Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 01 Dec 2009 [PDF]
• Nov. 30 airpower summary AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Coalition airpower integrated with ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Nov. 30 according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
• Airpower Summary: November 28 AFNS 01 Dec 2009
• Police Arrest al-Qaida Suspects in Northern Iraq AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- Iraqi police arrested 11 suspected members of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group today during two joint security operations in northern Iraq.
• Airmen watch over calm November in Iraq AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Iraqi and coalition efforts had combined to sustain the stability in Iraq set new records in November with zero airstrikes, zero weapons releases and zero shows of force.
• MC-12 reaches 1,000th combat mission AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Members of the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron reached 1,000 combat sorties in the MC-12W aircraft after only 5 months.
• Transcript: Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on the Way Forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan The White House 01 Dec 2009
• Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on the President's West Point Speech The White House 01 Dec 2009
• Obama Afghan Decision Has Far-Reaching Implications VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- President Obama's decision has far-reaching strategic implications for the global effort to defeat violent extremists like the Taliban and al-Qaida.
• Some US Lawmakers Oppose Troop Increase for Afghanistan, Call for a Vote in Congress VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Several Republican and Democratic lawmakers have spoken out ahead of President Barack Obama's speech on Afghanistan, saying they oppose sending additional troops to the country.
• US President Has Been Considering Afghanistan Strategy for Months VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- President Obama's decision on a new strategy for Afghanistan was preceded by months of statements, smaller decisions and meetings with his security cabinet.
• McChrystal Voices Support for President's Afghanistan Strategy AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- Top US commander in Afghanistan expressed support for a new strategy that entails sending 30,000 more American troops to Afghanistan.
• President Explains Strategic Choices, Calls for Unity AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- The Afghanistan strategy review included many options, but President Barack Obama deemed the increase of 30,000 U.S. troops to institute counterinsurgency operations was the best one.
• Obama Calls for Another 30,000 U.S. Troops in Afghanistan AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- It is in America’s vital national interests to send another 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan, President Barack Obama said tonight during a speech at West Point, N.Y.
• Obama To Send 30,000 More Troops To Afghanistan RFE/RL 01 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has announced that he has decided to send 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan to battle Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants.
• Obama Sending 30,000 More US Troops To Afghanistan VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is sending 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan by the summer of 2010, and plans to start withdrawing American forces a year later. The president laid out his strategy for winning the war in Afghanistan.
• US President Has Been Considering Afghanistan Strategy for Months VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- President Obama's decision on a new strategy for Afghanistan was preceded by months of statements, smaller decisions and meetings with his security cabinet
• Mullen: Military Leaders Fully Support Afghan Strategy AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- Military leaders “fully and unhesitatingly” support President Barack Obama’s decision on the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said today.
• More Troops to Surge Afghanistan, Drawdown to Begin July 2011 AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- The United States will send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan by next summer, but plans are to begin transferring security responsibilities to the Afghan forces and withdrawing U.S. forces in July 2011, a senior administration official said today.
• World Focuses on West Point Ahead of Obama’s Speech AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- Typically at this time of year, much of the focus at the U.S. Military Academy revolves around playful antics leading up to the big annual Army-Navy game.
• Obama Discusses New Afghan Strategy with Karzai Before Announcement VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- US President Obama spoke with Afghan President Karzai regarding the new US strategy for Afghanistan.
• Afghanistan, Pakistan and UN Comment on New US Strategy VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- An Afghan lawmaker is questioning the timing of President Barack Obama's announcement of a new U.S. strategy for Afghanistan.
• Top UN official calls for transition, not exit, strategy for Afghanistan UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- Top UN envoy underscored the need for a long-term commitment from the international community for the country.
• More Troops Likely for Afghanistan's East, South AFPS 01 Dec 2009 -- With President Barack Obama’s expected announcement tonight to send more U.S. forces to Afghanistan.
• US President to Outline Revised Afghan War Strategy VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- US President Obama will announce a revised strategy for the war in Afghanistan that will involve deploying at least 30,000 more American troops.
• U.S. to build up troop numbers in Afghanistan - source RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- The United States could add up 34,000 soldiers to its contingent in Afghanistan.
• Marines face two-front engagement during Operation North Star USMC News 01 Dec 2009 -- Danger was apparent when Marines and sailors from I/3/4th Marines visited towns of the Buji Bhast Pass area as part of Operation North Star.
