Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 28 Jun 2011 [PDF]
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 27 Jun 2011
• NATO Says it will Keep Pressure on Libyan Government VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- NATO's commander for the Libya operation says the allied force is not scaling down its airstrikes despite calls from some nations for a pause in the operation.
• Libya to prosecute NATO in international courts RIA Novosti 28 Jun 2011 -- Libya intends to prosecute NATO in international courts for the Western military alliance's attempts to physically eliminate country's leader Muammar Gaddafi and members of his family, the Libyan Justice Ministry said in a statement.
• Salvage Divers Beach a Sunken Pier at Umm Qasr Port NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Two, Company 2-4 divers assigned to Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1 beached a sunken pier at the port of Umm Qasr, Iraq, June 14, after three years of excavation.
• Iraqi soldiers defend position during company level training at GWTC Army News 28 Jun 2011 -- Concealing themselves in camouflaged firing positions, Iraqi soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Brigade, 3rd Iraqi Army Division, worked as a company to defend their positions during defense training at Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center, Iraq, June 20.
• Ghost troopers mentor, develop IA leaders Army News 28 Jun 2011 -- Soldiers of 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, successfully qualified with their M16A4 rifles after firing several magazines of ammunition at a live fire training range at Joint Security Station India, Iraq, June 16.
• Sgt. Maj. of the Army visits COS Marez Army News 28 Jun 2011 -- Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III met with senior U.S. Division - North leaders, spoke with Soldiers and witnessed U.S. and Iraqi troops working together during a visit to Contingency Operating Sites Marez and Diamondback in Ninewa province, Iraq, June 23.
• Seven Killed In Taliban Attack On Kabul Hotel RFE/RL 28 Jun 2011 -- A Taliban attack on a luxury hotel in Kabul has left seven Afghan civilians dead and eight others, included two police, wounded. The siege on the Intercontinental Hotel ended early this morning after NATO helicopters shot dead the last two attackers on the rooftop of the hotel favored by Westerners and diplomats.
• Kabul Hotel Attack Will Not Affect Security Transition VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- The Taliban assault on the Inter-Continental Hotel in Kabul, which left 11 civilians and police dead in addition to the attackers, comes as NATO forces are beginning a process of handing over security to local authorities. Afghan officials say despite the attack, that handover will continue.
• Army deploys microgrids in Afghanistan for 'smart' battlefield power Army News 28 Jun 2011 -- The U.S. Army, led by the Project Manager for Mobile Electric Power, or PM MEP, is installing microgrid technologies in Afghanistan as part of a groundbreaking project that could significantly lower fossil fuel consumption on the battlefield.
• Force Seizes Marijuana in Kandahar AFPS 28 Jun 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered 992 pounds of marijuana in the Panjwa'i district of Afghanistan's Kandahar province today, military officials reported.
• Top UN envoy urges peaceful resolution of Afghan legislative crisis UN News Centre 28 Jun 2011 -- The United Nations envoy to Afghanistan today called on all parties to conduct themselves responsibly, using only political means and careful to avoid public unrest, after a special court ruled recently to replace a quarter of the members of Parliament due to fraud charges.
• Military intelligence Marines speak on recent accomplishments USMC News 28 Jun 2011 -- The military intelligence community of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) said they are finding new ways to stay ahead of insurgents in Afghanistan.
• 20 die in US drone strikes in Pakistan tribal region IRNA 28 Jun 2011 -- The US drone aircraft on Monday night rained missiles on suspected hideout of Pakistani Taliban chief in South Waziristan tribal region, TV channels reported.
• Orphans Of War: The Innocent Victims Of Pakistan's Swat Offensive RFE/RL 28 Jun 2011
• Guard, AF continue support as Minot flood slows AFNS 28 Jun 2011 -- A press conference held at city hall here June 26 offered a shred of good news for those residents, Airmen and family members impacted by Minot's record-shattering floods during the month of June.

