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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF Casualty Update 08 Mar 2011 [PDF]
• Greywolf begins relief in place Army News 08 Mar 2011 -- Troopers from 3rd Advise and Assist Bde., 1st Cavalry Division conducted a relief in place with units in Iraq while developing their own tactics, techniques and procedures.
• Saber medics broaden their skills Army News 08 Mar 2011 -- Some people fear the sight of blood or even the hint of a needle, but not the medics of 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment; they jump at every opportunity to improve their medical and life-saving skills.
• Transcript: Remarks by Secretary Gates to Service Members in Sangin, Afghanistan DoD 08 Mar 2011 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• Transcript: Media Availability with Secretary Gates from COP Kowall, Afghanistan DoD 08 Mar 2011 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
• Gates Sees ‘Very Encouraging’ Progress in Afghanistan AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today he finds conditions here “very encouraging,” as he ended his second full day of high-level meetings, troop visits and commander briefings in Afghanistan.
• Gates: Afghan Gains 'Fragile and Reversible' VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates traveled to southern Afghanistan, the heartland of the insurgency, Tuesday where he met with local villagers and U.S. troops. Gates said the coming months will provide a key test of recent gains made by U.S. and Afghan forces.
• Forces Kill Enemy Fighters in Afghanistan AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed several enemy fighters and detained several other suspected insurgents in operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.
• Gates Visits Marines in Eastern Afghanistan AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today visited with Marines fighting here in what the secretary said was one of the most dangerous places in the world before they arrived.
• Gates Visits Volatile Southern Afghanistan VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is visiting Afghanistan's volatile south Tuesday, a day after flying into the country and apologizing for last week's accidental civilian deaths in the country's east.
• US envoy says reconciliation a way forward in Afghanistan IRNA 08 Mar 2011 -- US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Ambassador Marc Grossman Monday acknowledged in meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani “reconciliation was a way forward in Afghanistan”.
• UK cautiously optimistic about success of Afghan surge IRNA 08 Mar 2011 -- Defence Secretary Liam Fox says that although the moment of insurgency in Afghanistan is expected to rise again this spring, he is “cautiously optimistic” about the success of the US-led Nato surge.
• U.S. drone strike kills 5 in NW Pakistan IRNA 08 Mar 2011 -- U.S. drone aircraft fired missiles into Pakistan’s South Waziristan tribal region on Tuesday and killed five suspected militants and injured three others, sources in the region said.

Defense Policy / Programs

• US Military Planners Consider No-Fly Zone Over Libya VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- U.S. officials are looking at several responses to Libya's conflict, including imposing a no-fly zone over the country.
• Naval Air Station Jacksonville Participates in Multi-Agency Drill NNS 08 Mar 2011 -- The City of Jacksonville's Emergency Operations Center, Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax), CSX Transportation, Amtrak and other agencies participated in Operation Railcar, a multi-agency emergency response exercise, March 3.
• Seabees, Marines Complete SPS 2011 Information Exchange in Honduras NNS 08 Mar 2011 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 and 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) personnel concluded a four-day Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011 construction subject matter expert exchange with Honduran service members at Escuela Eneas Alvarado in San Lorenzo, Honduras, March 7.
• USS Reuben James Hosts Reception in Brunei NNS 08 Mar 2011 -- USS Reuben James (FFG 57) held a reception for 62 government officials and distinguished guests aboard the ship during its port visit to Muara, Brunei, March 5.
• Blue Ridge Sailors Visit Malaysia NNS 08 Mar 2011 -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia, March 7, for the ship's first port visit to the city since October 2009.
• Robert G. Bradley, APS Visit Sierra Leone NNS 08 Mar 2011 -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West, March 7.
• Defense Logistics Agency aims high to support Air Force AFNS 08 Mar 2011 -- Air Force men and women are engaged around the world, flying combat missions in war zones, operating unmanned aircraft, developing and maintaining satellites, operating advanced weapons systems and conducting myriad other missions in support of combat operations, humanitarian assistance and homeland defense.
• Exercise tests emergency oil spill response AFNS 08 Mar 2011 -- Nobody can predict an oil spill, but when one happens it can be a challenging feat to clean up, especially with more than 30 inches of ice in the way.
• Future Aviators in Australia Appreciate F-16 AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- More than 30 future aviators gathered around an F-16 fighter jet based at Misawa Air Base, Japan, during the 2011 Australia International Air Show here March 5.
• Team Focus Brings Synergy to Warfighter Support AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- Not everyone at Fort Monmouth, N.J., was happy in 2005 when the announcement came down that the post would close and that most of its mission would move here as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission plan.
• Army growing contingency contracting ranks Army News 08 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army is continuing to expand its ranks of contingency contracting officers and non-commissioned officers tasked with providing forward contracting support to ongoing warzone and humanitarian missions worldwide.
• Commission recommends women be allowed in combat arms Army News 08 Mar 2011 -- A report released to the president and Congress Monday recommends 20 changes in the way the military facilitates diversity, and suggests gender barriers be lifted on all career fields.
• Stryker unit conducts live fire exercise in South Korea Army News 08 Mar 2011 -- A U.S. Army Stryker unit engaged and destroyed targets here at this South Korean live fire range March 7 during Exercise Foal Eagle.
• Airmen help prepare Japanese counterparts for new security role AFNS 08 Mar 2011 -- A small group of security forces Airmen here are helping their Japanese counterparts stand up the Air Self Defense Force's an advanced security training squadron.
• Panel Recommends Ways to Improve Military Diversity AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- A commission created to improve diversity among military leaders has issued 20 recommendations its members say will make the military better reflect the composition of the United States in its ranks.
• Mullen Urges Communities to Assist Returning Troops AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- As the men and women who serve in today’s military leave active duty, communities around the country should tap their potential as employees for the benefit of the nation, the top U.S. military officer said yesterday.
• Course Readies Civilians for Overseas Deployments AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- An incoming rocket explodes, shaking the earth and setting off a shockwave of activity.
• Plan Bridges Gaps in Homeland Responses AFPS 08 Mar 2011 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has agreed to a plan that will allow for one commander to be in charge of both National Guard and reserve forces when they are called up to respond to domestic emergencies.
• First geosynchronous satellite arrives in Florida for May launch AFNS 08 Mar 2011 -- Officials with the Air Force's Space Based Infrared Systems program completed a program milestone recently, successfully delivering the first geosynchronous satellite, known as GEO-1, to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
• March 8, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 Mar 2011
• Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney Aboard Air Force One en route Boston, Massachusetts The White House 08 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 08, 2011
• General Dynamics Awarded $199 Million Ammunition Contract for Expeditionary Fire Support System General Dynamics 08 Mar 2011 -- General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command for 120mm mortar ammunition in support of the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS). The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract has a total potential value of $198.7 million.
• Lockheed Martin Completes C4ISR Mission System Delivery for Coast Guard Surveillance Aircraft Lockheed Martin 08 Mar 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently delivered the ninth and final Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) mission system pallet for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Medium Range Surveillance (MRS) aircraft based at Air Station Miami and Aviation Training Center Mobile.
• Northrop Grumman Flight-Tests Guardian(TM) Anti-Missile System on a 190th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Aircraft Northrop Grumman 08 Mar 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), in partnership with the Air National Guard's 190th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), today announced the completion of the first round of flight testing with the company's Guardian™ System anti-missile technology onboard a KC-135 air refueling aircraft.
• Raytheon Awarded $42 Million Contract for Air Force HH-60G FLIRs Raytheon 08 Mar 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been awarded a $42 million U.S. Air Force contract for additional AN/AAQ-29A forward looking infrared imaging systems for installation on Pave Hawk HH-60G helicopters.

