• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 14 Jan 2011 [PDF]
• Background Briefing by Senior Administration Official on the Vice President's Trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq The White House 14 Jan 2011
• Trip Enabled Biden to Spotlight Troops, Official Says AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- Vice President Joe Biden’s trip this week to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan gave him a chance to spotlight deployed U.S. forces.
• Al-Qaeda Suspects Escape Iraqi Prison RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Iraqi officials were quoted today as saying a dozen suspected Al-Qaeda militants have escaped from a prison in the southern city of Al-Basrah.
• Combined Teams Target Insurgent Leaders AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces continue to remove the insurgent leadership in southern Afghanistan, where they detained multiple suspects.
• Pakistan Taliban confirm death of senior commander IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Pakistani Taliban have confirmed the death of its top commander, Ibne Amin, in a US drone strike in a tribal region last month.
• Situation in S. Afghanistan Fundamentally Changed VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- A new report on the war in Afghanistan says the security situation in the southern part of the country is fundamentally different than a year ago.
• CSAR Airmen airlift wounded Soldier AFNS 14 Jan 2011 -- Launch of a combat search and rescue team was perfectly timed for a soldier needing medical attention on a secluded outpost.
• Pakistani Official Says Taliban Can Outwait the West VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- The Pakistani ambassador to the UN in Geneva says most Pashtuns in Afghanistan, whether they are Taliban or not, see the United States and NATO as a presence of occupation.
• Germany reiterates no plans yet to join Afghan Awacs mission IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- The German government reaffirmed that there are no plans so far to send German soldiers to join NATO's Awacs surveillance mission over Afghanistan.
• Regional Support CSM assesses projects, training in Afghanistan Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- When the top enlisted Soldier for the Deputy Commander-Regional Support conducts site-inspections, he's all "hands-on" to see what's right and what still needs adjusting.
• Former Envoy: UK army 'misleadingly optimistic' over Afghan war IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Britain's former special envoy to Afghanistan has criticised the UK’s military leaders of being ‘misleadingly optimistic’ about Afghanistan.
• 101st Airborne Division Lands Aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- Naval Air Station Jacksonville provided a secure staging area Jan. 6-8, for 98 helicopters of the 101st Airborne Division.
• 68th CSSB uncases colors Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- The battalion deployed in 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing logistical support transporting various classes of supplies.
• Security, Aid Issues Dominate Obama-Zardari Meeting VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is meeting with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at the White House.
• Pakistan says no to pressure for Waziristan offensive IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Pakistan on said it would not accept any pressure for military offensive against the militants in North Waziristan tribal region.
• Suspected Militants Kill Female Police Officer, 5 Others In Northwest Pakistan RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Police said suspected Islamic militants raided the house of a female police officer in northwest Pakistan.
• CMOC provides aid to Tajikistan Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- Third Army's Civil-Military Operations Center conducted its first assessment trip since being activated in August of 2010 to the Republic of Tajikistan Dec. 16-23.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Duma Sends 'New Start' To Third Reading RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Deputies in the lower house of the Russian legislature, the Duma, have approved the second reading of a ratification bill for the so-called New START.
• Duma sets terms on Russia-U.S. arms deal ratification RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The lower house of the Russian parliament approved amendments to a bill on the ratification of a arms reduction deal with the US.
• Russian parliament approves New START on 2nd reading RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, voted for ratification of a new strategic arms reduction deal with the US.
• Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates at Keio University DoD 14 Jan 2011
• Remarks by Secretary Gates at Keio University, Tokyo, Japan DoD 14 Jan 2011
• Press Briefing by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Previewing the Upcoming State Visit of President Hu of China The White House 14 Jan 2011
• Inaugural Richard C. Holbrooke Lecture on a Broad Vision of U.S.-China Relations in the 21st Century US Dept. of State 14 Jan 2011
• Gates Cites 'Disconnects,' But Says China's Leaders Do Control Military VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- US Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he is confident that they have full control of the People's Liberation Army.
