Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 02 Jun 2011 [PDF]
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 01 Jun 2011
• Boehner Calls on Obama to Justify Continuing Military Action in Libya and Afghanistan VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- The Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner, is calling on President Barack Obama to make his case to the American people for continued U.S. military operations in Libya and Afghanistan. The call comes as frustration in Congress is growing among some lawmakers from both major political parties about the president's failure to obtain authorization from Congress for the participation of U.S. forces in the NATO mission over Libya.
• DOD Works Toward Successful Transition in Iraq AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- The recent Middle East turmoil underscores the importance of an active U.S. engagement in Iraq and a 'shoring up' of relations with key regional partners, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East said yesterday.
• 'Long Knife' Soldiers sharpen skills at Destiny Range Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, sharpened their skills during a combined arms life fire exercise at Destiny Range, May 28, 2011.
• Rodriguez: Afghans Rise Above Taliban's Desperation AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- Sensational, high-visibility attacks on Afghan government officials and security forces represent a desperate enemy strategy to intimidate the Afghan people and shake the trust and confidence they are developing for their leaders and institutions, a top commander in Afghanistan said today.
• Combined operation expands security in Chak district Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- As helicopters lifted off the moonlit field, Soldiers blended into the surrounding landscape. Slowly, each infantryman rose to his feet and scanned his sector of fire. As platoon leaders motioned to move out, night-vision optics revealed the flashing infrared lights attached to each Soldier as they formed a single line.
• 1st BCT begins return from Afghanistan tour Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- Fifty-two Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, arrived from Afghanistan Saturday to prepare for the redeployment of thousands more.
• Army deploys science, technology center to Afghanistan Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command is deploying engineers and scientists to Afghanistan to more expeditiously and efficiently solve War fighters' technical problems.
• I Corps ready for challenges in Afghanistan Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- With its colors cased, America's Corps is ready for deployment to Afghanistan to help lead the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command in Kabul.
• NATO: Forces Capture Bin Laden Associate in Afghanistan VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- NATO says Afghan and coalition troops have captured an al-Qaida facilitator who was a former associate of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden.
• Combined Force Captures al-Qaida Operative AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured an al-Qaida facilitator and two associates in the Nahr-e Shahi district of Afghanistan's Balkh province yesterday, military officials reported.
• NATO to Build on Lessons of Afghanistan for Future AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- A week after NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen made a firsthand assessment of progress in transferring increased security responsibility to Afghan security forces, the alliance's supreme allied commander for transformation is focused on building on lessons learned in Afghanistan for the future.
• First C-17 lands on refurbished runway at Shindand AFNS 02 Jun 2011 -- A C-17 Globemaster III landed at Shindand Air Base recently marking the first time the large military transport aircraft was needed to land at the base since the refurbished runway opened in December 2010.
• Another German soldier killed in Afghanistan, five more wounded IRNA 02 Jun 2011 -- A German soldier was killed in an attack in Afghanistan on Thursday, raising the death toll of German troops in the war-stricken country to four in less than 10 days, the German army announced in Berlin.
• Russia, U.S. to set up Mi-17 repairs center in Afghanistan RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- Russia and the United States will set up a maintenance center for Mil Mi-17 helicopters bought by Washington for the Afghan armed forces, Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Vyacheslav Dzirkaln said on Thursday.
• Pakistan conveys concern to Afghanistan over attack IRNA 02 Jun 2011 -- Pakistan has conveyed to Afghan ambassador strong concern on the cross-border attack launched from the territory of Afghanistan which killed 27 security men and four civilians, the Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.
• Cross-Border Attack Kills at Least 65 in Northwest Pakistan VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Pakistani authorities say an estimated 200 militants crossed the border from Afghanistan and attacked a Pakistani border post starting a lengthy battle that has left at least 27 security troops and three civilians dead. Pakistani officials say more than 35 of the militants were also killed.
