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30 March 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF Casualty Update 30 Mar 2011 [PDF]

US Lawmakers Vent Frustrations About Libya VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates came to Capitol Hill to brief members of Congress about the U.S.participation in military operations to protect civilians in Libya.
Obama Hits Low Point in New Poll and Libya Does Not Help VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- A new public-opinion poll suggests trouble ahead for President Barack Obama and indicates most Americans oppose U.S. military involvement in Libya.
Moscow decries 'ambiguity' of UN Libya resolution RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Russia did not vote for the UN Security Council resolution on Libya because of its ambiguity and lack of a clear mandate for the use of force.
Chinese President Criticizes France About Libya Bombing VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Chinese President Hu Jintao has warned that coalition airstrikes on Libya could violate the spirit of the UN resolution on the North African country if civilians are killed in the process.
USS Whidbey Island Welcomes the 22nd MEU NNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island March 28 to join Bataan Amphibious Group for their deployment.

Forces Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan AFPS 30 Mar 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspected insurgents yesterday in the Mohammad Aghah district of Afghanistan’s Logar province.
Project Crossbow enhances capabilities AFNS 30 Mar 2011 -- A collaborative US Air Force and United Kingdom Royal Air Force program is making it easier for the two services to share information.
Stavridis Praises Allies' Afghanistan Efforts AFPS 30 Mar 2011 -- The fight in Afghanistan has become a global effort, with committed partners from nations that include Mongolia, Bulgaria, Tonga and El Salvador.
Afghan President Condemns U.S. 'Kill Team' RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai spoke out publicly today for the first time about a rogue U.S. army unit accused of deliberately killing Afghan civilians for sport.
Karzai Condemns Afghan Civilian Murders by US Troops VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned the actions of five U.S. soldiers accused of being part of a squad that deliberately killed Afghan civilians.
Pakistan, Afghan MPs oppose foreign interference IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- Parliamentarians from Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed the only way forward for both countries is to jointly address the challenges of security in the region to rid it of foreign interference.

Police Say At Least 13 Killed In Pakistan Suicide Attack RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Police in Pakistan say 13 people were killed and 10 wounded when a suicide bomber on a motorbike detonated his explosives.
Suicide Bomber Strikes Pakistani Checkpoint VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Police in northwestern Pakistan say a suicide bomber has struck near a police checkpoint, killing at least 10 people.
Bomber kills 7 in NW Pakistan: official IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- A policeman and six other people were killed in a suicide attack in northwest Pakistan.

Yokota Airmen central to supporting Operation Tomodachi AFNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Airmen working in the Emergency Operations Center here have been central to processing and coordinating disaster relief efforts in support of Operation Tomodachi.
Soldiers help open runways at Sendai International Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- U.S. servicemembers have been working jointly and around the clock with Japanese Self-Defense Forces since mid-March.
VP-4 Wrapping Up Business in Misawa NNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 departed Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, March 30, after completing their mission in support of Operation Tomodachi.
Black Hawks Fly To Help Japan Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- The mission success of the Black Hawks in Japan, flown by the Army's 78th Aviation Battalion, can be attributed to the helicopter's advanced technology, its well-trained pilots and crew, and the dedication of the U.S. to provide support to its allies.
Final Operation Pacific Passage mission arrives at Travis AFNS 30 Mar 2011 -- The last flight transporting military family members who voluntarily departed Japan as part of Operation Pacific Passage arrived March 28 here.

