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28 March 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 28 Mar 2011 [PDF]

Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on Libya The White House 28 Mar 2011
America Must Not Be Afraid to Lead, Obama Says AFPS 28 Mar 2011 -- The lesson of Libya is that America should not be afraid to lead, President Barack Obama said during a speech at the National Defense University.
Obama Makes Case for U.S. Participation in Libya AFPS 28 Mar 2011 -- It was in America's vital interests to stop a massacre in Libya, President Barack Obama said today at the National Defense University.
Transcript: DOD News Briefing with Vice Adm. Gortney from the Pentagon on Libya Operation Odyssey Dawn DoD 28 Mar 2011 -- Presenter: Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, Director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Press briefing on events related to Libya NATO 28 Mar 2011
Statement by the Press Secretary on the President's Videoconference with President Sarkozy, Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Cameron The White House 28 Mar 2011
Libyan Opposition Leader Hails Obama Speech VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- The leader of the main opposition Libyan National Movement says President Barack Obama's speech demonstrates America's commitment.
Poll: Americans Split on Libyan Military Involvement VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- The poll, conducted by an independent U.S.- based research group, found that 47 percent of Americans believe the United States was right to carry out airstrikes in Libya.
Obama Defends US Involvement in Libyan Air Campaign VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama: United States must act when its interests and values are threatened.
US: Allied Airstrikes Help Libyan Rebels Indirectly VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. military says coalition air strikes in Libya, under the United Nations Security Council mandate, have helped the rebels advance toward the capital, Tripoli, and that the attacks continue to hamper the Libyan army's ability to control, deploy and supply its forces.
Obama to Explain Decisions, Objectives, Interests in Libya VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama goes before the American people late Monday to explain decisions, and objectives in Libya.
Obama to Deliver National Address on Libya VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- US President Barack Obama will address the American people Monday on the situation in Libya, as some in Congress say US actions there and their objectives are still unclear.
Dr Fox - operations in Libya are about protecting civilians UK MOD 28 Mar 2011 -- Speaking about events in Libya this weekend, British Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said that as long as the regime's forces are targeting civilians the international coalition will act against them.
Libyan Regime Forces Feel Effects of Coalition Attacks AFPS 28 Mar 2011 -- Moammar Gadhafi’s forces are feeling the effects of the coalition attacking command and control centers and logistics hubs.
RAF strikes further targets in Libya UK MOD 28 Mar 2011 -- Over the weekend RAF Tornado GR4s continued missions over Libya, hitting targets including tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery pieces near Ajdabiya and Misurata, and ammunition bunkers in the southern Libyan desert.
French warplanes destroy Gaddafi's command center RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- French military planes have destroyed the command center of Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
Allies not coordinating military action with Libyan rebels - French Defense Ministry RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- French Defense Ministry deputy spokesman Philippe Ponties denied criticism that Western coalition forces have been coordinating airstrikes with rebels.
No plans for 'NATO ground presence' in Libya RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu: No foreign troops will be deployed and there will be no NATO presence on the ground in Libya.
French Destroyer Forbin Joins Kearsarge ESG AFRICOM 28 Mar 2011 -- Commander Jean-Mathieu Rey, commanding officer of the FS Forbin, and several crew members made a visit to the USS Kearsarge.
Intervention in Libya at odds with UN resolution - Russia's Lavrov RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Russian FM Lavrov: The military intervention by the Western-led coalition force in Libya's civil war is out of tune with the relevant UN Security Council resolution.

Iraqi Police: Seven Killed In Attack On Mosul Home RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Iraqi police say gunmen have stormed a home in the former Al-Qaeda stronghold of Mosul, killing six women and a man.