• Clinton: Gates' China Trip Continues Holbrooke's Vision AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- Secretary of State Clinton: Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ trip to China this week advanced U.S. relations there.
• Clinton Calls for Transparency and Trust in US-China Relationship VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the U.S.-China relationship is at a critical juncture.
• US Officials Look Ahead to Chinese President's State Visit VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Obama administration officials have been laying the groundwork for next week's state visit by China's President Hu Jintao.
• China Stresses It Must Work With US VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- China is emphasizing to foreign diplomats that it takes the relationship with the United States seriously and that the two countries will work together.
• Obama urged to show support for Taiwan in meeting with Hu CNA 14 Jan 2011 -- One quarter of U.S. senators have written a letter to President Obama, urging him to keep Taiwan's security interests in mind.
• New U.S. arms deal with Taiwan underway CNA 14 Jan 2011 -- The U.S. government has decided to sell a new arms package to Taiwan that will involve upgrades of the 145 aging U.S.-made F-16 jet fighters.
• Joint Forces Command Works on Closure Plan AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- U.S. Joint Forces Command, the command’s staff is coming up with the best way to dissolve without compromising critical capabilities.
• Congressional Commission Studies Women in Combat AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- The Defense Department will review the recommendations of a congressional commission studying the role of women in combat when the group’s report is complete.
• CNO Discusses Shipbuilding, Future Force at 23rd SNA National Symposium NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- The chief of naval operations was the keynote speaker during an annual banquet at the Surface Navy Association's 23rd National Symposium.
• ONR Showcases Science, Technology Priorities During SNA Symposium NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- The Office of Naval Research showcased a number of technologies at the 23rd annual Surface Navy Association (SNA) symposium held in Arlington, Va., Jan. 11-13.
• Wasp Moves to BAE Shipyard NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- USS Wasp made a "dead-stick" move down the Elizabeth River Jan. 13, to BAE Systems Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., to begin the multipurpose amphibious assault ship's scheduled Phased Maintenance Availability.
• Picatinny "squeezes in" solution for MRAP ammo stowage Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- As a result of the innovation and expertise of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Soldiers are now using an Army-approved ammo stowage system that is safe, reliable and effective.
• VMR Headquarters receives new UC-12W USMC News 14 Jan 2011 -- Marine Fixed Wing Headquarters Squadron received a new UC-12W "Huron" Jan. 13.
• Gray Eagle UAS program expanding Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- Despite Defense budget constraints, the Army's Unmanned Aircraft Systems are growing, especially the Gray Eagle program.
• Army nanosatellite completes first flight Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- The first U.S. Army built satellite in more than 50 years completed its mission as it succumbed to the Earth's gravity and burned up during reentry.
• Air Force Reserve Command Units Perform Critical Missions AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- Three Air Force Reserve Command units with very different capabilities dedicated to special missions were the subject of a “DOD Live” bloggers roundtable.
• Promises made, promises kept - Army Aviation's return on RMD 802 investment Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- Gates' visit in 2009 was a fiscal commitment by the Department of Defense for more than $310 million to increase flight student throughput.
• Chinook fielding may ease governors' concerns Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- When Army National Guard units deploy and take aviation assets with them, it sometimes leaves voids back home.
• F-16s' arrival brings 'battle rhythm' to strike fighter wing AFNS 14 Jan 2011 -- After 17 months of silence, the 33rd Fighter Wing flightline here finally roared back to life Jan. 13.
• BLT 1/7 returns home to smiles, cheers USMC News 14 Jan 2011 -- During the last eight months, BLT 1/7 conducted training with allied nations, honed and utilized their amphibious assault skills and conducted humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
• 1-61st moves into new complex Army News 14 Jan 2011 -- The 1-61st Infantry has moved from its old digs on Magruder Avenue to the new BCT II complex on Golden Arrow Road.
• New targets provide better training USMC News 14 Jan 2011 -- Marines from units across III Marine Expeditionary Force worked together Dec. 21 and 22 to place 10 targets on Camp Hansen's Range 2 and Camp Schwab's Range 10.