Defense Policy / Programs

DOD News Briefing with Gen. Fraser from the Pentagon on U.S. Southern Command Operations DoD 30 Mar 2011
DOD Announces Stationing of Two Combat Aviation Brigades DoD 30 Mar 2011
Technology Extends Stratcom's Priorities AFPS 30 Mar 2011 -- U.S. Strategic Command’s priority is to deter nuclear attack on the United States and its allies.
Pentagon Works to Tackle Cost Overruns, Official Says AFPS 30 Mar 2011 -- Weapons and equipment that are more expensive than projected present a struggle every acquisition executive in the Defense Department has faced.
Budget Slows Defense Growth, Comptroller Says AFPS 30 Mar 2011 -- Cost savings reflected in the fiscal 2012 Defense Department budget do not represent a cut from current funding levels.
Army announces decision on aviation growth, realignment and stationing Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- The Army released a record of decision, known as a ROD, today which identifies details of the stationing action that best supports the need for realignment and growth of aviation assets.
Euro Hawk undergoes testing at Edwards AFB AFNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Engineers with the 772nd Test Squadron facilitated electromagnetic interference testing on a Euro Hawk unmanned aircraft at the Benefield Anechoic Facility here March 10 and 11.
NAVSUP Echelon III and IV Command Names to Change NNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command announced an initiative to provide customers and stakeholders a clearer understanding of the capabilities of all NAVSUP organizations, March 28.
Army continues low-rate production for WIN-T Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Army continues to move forward on Low Rate Initial Production of Increment 2 of the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, or WIN-T.
ASV program in full swing at depot Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- With the establishment of an Armored Security Vehicle production facility, Red River Army Depot is fully engaged in the Department of Defense's sustainment of an efficient military fleet.
2011 Profession of Arms Survey Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- On Oct. 27, 2010, the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army directed the Training and Doctrine Command to conduct a comprehensive review of the Profession of Arms.
Army Game Developers Win Top Awards Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- Two U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command organizations won the top awards at the "Innovations in Department of Defense Gaming" competition March 23.
SDDC's 599th activates Combined Seaport Coordination Center Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- The Military SDDC's 599th Transportation Brigade, along with Soldiers and Sailors from the United States and the Republic of Korea army and navy, activated the Combined Seaport Coordination Center, supporting Exercise Key Resolve 2011
Balikatan to team US Soldiers with Filipino troops Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- Eighth Army will deploy about 500 Soldiers from Korea to the Philippines to participate with about 6,000 U.S. servicemembers in the exercise Balikatan, April 5-15.
CTF 52 Conducts Mine Countermeasure Exercise with NATO NNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Commander, Task Force 52 ships participated in a mine countermeasures exercise with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 and French forces in the Arabian Gulf March 20-24.
NMCB 28, Marines Team with Nicaraguan Service Members to Improve Local School NNS 30 Mar 2011 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 and 2nd Marine Logistics Group members completed a five-day construction project with the Nicaraguan military.
Planning Under Way For Old Ordnance Cleanup Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- Redstone will be performing interim remedial measures at known or suspect waste sites of chemical warfare materiel.
Statement on land expansion to be released in April Army News 30 Mar 2011 -- The next round of meetings for the Training Land Expansion Program is set for May, pending the approval and release of a draft Environmental Impact Statement in mid-April.
Rodong Sinmun Labels US Harasser of Peace KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute of Sweden recently announced that the U.S. has topped the world list of arms sale.

Mother Of Russian Soldier Found Dead Demands Probe RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- The mother of a young conscript found hanged in a military unit is demanding a proper investigation into her son's death.

Turkmen President Sacks National Security Minister RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has sacked his long-time national security minister.

KPA Military Delegation Meets Vietnam Defense Ministry Delegation KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- Talks between the military delegation of the Korean People's Army and the delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence held.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Heather Zichal, 3/30/2011 The White House 30 Mar 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 30 Mar 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for March 30, 2011
Lockheed Martin Awarded $789.8 Million THAAD Production Contract Lockheed Martin 30 Mar 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] has received a production contract totaling $789.8 million to produce the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System for the Missile Defense Agency.
STSS Demonstration Satellites Track Short-Range Missile During Airborne Laser Test Bed Exercise Northrop Grumman 30 Mar 2011 -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) Demonstration satellites kept an unblinking watch on a boosting missile during an Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB) exercise off the Central California coast Sept. 1, 2010. The STSS satellites were built by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN).