• Logistics Play Key Role in US War Effort in Afghanistan VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Troop increase will bring the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan to about 100,000.
• Driver course prepares troops for new M-ATV Army News 01 Dec 2009 -- DoD awarded a contract to Oshkosh Corporation to supply the military with a new vehicle better suited to the Afghan environment.
• 'Sumos' return from Afghanistan USMC News 01 Dec 2009 -- Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 detachment A, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, returned Nov. 18.
• Italian envoy says consultation with Iran on Afghanistan is vital IRNA 01 Dec 2009 -- Italian Foreign Minister Special Envoy Massimo Iannucci underlined necessity of consultation with Iran on Afghanistan issue.
• Envoy: NATO refuses to discuss Afghanistan with Russia RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- NATO has refused to set up a Russia-NATO working group on Afghanistan and will not allow Moscow to participate in its internal discussion of the situation.
• Air Force officials release F-15E accident investigation report AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Air Combat Command officials released the results of an F-15E Strike Eagle in Afghanistan July 18.
• UNICEF announces name of staffer killed in Kabul guest house attack UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- UNICEF confirmed the identity of one of its staff members who was killed along with four other UN workers on 28 October.
• Team uses Afghan airwaves to counter flu misinformation AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team servicemembers took to the airwaves to combat misinformation about H1N1.
• Suicide Bomb Kills Pakistani Lawmaker VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials: Suicide bomber has killed a provincial politician in the country's volatile northwest.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Air Force Global Strike Command officials assume ICBM mission AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Air Force Global Strike Command officials here assume the Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile mission Dec. 1.
• Enlisted Involuntary Early Separation Program Army News 01 Dec 2009 -- In conjunction with decision to eliminate Stop Loss for units deploying on or after Jan. 1, 2010, the Army is implementing a program designed to identify enlisted Soldiers for early involuntary separation.
• USS Wayne E. Meyer to Homeport in San Diego Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will arrive in San Diego Dec. 4 where the ship will be homeported after transiting from the Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Bath, Maine.
• AGs Play Essential Role in BHR ARG Amphibious Operations Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- The USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Amphibious Ready Group's (ARG) aerographer's mates (AG) are essential players during mission planning for amphibious operations.
• Sailors Return Home for the Holidays Following Historic Deployment Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) returned to Naval Submarine Base New London, Dec. 1, following a regularly scheduled six-month deployment.
• Inaugural Class Graduates from International Course Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- Eight chief petty officers (CPOs) and warrant officers from India, Namibia, Nigeria, Papua-New Guinea, Philippines and Samoa, along with three U.S. Navy CPOs, graduated from the first International CPO Leadership (ICPOL) Course .
• DLA Director Visits Newly Formed Reserve Unit Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- Director of Joint Reserve Forces for the Defense Logistics Agency awarded plankowner certificates to enlisted Sailors and officers during visit to Navy Reserve Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Operations Team (NR DLA DOT) Norfolk.
• EURAFSWA Region Committed to Fight Against H1N1 Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- Hospitals and clinics located throughout the Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia region continue to execute a strategy of information awareness and vaccination.
• Washington still waits for new arms treaty with Russia RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- State Department spokesman: Signing of a new arms treaty between Russia and the US is impossible before 5 Dec. deadline.
• Russia eyes new arms markets in Asia-Pacific region RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- Russia is planning to strengthen its positions as a key supplier of weaponry in the Asia-Pacific region by seeking new customers.
• Russian military announces large-scale Vostok-2010 drills RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- The Russian Armed Forces will conduct large-scale Vostok military exercises in Siberia and the country's Far East in 2010.
• Russian military to close 'fireworks' arms depot next year RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- The Ulyanovsk arms depot will be closed by the end of next year.
• Russian envoy accuses Canada of blocking Russia-NATO accords RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- Canada has blocked the adoption of all documents to be considered at an upcoming Russia-NATO meeting.
• Finland tells Russia to prove value of new European security pact RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- Finland's FM: Russia has to show how its proposed treaty on European security would be an improvement on the continent's current institutions.
• OSCE to discuss Medvedev's European security pact RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev's European security pact draft will be discussed at the 17th OSCE Ministerial Council.
• Navy monitors all enemies' movements: commander IRNA 01 Dec 2009 -- Navy Commander Rear Admiral Sayyari: The Navy monitors any movement of and increase in the military power of the enemies.
