• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 08 Jul 2011 [PDF]
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 07 Jul 2011
• NATO Secretary General praises NATO military on the conduct of the operation Unified Protector NATO 08 Jul 2011 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen received an operational briefing from senior military leaders directing the Alliance's operation over Libya.
• HMS Westminster receives US thanks for operations in Libya UK MOD 08 Jul 2011 -- HMS Westminster has been formally recognised by the American Armed Forces for her contribution to operations in Libya earlier this year.
• Coalition Patrol Destroys Weapons Cache AFPS 08 Jul 2011 -- Coalition forces found and destroyed a large weapons cache during a search in the Muhammad Aghah district of Afghanistan’s Logar province.
• Pakistan blames militants for Afghan border tension IRNA 08 Jul 2011 -- Pakistan blamed militants on friday for the current cross-border attacks along its borders with Afghanistan.
• Afghan, NATO forces fire rockets into Pakistan IRNA 08 Jul 2011 -- Afghan and NATO forces on Friday fired rockets into Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region but no one was hurt.
• Pakistan Rejects US Allegation VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Pakistan is denouncing comments by the top U.S. military officer that elements within the Pakistani government sanctioned the killing of a journalist in late May.
• Top U.S. Commander Accuses Pakistan Government In Journalist Killing RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- The US' top military commander has accused Pakistan's government of "sanctioning" the slaying of a journalist.
• Forces Told 'Shoot on Sight' to End Violence in Pakistan's Karachi VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Authorities in Pakistan have ordered security forces to shoot on sight anyone engaged in violence in the country's largest city of Karachi.
• Pakistan Issues Shoot On Sight Order as Karachi Violence Escalates VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Pakistani security forces have been ordered to shoot on sight when confronting disorders in Karachi.
• Pakistan Calls In 1,000 Troops To Karachi After Scores Killed RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Pakistan has ordered 1,000 extra troops to deploy in Karachi with orders to shoot-to-kill after four days of political violence.
• Karachi violence claims 60 lives in three days IRNA 08 Jul 2011 -- Political and ethnic violence continued in the Pakistani port city of Karachi on Thursday, taking death toll to 60 in three days.
• 2 US Soldiers Killed in Iraq VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- The U.S. military says two American soldiers were killed in central Iraq Friday, the first fatalities since June, the deadliest month for U.S. service members in two years.
• Chalabi: US presence in Iraq not in Iraqis' favor IRNA 08 Jul 2011 -- The Iraqi National Congress Leader, Ahmad Chalabi, says presence of Americans in Iraqi territory is not in favor of the Iraqi people.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Department Orders Halt to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Enforcement AFPS 08 Jul 2011 -- The Defense Department issued guidance on the July 6 federal appellate court decision ordering DOD to cease enforcing the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.
• New online training tools help troops prep for deployment Army News 08 Jul 2011 -- The Army Training Network (ATN) has added brigade counterinsurgency, two culture-focused packages and Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury training materials that are specifically targeted for U.S. units and Soldiers deploying to Afghanistan. ATN, which is a one-stop Army training center, is available to anyone with an Army Knowledge Online (AKO) login ID or CAC card.
• Company F, AT Battalion, BUSTs out at MOUT town USMC News 08 Jul 2011 -- Stepping through the doorway threshold with rifles at the ready, a fireteam of Marines with 3rd platoon, Company F, Anti-Terrorism Battalion, attached to 2nd Marine Division, clears the abandoned room with smooth efficiency. After confirming the room is secure, a Marine yells, 'Four Marines exiting!' and with the polished and controlled proficiency of true professionals, the Marines exit – ready for the next room and any threat it might hold.
• 31st MEU arrives in Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 USMC News 08 Jul 2011 -- About 550 Marines and Sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Australia July 7, with more scheduled to arrive in the coming days, all to participate in exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.
• Blue Ridge Arrives in Brisbane NNS 08 Jul 2011 -- The U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Brisbane, Australia, July 8 in support of exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 (TS11).
• NMCB 133 Renovates Timor-Leste Disaster Recovery Center NNS 08 Jul 2011 -- DILI, Timor Leste - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Seabees participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Gedung Serba Guna Matahari Terbit (GMT) Disaster Recovery Center in Dili, Timor-Leste, June 24.
• Naval Air Facility Misawa Changes Command NNS 08 Jul 2011 -- Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan, held a change of command ceremony in Misawa July 8.
• PCU Mississippi COB Participates in Two Significant Navy Milestones NNS 08 Jul 2011 -- The Chief of the Boat (COB) assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) participated in two unique voyages aboard PCU California (SSN 781), and later USS Constitution, during their annual holiday cruise, July 4.
• Remember Those Private Security Contractors? RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Earlier this week the U.S. Justice Department announced that a private security contractor called ArmorGroup North America Inc. had agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle a dispute with the government.
• Mullen Makes Chairman's Visit to China AFPS 08 Jul 2011 -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen begins a visit to China today, a Defense Department official announced.
• 45th Space Wing supports successful final shuttle launch AFNS 08 Jul 2011 -- Members of the 45th Space Wing provided Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of the final flight of Space Shuttle.
• CONR supports final space shuttle launch AFNS 08 Jul 2011 -- Spectators looked on as Space Shuttle Atlantis roared to life for the final time, as the orbiter and crew launched into space from here July 8.
