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01 November 2010 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 01 Nov 2010 [PDF]

Officials in Afghanistan Provide Details of Operations AFPS 01 Nov 2010 -- International Security Assistance Force Joint Command officials have provided details of numerous recent operations around Afghanistan.
Explosive Detection Dogs invaluable asset to Coalition Forces in Afghanistan Army News 01 Nov 2010 -- The sun hasn't risen yet as an Explosive Detector Dog (EDD) team of American K-9 Detection Services (AMK9) prepares to lead a dismounted patrol through Panjwai'i District in Kandahar province Oct. 8. The partnered dismounted patrol leaving Combat Outpost Nejat consists of Afghan National Army soldiers, Afghan National Police and Canadian forces of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.
Taliban Overruns District In Eastern Afghanistan RFE/RL 01 Nov 2010 -- Taliban fighters reportedly have overrun a district in eastern Afghanistan.
Training Center Launches Fledgling Afghan Pilots AFPS 01 Nov 2010 -- To best protect itself, Afghanistan needs an airborne security element to monitor remote valleys and villages that ground troops find difficult to reach.
AFGHANISTAN: Proliferation of armed groups threatens aid work IRIN 01 Nov 2010 -- The increasing number of armed groups hired by the government or allied foreign military forces, and armed criminal gangs, are inhibiting humanitarian work in Afghanistan and pose serious risks to civilians, aid agencies warn.
Afghan Women Joining Armed Forces In Greater Numbers, Challenging Convention RFE/RL 01 Nov 2010 -- Women can play a key role in the government's efforts to build a modern military and defense force. But recruiting is no easy task in Afghanistan's deeply conservative society, where many don't even approve of women leaving their homes, let alone joining ranks in traditionally male-dominated organizations like the military.
Chief Roy meets with top Afghan enlisted leader AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- The chief master sergeant of the Air Force met with the top enlisted leader of the Afghan air force here Oct. 27.

Drone Strike, Convoy Attack in Pakistan VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Militants hit at government and NATO targets in Pakistan on Monday, and came under attack from a suspected U.S. drone.