Forces Kill Insurgents in Afghanistan Airstrike AFPS 28 Mar 2011 -- A coalition airstrike killed more than 10 insurgents in the Bermal district of Afghanistan’s Paktika province yesterday.
Three Suicide Bombers Kill 24 in Afghanistan VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Three suicide bombers attacked a construction company in eastern Afghanistan late Sunday, killing 24 people and wounding more than 50 others.
Balance critical to ensuring success of Afghan transition UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- UN official: Finding a balance between respecting Afghanistan’s sovereignty and maintaining a continued United Nations presence will be essential.
Statement by the Army on Photographs Published by Rolling Stone DoD 28 Mar 2011

At Least 11 Security Personnel Killed In Pakistan Ambush RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Reports from northeastern Pakistan say militants have ambushed a convoy of security forces close to the Afghan border, killing at least 11 personnel.

Yokota AB Airmen play vital role in cooling Fukushima power plant AFNS 28 Mar 2011 -- A team of Airmen from here labored nonstop March 25 through 27 to design and create essential components for water pumps to be used at a nuclear power plant in northern Japan.
Total-force team supports Operation Tomodachi AFNS 28 Mar 2011 -- Total integrated force of active, Guard and Reserve Airmen are supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Japan following earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
Essex ARG Assists Oshima Island in Restoring Power NNS 28 Mar 2011 -- Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) elements and Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) members combined efforts to restore power to Oshima Island, Japan, March 27.
USS Fitzgerald Provides Humanitarian Supplies to Japan NNS 28 Mar 2011 -- USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) donated humanitarian aid supplies while at sea east of the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan, March 26.
Misawa Seabees Dewater Fuel Station NNS 28 Mar 2011 -- Seabees from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Far East continued cleanup and recovery efforts at Naval Air Facility Misawa's (NAFM) Fuel Pumping Station 2, March 28.
Army North teams continue to assist military families returning from Japan Army News 28 Mar 2011 -- Military and civilian members of U. S. Army North took the lead in setting up three reception centers to assist nearly 4,000 military family members who voluntarily returned to the US.
Operation Pacific Passage Winds Down at Travis Air Force Base NNS 28 Mar 2011 -- Operation Pacific Passage, the voluntary military-assisted departure from Japan, neared its end with two flight arrivals of family members at Travis Air Force Base.
Navy Stops Non-Essential Civilian Deployments to Japan NNS 28 Mar 2011 -- The Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) directed the immediate stop of movement for all Department of the Navy non-emergency essential civilian personnel to the island of Honshu, Japan March 26.

Defense Policy / Programs

Carter: Acquisitions Improvements Need Permanence AFPS 28 Mar 2011 -- Defense Department is set to perform the same “remarkable” work it conducted in last year’s troop surge to get warfighters everything they need while working to institutionalize those procedures.
FORSCOM, INSCOM discuss ways to enhance partnership Army News 28 Mar 2011 -- Two commands met to discuss ways to optimize the processes that man, train, equip, certify, mobilize, deploy, and support military intelligence forces in support of Army Force Generation .
Army language, culture training 'revolutionary' Army News 28 Mar 2011 -- In October of 2010, the Army took a huge new step with language and culture training: a six-to-eight hour online course became mandatory for all Soldiers, reservists and Department of the Army civilians before they deployed.
Resolute Warriors set sail for Morocco Army News 28 Mar 2011 -- Army sailors are on their way to Morocco in support of Transportation Command's annual Joint Logistics Over The Shore, or JLOTS, training exercise.
Marine Corps Training, Advisory Group Partners with Nicaraguan Military NNS 28 Mar 2011 -- A Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group participated in a joint combat training subject matter expert exchange (with members of the Nicaraguan military.

Russian Lawmaker on Necessity to Bolster Strategic Nuclear Armed Forces KCNA 28 Mar 2011 -- Victor Zabardin, chairman of the National Defense Committee of the Russian State Duma, underscored the need to bolster the strategic nuclear armed forces.
Russian Army to get new multiple rocket launchers RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Russia's Ground Forces will start taking delivery of new Tornado-G multiple rocket launching systems, replacing Grad systems.

Germany's Payments For Military Base In Uzbekistan Unveiled RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- The German Bundestag has released a document that details the government's payments for a military base in Uzbekistan during a period of EU sanctions against Tashkent.

