News

30 September 2010 Military News

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 30 Sep 2010 [PDF]

US General: Iraqi Political Vacuum Fuels Violence VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Top US commander in Baghdad: Iraq's prolonged political crisis has encouraged militants to step up attacks.
789th EOD returns home Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- Fort Benning's bomb disposal experts returned home early Wednesday morning from a yearlong deployment to Iraq.
Battle Command Training Program trains Army forces for 'New Dawn' Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- This week marks the beginning of a Mission Rehearsal Exercise for the 25th Infantry Division.

DOD News Briefing with Brig. Gen. Berto and Col. Cracas via Teleconference from Afghanistan DoD 30 Sep 2010
Afghan, Coalition Troops Capture Insurgent Leader AFPS 30 Sep 2010 -- Afghan and coalition forces detained an insurgent leader during a combined operation in Afghanistan’s Uruzgan province.
Soldiers, Afghan forces conduct air assault Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- Paratroopers from Task Force Talon and Task Force Brawler, along with their Afghan National Army partners, conducted a clearing operation.
5 NATO Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- NATO says separate attacks have killed five of its service members in southern Afghanistan.
Suicide Bomber Reportedly Targets NATO Convoy Near Kandahar RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- A suicide car bomber reportedly targeted a NATO military convoy near the southern city of Kandahar.
NATO Leaders See Security Gains in Western Afghanistan AFPS 30 Sep 2010 -- Some parts of western Afghanistan could begin transitioning security to Afghan forces within six to nine months.
Afghan Village Fights To Keep Taliban At Bay RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- For over a year, Tarbuz Guzar has been on the frontline of the fight to keep the Taliban spreading further north in Konduz Province.
Fall-back in UK casualties in Afghanistan IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- There has been a fallback in the number of British soldiers killed, seriously injured and requiring field hospital treatment since they were redeployed in southern Afghanistan.
Culture Lessons Help US Troops in Afghanistan AFPS 30 Sep 2010 -- A select number of servicemembers are learning ways to become experts in Afghan culture through the Afghan Hands Program.
Pakistan Halts NATO Supplies After Attack VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- The Pentagon says a U.S. helicopter based in Afghanistan fired in self-defense during an incident that apparently caused the deaths of three Pakistani soldiers.
Pakistan Blocks NATO Supply Route After Alleged NATO Air Strike RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- Pakistan blocked vital supply route apparently in retaliation for an alleged cross-border NATO helicopter strike that killed three Pakistani troops.
Afghan opium production nearly halved UN News Centre 30 Sep 2010 -- United Nations: Afghan opium production has decreased by almost 50 per cent this year.
Crop Disease Cuts Afghan Opium Production VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- The UN drug agency says Afghanistan's opium production declined by almost half this year.
UN Says Afghan Opium Harvest Almost Halved in 2010 RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- A UN report says opium harvests in Afghanistan have dropped by almost half this year due to a crop disease.

CIA chief in Pakistan for anti-terror talks IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- CIA Chief Leon Panetta in Islamabad for talks with Pakistan's civil and military leadership on security issues.

Defense Policy / Programs

Sec. Clinton Remarks With Senator Kerry on START US Dept. of State 30 Sep 2010

Forces Must Ready for Future Conflict, Mullen Says AFPS 30 Sep 2010 -- America’s military forces must be ready for future conflicts, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said.
Army awards contract for upgraded sniper weapon system Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- A recently awarded weapons contract means Army snipers can expect to see an improved rifle, with an extended range, in the field by Christmas.
More Women in Special Ops Forces, Gates Predicts AFPS 30 Sep 2010 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said yesterday he anticipates that more women will serve in military special operations in the future.
Army Corrections Brigade reflags as 15th Military Police Brigade Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- Thirty-four years ago, colors were cased for the 15th Military Police Brigade, the first military police brigade activated in the U.S. Army.
Farewell For School Brigade Troops Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- A ceremony Friday will mark a milestone in the ongoing move of the Ordnance Munitions and Electronics Maintenance School and its Soldiers and civilians.
VMU-4 casts Shadow over Yuma USMC News 30 Sep 2010 -- The Corps' newest unmanned aerial vehicle squadron debuted its capabilities with the maiden flight of one of its RQ-7B aircraft.
USS Klakring Completes Southern Seas 2010 Deployment Navy NewsStand 30 Sep 2010 -- USS Klakring and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 Det. 10 completed a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean.
Continuing Promise 2010 Opening Ceremony Held in Panama Navy NewsStand 30 Sep 2010 -- The U.S. Embassy and Panama Minister of Health hosted a welcoming ceremony for the Continuing Promise 2010 team Sept. 28.
NAVFAC Marianas Awards First Marine Corps Relocation Construction Project to a Small Business Navy NewsStand 30 Sep 2010 -- NAVFAC Marianas awarded a $7.2 million firm-fixed price task order Sept. 29 to Pacific West Builders.
General Dynamics opens new facility in GATE office complex Army News 30 Sep 2010 -- General Dynamics C4 Systems officially opened its new field office in the Government and Technology Enterprise office complex at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Lynn Remarks on Cyber Security DoD 30 Sep 2010
Defense Department Responds to 'Superbug' Threat AFPS 30 Sep 2010 -- The military has been a leader in recognizing and protecting against the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms, commonly known as "superbugs."