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 01 Dec 2009

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 01, 2009
• ATK and Elbit Systems Conduct Successful Flight Test of GATR From OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Helicopter ATK 01 Dec 2009 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) and Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT) have successfully conducted flight tests of the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) from a U.S. Army rotary-wing helicopter: the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior.
• Sikorsky Aircraft Delivers UH-60M BLACK HAWK Helicopter to Bahrain Defense Forces Sikorsky 01 Dec 2009 -- Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. today celebrated the formal delivery of a UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter to the Defense Forces of Bahrain. It is the first of nine aircraft that will ultimately be delivered
• Technology to combat piracy in the high seas BAE Systems 01 Dec 2009 -- A sophisticated electronic early warning system aimed at combating soaring levels of piracy on the high seas has been developed by engineers at BAE Systems.
• Lockheed Martin To Leverage Its Capabilities For Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Development And Sustainment Lockheed Martin 01 Dec 2009 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced today that it will leverage its capabilities for the Development and Sustainment Contract for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system and associated facilities in the competitive acquisition that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency intends to conduct.
• U.S Air Force/Lockheed Martin-Led Team Successfully Complete Environmental Testing Of First-Of-Its-Kind Missile Warning Satellite Lockheed Martin 01 Dec 2009 -- A joint U.S. Air Force/Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-led team announced today that it has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the first Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-1) satellite, one of the most significant program milestones that validates spacecraft performance in a simulated space environment.
• Raytheon Awarded $17 Million To Upgrade South Korea's Patriot Systems Raytheon 01 Dec 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $17.2 million Foreign Military Sales contract modification to deliver capability upgrades for South Korea's Patriot Air and Missile Defense System.
• BAE Systems Hawk AJT creates a buzz at RAF Valley BAE Systems 01 Dec 2009 -- from the outside it looks like a Hawk but inside it is a totally different beast. The T1 Hawk was designed for training for a previous generation of frontline aircraft, such as Phantoms, Buccaneers and Jaguars, and that's what sitting in its cockpit is like. It means we have had a growing capability gap between the training we can do at RAF Valley and what the latest front-line combat aircraft do," he said.
• Boeing Laser Avenger Destroys Improvised Explosive Devices in Test Boeing 01 Dec 2009 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Army successfully completed a test in September in which a laser system mounted on an Avenger combat vehicle destroyed 50 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) similar to those used by adversaries in war zones.
• Oshkosh Corporation Commemorates Handoff of 1,000th M-ATV to U.S. Armed Forces Oshkosh 01 Dec 2009 -- Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) marked the handoff of the 1,000th MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) to the U.S. Armed Forces on Nov. 30 at a ceremony with military leadership at the company’s facilities in Oshkosh, Wis.
• Oshkosh Defense Secures $76 Million in LVSR Delivery Orders Oshkosh 01 Dec 2009 -- Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has been awarded two delivery orders to an existing contract with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) for nearly 200 Logistics Vehicle System Replacements (LVSR). The two delivery orders, valued at more than $76 million, bring the total number of LVSRs under contract to 854.
• General Dynamics to Christen the U.S. Navy’s Most Advanced Submarine, Missouri, on Saturday General Dynamics 01 Dec 2009 -- General Dynamics Electric Boat will christen Missouri (SSN-780), the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine, at a ceremony at its Groton shipyard on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
• First Aegis Weapon System Completed for Royal Australian Navy Lockheed Martin 01 Dec 2009 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] celebrated the completed production of the first Aegis Weapon System for the Royal Australian Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD-1) Program.
• NLOS-LS Team Uses Warhead To Defeat Stationary Target Raytheon 01 Dec 2009 -- NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), completed a test flight of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System's Precision Attack Missile using a warhead.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Dec 2009
• UN's Middle East envoy urges halt to demolitions, evictions in East Jerusalem UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- Top UN envoy to the Middle East reiterated Secretary-General Ban’s call for an immediate end to demolitions, evictions and the instalment of Israeli settlers in Palestinian neighbourhoods.
• 400,000 tons of rubble, unexploded bombs still not removed from Gaza IRNA 01 Dec 2009 -- British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has reported little progress on the reconstruction of Gaza one year after invasion.
• Ban calls for extension of UN disengagement force on Israeli-Syrian front UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban calling for a six-month extension for the 35-year-old UN mission observing the ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
• Aid lifeline to scores of thousands in eastern Chad threatened by banditry, UN reports UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- Increased banditry, kidnappings of relief workers and attacks on humanitarian compounds in eastern Chad are threatening crucial aid for nearly 100,000 people.
