News

03 February 2010 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 03 Feb 2010 [PDF]

Airpower Summary: January 31 AFNS 03 Feb 2010
Airpower Summary: February 01 AFNS 03 Feb 2010

Suicide Bomber Kills Shi'ite Pilgrims Near Iraqi Holy City of Karbala VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Iraqi officials say that a motorcycle bomb blast has killed at least 20 Shi'ite pilgrims near the holy city of Karbala. The explosion came as hundreds of thousands of Shi'ite pilgrims made their way, mostly on foot, to Karbala to commemorate the 40th day after the historic slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Iraqi Forces Arrest 8 Terrorist Suspects AFPS 03 Feb 2010 -- Iraqi security forces arrested eight suspected terrorists today during separate operations conducted in northern Iraq and Baghdad, military officials said.
1-38 Infantry Soldiers help train Iraqi recruits for elite team Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- Members of a highly-trained fighting force called the Strike Team, an elite direct action force for Karkh Area Command, are always seeking self improvement and training opportunities with new recruits to add to their numbers.
Army leaders meet to discuss drawdown plans Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) command staff hosted a conference to discuss training and logistic operations in the next six months Jan. 26 at the Oasis dining facility in the Sgt. Audie Murphy room at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
New oil service center to open at JBB Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- A new oil service center, owned and operated by local nationals, is scheduled to open Feb. 8 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.
Protecting the future of Iraq: Soldiers prepare for elections Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- The future of Iraq will be decided when Iraqi voters head to the polls March 7 and the Iraqi Security Forces are training to ensure those polling stations are safe.
1st Infantry Division takes command of United States Division-South Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- The 34th Infantry Division, of Rosemount, Minn., transferred authority over United States Division-South to the incoming 1st Inf. Div., from Fort Riley, Kan., during a ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Feb. 2.

US, NATO, Afghan Troops Planning Major Southern Offensive VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- U.S. and Afghan commanders say thousands of allied troops in Afghanistan's south are planning a large offensive against a longtime Taliban stronghold.
AFGHANISTAN: A tight squeeze on humanitarian space IRIN 03 Feb 2010 -- Whilst there is evidence that some civilians and businesspeople pay protection money to Taliban insurgents especially in southern Afghanistan, such an option simply does not exist for aid agencies - even if they need to ensure safe passage for vital humanitarian aid.
Risks Seen In Afghan Anti-Taliban Tribal Uprising Plans RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- everything, if they are given an opportunity and authority to do so," Zadran says. "They can form councils. They can raise local security forces called arbakis. They can be more effective than the government in their own regions."

Death toll from US drones strikes raises to 30 IRNA 03 Feb 2010 -- Death toll from Tuesday’s night US drone strikes in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region has reached to 30, official sources said Wednesday.
10 die as U.S. drones rain missiles in Pakistan IRNA 03 Feb 2010 -- American drones Tuesday rained volley of missiles in the Pakistani tribal region, killing at least 10 people, locals said.
US Troops Among Those Killed in Pakistan Blast VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Three American soldiers were among eight people killed when a roadside bomb struck their convoy in northwestern Pakistan. Taliban militants are said to have claimed responsibility for the attack.
U.S. Soldiers Killed In Pakistan Blast RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- The Pakistani military says three U.S. soldiers traveling with Pakistani security-force members were killed today in a roadside bombing near a school in northwest Pakistan.
Bullet-ridden bodies of 10 Taliban found in tribal region IRNA 03 Feb 2010 -- Bullet-ridden bodies of 10 suspected Taliban militants were found in Pakistan’s Bajaur tribal region on Tuesday, locals tribesmen said.

Robins Airmen support Haiti relief efforts AFNS 03 Feb 2010 -- Eight members of the 5th Combat Communications Group left Robins Air Force Base Jan. 31 to assist relief efforts in Haiti.
Ban asks former US President Clinton to take leadership role in Haiti quake relief UN News Centre 03 Feb 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today asked former United States President Bill Clinton, already deeply involved in Haiti before last month’s devastating earthquake as United Nations Special Envoy to the country, to assume a leadership role in coordinating international quake relief, from emergency response to reconstruction to launching a new funding appeal.
UN Asks Bill Clinton to Assume Leadership Role in Haiti Efforts VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- The United Nations has asked former U.S. President Bill Clinton to assume "a leadership role" in coordinating international aid efforts in Haiti.
Kansas Air Guard Members Build Hospital in Haiti AFPS 03 Feb 2010 -- The bright clothing, smiles and conversation could be taking place in any hospital lobby in the world.
USS Ashland Loads Supplies for Haiti Relief Effort Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) moored at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Feb. 1-2 to on load food, water and supplies for the Haiti relief effort.
Fort McHenry Sailors Distribute Aid from Project Handclasp Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- Sailors from amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) sorted and distributed packages of donated hygiene supplies from Project Handclasp to the local population in Birey, Haiti, Feb.1-3.
Fleet Readiness Center Southwest Mobile Facilities Supports Haitian Relief Efforts Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- The Industrial Manufacturing/Mobile Facilities Branch (MOFAC) of Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) joined Operation Unified Response as part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid to Haiti.
HAITI: Minimizing food aid mayhem IRIN 03 Feb 2010 -- As food distributions spread to more parts of Port-au-Prince, so have kilometre-long lines of hungry, at times angry, people pressed against various crowd-control barriers: ropes, a corrugated steel wall, an army platoon, even a hole in the ground. IRIN joined the line in various food distributions in and out of the city to ask people on both sides of these barriers: what’s the best way to do this?