Russia successfully sends Kosmos satellite into orbit RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- A Molnia-M carrier rocket successfully released a Kosmos satellite into orbit on Thursday.
Russian North Fleet destroyer to return to service by end of year RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- The Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer will rejoin Russia's Northern Fleet after an 18-year overhaul by the end of the year.
Russia's United Shipbuilding may hold IPO in 2013 RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- Russia's state-run United Shipbuilding Corporation may sell 20-30 percent of its shares in an initial public offering in 2013.
Russia, Ukraine to build 60 An-124 cargo planes RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- A proposed Russia-Ukraine venture has received orders for 60 An-124 cargo aircraft, Antonov Civil Aircraft said.

Musharraf Says Pakistani Military Must Play Bigger Role RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- Former President Musharraf has called for a larger political role for Pakistan's army.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 9/30/2010 The White House 30 Sep 2010
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, September 30, 2010 US Dept. of State 30 Sep 2010

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for September 30, 2010
General Dynamics Awarded $12 Million to Support U.S. Navy Submarine Maintenance Work General Dynamics 30 Sep 2010 -- General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a total of $11.7 million by the U.S. Navy to support submarine maintenance and repair work at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
Lockheed Martin Delivers First Production C-5M Super Galaxy To U.S. Air Force Lockheed Martin 30 Sep 2010 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] completed delivery of the first production C-5M Super Galaxy at a ceremony here today with officials from Air Mobility Command, Air Force Material Command and Dover Air Force Base, Del.
Lockheed Martin Common Vehicle Next Generation Deliveries Complete, Ready For Deployment Lockheed Martin 30 Sep 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Common Vehicle Next Generation (CVNG), an armed lightweight military vehicle, is ready for its initial in-theater deployment. The CVNG is an upgraded configuration of the High Mobility Transport vehicle in use by U.S. and allied armed forces. Deliveries of the upgraded vehicles were completed in June 2010, just four months after the contract award in February 2010.
Airbus Military selects Lufthansa Technik for RAF tanker component support EADS 30 Sep 2010 -- After a thorough evaluation of candidate companies, Airbus Military has selected Lufthansa Technik (LHT) to undertake component support for the UK Royal Air Force´s new fleet of 14 A330 MRTT Future Strategic Transport Aircraft (FSTA). The ten-year contract will begin when the FSTA enters service with the RAF towards the end of next year.
Airbus Military to manage Spanish customs service aircraft fleet. EADS 30 Sep 2010 -- Airbus Military has been contracted by the Spanish Customs Service (Dirección General de la Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria, DAVA) to undertake the management, operation and support of the service’s fleet of six C212 surveillance aircraft. Following refurbishment, the first of these aircraft will begin operations early next month under the new arrangement.
Sponsor of Submarine California (SSN 781) Visits Northrop Grumman in Preparation for the Ship's Upcoming Christening Northrop Grumman 30 Sep 2010 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) hosted a tour and christening briefing for Mrs. Donna Willard, the sponsor of California (SSN 781) on Sept. 22. During the visit, she met with ship's crew, California shipbuilders and toured the christening site.
Northrop Grumman-Built Maritime Laser Demonstration System Shows Higher Lethality, Longer Ranges at Potomac River Test Range Northrop Grumman 30 Sep 2010 -- Tests of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Laser Demonstration (MLD) system conducted recently at the Potomac River Test Range confirmed the laser weapon system's readiness to proceed with at-sea testing later this year, according to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), prime contractor.
SAIC Awarded $18 Million Task Order by Naval Surface Warfare Center - Dahlgren Division SAIC 30 Sep 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced today it was awarded a task order by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) - Dahlgren Division to provide systems engineering and analysis support for combat systems. The new task order has a one year base period of performance, four one-year options, and a total value of more than $18 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Dahlgren, Va. The task order was awarded under the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command SeaPort-e contract.
Swiss Army takes delivery of new gunnery, combat and tactical simulators Rheinmetall Defence 30 Sep 2010 -- Rheinmetall Defence's Simulation and Training division has just supplied the Swiss Army with several state-of-the-art gunnery, combat and tactical simulators.
UAW Union Members Rally at the U.S. Capitol for the GE/Rolls-Royce Engine GE Aviation 30 Sep 2010 -- Members of the International Union United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) gathered with members of the U.S. Congress and GE Aviation to support a renewed American industrial base while rallying at the U.S. Capitol for the F136 competitive engine for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35 aircraft.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 30 September 2010 United Nations 30 Sep 2010