• SRI LANKA: Freedom of movement for IDPs welcomed IRIN 01 Dec 2009 -- In a development welcomed by the UN and NGOs, thousands of internally displaced persons held for months in camps in Sri Lanka's north, are free to come and go as of 1 December.
• Sri Lanka to Release Displaced Tamil Civilians VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Sri Lanka is allowing tens of thousands of Tamil civilians detained in state-run camps to move outside the camps.
• Azerbaijani, Armenian FMs to talk Karabakh settlement in Athens RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- Foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia will meet to discuss the Nagorny Karabakh settlement in Athens.
• Armenian President Warns Turkey, Azerbaijan RFE/RL 01 Dec 2009 -- Armenian President Sarkisian has again warned Turkey against delaying the implementation of its agreements with Armenia.
• South Ossetia Releases Georgian Bus Driver RFE/RL 01 Dec 2009 -- A Georgian bus driver detained by Russian soldiers in South Ossetia on November 29 was released.
• Serbia: Kosovo Independence Declaration Threatens World Order VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- The International Court of Justice has begun hearing Serbia's case against Kosovo.
• Public hearings start at UN World Court on Kosovo independence question UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- The ICJ began public hearings on the question of Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia early last year.
• UN Court Hears Serbian Challenge To Kosovo Independence RFE/RL 01 Dec 2009 -- The legality of Kosovo's secession from Serbia is being reviewed by the International Court of Justice in hearings that started today in The Hague.
• Hague court begins Kosovo independence hearings RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- The International Court of Justice opened on Tuesday hearings on the legitimacy of Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia.
• GLOBAL: Mine Ban Treaty has "profound humanitarian impact" IRIN 01 Dec 2009 -- Effects of the Mine Ban Treaty have brought about a sea change in the use of antipersonnel mines.

News Reports

• Pakistan's President Could Face Corruption Charges VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Pakistan's Supreme Court has ordered a hearing on petitions challenging an amnesty granted two years ago.
• European Union Treaty to Make EU More Powerful VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- EU's Lisbon Treaty has come into force with the aim of streamlining EU decision-making. The first EU president also took office along with the bloc's new foreign policy chief.
• EU Constitution Comes into Force VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- The European Union's constitution has come into force, after years in the making. The first EU president also took office along with the bloc's new foreign policy chief.
• European Union's Lisbon treaty comes into force RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- The European Union's Lisbon treaty, aimed at streamlining institutions and raising the bloc's global standing, came into force on Tuesday.
• Ibero-American Summit Addresses Honduras Coup VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Leaders from Latin America and former colonial powers Spain and Portugal say Honduras should reinstate ousted President Manuel Zelaya.
• Latin American Leaders Call for Return of Ousted Honduran President VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Leaders from 19 Latin America countries, Spain, Portugal and Andorra are calling for the reinstatement of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya.
• Russia urges peaceful return to constitutional order in Honduras RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- Russia considers the political situation in Honduras "unacceptable" and calls on the Honduran leadership to establish order in the country by means of peaceful talks.
• Guinean Official Says Military Ruler Backs UN Probe VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- The spokesman for Guinea’s military junta said Captain Moussa Dadis Camara supports the United Nations’ ongoing investigation into the recent massacre of unarmed opposition protesters.
• Incumbent Obiang Declares Victory in Equatorial Guinea Vote VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Incumbent Teodoro Obiang Nguema has declared himself the winner in Equatorial Guinea's presidential election.
• Top UN Human Rights Official Calls Minaret Ban Discriminatory VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is condemning the Swiss law banning minarets as clearly discriminatory.
• UN rights chief says Swiss ban on minarets 'clearly discriminatory' UN News Centre 01 Dec 2009 -- UN human rights chief spoke out against the Swiss ban on the building of new minarets, calling it a discriminatory.
• Violence, Political Dynasties Overshadow Philippines Election Filings VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- Filings for candidates for the Philippines next presidential election show that powerful families continue to dominate the political landscape.
• GLOBAL: How not to fight over scarce resources IRIN 01 Dec 2009 -- In all the talk about adapting to climate change, "scant attention" is being paid to "the dangers of ... [adaptation strategies] going astray in fragile and conflict-affected" countries, warned a report released on 28 November.