Defense Policy / Programs

Budget Request Increases Wounded Warrior Support AFPS 03 Feb 2010 -- Calling health care for wounded warriors a top Defense Department priority, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff urged Congress today to support the request for $2.2 billion in the fiscal 2011 defense budget to improve treatment and other services.

Gates: ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ to Get Broad Review AFPS 03 Feb 2010 -- A new panel assembled to review the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that bans openly gay people from military service will consider the views of those affected throughout the chain of command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told Congress today.
Top U.S. Military Leaders Urge Repeal Of Policy On Homosexuals RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have urged Congress to repeal the current policy of silence on gays in the military, known as "don't ask, don't tell."

Clinton Defends US Defense Help to Gulf Allies VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday defended U.S. efforts to build up defense capabilities of Persian Gulf allies in the face of Iran's defiance of international efforts to curb its nuclear program. Clinton met with Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, who said the measures are not intended to provoke Iran.

Airmen support Operation Deep Freeze AFNS 03 Feb 2010 -- More than halfway through the 2009-2010 winter season, U.S. servicemembers have made many major contributions in support of the National Scientific Foundation's efforts in Antarctica.
Air Force secretary: Importance of joint mission can't be stressed enough AFNS 03 Feb 2010 -- The secretary of the Air Force spent time at Bagram Airfield Feb. 1 and 2 as part of a weeklong tour through the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Portable ultrasound empowers Special Forces medics Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- When Maj. Andrew Morgan came to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), he already knew the value of ultrasound machines from being an emergency physician at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg.
McChord becomes part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord AFNS 03 Feb 2010 -- McChord Air Force Base is now called Joint Base Lewis-McChord, McChord Field Feb. 1, as part of a three-phased transition process set into motion in 2007 by the Department of Defense, here.
USS George H.W. Bush Redelivered to Fleet, Departs for Flight Deck Certification Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va., for flight deck certification Feb. 2, three days after successfully completing Sea Trials.
USS George H.W. Bush Takes on Flight Deck Certification Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 2 with embarked elements from Carrier Air Wing 8 to complete its flight deck certification.
USS Lake Champlain Participates in Sentry Exercise Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participated in a Sentry exercise during an at-sea period Jan. 26-28.
U.S., Spanish Marines Conduct Convoy Training During Exercise Lisa Azul Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- Marines attached to 2nd Platoon Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe, conducted convoy training with Spanish marines during exercise Lisa Azul at Naval Station Rota Jan. 29 and Feb. 1.
U.S. and Spanish Marines Kick Off Exercise Lisa Azul Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- Marines attached to 2nd Platoon Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), Company Europe, began a bilateral training exercise, Lisa Azul, Jan. 24 with Spanish marines, aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota and the Spanish training ranges at Sierra Del Retin.
Mid-life Modernization Helps Gunston Hall Support Relief Mission Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- Having recently completed its comprehensive mid-life modernization period, the Ashland-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is ready to support Operation Unified Response.
VT-6 Sees End of 15-Year Pilot Program Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- Training Squadron 6 saw the end of a 15-year program with Argentina Jan. 29 with a simple send off ceremony for an exchange pilot. Argentina has been sending their pilots to the squadron to serve as an instructors since 1994.
Climate Change On Navy's Radar Navy NewsStand 03 Feb 2010 -- The director of the U.S. Navy's Task Force Climate Change (TFCC) said the earth is truly experiencing a climate change and the Navy needs to be prepared for potential impacts on its mission areas.
Dover Airmen fly first C-5M to Iraq AFNS 03 Feb 2010 -- A Dover Air Force Base C-5M Super Galaxy aircrew delivering over 85,000 pounds of equipment for troops supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and was the first C-5M to land in Iraq in late January.
Warfighters to meet in virtual battlespace at Virtual Flag 10-2 AFNS 03 Feb 2010 -- More than 200 joint military participants from across the United States and Puerto Rico will gather for Virtual Flag 10-2 at the Distributed Mission Operations Center in March here.
Global Military Spending ‘Unaffected By Recession’ RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a leading British think tank, says the total amount of money spent on world defense budgets rose to $1.55 trillion in 2008, and likely continued to climb further last year.