North-South Military Working Talks Held KCNA 30 Sep 2010 -- The north-south military working talks were held in the south side's portion of Panmunjom on Sept. 30.
KCNA and S. Korean Policy KCNA 30 Sep 2010 -- All Koreans and the international community are urging the south Korean authorities to take measures to roll back their "policy of confrontation" with the DPRK.

Taiwan disinclined to incite controversy over Tiaoyutais CNA 30 Sep 2010 -- The Republic of China claims full sovereignty over the Tiaoyutai Islands but has no intention of inciting controversy.
Moscow Rejects Japan's Kurile Islands Warning RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has criticized Japan's condemnation of a plan for Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to visit the disputed Kurile Islands.

US Envoy Intensifies Bid to Salvage Israeli-Palestinian Talks VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- U.S. special envoy George Mitchell is extending his stay in the Middle East as he works to avert a collapse of the month-old Middle East peace talks.
US, Palestinian Talks End with No Word of Agreement VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- US Middle East envoy George Mitchell has wrapped up a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
UN Human Rights Council condemns Israeli human rights violations IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- The UN Human Rights Council ondemned Israel for human rights violations for 'summary executions' of passengers on board the aid ships to Gaza.

PKK Rebels Extend Cease-Fire in Turkey VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Kurdish rebels in Turkey say they are extending their cease-fire by a month, and have called on the Turkish government to engage in peace negotiations.

Sudan Government Unaware of UN Delegation Visit on Referendum VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- A leading member of Sudan's ruling party said the government has not been officially informed that officials of the UN Security Council will reportedly arrive next week.
Sudanese Nomads Threaten War if Excluded from Abyei Referendum VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Nomads from the contested Abyei region of Sudan have promised violence if denied a vote in upcoming referendum.

Ugandan Official Rejects U.N. Report Alleging Army Atrocities VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Top official with Uganda's foreign ministry: Kampala has rejected as "highly flawed" a leaked U.N. report that accuses the Ugandan army of committing atrocities in neighboring DRC.
UN to Release Detailed Report on Congo Atrocities VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- The United Nations is set to release a report that documents a decade of alleged war crimes and human rights abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

India to release some Kashmiri prisoners to ease situation IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- Kashmir's gov't last night announced the release of 50 protesters arrested during the three-month-long mass unrest.
Indian court pronounces verdict on Babri Mosque case IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- An Indian court on Thursday pronounced verdict on the internationally acclaimed Babri Mosque lawsuit.
Indian Court Orders Division of Disputed Holy Site VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- A high court in India handed down a long-awaited ruling on the status of hotly disputed holy site in Ayodhya city.

YEMEN: Southern IDPs appeal for aid IRIN 30 Sep 2010 -- IDPs who fled clashes in the past two weeks between the Yemeni army and militant groups are appealing to humanitarian organizations for aid.

Russia wants to improve legal base of relations with Abkhazia RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- Russian President Medvedev: Russia hopes to strengthen the legal basis of its relations with Abkhazia.

Putin to take North Caucasus development 'under personal control' RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- Russian PM Putin will take the development of the volatile North Caucasus region under his personal control.

Tiraspol opposes EU, U.S. mediation of Transdnestr negotiations RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2010 -- The authorities of the Moldavian breakaway region of Transdnestr do not want the EU and the US to mediate settlement efforts.

