News

17 September 2010 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 17 Sep 2010 [PDF]

Airpower Summary for September 14 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 13 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 12 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 11 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 10 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 09 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 08 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 07 AFNS 17 Sep 2010
Airpower Summary for September 06 AFNS 17 Sep 2010

Iraq war was no strategic benefit, says UK military chief IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- Britain’s military chief: Former PM Blair’s government did not appreciate what it was taking on when it planned the 2003 invasion.

Intelligence, Tips Drive Operations in Afghanistan AFPS 17 Sep 2010 -- Intelligence information and tips from local Afghans have driven several recent operations in Afghanistan.
Press Briefing by Senior Administration Officials on Upcoming Afghan Parliamentary Elections The White House 17 Sep 2010
US Special Envoy Says Afghan Elections Likely 'Flawed' VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- US Special Representative Holbrooke says the Afghan parliamentary election is likely be flawed and disputed.
Tensions High Ahead of Afghan Vote VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Polling centers across much of Afghanistan are due to open Saturday for the country's latest round of elections.
The Hardest Part is Goodbye: HMH-362 departs for Afghanistan USMC News 17 Sep 2010 -- After six hours of loading three helicopters and two large pallets of supplies, 12 men attached to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362 “The Ugly Angels” are damp with sweat. They walk back to Hangar 105 to meet their families. They sit down to eat, their last meal with loved ones before leaving for six months. Everyone is smiling but emotions are hard to read at 20 minutes to take off.
UN intensifies support for Afghan elections UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- The UN has stepped up its technical and logistical support to Afghan electoral authorities as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
Amid Rising Corruption, Warlordism, Afghans To Vote In Key Elections RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- Surobi and Paghman, 2 districts east and west of the Afghan capital, served as front lines during the civil war in the 1990s.
Afghan Women Police To Provide Security For Elections RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- Afghanistan's security forces have been bolstered by thousands of women officers as they go on high alert ahead of nationwide elections.
Kabul Voters Feel Relatively Safe But Remain Cautious Ahead Of Afghan Poll RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- The Afghan capital is a city that even under normal conditions has a very visible security presence.
Candidate, Election Workers Kidnapped on Eve of Afghan Poll VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Afghan officials say the Taliban has kidnapped 19 people, including a candidate and several campaign workers.