Other Conflicts

• 8 March 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Mar 2011
• Vital to ensure human rights in post-conflict, post-disaster rebuilding – UN expert UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- An independent United Nations expert today stressed the need to ensure that human rights standards, particularly the right to adequate housing, are included in post-conflict and post-disaster reconstruction processes.
• Libya No-Fly Zone Discussed at UN Security Council VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- At the United Nations, Britain and France have been drawing up a draft Security Council resolution on a No-Fly Zone over Libya. While diplomats say nothing formal has been circulated yet, talks are going on behind the scenes among council members.
• Pro-Gadhafi Forces Attack Rebel-Held Towns in East, West VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- Libyan government forces attacked rebel-held towns Tuesday in eastern and western areas with airstrikes, rockets and artillery, in a continuing offensive against opposition fighters trying to topple leader Moammar Gadhafi.
• What Are The World's Options On Libya? RFE/RL 08 Mar 2011 -- World leaders keep firing warning shots across Muammar Qaddafi's bow.
• Rebels give Gaddafi 72 hours to step down RIA Novosti 08 Mar 2011 -- The head of the rebel National Libyan Council said on Tuesday the opposition would not pursue President Muammar Gaddafi for war crimes if he steps down within 72 hours, Al Jazeera said.
• Pro-Gaddafi forces renew air attacks on rebels RIA Novosti 08 Mar 2011 -- Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Tuesday launched further air strikes on a major oil export terminal held by the rebels.
• Libya: UN alarmed at reports of violence against sub-Saharan migrants UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations refugee agency today voiced alarm at increasing accounts of violence and discrimination in Libya against sub-Saharan Africans in both the rebel-held east and the Government-controlled west, including the reported rape of a 12-year-old girl.
• Libyan Opposition Claims It Rejected Talks with Gadhafi VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- The Libyan military has stepped up airstrikes on rebel-held Ras Lanouf, as it seeks to stop the westward advance of rebel forces. With the counteroffensive underway, Libya's opposition national council says it is rejecting overtures of talks with the government.
• EU Moves to Impose Added Sanctions on Libya VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- Diplomats say the European Union has agreed to impose additional sanctions on Libya.
• ICC confirms charges against suspects in attack on Darfur peacekeepers UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed war crimes charges against two rebel leaders accused in the September 2007 attack that resulted in the death of 12 peacekeepers in Darfur, and committed them to trial.
• Violence forces 20,000 people to flee disputed Sudanese region, UN reports UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- An estimated 20,000 people have fled the urban centre in the contested Sudanese territory of Abyei since fighting broke out in the area last week, the United Nations humanitarian office reported today, adding that aid workers are ready to start delivering relief supplies to those displaced.
• SUDAN: Thousands displaced by Abyei violence "at risk" IRIN 08 Mar 2011 -- Up to 25,000 people have fled the contested town of Abyei since an estimated 100 people died in violence last week. With fears still high that the unresolved status of this border region could lead to more fighting, UN agencies and aid groups are worried that the precarious humanitarian situation could quickly deteriorate, leaving those displaced even more vulnerable.
• UN humanitarian chief arrives in DR Congo to review aid requirements UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations humanitarian chief, Valerie Amos, arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today for a two-day visit during which she will travel to two of the country’s regions most affected by conflict – the provinces of North Kivu and Orientale in the north-east.
• Chechnya's President Says Insurgency Dying Down VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- In Russia’s Chechnya republic, which has long been a center of anti Kremlin violence in the Caucasus, Ramzan Kadyrov, the young president, now feels his capital is safe enough to invite 50 foreign correspondents for a news conference and an exhibition football match.
• COTE D'IVOIRE: Crossing a line - killings and fear in Abidjan IRIN 08 Mar 2011 -- As reports by Human Rights Watch and formal documentation from the UN Human Rights Commission decry the worsening human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire, many Ivoirians IRIN spoke with in Abidjan are appalled by recent acts of gruesome violence.
• Côte d'Ivoire: UN urges rival groups to facilitate aid delivery, protect civilians UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- The United Nation refugee agency today appealed to rival groups in Côte d’Ivoire to support efforts to deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to those affected by the post-election turmoil and avoid putting civilians at risk.
• UGANDA: Bleak future for former female fighters IRIN 08 Mar 2011 -- Women and girls returning to northern Uganda from forced conscription into the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) struggle to resettle in their home communities because of stigma and a severe shortage of reintegration facilities tailored to their needs, say analysts and returnees.
• 2,600 died in past three years in Naxal violence in India IRNA 08 Mar 2011 -- Over 2,600 civilians and security force personnel were killed between 2008 and 2010 in several incidents of naxal violence across India.