• HSV Swift Crew Hosts Ecuadorian Vice CNO NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- The joint military and civilian crew of High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) welcomed the Ecuadorian navy's second in command.
• Carl Vinson Sailors Reach out to Children in Busan NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- Sailors from USS Carl Vinson, Carrier Air Wing 17 and the Republic of Korea Navy visited the Sung Ae Won Home for Children.
• TRICARE to Extend Dependent Coverage to Age 26 AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- TRICARE plans to roll out its new Young Adult Program by spring and to provide an option to make coverage retroactive to Jan. 1.
• Air Force officials automate active-duty assignment notifications AFNS 14 Jan 2011 -- Air Force officials are automating active-duty assignment notifications for Airmen in the ranks of lieutenant colonel and below beginning Jan. 21.
• NMCB 11 Seabees Build First Health Care Facility on Kiritimati Island NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- Citizens of Kiritimati (Christmas) Island and U.S. service members celebrated the opening of a new facility to improve the health care for pregnant women, newborns and sick babies, Jan. 12.
• Seabees Improve Beaches in Guantanamo NNS 14 Jan 2011 -- Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 26's Gold Detachment placed bollards between the beach and the roadway at Cable Beach aboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Jan. 12-13.
• KCNA on Japan's "Four-Party Security Talks" Policy KCNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Japan recently set out a policy for building "four-party security talks" framework involving Japan, U.S., Australia and S. Korea.
• Study: Piracy Costs World Up to $12 Billion Annually VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- As attacks in the Indian Ocean continue, a new study estimates Somali Piracy to cost the international community billions of dollars every year.

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 14, 2011
• U.S. Navy Selects Lockheed Martin for Submarine Sonar Upgrades Lockheed Martin 14 Jan 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] received a U.S. Navy contract to continue providing sonar systems for U.S. submarines, enabling the fleet to maintain an acoustic advantage.
• BAE Systems announces recommended offer to acquire Norkom BAE Systems 14 Jan 2011 -- BAE Systems has today announced a recommended offer to acquire Norkom Group PLC, a provider of innovative counter fraud and anti-money laundering solutions to the global financial services industry where its software assists institutions to comply with regulations on financial intelligence and monitoring. The offer is to acquire the entire issued share capital of Norkom for 2.10 per share in cash, which values the business at approximately 217 million.

Other Conflicts

• Press Conference by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at United Nations Headquarters, 14 January 2011 United Nations 14 Jan 2011
• Gates Consults With South Korea on North's Provocations AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited South Korean leaders to demonstrate American solidarity against North Korean provocations.
• US Defense Secretary Says Talks with North Korea Possible VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Top defense officials of the US and the ROK held brief talks about the DPRK as US Defense Secretary Gates wrapped up his Asia trip.
• UN expert urges protection for Palestinians UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- Independent UN human rights expert called on the international community to intervene following what he described as a series of illegal acts by Israeli authorities.
• Mideast Quartet to meet in Munich next month: German official IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- The Mideast Quartet are to meet in Munich on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, due to be held from February 4-6.
• Somalia: UN calls for greater international support for African peacekeepers UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- The UN called for international financial and other support to help the UN-backed African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia regain full control of Mogadishu.
• Somali PM: More than 2 Million at Risk of Starvation from Drought VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Somalia’s PM says nearly 2.5 million Somalis are in danger of starvation as a severe drought cripples his country’s agriculture sector.
• UN has 'concrete intelligence' of ex-Ivorian president's incitement to violence UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- The UN has “concrete intelligence” that the former Côte d’Ivoire president is inciting violence against its peacekeepers and his own countrymen.
• UN Chief Concerned By Ivorian Attacks on Civilians, Peackeepers VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- UN Secretary-General Ban is ‘deeply concerned’ by the growing number of violent attacks targeting civilians and U.N. peacekeepers in Ivory Coast.
• India Plans to Cut Troops in Kashmir VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- The Indian government says it could cut troops in Indian-administered Kashmir by one quarter.
