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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 21 July 2010 [PDF]
• Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Gen. Odierno from the Pentagon DoD 21 Jul 2010 -- Presenter: Commanding General, U.S. Forces-Iraq Gen. Raymond Odierno
• More U.S. bases close, transfer to Iraqi military Army News 21 Jul 2010 -- United States Division-South handed over several locations to the government of Iraq recently as the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters continues the drawdown of U.S. forces in southern Iraq.
• Troops Must Understand the ‘Why’ of the Fight, Odierno Says AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- With his tenure winding down as commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno today shared with reporters some of his lessons learned on asymmetric warfare and the U.S. military’s needs of the future.
• U.S. Military on Track for Iraq Drawdown, Odierno Says AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- The military is on track to meet its drawdown goals in Iraq, and there will be plenty of troops left until the end of 2011 to help Iraq become fully independent, the commanding general of U.S. Forces in Iraq said today.
• Transcript: Statement by British Maj. Gen. Carter from Afghanistan DoD 21 Jul 2010 -- Presenter: Commander, NATO-ISAF Regional Command South British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter
• Numerous Insurgents Killed, Captured in Afghanistan AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- Numerous insurgents were killed or captured during recent Afghan-coalition operations conducted across Afghanistan, military officials reported.
• Better NCO Training Boosts Afghan Army’s Capabilities AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- The influence of the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in the development of Afghanistan’s military forces is possibly most apparent in its training regimen.
• VMM-261 Raging Bulls complete historic deployment USMC News 21 Jul 2010 -- Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, “The Raging Bulls,” returned to Marine Corps Air Station New River from Afghanistan July 16.
• NATO: Insurgents Behead 6 Police in Afghanistan VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- NATO forces in Afghanistan say militants have beheaded six Afghan police officers in the northern part of the country. In a statement Wednesday, NATO said the killings occurred Tuesday during an insurgent attack on a school, clinic and local government building in Dahanah-ye Ghori, a district of Baghlan province.
• UK troops could start leaving Afghanistan next year, says Cameron IRNA 21 Jul 2010 -- Prime Minister David Cameron said Wednesday that Britain’s 10,000 troops in Afghanistan could start to be withdrawn next year, but the decision will be “based on conditions on the ground.”

Defense Policy / Programs

• UN experts urge US to ensure no Guantánamo detainees are forcibly returned UN News Centre 21 Jul 2010 -- While welcoming United States efforts to close the Guantánamo Bay detention facility, two independent United Nations human rights experts have called on the Government to ensure that it does not forcibly transfer anyone to another State where the person could be subject to torture.
• Transcript: Joint Press Conference with Secretary Gates, Secretary Clinton, and South Korean Officials from Seoul, South Korea DoD 21 Jul 2010 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, South Korean Minister of National Defense Kim Tae-Young, and South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Yu Myung-Hwan
• Joint Statement by Secretary Gates and Secretary Clinton at the DMZ, Panmunjom, Korea DoD 21 Jul 2010
• Cheonan Tragedy Strengthens U.S.-South Korean Alliance AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- For years, the catchphrase for U.S. and South Korean troops posted here has been “Katchi-Kapshida – We Go Together.”
• Top U.S. Officials Make Surprise Visit To Korean Demilitarized Zone RFE/RL 21 Jul 2010 -- It was a visit filled with symbolism. The top U.S. diplomat and military chief stood at Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea, gazing northward in the rain.
• Clinton, Gates Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to South Korea AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea today during a visit to the demilitarized zone that separates the U.S. ally from its communist neighbor to the north.
• Plan for South Korea-US Joint Naval Maneuvers Announced KCNA 21 Jul 2010 -- The puppet Ministry of National Defence on July 20 announced that the south Korea-U.S. joint naval maneuvers would be staged in the East Sea of Korea, according to a report of south Korean MBC.
• Obama Picks Mattis for Central Command Post AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- President Barack Obama has nominated Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis to serve as commander, U.S. Central Command, according to a Defense Department news release issued today.