Defense Policy / Programs

Pentagon Denies Report of Plan for US Military Teams in Yemen VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- A Pentagon spokesman on Monday denied a report in The Wall Street Journal newspaper that says the Obama administration is working on a plan to send U.S. military teams to Yemen to attack terrorist targets.
Training center launches Afghan pilots AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- The commander of the Afghan air force air school and the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron is charged with training Afghan soldiers to operate in their air force.
GW CSG Returns to Forward Deployed Port of Yokosuka, Japan Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- After more than 130 days at sea, the George Washington (GW) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is taking a break from its annual patrol to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) by pulling into their forward-deployed homeport of Yokosuka, Japan, Nov 1.
Bataan Completes ULTRA-C Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- The Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed a three-day underway Oct. 29 and returned to their homeport of Norfolk after passing their unit level training assessment - certification (ULTRA-C).
USS Essex Arrives in Singapore Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived in Singapore for a scheduled port visit Oct. 30.
Navy Establishes Fleet Weather Center in San Diego Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC) will establish Fleet Weather Center San Diego (FWC-SD) Nov. 5, relocating all maritime and aviation services to San Diego, and consolidating all weather services provided across the 3rd, 5th and 7th fleet areas of responsibility.
USS Iwo Jima Deploys to Haiti as Tropical Storm Approaches Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- U.S. Southern Command directed the amphibious ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to steam toward Haiti today in preparation for the forecasted arrival of tropical storm Tomas later this week.
Eighth Army commander says future bright for U.S. Army in South Korea Army News 01 Nov 2010 -- The Eighth Army commanding general said the Republic of Korea-United States Alliance is stronger than ever and ready to defend South Korea against any threat or provocation.
Military Sealift Command Transports Marines, Equipment in Support of Annual Exercise in the Philippines Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- Military Sealift Command-chartered cargo ship MV Combi Dock III departed Subic Bay, Philippines, Oct. 30.
Guantanamo Prepares for Possible Destructive Weather from Tomas Navy NewsStand 01 Nov 2010 -- Personnel at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, began preparing for possible destructive weather from Tropical Storm Tomas Nov. 1.
Airmen hone teamwork skills during live-fire training AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- Firefighters from the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron geared up and headed out to a nearby military installation here Oct. 27 and 28 for annual live-fire training, giving them a unique opportunity to hone their skills while working more closely as a team.
VA officials begin paying benefits for new Agent Orange claims AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- Department of Veterans Affairs officials have begun distributing disability benefits to Vietnam veterans who qualify for compensation under recently liberalized rules for Agent Orange exposure.
Air Guard adds psychological health directors AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- Air National Guard leaders have created a new, wing-level position to provide mental health support to Airmen and their families before and after deployments.
Online tool tracks Airman deployment readiness AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- An online tool available to Airmen aims to reduce the workload of tracking appointments and training in preparation for a deployment.
Guard Bureau Officials Look Into Fraud Allegations AFPS 01 Nov 2010 -- National Guard Bureau officials are looking into allegations of fraud and abuse and, if necessary, revamping procedures for detecting fraud after it was discovered that several states may have disbursed funds as enlistment bonuses to those who may not have qualified for them.
Forward operational assessment teams evaluate system effectiveness downrange Army News 01 Nov 2010 -- To support the military operations that toppled the Taliban and Saddam Hussein, the U.S. and its allies have had to rely on a wide range of weapons systems that had never been fielded. The rigors of counterinsurgency have revealed that many of these systems needed modifications before troops could use them safely and effectively.
Former FORSCOM commander reflects on Army's transformation Army News 01 Nov 2010 -- After 40 years, the Army's longest continuously serving active-duty general to have seen action in Vietnam, recently began the next chapter of his life.
The Institute of Heraldry celebrates 50th anniversary Army News 01 Nov 2010 -- In the Middle Ages, knights-whose view of the battlefield was limited to what they could see through tiny slits in metal helms-recognized the need to be able to better identify friend from foe. Rather than clatter around the battlefield and hope they were fighting the right person, the knights decided to create a system of identification. So, the knights painted their shields with the colors and symbols of their clans or fiefdoms.
Army Reserve Chief Presses for Better Career Management AFPS 01 Nov 2010 -- The top Army Reserve general praised the professionalism his troops are demonstrating as they serve here, promising to do more to help them manage their military careers and to press for innovative training methods that don’t put unnecessary demands on their time.
President Proclaims November as Military Family Month AFPS 01 Nov 2010 -- President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation designating this month as Military Family Month.
AFIT graduates first class of cyberspace warriors AFNS 01 Nov 2010 -- Officials with the Air Force Institute of Technolog
Company to Support Initiatives Promoting Cybersecurity Education, Research, and Technology Development SAIC 01 Nov 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced today that it has teamed with the University of Maryland (UMD) to support initiatives that promote education, research, and technology development in cybersecurity.

Moscow expects more information on NATO Euro-missile defense plans RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2010 -- Moscow expects to get more information on NATO's plans for the European missile defense before the Russia-NATO summit in Lisbon, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

UK to sell fleet of axed Harrier jump jets IRNA 01 Nov 2010 -- The British government was reported Monday to be seeking buyers for the country’s fleet of Harrier jump jets that are being decommissioned in defense cuts announced last month.

November 1, 2010 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 01 Nov 2010
Press Gaggle on the President's Upcoming Trip to Asia by Press Secretary Gibbs, Deputy National Security Advisor Froman, Deputy National Security Advisor Rhodes and Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs Brainard The White House 01 Nov 2010
Obama Aims to Expand, Strengthen Relationships on 10-Day Asia Trip VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- President Barack Obama sets off this week (November 5) on a 10 day trip through Asia, starting in India, followed by Indonesia, South Korea and Japan. Mr. Obama will be seeking to move U.S. economic and security ties forward with each country, while sending a message that the United States intends to remain fully engaged in Asia in economic and security terms.