• Georgia not to attend PACE session on Russian-Georgian dossier RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- Georgia will not attend an upcoming session of PACE on the future of the Russian-Georgian dossier.
• Russian soldier, mom detained under suspicion of spying for Georgia RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- Russia's Federal Security Service has arrested a Russian serviceman and his mother on accusations of spying.
• North and South Sudan: Challenge of Forming Cooperative Ties VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- A political expert on Sudan compares the formal break-up of the country to a delicate medical operation.
• South Sudan independence vote proceeding smoothly so far - UN officials UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- UN officials voiced their satisfaction at the strong turnout and smooth proceedings witnessed so far during the week-long polls.
• Sudan Secession Referendum Vote 'Broadly Fair' VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- An official from north Sudan's ruling National Congress Party says the south's referendum vote on secession has been "broadly fair."
• Polling Officials in Southern Sudan Complain of Poor Working Conditions VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- While Sudan’s referendum has gone smoothly for the country’s millions of voters, many of the people who have made that possible say things aren’t going as well for them.
• Lebanon Political Parties Gridlocked VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Two days after the Lebanese government collapsed, Lebanese political parties remain locked in opposition over the international court investigating the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.
• Arab League Calls Lebanese Crisis 'Serious' VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- The resignations of 11 Hezbollah cabinet members in Lebanon has plunged the country into its worst political crisis since 2008.
• Hariri: No Alternative to Dialogue to End Lebanon Crisis VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri says Lebanon must use dialogue to end its political crisis.
• Marking end of Nepal mission, UN urges redoubled efforts to advance peace process UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban and the Security Council today urged the Government and all political parties to find a way to complete the country’s peace process.
• Nepal, Rebels Strike New Government Deal VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Nepal and Maoist rebels have struck a peace deal that will lead to the formation of a new government, after nearly six months of political deadlock.
• Next round of UN-backed Western Sahara talks slated for next week UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- The next round of informal talks between the parties to the conflict over Western Sahara will take place from 21 to 23 January in New York, the UN announced.
• 46 B'deshi border guards jailed for 2009 bloody mutiny IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- A special Bangladeshi court jailed 46 border guards for a maximum of seven years for their involvement in the 2009 bloody mutiny that killed 74 people.
• Assessing the Jihadist Threat To Azerbaijan RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Over the past week, the Azerbaijani authorities have detained or formally arrested up to 30 prominent Muslim activists after Movsum Samadov, the chairman of the unregistered pro-Iranian Islamic Party of Azerbaijan (AIP) called for the overthrow of the country's "despotic regime."

News Reports

• Remarks by the President at a Memorial Service for Richard Holbrooke The White House 14 Jan 2011
• Obama Memorializes Holbrooke as Diplomatic 'Leading Light' AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- President Barack Obama today praised “the extraordinary life” of veteran U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke.
• Mullen: Holbrooke Understood Wisdom of Seeking Wisdom AFPS 14 Jan 2011 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff remembered veteran diplomat Richard C. Holbrooke today as a man who “understood, better than I, the very wisdom of seeking wisdom.”
• World Leaders, Officials Honor Late US Diplomat Holbrooke VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- At a memorial for veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke, U.S. President Barack Obama said Holbrooke "made a difference."
• Pakistan's Zardari, Georgia's Saakashvili To Attend Holbrooke Memorial Service RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili are among the dignitaries expected to attend memorial service.
• Analysts Take Doubtful View of Iran Nuclear Inspection Tour VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Iran recently invited a group of nations to tour the Islamic Republic's nuclear-related sites - on January 15 and 16.
• Deterrence Might Not Work in Case of Iran, Analyst Says VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany, are holding talks, this month focusing on Tehran.
• Jalili wants trust building in Iran-P5+1 talks IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalili called on the P5+1 to inspire trust during the upcoming multifaceted talks.
• U.S. Announces New Sanctions Against Alleged Iran-Controlled Firms RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- The US announced fresh sanctions against companies accused of involement in Iran's missile programs.