• USS George Washington Arrives in Busan Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK) July 21 for a port visit to promote goodwill and ambassadorship to the United States' longstanding ally.
• ROKA general gets 2ID signal capabilities demonstration Army News 21 Jul 2010 -- Republic of Korea Army Maj. Gen. Nam Gun-gyun and more than a dozen members of his ROKA staff visited Red Cloud Garrison July 8 to learn about the 2nd Infantry Division's signal capabilities.
• CEER-T completes NVD reset for 172nd IBCT Army News 21 Jul 2010 -- A Communications Electronics Evaluation Repair Team completed the reset of more than 2,000 night vision devices for the 172nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team last month. The CEER-T is a field-level operation under the command and control of the CECOM Life Cycle Management Command (formerly the U.S. Army Communications and Electronics Command).
• Exercise helps Army plan network's future Army News 21 Jul 2010 -- Members of several Army technology development offices conducted an exercise on White Sands Missile Range July 12-16, to evaluate the connectivity of various items in the development of a wide-reaching wireless military communications and battle-control network.
• USS New Orleans Arrives in Peru with A-SPS 10 Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- USS New Orleans (LPD 18), along with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 24 and other embarked units, arrived in the port city of Callao, Peru, July 20, as the second port visit in support of Amphibious-Southern Partnership Station (A-SPS) 2010.
• Vinson Uploads, Launches Missiles for Qualifications Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) uploaded and launched Evolved Sea Sparrow Surface Missiles (ESSM) and Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) July 16 and 17 to support Combat Systems Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT).
• Navy Operational Support Center Cincinnati Changes Command Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Cincinnati held a change of command ceremony July 18.
• Mountaineers' Win Marks First Atlantic Fleet SSBN Selected in 25 Years Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- USS West Virginia (SSBN 736)(Gold) was selected as the Atlantic Fleet recipient of the 2009 Arleigh Burke Trophy July 20.
• SBT-22 Holds Change of Command Ceremony Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- Special Boat Team (SBT) 22 held a change of command ceremony July 15.
• U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Sees Training Firsthand in Dahlgren Navy NewsStand 21 Jul 2010 -- Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) visited the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) and Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC), Dahlgren, Va., July 16, to observe firsthand the blended training curriculum taught to students.
• Successful airlift mission downrange highlights Dover capabilities AFNS 21 Jul 2010 -- Working with other agencies in a hostile environment on a quick turn around rotation, four airlift crews managed to deliver more than 100 helicopters to Army units at three locations in Afghanistan.
• San Diego’s Marine Reserve unit returns to amphibious roots USMC News 21 Jul 2010 -- From the ancient Greek’s amphibious attacks on the City of Troy, to the lasting impression of World War II’s landing operations, amphibious assaults have been a battle method that has contributed to the victory of many conflicts.
• C-130J Super Hercules provides unique look at Air Force mission AFNS 21 Jul 2010 -- Approximately 285,000 spectators are catching a glimpse of the C-130J Super Hercules at the Farnborough International Air Show here July 19 through 25.
• Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits Key to Recruiting and Retention AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- Proposed changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill would improve military readiness, a senior Pentagon official said today at a Capitol Hill hearing.
• Mullen: Military Needs Leaders to Address Suicide Issue AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- Leadership and the effects it can have to help bring down the suicide rate were among the topics the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed with servicemembers here today.
• Russia to compete for Afghan helicopter supply tender RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2010 -- Russia's state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport is preparing to compete for a U.S. tender to supply Mi-17 helicopters to Afghanistan, the company's deputy general director Alexander Mikheyev said on Wednesday.