News Reports

North Korea Releases Photo of Apparent Successor VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- North Korea has released the first official photo of Kim Jong Un, the son and apparent successor of leader Kim Jong Il.
Struggle for New Victory of Juche Revolution Called for KCNA 30 Sep 2010 -- Leading papers Thursday editorially congratulate General Secretary Kim Jong Il on his reelection as general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea.
Kim Jong Il Greets Hu Jintao KCNA 30 Sep 2010 -- Kim Jong Il sent a message of greetings to Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

US Cites Progress In Curbing Iranian Oil Business VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- State Department: 4 major European oil companies have promised to halt dealings with Iran, and will be spared from US sanctions.
IAEA's Amano to visit Germany next week: informed source IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano is to visit Germany next week.
Russia Urges Iran To Cooperate With UN Nuclear Agency RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- Russia has urged Iran to cooperate with the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Events in Ecuador US Dept. of State 30 Sep 2010
Ecuador Declares State of Emergency VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Ecuador has declared a state of emergency after police and soldiers stormed the streets to protest budget cuts and threw tear gas at President Rafael Correa.
Protests Erupt in Ecuador; Soldiers Seize Main Airport VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Angry troops and police officers are taking to the streets of Ecuador, protesting a new round of budget cuts targeting their salaries and benefits.
Ecuador: UN chief expresses deep concern at civil unrest UN News Centre 30 Sep 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban voiced deep concern at developments in Ecuador, where the President has been hurt during protests.

Astronomers Find 'Potentially Habitable' Planet VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Astronomers have discovered a few hundred planets over the years, but Paul Butler of the Carnegie Institution in Washington says the planet he helped discover is different. He and his team of astronomers say this planet, named Gliese 581G, could bear the closest resemblance to Earth of any planet ever discovered.

China Warns US Yuan Bill Could Damage Ties VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- China expressed its anger at legislation in the United States aimed at punishing Beijing for not letting its currency rise in value and failing to address trade imbalances.

Ethnic Uzbeks' Trials In Kyrgyzstan Postponed After Disruptions RFE/RL 30 Sep 2010 -- Two separate trials of ethnic Uzbeks in southern Kyrgyzstan have been postponed by the judges after disruptions.

Many Pakistani flood victims returning to their places of origin - UN UN News Centre 30 Sep 2010 -- UN humanitarian arm: Majority of people displaced by the floods in Pakistan have either returned to their places of origin or are doing so.

Analysis: Red Shirt resentment simmers in Thailand IRIN 30 Sep 2010 -- The Red Shirts remain embittered and determined in their struggle against a government doing too little to reconcile their differences.

China Endorses Burma Elections VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- As Burma prepares for its first election in 20 years, it is getting strong backing from neighboring China.

Nepal lawmakers again fail to elect prime minister IRNA 30 Sep 2010 -- Nepali Congress leader R C Poudyal, the sole candidate for the post of prime minister, failed in his ninth attempt in a row to garner a majority in parliament.

Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Hails End to U.N. Sanctions VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Bangura: Decision by the UN Security Council to lift sanctions against Sierra Leone is an indication that her country is now ready to focus on national development.

UN: Guinea Vote Delay Could Destabilize West Africa VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- The UN says further delay in Guinea's presidential election could destabilize the region.
UN offices in West Africa step up efforts to boost stability on eve of polls UN News Centre 30 Sep 2010 -- UN political and peacekeeping missions in West Africa have drawn up joint plans to strengthen stability in the region.

Nigeria, at 50, Holds Week of Independence Celebrations VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Nigeria’s FM said over 25 African heads of state and top government officials are in the capital to participate in the country’s 50th independence celebrations.
Cyprus Marks 50 Years of Independence Amid Persistent Division VOA 30 Sep 2010 -- Cyprus marks 50 years of independence under the cloud of a 36-year division.

ATK Encouraged by the Passage of NASA's Authorization Bill ATK 30 Sep 2010 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) issued the following statement regarding the passage of the NASA authorization bill:
Boeing Submits Final Bid for International Space Station Cargo Contract Boeing 30 Sep 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced that it has submitted its final bid for NASA’s Cargo Mission Contract (CMC) for the International Space Station (ISS). Boeing's bid draws on more than 50 years of the company's human spaceflight experience, as well as first-hand knowledge of ISS operations and cargo processing.
Boeing Releases Statement on Passage of NASA Authorization Bill Boeing 30 Sep 2010 -- On Sept. 29, the U.S. Congress passed S. 3729, a bill to authorize NASA programs for fiscal years 2011 through 2013. The bill soon will be sent to President Barack Obama for his signature, signaling a new direction for human space exploration. Boeing today released the following statement:
Lockheed Martin Ends External Tank Production At NASA Michoud Assembly Facility Lockheed Martin 30 Sep 2010 -- After 37 years and 136 tanks delivered, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) production of the Space Shuttle External Tank (ET) has come to an end at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.
Raytheon Awarded Joint Polar Satellite System Contracts Raytheon 30 Sep 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) was awarded two contracts with a combined potential value of more than $1.7 billion over the next eight years by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

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