News Reports

• Assertive China Plays Down Sea Disputes VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- China has brushed off complaints from its neighbors over disputes about maritime boundaries. The rebuff comes after Beijing announced it will be more active diplomatically this year.
• Iran says activities of Bushehr N-plant "routine" ISNA 08 Mar 2011 -- Iran said on Tuesday that Bushehr nuclear plant is carrying out its routine activities.
• Iran's Rafsanjani Loses Key Post On Assembly Of Experts RFE/RL 08 Mar 2011 -- Iran's former president, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, today lost his position as chairman of the Assembly of Experts, a state body with the power to appoint and dismiss the country's supreme leader.
• Russia says will complete Bushehr project 'in near future' RIA Novosti 08 Mar 2011 -- Russia will complete the nuclear reactor in Iran's Bushehr in the near future, the Russian ambassador in Tehran said Tuesday, two weeks after operation of the long-anticipated facility was delayed.
• Car bomb attack on Pakistan's intelligence office kills 32 IRNA 08 Mar 2011 -- A car bomb, targeting the office of Pakistan’s main intelligence agency in the industrial city of Faisalabad on Tuesday, killed at least 32 people, lawmaker from the area said.
• Ban and Kenyan Vice-President discuss cases of alleged crimes against humanity UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Kenyan Vice-President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka today discussed the International Criminal Court (ICC) process against six Kenyans, including three ministers, for alleged crimes committed during post-electoral violence three years ago.
• Attorney of Suspended Kenyan Minister: ICC Has No Case Against His Client VOA 08 Mar 2011 -- The attorney representing William Ruto, Kenya’s suspended higher education minister, says the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) has no case against his client after the court summoned six suspected Kenyans, including Ruto, to appear before the court April 7.
• Haiti: UN plans to reinforce police for presidential run-off elections UN News Centre 08 Mar 2011 -- The 3,500-strong United Nations police force in Haiti is planning to reinforce its support of national police for the presidential run-off election on 20 March, although it does not expect trouble, according to the head of the contingent.
• YEMEN: Conflicting opinions from the street IRIN 08 Mar 2011 -- Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh has been facing popular protests demanding an end to his 32 years in power since the beginning of February. The anti-government movement, emulating the tactics used in Tunisia and Egypt to depose their long-serving leaders has won political concessions, but Saleh has refused to step down before the end of his presidential term in 2013. At least 20 people have so far lost their lives in clashes with the security forces.
• Obama Meets Kyrgyz President Otunbaeva At White House RFE/RL 08 Mar 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has held talks at the White House with Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbaeva.
• U.S. Obama discusses democratic developments with Kyrgyz leader RIA Novosti 08 Mar 2011 -- President of the United States Barack Obama received his Kyrgyz counterpart Roza Otunbayeva in the White House on Monday for talks on the democratic developments and economic issues in Kyrgyzstan.
• Lester Brown: 'We Must Define Security To Match The Threats Of The 21st Century' RFE/RL 08 Mar 2011