• Khazaei criticizes US for closing diplomatic bank accounts IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Iran's permanent UN envoy, Mohammad Khazaie, says the US has endangered its position as the country hosting the universal body by closing over 100 diplomatic bank accounts.
• Touring Iran's nuclear sites RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- There is always a question about Iran at Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's traditional January news conference.
• WPK Remains True to Behests of Kim Il Sung KCNA 14 Jan 2011 -- All wishes of President Kim Il Sung will be successfully translated into reality and the DPRK will always remain Kim Il Sung's Korea.
• Kim Jong Il Inspects Industrial Establishments KCNA 14 Jan 2011 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il gave field guidance to three factories in North Phyongan Province alive with a new year drive to bring about a boost in production.
• Reaching Out to the Cuban People The White House 14 Jan 2011
• Statement by the President on Events in Tunisia The White House 14 Jan 2011
• France awaits deposed Tunisian president - media RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The French authorities have said they are expecting the arrival of Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.
• Tunisian president flees country, PM takes control RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The prime minister has taken control of power in Tunisia after President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled the country on Friday afternoon.
• Tunisian President Flees Country Amid Unrest VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Tunisia's President has fled the country and the prime minister has announced he is in charge Friday after protests and riots rocked the capital.
• Tunisian President Leaves Country Amid Unrest VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has left the country, amid the worst unrest there in decades.
• Tunisian Protesters Challenge President's Grip on Power VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- A political drama continues to unfold in Tunisia, where thousands of demonstrators marched through the capital, Tunis, Friday demanding President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's resignation.
• Tunisia: UN experts urge end to use of excessive force against protesters UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- A group of independent United Nations human rights experts urged the Tunisian Government to control the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
• British treatment of alleged Russian spy 'unacceptable' RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The Russian foreign ministry criticized Britain's treatment of alleged Russian spy Katia (Yekaterina) Zatuliveter.
• Bulgaria push to have 35 with KGB past fired RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The Bulgarian parliament passed a resolution calling for the dismissal of 35 ambassadors who had allegedly cooperated with the KGB.
• EU warns Kazakhstan against backsliding on democracy RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The EU has condemned Kazakhstan parliament's move to skip the 2012 presidential vote.
• Referendum extending Nazarbayev's powers 'inevitable' - lawmaker RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- The referendum extending the term of Kazakhstan's long-serving leader Nursultan Nazarbayev up to 2020 is inevitable.
• Kazakh parliament unanimously approves referendum to extend Nazarbayev's rule to 2020, veto impossible RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- Kazakhstan's parliament on Friday voted unanimously in favor of a referendum to extend the rule of long-standing leader Nursultan Nazarbayev until 2020.
• Referendum Bill Could Cement Nazarbaev's Long-Term Leadership RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Members of Kazakhstan's parliament have likened him to Kemal Ataturk, Mahatma Gandhi, and George Washington.
• Sri Lanka President seeks humanitarian solution to fishing row IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa advocated a 'humanitarian approach' to avoid clashes between fishermen from India and his country.
• India summons Sri Lankan High Commissioner IRNA 14 Jan 2011 -- India summoned Sri Lankan High Commissioner to lodge a strong protest over the killing of a fisherman by Lankan Navy.
• Nigerian President Wins Ruling-Party Nomination for April Vote VOA 14 Jan 2011 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan's victory in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party primary ends an informal agreement that rotated the party's presidential nominee between north and south.
• UN, African officials call on Niger to hold free and fair elections UN News Centre 14 Jan 2011 -- Members of a joint United Nations-African delegation concluded their two-day visit to Niger today by calling for the holding of free and fair legislative and presidential elections later this month.
• Belarus Accuses EU States Of Plotting 'Poll Coup' RFE/RL 14 Jan 2011 -- Belarus accused EU members Poland and Germany of seeking to topple President Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
• Greece joins Italy's war damages claim against Germany RIA Novosti 14 Jan 2011 -- Greece has officially joined the Italian-launched proceedings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague over World War II reparations from Germany.