• NATO to bolster military cooperation with Pakistan: SG IRNA 21 Jul 2010 -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will bolster military and political cooperation with Pakistan for peace and stability of the region, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organization to hold anti-terror drills in Sept. RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2010 -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will conduct a series of anti-terror drills from September 9 - 25 in Kazakhstan, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
• Legislators received murky message on F-16 fighters in Washington CNA 21 Jul 2010 -- Ruling Kuomintang Legislator Lin Yu-fang said in Washington, D.C. Tuesday that the "ambiguous message" he has received from United States is that if it could not sell F-16 C/D block fighters to Taiwan for the moment, it would consider upgrading the capability of Taiwan's F-16 A/B aircraft.
• Russia in talks on Iskander missile export RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2010 -- Russia is in talks with foreign customers interested in buying Iskander tactical missile systems, a senior executive at state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday.
• Russia may sign first Su-35 warplane export deal by yearend RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2010 -- Russia could sign its first contract for the export of Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jets by the end of the year, a deputy head of Russia's state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport said on Wednesday.
• Russia's Moskva missile cruiser sets off to its naval base in Ukraine RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2010 -- The flagship of the Black Sea fleet, the Moskva missile cruiser, has set off from the port of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East to its home port in Ukraine's Sevastopol, a Navy spokesman said on Wednesday.
• Armenian Defense Chief Discusses Regional Security In Iran RFE/RL 21 Jul 2010 -- Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian discussed Armenian-Iranian cooperation and regional security issues with Iranian political and military leaders during an official weekend visit to Tehran, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
• July 21, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 21 Jul 2010
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 7/21/2010 The White House 21 Jul 2010

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 21, 2010
• Lockheed Martin to Pursue International Airborne ISR Opportunities Lockheed Martin 21 Jul 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Italian-based Finmeccanica [FNC: IM] and L-3 Communication Systems-West to pursue international airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance business.
• Boeing Celebrates Production of 100th CH-47F Chinook Boeing 21 Jul 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on July 22 will celebrate the 100th CH-47F Chinook helicopter built at the company's Ridley Township facility.
• Boeing Completes Operational Testing of Australia's Network Centric Command and Control System Boeing 21 Jul 2010 -- Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], announced today that it has completed operational testing of its Vigilare network-centric command-and-control system (NC3S) for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
• Boeing to Demonstrate NATO AWACS Control of Unmanned Airborne System at Empire Challenge Boeing 21 Jul 2010 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] will demonstrate control of the ScanEagle unmanned airborne system (UAS) by a NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft during Empire Challenge 2010. This annual demonstration of joint and coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance interoperability is sponsored by the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Empire Challenge, hosted by the U.S. Joint Forces Command, will take place from July 26 to Aug. 13 at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
• EADS Defence & Security radars protect Royal Navy vessels EADS 21 Jul 2010 -- EADS Defence & Security (DS) provides several ships of the Royal Navy with advanced identification systems in order to enhance flight safety and situation awareness.
• U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team Exercise Demonstrates Value of On-the-Move Networking General Dynamics 21 Jul 2010 -- During a recent U.S. Army Brigade Combat Team Integration exercise, General Dynamics C4 Systems-led programs successfully demonstrated critical networking and communications capabilities that connected command posts, on-the-move forces and dismounted soldiers. General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
• Northrop Grumman Delivers AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System Operational Software for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter Northrop Grumman 21 Jul 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has announced the delivery of the operational software package for the AN/AAQ-37 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EO-DAS) to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) for integration into the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
• Northrop Grumman and SELEX Galileo Celebrate 15 Years of Leadership in Infrared Countermeasures Technology Achievements Northrop Grumman 21 Jul 2010 -- In July 1995, a team of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and SELEX Galileo engineers convened in Silverknowes, Edinburgh to begin development of a new, revolutionary infrared countermeasures system. This new system, developed for the U.K. Ministry of Defence, was intended to protect military pilots from the threat of shoulder-fired, heat seeking missiles, otherwise known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS).
• Northrop Grumman Completes Delivery of Upgraded U.S. Navy Targets Northrop Grumman 21 Jul 2010 -- Some of the oldest aerial targets in the U.S. Navy's inventory can now be used for some of the service's most advanced training missions thanks to the recent on-schedule completion of an avionics upgrade of those targets by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC).