• National Guard Responds to Tornadoes, Floods AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has declared a state of emergency and ordered up to 1,000 National Guard members to support civilian authorities after deadly tornadoes caused property damage and power outages across the state yesterday afternoon.
• EPLO assisting relief efforts after Massachusetts tornadoes AFNS 02 Jun 2011 -- At least two tornadoes struck parts of central and western Massachusetts June 1, prompting the Air Forces Northern National Security Emergency Preparedness Directorate to deploy an emergency preparedness liaison officer to assist in the relief effort at the request of the defense coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Region I.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Mullen: Long-term Relationship Vital Between U.S., Pakistan AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- Pakistan's senior military leaders believe a long-term relationship with the United States is important despite ongoing tensions between the countries, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
• Divers Assist with USS Denver Repairs NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Supervisor of Salving and Diving (SUPSALV) divers completed repairs on amphibious dock landing ship USS Denver (LPD 9) in Sasebo, Japan, May 14.
• USS Gettysburg Departs Plymouth, England After Successful Port Visit NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) completed its first port visit for its 2011 deployment in Plymouth, England, May 31.
• USS Norfolk Departs Shipyard Early NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Norfolk Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (NNSY) completed a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV) for USS Norfolk (SSN 714) one week early, returning the submarine to the Fleet May 27.
• Chung-Hoon Deploys to Western Pacific NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for an independent deployment to the Western Pacific, June 1.
• Navy Signs Agreement to Increase Energy-Related Development NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- The Navy signed a five-year agreement with three Philadelphia region organizations to establish programs supporting collaboration with small businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit entities to increase energy-related development, May 23.
• NAVSEA Participating in Bold Monarch 2011 NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is participating in Bold Monarch 2011, a NATO submarine rescue exercise, through June 10.
• Henry M. Jackson (Gold) Returns to Sunshine after Successful Patrol NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Following a day of heavy rain, the sun was shining on Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor's Delta Pier on May 26 as the Gold Crew of the Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) returned to its homeport, completing a 56-day strategic deterrent patrol.
• McClusky Hosts International Frigate Working Group NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Naval officers from eight partner countries were received aboard USS McClusky (FFG 41) May 19, during the 3rd annual International Frigate Working Group (IFWG).
• Massive Multi-player Online Wargame Launched at Naval Postgraduate School NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Researchers from the Naval Postgraduate School's (NPS) Modeling, Virtual Environments and Simulation (MOVES) Institute, in coordination with the San Francisco Bay-area based Institute for the Future (IFTF) launched an Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsored online wargame, May 31.
• Pacific Partnership Departs Papua New Guinea after Helping Thousands NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- After 13 days of working with local medical, dental and engineering professionals in Papua New Guinea, serving close to 11,000 people, Pacific Partnership 2011 concluded its mission May 31 and got underway aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7).
• USS Robert G. Bradley Conducts Multinational Damage Control Training NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) hosted a multinational damage control training workshop at Marathi Pier in Souda Bay, Greece, as a part of exercise Phoenix Express 2011 (PE-11), June 2.
• Upgrades Being Made to Naval Auxiliary Landing Field in Texas NNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $14 million contract to PM2i, Inc., of Austin, Texas, May 27, for construction of operational facilities for the T-6 Texan, a fixed-wing, turboprop trainer aircraft.
• New 'milk stool' design may save dollars, backs AFNS 02 Jun 2011 -- A C-130 Hercules ramp support platform designed by four cadets here in May could save not only Air Force dollars but also the backs of the loadmasters who currently drag around 75-pound monstrosities, officials said.
• Joint effort delivers power, supplies to Morocco for African Lion 11 Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- Different branches of the U.S. military often seem to be in competition with each other; however, at Cap Draa, Morocco, service members from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps are finding ways work together in order to provide training meant to improve skills needed in today's modern warfare.