Defense Policy / Programs

• DoD News: DOD Announces Recruiting and Retention Numbers for Fiscal Year-To-Date 2011, Through May DoD 28 Jun 2011 -- The Department of Defense announced today recruiting and retention statistics for the active and reserve components for fiscal year-to-date 2011, through May
• Military Recruiting, Retention Remain Strong AFPS 28 Jun 2011 -- Recruiting and retention remain steadily on track throughout the military services, with every component reporting strong year-to-date numbers through May and full confidence in reaching fiscal 2011 goals by Sept. 30.
• Senators Quiz McRaven For Top Special Operations Slot AFPS 28 Jun 2011 -- Navy Vice Adm. William H. McRaven appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee today as the senators met to consider his promotion to the rank of admiral and appointment as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command.
• New US Defense Secretary Panetta Faces Many Challenges VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- Leon Panetta, 73, will become the 23rd U.S. secretary of defense, replacing the retiring Robert Gates on July 1.
• Allen Vows to Emulate Petraeus' Leadership AFPS 28 Jun 2011 -- If he becomes the new commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John R. Allen said he'll seek to equal the strong leadership of his predecessor, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus.
• U.S., Philippine Navies Join for 17th CARAT Exercise in Palawan NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Three U.S. Navy ships arrived in Puerto Princesa, Philippines, to launch the 17th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines, June 28.
• USS Carr Visits St. Petersburg NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Guide-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52) pulled into St. Petersburg, Russia, as part of a series of scheduled port visits to strengthen the bonds between the U.S. and partner countries, June 28.
• USFF, 2nd Fleet Conduct Crisis Exercise NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, 2nd Fleet began phase two of a merged staff functional assessment June 27, in advance of consolidating the two headquarters into one command by Sept. 30.
• Big 'E' Pulls Into Palma After 75 Days Underway NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) arrived in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, June 28 after sailing 75 days in support of maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).
• Navy Squadron Holds Change of Command During Northern Edge 2011 NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 12 held a change of command ceremony aboard Elmendorf Air Force Base during Northern Edge 2011, the premier joint military training exercise throughout Alaska, June 17.
• USS Maine Returns from Deployment NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741)(Blue) returned to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor June 22, after a 75-day strategic deterrent patrol.
• E-Leave Eases Leave Routing NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- With the July 4 holiday right around the corner and summer travel season underway, Navy officials reminded Sailors June 28 about the ease of using the electronic leave (E-Leave) system.
• Navy's Newest Destroyer To Arrive In San Diego NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- Sailors on the Navy's newest destroyer are scheduled to arrive with their ship at Naval Base San Diego, July 1.
• Navy Brings Intermediate Maintenance Activity Back to Mayport NNS 28 Jun 2011 -- The Navy's Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC) formally re-established its Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) at Naval Station Mayport, June 28, providing the fleet with a renewed capability to train Mayport-based surface ship crews to perform shipboard maintenance and repairs.
• Environmental Investigation Underway on US Base in S. Korea VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- In South Korea, an investigation is underway to determine if the toxic defoliant Agent Orange was buried at a U.S. military base three decades ago.
• First Moroccan F-16 pilots to complete training in Arizona AFNS 28 Jun 2011 -- In July, the Kingdom of Morocco, a strategic partner for U.S. forces in North Africa, will become the 25th country to own and operate F-16s.
• Thurman Wants to Bolster U.S.-South Korean Ties AFPS 28 Jun 2011 -- Army Gen. James D. Thurman told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he would work to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea alliance amid provocations and uncertainties from North Korea.
• Army North's largest exercise to train DOD's newest response forces Army News 28 Jun 2011 -- U.S. Army North's largest disaster response exercise is one step closer to reality as the final Vibrant Response 12 and 12A planning conference wrapped up June 23 at Camp Atterbury, Ind.
• Continued testing of F-35 JSF sensors a success at Northern Edge 2011 AFNS 28 Jun 2011 -- While participating in Northern Edge for the second time, F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter sensor capabilities were tested in Alaska's premier multi-operational environment June 13-24.
• Senior Executive Service Announcements DoD 28 Jun 2011
• 31st MEU departs Okinawa headed to Australia USMC News 28 Jun 2011 -- More than 1,800 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked the USS Essex (LHD 2), and USS Germantown (LSD 42), June 28, in preparation for exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 to be held in Australia.
• Iran capable of making missiles with over 2,000 km range IRNA 28 Jun 2011 -- Iran has the technology to manufacture missiles with over 2,000 km range, Aerospace Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said Tuesday.
• Iran successfully test-fires 14 missiles during military drills IRNA 28 Jun 2011 -- The Islamic Republic of Iran successfully test fired 14 missiles during the second phase of the Great Prophet 6 War Game Tuesday morning.
• Russia test fires troubled Bulava missile after 8-month break RIA Novosti 28 Jun 2011 -- Russia resumed tests of its troubled Bulava submarine-launched ballistic missile, a Defense Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
• Ma repeats call for U.S. to sell Taiwan jet fighters CNA 28 Jun 2011 -- President Ma Ying-jeou urged the U.S. again Tuesday to approve the sale of advanced F-16 C/D jet fighters to Taiwan, saying that with China's continued military buildup, it was becoming increasingly crucial to maintain the military balance across the Taiwan Strait.
• June 28, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 28 Jun 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for June 28, 2011
• U.S. Army Awards Lockheed Martin $184.3 Million to Begin Work on Additional Persistent Threat Detection Systems Lockheed Martin 28 Jun 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] recently received a $184.3 million undefinitized contract agreement from the U.S. Army to begin production of 29 additional Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS) to support coalition forces in Afghanistan.
• L-3 Awarded U.S. Navy P-3 SMIP Contract L-3 Communications 28 Jun 2011 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Platform Integration division has been competitively awarded an approximately $104 million contract to perform aircraft sustainment for the U.S. Navy's fleet of P-3, EP-3 and NP-3 aircraft.
• Active Defence System ADS tested on Fuchs/Fox Rheinmetall Defence 28 Jun 2011 -- Rheinmetall and ADS GmbH present innovative protection technology for tactical vehicles in Lohmar
• Thales demonstrates battlespace management capability at CWID 2011 Thales 28 Jun 2011 -- Thales has demonstrated its advanced battlespace management capability at the Coalition Warfare Interoperability Demonstration (CWID) at the Canadian Forces Warfare Centre located at Shirleys Bay, Ontario, near Ottawa.

