (EAI) completed a series of environmental guided test flights of the TALON Laser-Guided Rocket. The TALON LGR rounds were pre-conditioned in extreme hot and cold temperatures prior to the flights and hit targets at ranges of 2, 3 and 5 kilometers (1.24, 1.86 and 3.1 miles) during the tests.
• Raytheon Completes Critical Design Review for CVN 78's Dual Band Radar Raytheon 16 Nov 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and the U.S. Navy recently completed a critical design review (CDR) for the Dual Band Radar, which will be installed on the Navy's next-generation aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
• Thales launches an anti-terrorism offer Thales 16 Nov 2009 -- Thales announces the launch of a counter-terrorism offer designed for both the security and armed forces. This offer is made up of a set of dual, modular and interoperable solutions designed to detect and neutralise the terrorist threat.

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 16 Nov 2009
• Palestinians, Israelis Threaten Each Other Over Unilateral Plans for Statehood VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Palestinian leaders pushing to have UN Security Council endorse the creation of a Palestinian state out of frustration.
• Israel warns Palestinians on UN appeal for statehood RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu has warned the Palestinian leadership that any move to unilaterally declare independence could lead to "one-sided steps on the part of Israel."
• Palestinians to ask UN to endorse independent state RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Palestinian authorities are preparing to ask the UN Security Council to endorse the independent Palestinian state.
• Israel must end Gaza blockade, evictions, alleged abuse of Palestinian children - Ban UN News Centre 16 Nov 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban: Israel should end the blockade of Gaza and cease evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes.
• Israel ready for Syria talks, calls on France to mediate RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Israeli PM Netanyahu ready to resume peace negotiations with Syria and called for France to replace Turkey as the mediator.
• Somali Official Laments Lack of Adequate Financial Support VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Somali official: International community's lack of sufficient financial support could derail his government's efforts to stabilize the country.
• Ogaden Rebels say 626 Ethiopian Troops Killed in Clashes VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- A rebel group in Ethiopia's restive Ogaden region says it has killed 626 government troops in heavy fighting near the border with neighboring Somalia.
• SUDAN: Increasing hunger could fuel conflict in south IRIN 16 Nov 2009 -- An increasing number of people in Southern Sudan cannot find enough to eat or adequate pasture and water for their livestock, raising fears of conflict.
• Nigerian Military Pursues Oil Thieves in Niger Delta VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Nigeria's army says it will continue to beef up security around oil facilities in the Niger Delta to forestall illegal lifting of crude oil.
• Edging closer to end of mandate, UN-backed court hands over prison to Sierra Leone UN News Centre 16 Nov 2009 -- UN-backed tribunal trying the worst acts committed during civil war in Sierra Leone transferred its detention centre to the national prison service.
• Sierra Leone War Crimes Court Hands Over Prison Facility VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- The UN-backed war crimes court in Sierra Leone has handed over its prison to the government, as it begins winding down its activities.
• Kenya said to Give Shelter to Financier of Rwandan Genocide VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- The U.S. ambassador on war crimes accuses Kenya of continuing to harbor a chief financier of the Rwandan genocide.
• Senior UN peacekeeping official to visit China UN News Centre 16 Nov 2009 -- UN peacekeeping chief slated to pay an official visit to China this week to attend a meeting on the Organization’s operations.

News Reports

• Obama Addresses Town Hall Meeting in Shanghai VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- US President Obama met with local political leaders in Shanghai, China and held a town hall meeting with Chinese college students.
• Obama Holds Town Hall in China VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- President Obama held a question and answer session with Chinese students in Shanghai - China's commercial capital.
• Obama says no change in 'one-China' policy RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- US President Barack Obama said on Monday that Washington would continue to support a "one-China" policy.
• US, Chinese Presidents Share Dinner, Views in Beijing VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- US President Obama has held talks with Hu Jintao after pushing for uncensored Internet use and greater political freedoms in China.
• Obama Meets With Chinese Leaders VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- President Obama has met with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing, after emphasizing the importance of freedom of information in Shanghai.
• Iran Trying to Wage Media Battle Against US VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- The Iranian parliament is considering a new media outlet in response to U.S. efforts toward Iran.
• 'Pragmatic' EU To Keep Belarus Sanctions In Suspension RFE/RL 16 Nov 2009 -- EU foreign ministers are set to announce that the bloc will extend for another year its dual approach in dealing with Belarus.
• Monitors Praise Smooth Ballot in Kosovo Elections RFE/RL 16 Nov 2009 -- Preliminary results from Kosovo's November 15 elections have been delayed another day due technical difficulties.
• Kosovo holds first local elections RIA Novosti 16 Nov 2009 -- Kosovo has held its first local elections since Serbia's ethnic-Albanian-dominated province unilaterally declared its independence in 2008.
• Thai-Cambodia Dispute Raises Nationalist Sentiment in Bangkok VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia over a visit to Phnom Penh by Thailand's former prime minister, is drawing Thais to the streets.
• Liberia's Elections Commission Chair Says His Life is Threatened VOA 16 Nov 2009 -- Chairman of Liberia's National Elections Commission, James Fromayan says partisans of football legend George Weah's Congress for Democratic Change party have threatened to burn down his house and eliminate him in the process.
• Thales Alenia Space statement concerning In Orbit Acceptance Review of the Palapa-D satellite Thales 16 Nov 2009 -- Thales Alenia Space announced that the Palapa-D communications satellite has successfully passed the In Orbit Acceptance Review.