• Lightning and Thunder - Battalion military police train to defend Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- The military police humvee rattled down the road of the missile defense complex just as it usually would any other given time. The night was crisp and the clouds had rolled in but it was still light enough to see the outlying fences. As the vehicle rounded the end of Alpha Sector, a loud bang rang out as an artillery round exploded. Seconds later there were insurgents over the fences and onto the complex. This was definitely a night not like any other.
• Army, Indian scientists focus on power, energy Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- American and Indian military scientists discussed unburdening warfighters through improved power and energy technology March 9.
• Combat feeding officials discuss military rations history, future Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- Meeting the nutritional needs and taste preferences of 1.9 million Warfighters every day is vital to America's success in battlefield missions, combat feeding officials said.
• USACE, EUCOM successfully integrate joint engineer team onto 'battlefield' Army News 02 Jun 2011 -- In 2009, U.S. military forces saw the activation of the first Joint Force Engineer Command in Afghanistan, which centralized engineering efforts and assets across the theater to facilitate and coordinate engineer operations.
• Team Building Drove President's Choices, Gates Says AFPS 02 Jun 2011 -- Building a team was the most important consideration as President Barack Obama made his choices for top national security positions, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
• Grand Forks AFB Airmen welcome Global Hawk AFNS 02 Jun 2011 -- Airmen celebrated the arrival of the RQ-4 Global Hawk during a ceremony here June 1.
• Media Availability with Secretary Gates en route to Singapore DoD 02 Jun 2011
• Pakistan, U.S. to create recon element to search for terrorists RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- Pakistan and the United States intend to create a joint reconnaissance element, which will deal with the search of terrorist leaders hiding in Pakistan, Geo-TV said on Thursday citing official sources.
• Russia extends scrapping of chemical weapons until 2016 RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- Russia has extended the deadline for complete destruction of its chemical weapons arsenal until December 31, 2015, a senior Russian lawmaker said on Thursday.
• Russian police arrest military medical chief on suspicion of corruption RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- The Chief of the Main Military Medical Directorate of the Russian Defense Ministry General Alexander Belevitin was detained under suspicion of corruption, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
• Russian foul-mouthed sub captain 'not sacked' RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- Russian Navy authorities have denied reports that a submarine captain who swore at his superior was sacked.
• Russia against pressure on Balkan states to join NATO - Lavrov RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- Russia is against external pressure on Balkan countries to join NATO, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.
• June 2, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 02 Jun 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 02, 2011
• Boeing Delivers 2 F-15K Slam Eagles to the Republic of Korea Boeing 02 Jun 2011 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered two F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft -- designated F-15K49 and F-15K50 -- to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) at Daegu Air Base on May 30. The aircraft departed the Boeing St. Louis facility on May 25 and made stops in Palmdale, Calif., Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, before arriving in Korea.
• BAE Systems Announce Strategic Teaming Agreements for TAPV Program in Canada BAE Systems 02 Jun 2011 -- The Canadian Army's Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) program, which will provide hundreds of next generation wheeled combat vehicles to Canadian Forces, is at the center of two teaming agreements recently entered into by BAE Systems.
• DEW Engineering and BAE Systems Team on Medium Support Vehicle System Program for Canada BAE Systems 02 Jun 2011 -- One of the Canadian Army's land programs is the focus of a teaming agreement entered into by DEW Engineering & Development and BAE Systems. Together, the two companies will collaborate on Canada's Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) program, which will provide the Canadian Army with a new fleet of medium-sized logistics trucks for both regular forces and reserve troops and create further jobs in Canada.

Other Conflicts

• 2 June 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 02 Jun 2011
• Press Conference by Security Council President on Work Programme for June United Nations 02 Jun 2011
• Russia's NATO envoy says alliance in 'ground campaign' in Libya RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- The NATO-led military campaign against Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi has in fact turned into ground operation, Russia's envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday.
• Results of UN resolutions on Libya shows 'can't take anyone's word' - Lavrov RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- The implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on Libya shows 'you cannot take anyone's word,' Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday.