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for November 01, 2010
ATK Receives $71 Million Pentagon Contract for LUU Flares ATK 01 Nov 2010 -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) was awarded a $71 million contract by the Department of Defense to provide LUU-2D/B and LUU-19B/B illuminating flares supporting the military efforts of the United States and its allies.
BAE Systems Receives $8 Million Order for Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert Plates BAE Systems 01 Nov 2010 -- BAE Systems has been awarded an $8 million order from the Defense Logistics Agency for enhanced body armor plates.
BAE Systems Announces Ambush Submarine Launch Date BAE Systems 01 Nov 2010 -- BAE Systems has announced it will launch the second Astute class submarine on 16 December 2010. The 7,400 tonne nuclear powered attack submarine, Ambush, will be rolled out and officially named at the Company’s shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
General Dynamics Awarded $174 Million by U.S. Navy for Virginia-Class Submarine Work General Dynamics 01 Nov 2010 -- General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $174.5 million contract modification by the U.S. Navy to provide lead-yard services for Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
IAI Awarded $9 Million (USD) Contract for ELM-2105 Radar Based Border Protection Systems Israel Aerospace Industries 01 Nov 2010 -- Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has been awarded a contract worth $9 million (USD) to provide a foreign customer with its ELM-2105 radar-based border protection system.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Performs Air Demo For First Time Over Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Lockheed Martin 01 Nov 2010 -- The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] F-22 Raptor performed its precision aerobatics at the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show Oct. 30-31, marking the first time the aircraft has demonstrated its aerial capabilities in the skies over the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Lockheed Martin Awarded $65 Million M-TADS/PNVS Modernization Contract Lockheed Martin 01 Nov 2010 -- The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $65 million contract to continue modernization of the Apache helicopter’s Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system. The total contract value includes the $22 million base, plus options.
Lockheed Martin Adds Radio Frequency Management to Tactical Network Planning Capability Lockheed Martin 01 Nov 2010 -- A tactical network planner developed by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been upgraded to better address the significant battlefield challenges of sharing data; interoperating; managing networks, and exercising effective command and control of deployed forces. Lockheed Martin’s web-enabled, Tactical Communications Planner (TCP) which facilitates mobile, ad hoc networking, now provides a comprehensive network planning solution for tactical edge and large scale networks that dynamically allocates communications and network resources.
Raytheon to Upgrade U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard F-16 Displays Raytheon 01 Nov 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has won a contract to upgrade the Center Display Unit (CDU) of U.S. Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard F-16 aircraft. The initial contract value is $3.1 million for system integration and pre-production units. The contract includes options for production of up to 120 systems per year for five years.
CACI Completes Acquisitions of TechniGraphics, Inc. and Applied Systems Research, Inc. CACI 01 Nov 2010 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that it has completed separate transactions to acquire TechniGraphics, Inc. and Applied Systems Research Inc., both leading providers of geospatial and technical services to the Intelligence Community. The acquisitions further CACI's growth in these disciplines and reinforce its commitment to providing end-to-end intelligence solutions.
Boeing Introduces DataMaster 5.0 Full-Motion Video Management Tool for Defense and Intelligence Customers Boeing 01 Nov 2010 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today announced the introduction of DataMaster 5.0, a software system with full-motion video capability that will enable defense and Intelligence Community customers to better manage vast amounts of intelligence to meet their missions and counter global threats.
SAIC Teams With University of Maryland on Key Cybersecurity Initiatives SAIC 01 Nov 2010 -- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) (NYSE: SAI) announced today that it has teamed with the University of Maryland (UMD) to support initiatives that promote education, research, and technology development in cybersecurity.
Raytheon to Provide Improved Track Correlation and Fusion Capability Raytheon 01 Nov 2010 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $3.3 million contract modification to develop and install a sensor tracking correlation system that will provide improved intelligence and information sharing to the Joint Interagency Task Force South.
BAE Systems Named a Prime Information Technology Vendor for the FBI's Largest-Ever IDIQ BAE Systems 01 Nov 2010 -- BAE Systems has been selected as one of the prime Information Technology vendors for the FBI's largest-ever Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract, potentially valued as high as $30 billion.