Asia-Pacific maritime navies to meet in India IRNA 03 Feb 2010 -- India will host the largest four-day naval wargame, Milan-2010, involving 12 nations in the Asia Pacific region from Thursday at Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Island.

Russia, U.S. may sign new arms cuts treaty in March-Apr. - Kremlin RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Russia and the United States may sign a nuclear arms reduction pact to replace the outdated START treaty in March or April, the Russian president's aide said on Wednesday.
Russia, U.S. could sign new arms cuts treaty in March-Apr. - Kremlin RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Russia and the U.S. may sign a new nuclear arms reduction treaty in March or April, the Russian president's aide said on Wednesday.

Iran boasts of new Apache-killer weapon as tensions rise with U.S. RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Iran has developed a new weapon to shoot down U.S. Apache attack helicopters, the Iranian Fars news agency has reported.

U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 03 Feb 2010
Briefing by White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton, 2/3/10 The White House 03 Feb 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for February 03, 2010
Boeing NC3S Project Vigilare Completes 1st Data Transmission With Wedgetail Boeing 03 Feb 2010 -- Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], today announced that Project Vigilare, a Network Centric Command and Control System (NC3S) solution for Australia, recently completed its first data transmission with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft using Link 16.
Lockheed Martin Awarded $30.8 Million to Develop Next Phase of National Cyber Range Lockheed Martin 03 Feb 2010 -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) was awarded a $30.8 million contract for Phase II of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) National Cyber Range (NCR) program. It follows completion of a $5.4 million contract for the initial development phase of the NCR awarded in early 2009. DARPA’s NCR is part of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative, a major government-wide effort to increase the nation’s defenses against electronic attack.
EADS North America and Infoterra awarded U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency contract to supply radar satellite data for intelligence, military and homeland security users EADS 03 Feb 2010 -- EADS North America has received a five-year contract to provide commercial radar satellite data to the U.S. government’s National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) for use in intelligence, military and homeland security applications.
Boeing Awarded Contract for Major Upgrade to French AWACS Fleet Boeing 03 Feb 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has been awarded a $324 million Foreign Military Sales contract from the Electronics Systems Center at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., to upgrade France's fleet of four E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, as well as the fleet's ground system.
U.S. Air Force Awards Raytheon $170 Million Contract for Infrared-Guided Maverick Missiles Raytheon 03 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) a $170 million Foreign Military Sales contract to produce AGM-65D and AGM-65G2 infrared-guided Maverick air-to-surface missiles for the United Arab Emirates.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Feb 2010

Appeals Court says ICC Could Charge Sudan President with Genocide VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Appeals court judges have ruled the International Criminal Court was wrong to decide Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir could not be charged with genocide for his actions on Darfur.
ICC pre-trial chamber ordered to rule again on genocide charge against Sudanese leader UN News Centre 03 Feb 2010 -- The pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) today was ordered to reconsider adding the charge of genocide to the arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir issued last year.

Israeli PM: Peace Talks Could Resume Soon VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that peace talks with the Palestinians could resume in the coming weeks. The talks have been stalled for more than a year. There was new hope for a resumption of negotiations on Wednesday.
Opposition Coalition Figure Sees No Hope for Niger Peace Talks VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Niger’s opposition has often accused President Tandja of undertaking a coup d’état after changing the constitution to extend his mandate. But Tandja maintains Nigeriens want him to stay and continue the good work that he is doing.
UN-African Union force refutes Sudanese army accusations UN News Centre 03 Feb 2010 -- The joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission in the war-torn Darfur region today strongly rejected “unfounded allegations” levelled by the Sudanese military’s spokesperson that it is collaborating with the rebel group known as the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
SOMALIA: "Dwindling shelter and little water" IRIN 03 Feb 2010 -- Violence in the central Somali region of Galgadud has made "it hard, if not impossible, for humanitarian workers" to reach those in need of help, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) says.
Moldovan NGO: Ukraine-Russia Spy Scandal Bad Sign For Transdniester RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- A Moldovan NGO says a spy row between Ukraine and Russia shows that Moscow's peacekeepers in Moldova's separatist Transdniester region "have other duties" than keeping the peace, RFE/RL's Moldovan Service reports.
SRI LANKA: War displaced start to pick up the pieces IRIN 03 Feb 2010 -- About a year ago, civil war raged around Vasanthi Kumari's house in northern Sri Lanka. "There was a loud sound and `Appa' [father] went out," Kumari, 21, told IRIN.