Indian Navy foils Somali pirates' attack, rescues 16 crew members IRNA 28 Mar 2011 -- Indian Navy has rescued 16 crew members of a hijacked vessel after three-hour-long operation against the Somali pirates.

Transition date to voluntary military service undecided: premier CNA 28 Mar 2011 -- Taiwan's government has yet to find a way to finance its goal of mobilizing an all-volunteer army by 2014.

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Jay Carney and Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough The White House 28 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for March 28, 2011
ATK Wins $65.8 Million Army Contract for XM25, Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System ATK 28 Mar 2011 -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) has received a $65.8 million Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract from the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier for its XM25, Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System. The 30-month contract calls for the continuing design, integration, production, and testing of full-up systems to ensure the weapon's final design meets performance requirements and is production-ready prior to fielding.
Multipurpose HELLFIRE II ‘Romeo’ Strikes Target, Completes Proof-of-Principle Flight Tests Lockheed Martin 28 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army’s Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS) Project Office and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully fired a multipurpose AGM 114R HELLFIRE II “Romeo” missile with a live warhead and penetrated a brick-over-block target in its sixth proof-of-principle (POP) test.
Northrop Grumman Selected for U.S. Army Operations, Planning, Training and Resources Support Contract Northrop Grumman 28 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Forces Command, through the Army Contracting Command, has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a contract to provide operations, planning, training and resource support services (OPTARSS II) for the U.S. Army.
Raytheon Wins U.S. Army Operations and Training Services Contract Raytheon 28 Mar 2011 -- Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC), a subsidiary of Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN), has won a U.S. Army Forces Command contract to provide an expedited process in satisfying the needs of operational customers throughout the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. This indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, multiple-award task order contract has a ceiling value of $2.5 billion.
Making it in America: Rheinmetall books new ammo orders from the US armed forces Rheinmetall Defence 28 Mar 2011 -- The United States Marine Corps has again contracted with Rheinmetall to supply it with special purpose and practice ammunition. The orders, worth around US$28 million (€20 million), make Rheinmetall a major supplier of medium-calibre ammunition to the US Marine Corps as well as underscoring the company’s global technological edge in a wide variety of calibres.
CACI Awarded Prime Position on $1.1 Billion, Multiple-Award Contract to Support Information Technology Systems at Department of Justice CACI 28 Mar 2011 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) announced today that it has been awarded one of 20 prime contracts to support the Information Technology Support Services 4 (ITSS-4) contract for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Lockheed Martin Wins U.S. Coast Guard Training Contract Lockheed Martin 28 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity training and technical support services contract. The contract, which includes a $90,000 initial task order, has a $57 million ceiling value.
Northrop Grumman Submits Final Proposal for NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Northrop Grumman 28 Mar 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) submitted its final proposal last week for the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) core capability – a trans-Atlantic cooperation that will meet the security challenges of the 21st century.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 28 March 2011 United Nations 28 Mar 2011
World faces 'epochal' change equivalent to that of 1989, UN chief says UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- The world is facing an important shift in global history which is “no less transformative” than the “epochal” year of 1989.

No evidence that Libya is fulfilling its obligations to protect civilians, UN chief says UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- The United Nations has seen no evidence of a ceasefire in Libya or of any steps by the country’s authorities to fulfil their obligations under Security Council resolutions.
Britain, France Urge Libyans to Drop Gadhafi Before It's 'Too Late' VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Britain and France are urging Libyans to drop leader Moammar Gadhafi before it is, in their words, "too late."
Turkey Steps Up to Mediate in Libya Crisis VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Turkey is positioning itself as a mediator in the ongoing conflict in Libya.
Libyan rebels claim to have seized Gaddafi's hometown Sirte RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Libyan rebels claimed on Monday to have captured the town of Sirte, the home of embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Libyan Rebels Move on Gadhafi's Hometown VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Libyan opposition forces are fighting for control of Sirte, the hometown of their avowed enemy, Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Libyan Opposition Leader Predicts Capture of Gadhafi Stronghold VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- The leader of the opposition Justice and Democracy Party of Libya says rebels fighting against the administration will soon take over Sirte.
Libyan Rebels Continue Push Westward VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Libyan rebel forces continued their westward push toward Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte, where a key battle looms for the government stronghold.
Libyan Rebels Roll West As Qaddafi Forces Retreat RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Libyan rebel forces are reportedly advancing toward the town of Sirte -- the birthplace of Muammar Qaddafi, the country's embattled leader.
Qatar becomes first Arab country to recognize Libyan National Council RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Qatar has officially recognized the Libyan National Council as the only legitimate governing body in the North African country.
Berlin rejects speculations on German-Italian peace plan for Libya IRNA 28 Mar 2011 -- The German government here Monday dismissed speculations about a German-Italian peace plan for Libya.