Other Conflicts

1 November 2010 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 01 Nov 2010

Russia's Medvedev arrives in Kuril Islands RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2010 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has arrived at Kunashir Island, the southernmost island of the Kurils.
Japan Protests Russian President's Visit to Disputed Isle VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Japan reacted quickly and angrily to the Russian president's visit to a disputed island in the Kuril chain. The territorial dispute has overshadowed Russo-Japanese relations since the end of World War II.

Renewed U.S. Sanctions Act of “Arrogance,” Says Sudan Ruling Party Official VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- When the International Criminal Court asked Kenya to arrest Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir as he arrived for a summit meeting of the seven East African nations of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Nairobi, summit organizers talked about moving meeting to discuss a political solution for troubled Sudan to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which is not an ICC signatory. Instead, the AU opted for postponement of the meeting.
US Extends Sudan Sanctions VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- The Obama administration on Monday announced that wide-ranging U.S. economic sanctions against Sudan will be extended another year. The action came as U.S. diplomats pressed for a breakthrough on stalled plans for a referendum on southern Sudanese independence in January.
UN continues to providing support to Sudan ahead of referendum UN News Centre 01 Nov 2010 -- The United Nations stands ready to assist the upcoming referendum that will decide whether southern Sudan declares independence from Africa’s largest country, an official with the world body said today, with voter registration set to kick off in two weeks.

ECOWAS Hails Ivory Coast’s “Mature, Peaceful” Vote VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- A top official of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has congratulated the people of Ivory Coast over what he described as a mature and peaceful presidential vote Sunday.
Ban welcomes historic Ivorian elections, affirming strong UN commitment UN News Centre 01 Nov 2010 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today commended the people of the Côte d’Ivoire for the peaceful conduct of yesterday’s historic elections, as he reaffirmed the United Nations’ continued commitment to assisting the West African country emerge from its devastating civil conflict.
Vote Counting Underway in Ivory Coast Presidential Election VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Vote counting is underway in Ivory Coast's presidential election. The vote is meant to reunite the country, eight years after the start of civil war.

Former Rwandan businessman sentenced to 30 years by UN genocide tribunal UN News Centre 01 Nov 2010 -- A former businessman accused of supervising the massacre of some 2,000 Rwandan Tutsi civilians taking shelter in a church was today convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison by the United Nations tribunal set up to deal with the 1994 genocide.
GUINEA: Reining in ethnic violence IRIN 01 Nov 2010 -- In Guinea, religious and traditional leaders, youth groups and citizens are scrambling to contain ethnic unrest after clashes between the two main groups, Malinké and Peulh – rivals in an upcoming second-round presidential election.
SOMALIA: Concern over nutrition situation in Sanaag IRIN 01 Nov 2010 -- Health officials in Sanaag, a region to the northeast of Somalia's self-declared republic of Somaliland, say food insecurity has seriously affected 22 villages in a mountainous area, where more than 200 children have been found to be malnourished.
Nepal parliament fails to end standoff over PM election IRNA 01 Nov 2010 -- Nepal's lawmakers failed to end the uncertainty over the election of a new prime minister Monday as Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudyal, the sole candidate for the top post,failed to get anywhere near a majority in the unprecedented 15th run-off poll.
New Somali Prime Minister Takes Office VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has been sworn in as the new prime minister of Somalia after nearly two weeks of political wrangling over his nomination.

News Reports

Georgian Foreign Ministry denies knowledge of Russian spy ring bust RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2010 -- Georgia's Foreign Ministry service declined to comment on Monday on media reports that it had detained 20 people suspected of spying for Russia.

Hostages killed as police storm Iraqi church RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2010 -- At least 37 people have been killed as police attempted to rescue hostages held by gunmen at a Catholic church in the Iraqi capital, Al Jazeera reported on Monday.
Death Toll Higher in Baghdad Church Attack VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Iraqi authorities are defending their handling of a hostage-taking attack Sunday at a Baghdad church. At least 57 people died during the incident, while dozens more were wounded.