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 30 March 2011 United Nations 30 Mar 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on Libya, 3/30/11 The White House 30 Mar 2011
Who Are the Rebels Fighting Libyan Government Forces? VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Fighter planes and missiles from the international coalition are continuing to hit the forces of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.
Libya Ceasefire Contingency Talks Highlight AU Dilemma VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- The African Union will host several members of the international Libya contact group Thursday, with the goal of establishing a mechanism to enforce a ceasefire once the fighting ends.
Gadhafi Forces Drive Rebels From Key Oil Town VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Libyan rebels are frantically fleeing eastward after forces loyal to leader Moammar Gadhafi drove them Wednesday from a key oil port.
Libya Conference participants committed to military action UK MOD 30 Mar 2011-- Current and potential contributors to military operations in Libya underlined their commitment at yesterday's conference in London.
Libyan Rebels Lose Ground As Powers Divided On Arming Them RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Forces loyal to Muammar Qaddafi have overrun three eastern Libyan cities, as world powers considered arming rebel forces.
Libyan rebels can be armed, says Clinton IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- The US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton threatened the Libya regime with continuing military action until it fully complies with the UN resolutions.
MPs caution UK on arming Libyan rebels IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- PM Cameron: Britain agrees with the US on UN security resolution 1973, which allows 'all necessary measures' to be taken to protect civilians in Libya.
Germany rules out for now arming Libyan rebels IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- The German government here Wednesday has ruled out for now arming Libyan rebels in their bid to oust Libyan dictator Colonel Moammar Qadhafi.
Obama Confident Qaddafi Will Step Down RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said that he was confident that Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi would "ultimately" step down under intense international pressure.
Removing Gaddafi from power will take time - Obama RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Removing Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi from power will take time, U.S. President Barack Obama said.
UK belatedly expels Libyan diplomats IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- Foreign Secretary William Hague announced Wednesday that the British government had taken step to expel five Libyan diplomats “to underline our grave concern at the regime’s behaviour.”
Britain Expels 5 Libyan Diplomats VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Britain says it has expelled five diplomats from the Libyan embassy in London because they could pose a "threat" to British security.
Libyan opposition launches TV channel with Qatar RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- The Libyan opposition is launching a satellite television channel, Ahrar TV, on Wednesday with the help of the Qatari government in counterbalance to state-controlled media.

KCNA on Cheonan Case KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- There are very disturbing moves of the south Korean military on the lapse of one year since the warship "Cheonan" case occurred.
KCNA on Remarks of S. Korean Official KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- Hyon In Thaek, speaking at a meeting of an organization in Seoul, said that "the north should show its sincerity."
Minju Joson on Hyon In Thaek Remarks KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- Hyon In Thaek reported to have asserted on March 24 that the DPRK should make an apology for the warship "Cheonan" sinking case and make a decision over the issue..
RC Chief Proposes S. Korean Counterpart to Have Working Contact KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- The chairman of the Central Committee of the DPRK Red Cross Society sent a notice to the president of the ROK Red Cross.
Rodong Sinmun Discloses US Military Strategic Scenario KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- US Korea strategy and Asia strategy to stifle the DPRK by force of arms and expand the sphere of domination and control.

Pak-India dialogue resumption raises peace hopes IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- Pakistan and India have resumed the stalled official dialogue and even the Prime Ministers of two countries sit together to watch cricket match in the Indian city of Mohali.
Indian, Pakistani Leaders Practice 'Cricket Diplomacy' RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Cricket diplomacy took center stage in India with the prime ministers of both India and Pakistan attending the World Cup cricket semifinal.
Indian, Pakistani Leaders Attend Cricket Showdown VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Life for more than a billion people across India and Pakistan came to a standstill Wednesday, as the nuclear-armed neighbors battled on the cricket field for the World Cup semi-final match.