• Raytheon Consolidated Manufacturing Center Delivers 200th AESA Radar Raytheon 21 Jul 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has delivered its 200th APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar to Boeing for installation on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft and the Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet.
• Raytheon Marks 10 Years of AESA Radar Flight Raytheon 21 Jul 2010 -- Remaining at the forefront of the AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar revolution, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is marking 10 years of advanced radar flight.
• Raytheon's ASTOR Saving Lives in the Counterinsurgency Battle Raytheon 21 Jul 2010 -- After a year of deployed operations, Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Airborne Stand-Off Reconnaissance system continues to support ground forces by developing pattern of life profiles across wide areas, detecting insurgent activity and contributing to force protection.
• Derco Signs Agreement with ATK to Distribute Missile Warning and Surveillance Systems Sikorsky 21 Jul 2010 -- Derco Aerospace, Inc., a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, announced today it has signed an agreement with Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) to distribute its AAR-47 Missile and Laser Warning System and Roll-on/Roll-off Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (RORO ISR) systems for C-130 and L-100 aircraft. Sikorsky Aerospace Services is the worldwide aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX)
• Thales aboard the Korean Navy Type 214 submarines Thales 21 Jul 2010 -- Thales and Samsung Thales have been selected by the German submarine shipbuilder HDW as the providers of the X-band Satcom Terminal for the six Type 214 submarines to be delivered to the Republic of Korea’s Navy as part of the KSS II Batch 2 programme.

Other Conflicts

• 21 July 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jul 2010
• Press Conference by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia United Nations 21 Jul 2010
• UN sounds the alarm as dire humanitarian situation continues to grip Somalia UN News Centre 21 Jul 2010 -- As Somalia remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis, it is vital to ensure adequate funding to assist the 3.2 million people – or more than 40 per cent of the population – who rely on international aid, a senior United Nations aid official stressed today.
• SOMALIA: Deadly skies above Mogadishu IRIN 21 Jul 2010 -- As Islamist insurgents battle it out with government troops backed by African Union forces (AMISOM) in Somalia’s capital, civilians face continuous danger from above in the form of the mortar shells used by most parties to the conflict.
• UN political chief underscores need for direct Israeli-Palestinian talks UN News Centre 21 Jul 2010 -- With efforts to move to serious negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians on achieving a two-State solution having reached a “critical juncture,” the top United Nations political official today underlined the need for direct negotiations between the two sides to begin as soon as possible.
• Israel Submits Gaza War Report to UN VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- Israel has submitted a report on the Gaza war to the United Nations.
• Joint UN-African Union mediator reports progress in Darfur peace talks UN News Centre 21 Jul 2010 -- The negotiations taking place in Doha aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan are making good progress, according to the joint United Nations-African Union mediator.
• Burkina Faso and Niger refer border dispute to UN World Court UN News Centre 21 Jul 2010 -- The West African countries of Burkina Faso and Niger have submitted a dispute over their common border to the United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) as part of a wider agreement by the two States to resolve the situation peacefully.
• UN war crimes tribunal orders partial re-trial for ex-leader of Kosovo UN News Centre 21 Jul 2010 -- A former prime minister of Kosovo faces a re-trial on war crimes charges after the United Nations tribunal set up to deal with the worst offences committed during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today partially quashed his earlier acquittal.
• Analysts say Eritrea is Not Supporting al-Shabab VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- The International Crisis Group has dismissed alleged links between Eritrea and Somali insurgent group al-Shabab following calls from an United States lawmaker to designate the country a state sponsor of terrorism.
• Sudan's Bashir in Chad, First Visit to ICC Country Since Warrant VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir has arrived in Chad, his first visit to a country that recognizes the war crimes court seeking his arrest.