Ghailani Jury Insulated From All Terror News VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- The judge in the New York City trial of accused terrorist Ahmed Ghailani has moved to insulate jurors from all news and information related to terrorism.

Al-Qaeda Militant Said To Be Source Of Tip In Yemeni Mail-Bomb Plot RFE/RL 01 Nov 2010 -- the same explosive that was used in recent terror attempts by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the group which is suspected in the package-bomb plot.
Bomb Plot Shows Serious Threat, Spokesman Says AFPS 01 Nov 2010 -- A Defense Department spokesman today praised Yemeni officials for their stand against the terror group al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and called the group a serious threat in Yemen and around the world.
Former al-Qaida Followers Foiled Mail Bomb Plot VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Security officials say a leading al-Qaida militant who had surrendered to Saudi authorities supplied the tip that foiled a plot to mail bombs to U.S. destinations.
Cargo Plane Bomb Plot May Signal Al-Qaida's Strategic Shift VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- U.S. and British counterterrorism officials say bombs hidden in cargo planes apparently originating in Yemen appear to have been designed to explode in flight. Some intelligence analysts believe that al-Qaida is targeting Western economic infrastructure, but others say it was just going after easier targets.
US Sends Experts to Help Yemen Screen Cargo VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- The United States has sent a team of experts to Yemen to help screen U.S.-bound air cargo following a plot to mail bombs to U.S. destinations.

Greek police arrest two suspects in attempted parcel bomb plot RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2010 -- Greek police on Monday detained two men suspected of planning terrorist attacks on the Mexican and Dutch embassies in Athens, state television reported.
Parcel Bombs Found in Greece, Addressed to Sarkozy, Western Embassies VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Greek police have arrested two men carrying letter bombs addressed to French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Western embassies in Athens.

In Kyrgyzstan, Long Wait For Election Results Ends, Coalition Talks Begin RFE/RL 01 Nov 2010 -- More than three weeks after the people of Kyrgyzstan voted in parliamentary elections, the country's Central Election Commission has announced the results.
Kyrgyz opposition party wins parliamentary election RIA Novosti 01 Nov 2010 -- The Kyrgyz Ata-Zhurt opposition party has won the parliamentary election with 8.47% of the vote, the Central Electoral Commission said on Monday.
Ban congratulates Kyrgyzstan on results of ‘positive’ parliamentary elections UN News Centre 01 Nov 2010 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated the people of Kyrgyzstan on the results of the 10 October parliamentary elections, which were released today and were assessed by observers as positive, transparent, and well organized.

People Not Counted In Tatarstan 'To Be Marked As Ethnic Russian' In Census RFE/RL 01 Nov 2010 -- All citizens in the Russian republic of Tatarstan who were unaccounted for in last month's census will be automatically counted as being ethnic Russians, a census taker has told RFE/RL's Tatar-Bashkir Service.
Yanukovych's Party Looks To Victory Amid Claims Of Election Fraud RFE/RL 01 Nov 2010 -- The party of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych appears poised for victory in local elections, as the country's dominant opposition party called for a probe into the election amid accusations of vote-rigging.
INDONESIA: Tsunami survivors still await assistance IRIN 01 Nov 2010 -- Aid agencies are still struggling to reach survivors one week after a tsunami struck Indonesia's southern Mentawai islands.
Experts seek to keep atomic energy peaceful at UN safeguards meeting in Vienna UN News Centre 01 Nov 2010 -- Over 700 experts gathered in Vienna today to determine how best the United Nation’s nuclear watchdog can prevent nuclear materials from being turned into weapons while preserving States’ abilities to benefit from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Rousseff Wins Brazil Presidency in Runoff VOA 01 Nov 2010 -- Election officials say Rousseff won 56 percent of the vote, while former Sao Paulo state governor Jose Serra received 44 percent.

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