Gbagbo Aide: UN Sanctions Won't Work VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- A legal adviser to Ivorian incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo says the renewed U.N. sanctions imposed on the embattled leader are, in his words, highly unlikely to force Gbagbo to step down.
Demanding end to violence in Côte d'Ivoire, Security Council imposes targeted sanctions UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- The Security Council demanded an immediate end to the violence against civilians.
Pro-Ouattara Forces Enter Ivory Coast Capital VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Forces opposed to incumbent Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo have entered the country's official capital of Yamoussoukro.
Ivory Coast Rebels Advance Toward Capital VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Fighting in Ivory Coast has intensified, with forces backing the country's internationally-recognized president moving toward the official capital of Yamoussoukro.

Somali Government Future Clouded As Mandate Nears Expiration VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- With the end of the mandate for the Transitional Federal Government looming, the Somali political structure is in disarray over questions of legitimacy and leadership in the war-torn country.
UN anti-crime office helps build Somaliland's capacity to tackle maritime piracy UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- The head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has voiced the office’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of authorities in the Somaliland to prosecute captured pirates.

UN voices concern at fighting between militias and Southern Sudan Government UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- A senior United Nations official has voiced “significant concern” at conflicts involving at least four separate militia groups in areas of Southern Sudan.

Cypriot leaders discuss security issues in UN-sponsored reunification talks UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders discussed internal security aspects in continuing UN-sponsored talks.

Jail Terms Halved For Sons Of Former Tajik Opposition Commander RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- The prison terms of the sons of slain Tajik Emergency Situations Minister and former opposition commander Mirzo Ziyoev have been reduced by half to 15 years by an appeals court.

UN-backed tribunal concludes appeal hearing for convicted Khmer Rouge figure UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- UN-backed tribunal in Cambodia concluded the appeal hearing for the former head of a notorious detention camp.

Indonesia Supports East Timor's Bid to Join ASEAN VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Indonesia's unreserved support for East Timor's membership to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reinforces the growing ties between two countries.

News Reports

Syrian President Assad Vows to Defeat 'Plot' VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- President Bashar al-Assad told parliament that Syria will defeat those behind a "plot" against his country.
Syrian Leader Blames Protests On 'Conspirators' RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- President Bashar al-Assad of Syria has delivered an uncompromising rebuff to demonstrations against his rule.
Syrian President Denounces Foreign 'Conspiracy' on Protests VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad blamed foreigners and social media for creating a "conspiracy" to bring down his regime.
Assad blames Syria unrest on foreign plotters RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- President Bashar Assad blamed foreign and domestic "conspirators" for the unrest.
U.S. Says Assad Must Make Progress On Reforms RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- The United States has urged Syria to make more progress on political reforms.

Bahrain Opposition Leader Warns Against Foreign Interference RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Bahrain's Shi'ite opposition leader Sheikh Ali Salem today urged Iran to keep out of his country's internal affairs.
Bahrain Arrests Leading Internet Activist VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Family members and human rights officials say Bahraini authorities have arrested the country's most prominent Internet activist as part of a crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

Yemeni Protesters in Several Cities Call for Saleh's Ouster VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Yemeni opposition activists have rallied in several cities to demand the ouster of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Egyptian Activists to Rally Against Torture VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Egyptian activists have called for a protest Friday against torture, which they say continues under the nation's new army leadership.
Egypt's Military Rulers Promise Presidential Election by November VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's military rulers say the first presidential election since an uprising that ousted president Hosni Mubarak last month will be held by November.
Egypt's Military Says Presidential Vote Before Year-End RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's transitional military government says the country will hold presidential elections one or two months after a parliamentary vote scheduled for September.
Egypt to hold presidential elections by end of year RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Egypt will hold presidential elections before the end of the year, Gen. Mamduh Shahin, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, said.
Egypt adopts interim constitution RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Egypt's governing Supreme Council of the Armed Forces announced a constitutional declaration that will act as the country's main set of laws during a transitional period.
Curbing strikes main challenge for Egypt government - ambassador RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- The first thing that Egyptian authorities should do to restore stability in the country is to put an end to strikes that have doubled the economic damage caused by the revolution.
FM: Iran welcomes resumption of diplomatic ties with Egypt IRNA 30 Mar 2011 -- FM Salehi: Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes resumption of diplomatic ties with Egypt as recently proposed by his Egyptian counterpart.
Iran Welcomes Egypt's Call to Mend Relations VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Iran has welcomed an overture from Egypt to fully restore diplomatic relations.