"Cheonan" Case Is Product of US-S. Korea Conspiracy KCNA 28 Mar 2011 -- The "Cheonan" warship sinking case was consequent on the US and ROK authorities' scheme to bring the north-south relations to collapse.
Anti-DPRK "Resolution" of UN Human Rights Council Rebuked KCNA 28 Mar 2011 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer as regards the adoption of a resolution at the UN.

Gbagbo Spokesman Criticizes Increased Sanctions VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- The spokesman for incumbent Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo's government is questioning the rationale behind increasing sanctions against the administration.
Fresh clashes break out in key Ivorian town, UN mission reports UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- Fresh fighting erupted today in a strategic town in western Côte d’Ivoire.
Supporters of Rival Ivorian Presidents Fight Near Liberian Border VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Supporters of Ivory Coast's two rival presidents are fighting for control of a strategic town near the Liberian border.
Battle Erupts For Key Ivory Coast Town VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Intense fighting has erupted in western Ivory Coast, where fighters loyal to two rival presidents are battling for control of Duekoue, a strategic town.

Chinese presence in Kashmir, a serious challenge IRNA 28 Mar 2011 -- A top Indian army commander has termed the Sino-Pakistani cooperation in the northern areas of Kashmir a ‘serious situation’ for India.
India, Pakistan Home Secretary-level talks 'positive' IRNA 28 Mar 2011 -- Home Secretaries of India and Pakistan held talks for over five hours today termed by both sides as 'extremely positive' and moving in the 'right direction'.
Pakistani Delegation To Meet With Indian Counterparts In New Delhi RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- High-ranking Indian and Pakistani officials have begun their first formal peace talks since the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
India, Pakistan Begin Peace Talks VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- India and Pakistan have held their first formal peace talks since the 2008 terror attacks in India’s financial hub, Mumbai.

Uganda, Burundi Pledge Additional 4,000 Troops in Somalia VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Uganda and Burundi have pledged additional troops to reinforce the African Union peacekeeping mission.

Joint UN-African team finds North Darfur villages deserted after earlier clashes UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- A joint United Nations-African Union fact-finding mission to several villages in North Darfur has found them almost entirely deserted.

17 militants killed in strike on terrorist camp in Russian North Caucasus RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Seventeen militants were killed in combined air and ground strikes on a terrorist camp in Russia's North Caucasus region.
Russian 'Precision Air Strike' Kills 17 North Caucasus Rebels RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Russia has announced that its air and ground forces killed 17 rebels in a highly unusual precision strike on a Caucasus base used by insurgents.

Ban lauds transfer of police responsibility from UN mission to Timorese force UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban welcomed the transfer of responsibilities for all police operations in Timor-Leste from the UN to the country’s national force.

Defense Calls For Acquittal of Khmer Rouge War Criminal VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Defense lawyers for Comrade Duch, the former head of the Khmer Rouge's notorious S-21 prison, have asked the UN-backed war crimes tribunal to repeal his prison sentence.

News Reports

Syrian Protesters Wait for President's Address VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Anti-government protesters are calling for continued strikes as the country awaits an official address on the crisis soon by President Bashar al Assad.
Witnesses: Syrian Troops Open Fire at Protest in South VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Witnesses say Syrian security forces have opened fire at anti-government protests in the southern city of Daraa.
Syrian Security Forces Fire On Demonstrators RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Witnesses in the southern Syrian city of Daraa say that security forces are firing tear gas and live bullets on demonstrators.