• Time now for real, genuine Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, says UN chief UN News Centre 02 Jun 2011 -- Lamenting the lack of progress in the Middle East peace process, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today stressed that it is important now, more than ever, for Israelis and Palestinians to engage in real, genuine and meaningful negotiations.
• UN general confers with Israelis, Lebanese to avoid repeat of deadly border clashes UN News Centre 02 Jun 2011 -- The commander of the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Lebanon today met with Israeli and Lebanese military officers in a continuing effort to avoid a repeat of last month's deadly border clashes.
• COTE D'IVOIRE: Duékoué's torched market underscores ethnic divide IRIN 02 Jun 2011 -- Displaced women in the western Côte d'Ivoire town of Duékoué are slowly returning to a marketplace recently gutted by fire, but the incident has rekindled fear and despair in a town working to mend inter-ethnic relations after post-election violence.
• Satellite Images May indicate War Crimes in Abyei VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- A bipartisan group of former civilian and military officials say recent satellite images of the Sudanese town of Abyei give visual evidence of alleged war crimes.

News Reports

• Yemeni Troops Clash with Tribesman Pushing Towards Capital VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Yemeni security forces have clashed with thousands of opposition fighters preparing to enter the capital, Sana'a, to reinforce fellow tribesmen loyal to Sheikh Sadeq al-Ahmar. The rising chaos is pushing the conflict closer to an all-out civil war.
• Split Tribal Allegiances Deepen Yemen's Crisis VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- As battles in Yemen raged Thursday, the deadly fighting in the streets of the capital between forces loyal to President Ali Abdullah Saleh and members his own tribe highlights some deeply personal faultlines in the crisis.
• Clinton Faults International Unity on Syria Crackdown VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday the international community needs to be more united in pressuring the Syrian government to end its lethal crackdown on demonstrators. Clinton says the legitimacy of President Bashar al-Assad's government has 'nearly run out.'
• Syrian Opposition Groups Demand President Step Down VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Syrian opposition groups ended a two-day meeting in Turkey on Thursday with the demand that President Bashar al-Assad step down. Opposition activists are also calling for protests nationwide Friday, despite the ongoing military crackdown.
• UN advisers denounce 'apparently deliberate' attacks on Syrian civilians UN News Centre 02 Jun 2011 -- Two high-ranking United Nations officials today said they were 'alarmed at the apparently systematic and deliberate attacks' on civilians in Syria, and called for an investigation into possible violations of international human rights law.
• Syrian Shells Destroy Buildings in Protest Stronghold VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- Syrian forces are shelling the western town of Rastan Thursday, continuing a crackdown on pro-democracy movements in core parts of the country.
• South Korea Acknowledges Secret Talks with North VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- South Korea's government on Thursday admitted it held secret discussions with North Korea last month. South Korea's president is facing criticism across the domestic political spectrum for the talks, which were revealed by Pyongyang.
• China Rejects Blame For Gmail Cyberattack RFE/RL 02 Jun 2011 -- China has rejected as 'unacceptable' allegations of involvement in a cyberspying campaign targeting the Google e-mail accounts of senior U.S. officials, military personnel, journalists, and Chinese activists.
• China rejects Google hacking charges RIA Novosti 02 Jun 2011 -- China rejected accusations of involvement in hacking attacks against Google on Thursday, saying such allegations were unacceptable.
• China Rejects Google Hacking Claim VOA 02 Jun 2011 -- China on Thursday rejected claims by Google that China-based hackers have spied on email accounts owned by American politicians and Chinese dissidents.
• Pakistan spy agency slams malicious campaign IRNA 02 Jun 2011 -- Pakistan spy agency has condemned a campaign to target and malign country's security agencies in wake of murder of a senior journalist.
• Iran's active diplomacy has made enemies 'passive'- minister IRNA 02 Jun 2011 -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said here on Thursday that Iran's active diplomacy once again made the enemies passive.