IAEA: High Radiation Levels Detected Outside Japan Evacuation Zones VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Top UN nuclear official says the situation at Japan's troubled nuclear power plant continues to be very serious.
Situation at Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Plant Still Serious VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Executives at Tokyo Electric Power delivered a stark assessment of the situation at the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Japanese Officials Downplay Concerns About Radioactive Seawater RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Seawater near the crippled Fukushima nuclear complex's No.1 reactor contained radioactive iodine above the legal limit.
Japanese cabinet secretary suggests scrapping Fukushima plant RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Edano: Time to start thinking about closing down all six reactors.
Japan mulls covering Fukushima reactors to prevent fallout RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- The Japanese government is considering new measures to stem radiation fallout from the troubled reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
Japan authorities warn people against returning to radiation zone RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Japanese government spokesman Yukio Edano warned people earlier evacuated from within 20 kilometers of the crippled Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant against returning home.
Japan forces tougher safety on nuclear facilities RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Japan's nuclear power stations face closure unless they meet tougher safety requirements drawn up by the government, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda said.
Leakage of Radioactive Substance Goes on in Japan KCNA 30 Mar 2011 -- The leakage of radioactive substance from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan is going on.

Burma's Military Government Dissolved, 'Civilian-Led' Government Sworn In VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Burma’s military government has been officially dissolved and a nominally civilian government sworn in.
Ban calls for genuine transition to democracy in Myanmar UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- Myanmar’s authorities have a duty to show that their announced transfer of power from the long-ruling State Peace and Development Council to a new Government is more than a change in name.

Is Kazakhstan Under Threat Of Radical Islamization? RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Islam in on the rise in Kazakhstan and it could potentially cause problems for the country's stability.

Ban welcomes transition to constitutional order in Niger UN News Centre 30 Mar 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon congratulated key players for the dignity, leadership and statesmanship they have shown in the transition to constitutional order.

Carter Wraps Up Visit to Cuba VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Wednesday wrapped up a three-day, private visit to Cuba.

New Russian Opposition Party Unveils Report On Corruption Under Putin RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Some of Russia's most prominent opposition figures have produced a report accusing PM Putin of corruption.

Dutch Court Says Lawmaker Hate Speech Trial To Continue RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- An Amsterdam court today ordered the continuation of a hate speech trial against lawmaker Geert Wilders.

Kosovo President Steps Down RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- Kosovo's President Behgjet Pacolli has resigned following a Constitutional Court ruling that his election was illegal.
Kosovo Court Orders President to Resign VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- Kosovo's high court has ordered President Behgjet Pacolli to step down from office, after ruling his election was unconstitutional.

Remarks by the President on America's Energy Security The White House 30 Mar 2011
Obama Calls for One-Third Cut in US Oil Imports by 2025 VOA 30 Mar 2011 -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday called for the United States to cut its imports of oil by one-third by 2025. That is one of several goals in the president's national energy policy.
Obama Seeks Ambitious Reduction In U.S. Foreign Oil Imports RFE/RL 30 Mar 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has set out an ambitious goal of cutting U.S. reliance on foreign oil by one-third by the year 2025.
Russia, Kazakhstan team up to produce rare earth metals RIA Novosti 30 Mar 2011 -- Russia's Federal Atomic Energy Agency (Rosatom) and Kazakhstan's uranium producer Kazatomprom signed a memorandum of intent to cooperate in the production and sales of rare earth metals.

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