News Reports

Iran Now Says Ready To Send Uranium Abroad For Enrichment RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has announced an apparent reversal of Iran's position on a United Nations-brokered plan to send its low-enriched uranium abroad for further enrichment.
Nonproliferation Expert Discusses Iran's Nuclear Offer RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010
Iran 'working' on uranium swap formula RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Tehran is working on a formula to swap its low enriched uranium for 20%-enriched material, the Iranian foreign minister said Wednesday.
Russia positive on Iran uranium offer RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Russia would welcome a Iranian decision to send uranium to third countries for further enrichment and processing into fuel for power plants, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday.
Iran has 'no problem' with UN uranium enrichment plan RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has unexpectedly dropped his opposition to sending uranium abroad for enrichment in a move aimed at defusing Tehran's stand-off with the West over its nuclear program.
Iranian scientists capable to conquer skies: President IRNA 03 Feb 2010 -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that the skies can be conquered by Iranian scientists.
US Cautious on Ahmadinejad Nuclear Comments VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- The U.S. State Department said Wednesday that if Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is ready to accept an international proposal that would ease concerns about the country's nuclear program, it would be welcomed news. But U.S. officials say Iran must communicate its intentions to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Banned Candidates Allowed To Take Part In Iraqi Election RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- Iraq's election commission announced today that most of the 500 candidates barred from the country's March parliamentary elections on charges of connections to the outlawed Ba'ath Party will be allowed to compete.
Use of U.S. dollar in Iraq being reduced to stimulate local currency, economy Army News 03 Feb 2010 -- U.S. currency may soon become difficult to find in Iraq as part of an effort to protect Soldiers and increase the value of the Iraqi dinar.
Iraqi Officials Lament Failure To Refine More Oil RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- Iraqi officials say several factors have resulted in the country needing to import some 60 percent of its refined oil despite having huge reserves, RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reports.

Iran successfully launches satellite RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Iran said on Wednesday it had successfully launched a satellite carrying an "experimental capsule" as part of events to mark the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran reveals new satellites, booster rocket RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Iran unveiled three new satellites plus a satellite booster rocket in National Space Day ceremonies attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Wednesday.
Iran: Rocket With Animals Sent Into Space VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Iran says it sent a research rocket carrying live animals into space Wednesday, prompting President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to hail the country's scientific achievements as "miraculous."

Russia sends space freighter to International Space Station RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Russia launched on Wednesday a Progress cargo spaceship on a resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), a spokesman for the Russian Mission Control said.

Ukraine parliament adopts amendments to presidential election law RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- Ukraine's parliament, the Supreme Rada, adopted on Wednesday amendments to the law on presidential elections, canceling the two-thirds quorum required for electoral commissions' decisions to be legal.

Russian police kill al-Qaeda's 'sword of Islam' RIA Novosti 03 Feb 2010 -- A militant shot dead by police in the south Russian republic of Dagestan was one of the co-founders of al-Qaeda in the North Caucasus, a security service spokesman said on Wednesday.

Extremist Threat to U.S. ‘Evolving,’ Intel Leaders Say AFPS 03 Feb 2010 -- The violent extremist threat is evolving, senior U.S. intelligence officials told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence yesterday.
US Intelligence Officials Warn of Persistent Threat from al-Qaida VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- America's top intelligence officials have delivered a sobering assessment to Congress, saying that the al-Qaida terrorist network remains a persistent threat to the United States because its followers have been able to adapt their methods to make detection difficult.
Dennis Blair: US Faces 'Persistent Terrorist Threat' From Al-Qaida VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- A top U.S. intelligence official says the United States faces a "persistent terrorist threat" from al-Qaida and potentially others who share its anti-Western ideology.

The Cure Now Appears Worse Than The Disease RFE/RL 03 Feb 2010 -- In boxing terms, the European Union has been floored. Barely two months into the era ushered in by its all-transforming, all-fixing Lisbon Treaty, the bloc this week suffered a rude awakening when U.S. President Barack Obama let it be known he would not attend the next regular summit.
Food assistance needs in Ethiopia rising for 2010, UN relief wing reports UN News Centre 03 Feb 2010 -- The number of people in Ethiopia who will need food assistance this year has risen to 5.2 million, an increase of several hundred thousand from estimates released just two months ago by United Nations relief agencies and the Horn of Africa nation’s Government.
GLOBAL: Fighting corruption in disaster response IRIN 03 Feb 2010 -- Humanitarian relief is at high risk of corruption, says Transparency International (TI), which has released a guide on how aid agencies can combat the problem in disaster response.
National Inquiry Wants Suspected Killers of Demonstrators Tried in Guinea VOA 03 Feb 2010 -- Guinea's national inquiry into September's killing of opposition demonstrators says all suspects should be tried before Guinean courts. A U.N. investigation says they should be brought before the International Criminal Court.

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