Other Conflicts

• 28 June 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 28 Jun 2011
• International Criminal Court Prosecutor calls on Libyans to arrest Qadhafi UN News Centre 28 Jun 2011 -- The primary responsibility for arresting Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and two others sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) rests with the North African nation, the tribunal's Chief Prosecutor said today, a day after warrants were issued for the three men for alleged crimes against humanity.
• Fatah, Hamas agree on prime minister of reconciliation government RIA Novosti 28 Jun 2011 -- The Fatah and Hamas movements have reached an agreement on the candidacy of the reconciliation government's prime minister, Egyptian Al Ahram daily reported on Tuesday.
• Wider changes in region make it crucial to resume Israeli-Palestinian talks – Ban UN News Centre 28 Jun 2011 -- Citing the developments taking place in the wider Middle East, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today underscored the need for Israel and the Palestinians to urgently resume negotiations towards a two-State solution to their conflict.
• French Say Mediators To Continue Nagorno-Karabakh Shuttle Diplomacy RFE/RL 28 Jun 2011 -- International mediators will again soon visit Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh to try to salvage the stalled Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, the French Foreign Ministry has announced.
• Armenia Dismisses Azerbaijani Military Buildup RFE/RL 28 Jun 2011 -- An Armenian military official has said that Yerevan is not intimidated by Azerbaijan's ongoing military buildup and the recent purchase of sophisticated Russian antiaircraft missiles on display in Baku over the weekend, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.
• Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in DR Congo UN News Centre 28 Jun 2011 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for a year, with the force now scheduled to stay at least until 30 June 2012.
• ICC Opens War Crimes Investigation in Ivory Coast VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- The International Criminal Court is in Ivory Coast to investigate war crimes committed during the political crisis between the former government and the winner of last year's vote.
• Tbilisi says ready for dialogue in note to Russia RIA Novosti 28 Jun 2011 -- Georgia sent a note expressing readiness for dialog to Russia on Tuesday via mediator Switzerland, in accordance with the recommendation of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, a Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said.
• China Hosts Alleged War Criminal Sudanese President Bashir VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir is visiting China for talks with top officials. In a news conference after his arrival Tuesday, Chinese officials defended the visit by a leader wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
• Khmer Rouge UN Tribunal Centers on Controversial Amnesty VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- The U.N.-backed war crimes tribunal continued its hearings into the four surviving leaders of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge movement. Arguments revolved around a controversial amnesty granted in 1996 to the movement's former foreign minister.
• Somali Parliament Approves New Prime Minister VOA 28 Jun 2011 -- Somali lawmakers have approved Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, a Somali-American economist, as the country's new prime minister.

News Reports

• North Korean leader Kim Jong-il RIA Novosti 28 Jun 2011 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is expected to pay a visit to Russia and meet President Dmitry Medvedev in Russia's Far East city of Vladivostok, South Korean Yonhap news agency reported on Tuesday, although Russia's foreign minister denied knowledge of such a meeting.
• India on campaign to get membership of top nuke clubs IRNA 28 Jun 2011 -- India said on Tuesday it aims to get full membership of the four elite multilateral export control regimes that monitor the global movement of atomic material and equipment.
• Iran says does not accept UN special rapporteur on human rights IRNA 28 Jun 2011 -- Iran said on Tueday that it does not accept UN special rapporteur on human rights while the United Nations Human Rights Council kept silent toward US human rights violations by waging wars in Iraq and Afghanistan which killed millions of innocent people.
• Political crisis deepens in Pakistan IRNA 28 Jun 2011 -- The decision of Pakistani political party to quit the federal and provincial governments has triggered a new debate about the situation that can emerge in the coming days.
• Russia Vows To Cut Belarus Power RFE/RL 28 Jun 2011 -- Russia has threatened to cut electricity supplies to Belarus after Minsk failed to repay a debt due to a severe economic crisis.
• Russian Legislation Takes Aim At Human Rights Court In Strasbourg RFE/RL 28 Jun 2011 -- Fifteen years after joining the Council of Europe, Russia appears to be reconsidering one of its main responsibilities as a member.
• Millions facing severe food crisis amid worsening drought in Horn of Africa – UN UN News Centre 28 Jun 2011 -- An estimated 10 million people across the Horn of Africa are facing a severe food crisis following a prolonged drought in the region, with child malnutrition rates in some areas twice the emergency threshold amid high food prices that have left families desperate, the United Nations reported today.
• Political and security gains in Guinea-Bissau still fragile, warns UN envoy UN News Centre 28 Jun 2011 -- While Guinea-Bissau has witnessed improvements on the political and security fronts, the authorities need to do more to consolidate the gains achieved and to address issues such as impunity, drug trafficking and organized crime, a senior United Nations official said today.