Defense Policy / Programs

Couple Charged in Nuclear Secrets Case VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- A scientist and his wife, who both worked at a U.S. nuclear research facility, have been arrested and charged with trying to sell nuclear weapons secrets to a person they thought was a Venezuelan official.
Former Workers at Los Alamos Charged with Transmitting Classified Nuclear Weapons Data to Injure the United States US Dept. of Justice 17 Sep 2010 -- The Justice Department today announced that a scientist and his wife, who both previously worked as contractors at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico, have been indicted on charges of communicating classified nuclear weapons data to a person they believed to be a Venezuelan government official and conspiring to participate in the development of an atomic weapon for Venezuela, among other violations.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers Training With New .50 Caliber Machinegun Simulator Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- New York Army National Guard Soldiers can now hone their M2 machine gun skills in the classroom before heading for the range, thanks to a new training system called the Individual Gunnery Training or IGT.
Fort Carson Range Control team best in Army Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- Soldiers heading downrange for training prior to deploying to combat are being supported by the best range control team the Army has to offer.
Article 32 for alleged Fort Hood shooter remains open to media, public Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- A defense motion for a closed courtroom at the upcoming Article 32 hearing against Maj. Nidal Hasan was denied Sept. 16 during a status conference hearing.
USAMRMC wins Research and Development Lab of the Year Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Marilyn Miller Freeman announced Sept. 10 that Medical Research and Materiel Command was chosen as the 2010 Research and Development Laboratory of the Year (small lab).
ASC hosts equipping strategy ROC drill Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- Army Sustainment Command headquarters hosted a rehearsal of concept drill July 26-30, testing a new equipping strategy.
Transportation School at Fort Lee prepares for first students Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- When the Transportation School conducts its first classes here next month, it will not only mark the beginning of a new era of training at Fort Lee but also represents one of the final steps of an ambitious plan to converge the Army's sustainment support community under a single "center of excellence."
Fort McPherson, Fort Gillem prepare individuals to combat rising suicide trends Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- In 2009, the number of active duty Soldier suicides increased by 20 to 160, and the number of Reserve and National Guard suicides rose by 25 to 82.
JBLM MPs test communication skills Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- The 508th Military Police Battalion faced a daunting scenario during a multi-agency training event Sept. 9.
Energy Conservation Helps Save Army Dollars Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- Imagine having to pay millions of dollars annually for utilities. That's why Redstone is trying to conserve energy.
Combatives 'bleeds' into job Army News 17 Sep 2010 -- Soldiers stationed in Basra are using combatives classes for much more than learning how to win hand to hand combat.
Combat Air Force Airmen integrate into new plan AFNS 17 Sep 2010 -- Combat Air Force officials released the 2010 CAF Strategic Plan Sept. 15, a document that focuses on the development, planning and employment of integrated combat capabilities.
Air Force Leaders Call People Greatest Asset AFPS 17 Sep 2010 -- Air Force leaders are working on ways to improve relationships and continue their commitment to airmen and their families, the service’s top personnel officer said this week.
Marines foster trust, familiarity with Georgian military USMC News 17 Sep 2010 -- Marines with 2nd Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company traveled to Hohenfels, Germany, where they trained with the 32nd Georgian Infantry Battalion throughout the month of August. The training exercise served to prepare the Marines and members of the Georgian military for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
Commanding officer changes for 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit USMC News 17 Sep 2010 -- Col. Pete Petronzio relinquished command of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to Col. Robert G. Petit during a change of command ceremony here at W.T.P. Hill Field, Sept. 17.
USS West Virginia Combines Crews Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) conducted a crew combination ceremony aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Sept. 17.
VBSS: Supporting the Maritime Strategy Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) received high praise for the positive impact Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) training has on fleet operations as Sailors and Marines rescued a merchant ship that had been seized by pirates Sept. 9.
Bataan Certifies for Air Operations Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) successfully completed an air certification Sept. 16, proving the ship's ability to safely launch and recover aircraft and support multiple air operations.
Navy Survival School Relocating Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) is scheduled to relocate the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY), Portsmouth, NH on Sept. 30.
Guam, Hawaii Companies Receive Navy HUBZone Contracts Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) multiple award contract, with a combined maximum capacity of $50 million, to four small business historically underutilized business zone (HUBZone) companies Sept. 8.
NWS Charleston Completes Successful Onload of Prepositioning Ship Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Prepositioning ship USNS Soderman (T-AKR 317) received more than 2,000 pieces of equipment over a ten-day period aboard Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Charleston Sept. 7 through Sept. 17.
Submarine Squadron Six Holds Change of Command Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Commander, Submarine Squadron 6 (SUBRON 6) held a change-of-command ceremony on board USS Albany (SSN 753), aboard Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 17.
NAVSEA Promotes Fleet Readiness at Symposium Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) participated in the Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium (FMMS) 2010 in Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 14.
Bethesda, Walter Reed Begin New Partnership for Publication Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Earlier this month, the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC)and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC)announced all publication clearances will be submitted through a joint NNMC/WRAMC option on the Institutional Review Board Network (IRBNet) starting Sep 1.
NNMC, Walter Reed Celebrate One-Year Count Down to Integration Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) and National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) celebrated the "one year to go" scheduled opening of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda (WRNMMCB) and the 159th birthday of Maj. Walter Reed during a ceremony aboard WRAMC Sept 13.
Malmstrom Airmen conduct successful simulated launch AFNS 17 Sep 2010 -- Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing performed multiple tests as a part of a simulated electronic launch- Minuteman evaluation.
Combat Air Force leaders sign new strategic plan AFNS 17 Sep 2010 -- Top Air Force leaders from the eight commands representing the Combat Air Force released "Securing the High Ground: Agile Combat Airpower."
US congressman urges sale of F-16 C/Ds to Taiwan CNA 17 Sep 2010 -- US Congressman Edward Royce has urged his government to agree to sell F-16 C/D fighter jets to Taiwan.
Guard Presence on Border Deters Threats AFPS 17 Sep 2010 -- The presence of National Guard troops along the Southwest border has provided US Customs and Border Protection agents with an additional resource.
Speech: National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony DoD 17 Sep 2010
Gates: Nation Will Bring Home Missing Troops AFPS 17 Sep 2010 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates underscored the Defense Department’s commitment to bringing every missing servicemember home.
Statement of Army Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick DoD 17 Sep 2010
USS Ohio Commanding Officer Relieved of Command Navy NewsStand 17 Sep 2010 -- The commanding officer of the Bangor, Wash.-based guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) (Blue) was relieved of command Sept. 17 by Commander, Submarine Group 9 (CSG9).

U.S.-Russian arms treaty should be ratified by yearend - lawmaker RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- A new US-Russian strategic arms reduction treaty should be simultaneously ratified by the end of the year.
Obama calls for speedy ratification of arms treaty with Russia RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- US President Obama and other top state officials urged the Senate to speed up the ratification of arms reduction treaty.
Russia, NATO should analyze missile threat to Europe RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Russia believes that Moscow and NATO should properly assess missile risks before starting on a missile defense plan.
Russia, U.S. still disagree on missile shield RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Russia and the US still have some major disagreements on the missile defense issue.
Russia's CFE treaty moratorium to remain in place RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Russia had no plans to resume its participation in the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty.
Russia to draft proposals on joint anti-piracy efforts with U.S. RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will draft within a month its proposals to the US on joint anti-piracy efforts off the horn of Africa.
Russian Defense Minister visits US: Resetting in progress RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- The two documents signed during Russian Defense Minister Serdyukov's US visit could drastically change military relations between the two countries.