• At Least 34 Killed in North Yemen Clashes VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- Yemeni officials say clashes between Shi'ite rebels and pro-government tribes in north Yemen have killed at least 34 people in the past three days.
• YEMEN: Renewed clashes in north leave dozens dead IRIN 21 Jul 2010 -- Clashes between Houthi-led Shia rebels and pro-government tribesmen in northern Yemen since late evening on 18 July have left 35 people dead and at least 30 injured, straining a fragile February ceasefire, an Amran local council member, told IRIN.
• Analysis: Prospects for reconciliation in Sri Lanka IRIN 21 Jul 2010 -- The defeat of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by the Sri Lankan army last year and an overwhelming election victory by the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) could provide an opportunity for reconciliation.
• Legal Scholar Previews ICJ Ruling On Kosovo's Independence RFE/RL 21 Jul 2010 -- The International Court of Justice at The Hague is due to issue an advisory ruling on the legality of Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence on July 22. Dragan Stavljanin of RFE/RL's Balkan Service spoke to Marc Weller, a lecturer on International Law at Cambridge University, about what to expect and about the possible implications of the ICJ's conclusions.
• Kurdish Rebels Propose To Disarm If Turkey Meets Conditions RFE/RL 21 Jul 2010 -- The leader of separatist Kurdish rebels who have been locked in a guerrilla war against Turkey is quoted as saying his fighters will disarm if the Turkish government meets certain conditions.

News Reports

• Clinton Announces New Sanctions for North Korea AFPS 21 Jul 2010 -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced new measures designed to bolster efforts to prevent North Korean weapons proliferation, curb the illicit activities that fund its weapons programs and discourage further provocative actions.
• US Imposes New Sanctions on North Korea VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- The United States has announced new sanctions aimed at the leadership of North Korea. They were revealed in Seoul on Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. That is where she and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates held an unprecedented joint meeting with their South Korea counterparts to discuss a perceived rising security threat from the North.
• North Korea Tensions Overshadow Regional Forum VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- Tensions concerning North Korea are expected to overshadow meetings in Vietnam between foreign ministers of Asia Pacific and Western nations. The forum is set to begin as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced new sanctions against Pyongyang for its nuclear program. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is hoping to help restart dialogue on the issue.
• Supreme Leader raps global arrogance for abetting terror in Zahedan IRNA 21 Jul 2010 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday held the US, Britain and the Zionist regime responsible for raising terrorists to escalate sectarian Shia-Sunni tension in Iran.
• Doubts raised about impartiality of UK torture inquiry IRNA 21 Jul 2010 -- A leading British legal charity has raised doubts about the impartiality of an inquiry into the UK’s alleged involvement in torture and has called for the senior judge appointed to chair the investigation to step down.
• Cameron Calls Lockerbie Bomber Release 'Wrong' RFE/RL 21 Jul 2010 -- The International Court of Justice at The Hague is due to issue an advisory ruling on the legality of Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence on July 22. Dragan Stavljanin of RFE/RL's Balkan Service spoke to Marc Weller, a lecturer on International Law at Cambridge University, about what to expect and about the possible implications of the ICJ's conclusions.
• British PM Orders Review on Lockerbie Bomber's Release VOA 21 Jul 2010 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron has ordered a review of his government's documentation on the release of the Lockerbie bomber after meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.
• U.S.-Soviet spacemen share impressions of historic Apollo-Soyuz docking 35 years ago RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2010 -- Legendary Soviet cosmonauts Valery Kubasov, Alexei Leonov, and U.S. astronauts Thomas Stafford and Vance Brand shared their impressions of the historic docking of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission 35 years ago during a video linkup with RIA Novosti in Moscow on Wednesday.
• KYRGYZSTAN: Not yet out of the woods IRIN 21 Jul 2010 -- As a 40-mourning period comes to an end on 20-21 July, security forces have begun taking measures to prevent further unrest, following clashes between Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in southern Kyrgyzstan in June.