Yemen fighting worsening already dire humanitarian situation, warns UN official UN News Centre 28 Mar 2011 -- The top UN relief official called for restraint by all sides in Yemen, warning that the ongoing violence is worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.
Blasts at Yemeni Ammunition Factory Kill at Least 110 VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni authorities say explosions have destroyed an ammunition factory as civilians were looting it in the southern province of Abyan, killing at least 110 people and injuring dozens of others.
Blast at Yemeni Ammunition Factory Kills at Least 78 People VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni witnesses say an explosion at an ammunition factory looted by civilians in the southern province of Abyan has killed at least 78 people and injured dozens of others.
Large Explosion At Yemeni Ammunition Factory Seized By Militants RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Residents near an ammunition factory in the southern Yemeni town of Jaar report several large explosions at the plant after it was seized by militants.

Egypt's Military Rulers Set Parliamentary Election for September VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's military rulers say the first parliamentary elections since an uprising that ousted president Hosni Mubarak last month will be held in September this year.
Egyptian military plans to transfer power to civilian rule 'as soon as possible' RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's Supreme Council of the Armed Forces denied earlier reports that presidential elections would be postponed until mid-2012.

Plutonium Found In Soil At Japan Nuclear Plant RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan says plutonium has been detected in soil at five places at the plant.
Radioactive Plutonium Found in Soil Around Damaged Japanese Nuclear Plant VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Plutonium has been detected in the soil in five locations around Japan's earthquake-disabled nuclear reactor.
Partial Meltdown Suspected at Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Japanese officials suspect a partial meltdown is to blame for high contamination in water inside the Fukushima power plant.
Japan Government Says Radiation Reading Error 'Unacceptable' RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Japan's government has denounced as "absolutely unacceptable" a radiation-level reading error.
Melted fuel rods cause radiation spike at Japan nuclear plant - govt. RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- Extremely high level of radiation in water at Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is due to a partial meltdown of the reactor core.
Serious Radiation in Japan Spreads to Different Parts of World KCNA 28 Mar 2011 -- The leakage of radioactive substance due to the accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan is getting serious.
Hiroshima Expresses Anger, Fear Over Nuclear Plant Crisis VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Fears over the potential fallout from the crisis at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant have triggered painful memories in Japan.
Magnitude 6.5 quake hits Japan RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- A magnitude 6.5 earthquake hit northern Japan on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

China Charges Well-Known Activist with Subversion VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- China has charged well-known pro-democracy writer and editor Ran Yunfei with subversion for his alleged role in calling for popular uprisings.

Iranian hacker says certificate attack retribution for Stuxnet worm RIA Novosti 28 Mar 2011 -- A lone Iranian hacker claimed responsibility for stealing digital certificates used for online transactions.

Trial Halts After Defense Lawyer Says Kyrgyz Ex-President, Others' Rights 'Ignored' RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- The trial of ousted Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev and 27 of his former associates and family members has been adjourned again.

Survey Finds Support for Decentralization of Power in Thailand VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- A survey in Thailand by the United States-based Asia Foundation says greater decentralization of power is seen as a way to end the political polarization in the country.

EU Set To Retool Policy Toward Neighbors RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- The European Union is overhauling its policy toward its eastern and southern neighbors as the 27-nation bloc seeks a fresh approach to integrate post-Soviet countries.
Local Elections Deal Setbacks to German, French Leaders RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Germany's ruling party has lost control of a traditional stronghold to the Greens in a blistering election defeat.

Kosovo Court Rules President Election Illegal RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- Kosovo's constitutional court has ruled that last month's presidential election was unconstitutional.

Former US President Carter Visits Cuba VOA 28 Mar 2011 -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter arrived in Cuba Monday for a three-day unofficial visit.

Amnesty International Says Executions On Decline Worldwide RFE/RL 28 Mar 2011 -- The human rights group Amnesty International says use of the death penalty across the globe has declined.

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