Sharp: Korea Plan Synchronizes Capabilities AFPS 17 Sep 2010 -- Delaying transition at the South Korean government’s request will enable a broad range of initiatives to unfold.

Russia to overhaul Bulava production if tests fail again RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Russia will have to overhaul the whole production and manufacturing system of its Bulava missile if tests fail again.
Russia receives Medvedev's invitation to NATO summit RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- The Russian mission to NATO has received an official invitation for President Dmitry Medvedev to attend a NATO summit in November.
Russian helicopter carrier tender to be announced 'in near future' RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- A tender for the construction and purchase of helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy will be announced in the next few weeks.
Russia to honor deal to sell P-800 anti-ship missiles to Syria RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Russia will honor the contract to sell the P-800 Yakhont supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles to Syria.
Indonesia confirms plans to buy six more Su fighters from Russia RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Indonesia's Air Force chief of staff Marshal Imam Sufaat said his country planned to buy six more Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia.
Russian Technologies, Boeing sign 50-plane, $3.7bln deal RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- State-owned hi-tech corporation Russian Technologies signed an agreement with the U.S. jet maker Boeing for 50 Boeing-737 Next Generation airliners.

Press Conference by Minister for Defence of France United Nations 17 Sep 2010

Army helicopters complete unprecedented flight drill over water CNA 17 Sep 2010 -- The Army Aviation Special Forces Command held an unprecedented drill in early September in which a fleet of military helicopters flew from Taiwan proper to the outlying Penghu Islands in formation.
U.S. congressman urges sale of F-16 C/Ds to Taiwan CNA 17 Sep 2010 -- US Congressman Edward Royce has urged his government to agree to sell F-16 C/D fighter jets to Taiwan.

Israel gives final approval to U.S. 5G fighter jet deal RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- The Israeli government gave the final approval to the deal to buy US-made F-35 fighter jets.

September 17, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 17 Sep 2010
Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 9/17/2010 The White House 17 Sep 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 17, 2010
EADS gets a stronger and consistent brand identity EADS 17 Sep 2010 -- To celebrate ten years of success since its creation, EADS is strengthening its branding; the Group logo has been modernised, and the new branding scheme better integrates and enhances the individual Division brands.
EADS Defence & Security changes its name to CASSIDIAN EADS 17 Sep 2010 -- EADS Defence & Security, a world leader in global security solutions and systems for civil and military markets, today announced its official name change to CASSIDIAN. The announcement was made by EADS and by CASSIDIAN CEO Dr. Stefan Zoller.
AxleTech Unveils New Headquarters in Michigan General Dynamics 17 Sep 2010 -- AxleTech International, a General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) company, today opened its new state-of-the-art world headquarters facility. AxleTech is a global provider of axles, suspensions, brake systems and aftermarket components for heavy duty commercial and military vehicles.
Rheinmetall books follow-up orders for Fuchs/Fox vehicles and Heron aviation systems for the Bundeswehr Rheinmetall Defence 17 Sep 2010 -- By upgrading the Bundeswehr's fleet of armoured vehicles and making unmanned aircraft available, Rheinmetall continues to make an important contribution to safeguarding German soldiers during deployed operations.

Other Conflicts

Resumption of direct talks renews hope for Israeli-Palestinian peace UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- Resumption of direct Israeli-Palestinian talks has brought new hope for achieving a lasting peace in the Middle East.

KENYA-SOMALIA: Insecurity without borders IRIN 17 Sep 2010 -- The Islamist insurgency in Somalia has had a spillover effect on security in the northeast of neighbouring Kenya.

Former Darfur Rebels Rescue Kidnapped Engineer in Sudan VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Former Darfur rebels said Friday they rescued a kidnapped Chinese worker in Sudan's Darfur region.
Voter registration for Sudanese referenda must start as soon as possible - UN expert UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- Sudan is woefully unprepared for the upcoming referenda on the possible independence for the southern region.

Rwandan President Lashes Out at UN Over Leaked Report VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Rwandan president Kagame lashed out at the UN after a report suggested Rwandan soldiers were guilty of mass killings and rape in the DRC.
Security Council urges DR Congo to bring mass rape perpetrators to justice UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- The Security Council called on the country to take “swift and fair” action to bring the perpetrators to justice.
DR Congo: UN to build safe detention facilities for women pending trial UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- UN peacekeepers in the DRC are building detention facilities in the country’s troubled east.

People defy curfew in Kashmir, 2 more killed IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- Two more protesters were shot dead by the Indian armed forces in Kashmir where a punishing curfew continued.

Polish court frees Chechen separatist leader wanted by Russia RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev walked out of a Polish court on Friday evening several hours after he was arrested.
Polish national interests to determine Zakayev's fate - PM RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Poland will only extradite Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev to Russia if this meets its national interests.
Polish Police Detain Chechen Separatist Leader Zakayev RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- Polish police have detained the exiled Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev, who is wanted by Russia on allegations of terrorism.
Chechen separatist leader Zakayev detained in Warsaw RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Polish police detained on Friday Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev, a World Chechen Congress spokesman said.
Chechen separatist leader Zakayev to surrender to Warsaw prosecutors RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2010 -- Chechen separatist leader Akhmed Zakayev will appear at Warsaw prosecutor's office on Friday morning.

Kosovo Government, Opposition Say No Serbia Talks Without U.S. RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- Kosovo government officials and opposition members say there can be no high-level talks with Serbian officials without a US presence.

Ban meets panel of experts on human rights issues in Sri Lankan conflict UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban held his first meeting with the panel of experts set up to advise him on accountability issues in Sri Lanka.

MALI: Kidnap threat throws spotlight on local aid staff IRIN 17 Sep 2010 -- A kidnap threat blocking Western aid workers from travelling to parts of Mali is hampering aid operations and underscoring the importance of local NGOs.

US Says Multilateral Engagement a Priority at UN General Assembly VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- A State Department official outlined the administration's priorities for the United Nations General Assembly.

News Reports

North-South Red Cross Working Contact Made KCNA 17 Sep 2010 -- An inter-Korean Red Cross working contact was made in Kaesong Friday.

Soltanieh: Board meeting ends without any resolution on Iran IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- Iran's IAEA envoy Ali-Asghar Soltanieh: IAEA Board session ended without issuing any resolution on Iran nuclear issue.
Iran, S Korea find way to dodge sanctions IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- The Central Bank of Iran has agreed to open accounts with 2 South Korean government banks to avoid disruption in Tehran-Seoul trade.
Iranian internet group hacks series of US official websites IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- An Iranian internet group, Ashyaneh, serially hacked a group of the US official websites.

Pakistan: UN issues largest-ever disaster appeal UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- The UN and its partners launched their largest-ever natural disaster appeal, seeking more than $2 billion for Pakistani flood victims.
UN Appeals for $2 Billion for Pakistan Flood Victims VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- The UN has launched its largest humanitarian appeal ever, asking the international community for more than $2 billion.
Pakistani Politician's Slaying In London Sparks Tensions In Karachi RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- Karachi is tense after the murder of native son Imran Farooq, a former senior leader of the Muttahida Quami Movement.
Pakistani politician killed in London IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- British police have launched a murder investigation after a senior Pakistani politician was found dead outside his north London home.

Trial Of Ethnic Uzbeks Charged In Deadly Kyrgyz Unrest Postponed RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- The trial of four ethnic Uzbeks for their involvement in the ethnic clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan in mid-June has been postponed.

Maoist chairman withdraws from prime ministerial race in Nepal IRNA 17 Sep 2010 -- Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal withdrew from the ongoing prime ministerial election, paving the way for formation of a national consensus government.

Burma Excludes Thousands From Voting in Elections VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Burma's military government says it will not open polling stations in several eastern border townships for the November elections.

Guinea Electoral Commission to Decide New Date for Vote VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Guinea's Electoral Commission will meet again with interim PM Jean-Marie Dore to try to find a new date for the country's postponed presidential election.
Security Council calls for setting of new date for Guinea's election run-off UN News Centre 17 Sep 2010 -- Holding peaceful, free and fair elections is vital to re-establishing constitutional order in Guinea, the Security Council stressed.

What Does 'Confederation' Mean In The South Caucasus? RFE/RL 17 Sep 2010 -- On July 18, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili met with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, in Batumi and mentioned the idea of a "confederation" between the two countries.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Set to Declare Candidacy in Abuja VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- President Goodluck Jonathan will formally declare his candidacy for next year's election in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, Saturday.

Analysts say Ethiopia PM Consolidates Power in Government Reorganization VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Ethiopia's ruling party is holding a conference this week to discuss plans to rejuvenate the party and implement an optimistic five-year economic plan.

Chinese Web Forum Asks 'Netizens' to Speak Up, but Not Too Loudly VOA 17 Sep 2010 -- Beijing's Communist Party has launched a new online bulletin board for Chinese "netizens."

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list