• III MEF highlights joint operations capabilities USMC News 08 Jul 2011 -- III Marine Expeditionary Force personnel highlighted III MEF's joint operations capabilities and the integration if its air-ground-logistics team.
• Realistic combat-like scenarios put gear to test Army News 08 Jul 2011 -- Sgt. David Johnson was able to pinpoint the location of an enemy sniper team and share real-time, combat-relevant intelligence across the force using networking gear now being evaluated.
• Battle continues after deployment, traumatic brain injuries common among Soldiers Army News 08 Jul 2011 -- Improvised explosive devices are a common part of life for deployed service members.
• Company grade officer PME undergoes transformation AFNS 08 Jul 2011 -- Air Force senior leaders recently approved a plan to transform professional military education for company grade officers.
• Okinawa bases named for fallen heroes USMC News 08 Jul 2011 -- The names of eight Medal of Honor recipients who gave their lives as an ultimate sacrifice for their country, are immortalized through the military installations now established here on the island.
• Russia charges Chinese man with smuggling military equipment RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- Customs authorities in Russia's Far East have launched a criminal case against a Chinese citizen who attempted to smuggle spare parts for Russian MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters.
• Russian defense minister lashes out at missile designer RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- Russian Defense Minister Serdyukov has accused leading missile designer Solomonov of having a grudge against the ministry.
• Greece mulls closer military ties with Israel RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- Greece is planning to expand military-technical cooperation with Israel, Defense Minister Panos Beglitis said.
• Turkmen Return To Town Devastated By Explosions RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- People are returning today to the Turkmen town of Abadan, a day after massive explosions prompted thousands to flee and reportedly caused widespread destruction.
• Legally binding controls needed for private security contractors, say UN experts UN News Centre 08 Jul 2011 -- A group of independent UN experts called for the adoption of binding international regulations to control the activities of private security companies.
• UK to allow armed merchant ships IRNA 08 Jul 2011 -- The UK is preparing to give formal legal backing to the use of private armed guards on British merchant vessels to protect against piracy.
• Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 7/8/2011 The White House 08 Jul 2011
• July 8, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 08 Jul 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 08, 2011

Other Conflicts

• 8 July 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 08 Jul 2011
• Press Conference by Working Group on Use of Mercenaries, Following Iraq Trip United Nations 08 Jul 2011
• Ban and Libyan official discuss transition UN News Centre 07 Jul 2011 -- Secretary-General Banand the PM of Libya today discussed the need to end the fighting and ensure a transition that brings peace to the country.
• Pro- Gadhafi Forces Shell Misrata as Rebels Try to Advance VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Pro-government forces in Libya are shelling targets near the western rebel-held city of Misrata.
• UN Chief Calls For Halt To Libya Fighting RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- UN chief Ban urged Libyan Prime Minister Baghdadi al-Mahmudi in a telephone call to stop the fighting and help improve humanitarian conditions.
• Niger: Libyan Conflict Impacting Sahel Security VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou says the longer the Libyan conflict drags on, the worse it will be for Libya's neighbors in the Sahel.
• Thousands Rally in Yemen After President Appears on TV VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Thousands of Yemenis are rallying on Friday, a day after President Ali Abdullah Saleh made his first public appearance since traveling to Saudi Arabia to receive treatment for injuries.
• UN Security Council Votes to Bolster South Sudan VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- The U.N. Security Council unanimously approved the deployment of up to 7,000 military personnel as well as 900 international police for South Sudan.
• On eve of independence, UN creates new mission to assist South Sudan UN News Centre 08 Jul 2011 -- The Security Council voted unanimously to set up a new UN mission to help Africa’s newest nation consolidate peace and lay the foundation for longer-term state-building, conflict prevention and economic development.
• SUDAN: Beyond the euphoria of Southern independence IRIN 08 Jul 2011 -- South Sudan becomes the world's newest nation on 9 July, the final step in the six-year Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
• Jubilation Spreads in South Sudan Ahead of Independence VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- The celebrations have yet to start in South Sudan, set to declare its independence in just hours, but already the soon-to-be nation can rejoice.
• Sudan Recognizes Independent South Sudan RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Sudan's government has announced its official recognition of the new Republic of South Sudan, a day before its southern neighbor becomes the world's newest nation.
• Sudan recognizes South as independent state RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- Khartoum officially recognized the independence of South Sudan the day before it is to officially become Africa's 53rd state after a five-month transition period.
• Amnesty International: Curb Arms Trade in Sudan VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Amnesty International says the arms trade is fueling conflicts between northern and southern Sudan.
• Analysis: Rethinking DDR in post-independence Sudan IRIN 08 Jul 2011 -- The increasing number of South Sudan’s armed forces is costing more than 50 percent of government’s expenditure by some estimates.
• Philippines, China Promise Stability for S. China Sea VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- China and the Philippines are promising not to let their dispute over the South China Sea ruin relations between the two countries.
• U.S. to cut off aid to PNA, veto Palestinian recognition in UN RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- The Palestinian National Authority expressed its regret that U.S. lawmakers accepted a resolution cutting off all aid to the Palestinians if they turn to the UN in September to be recognized as an independent country.
• Mideast Quartet not to urge resumption of Israeli-Palestinian talks RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- The Mideast Quartet will not call for the resumption of talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israel, chief negotiator for the Palestinian Administration Saeb Erekat said.
• Israel Blocks Pro-Palestinian Activists' 'Fly-In' Attempt VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Israel has blocked an attempt by international activists to organize a high-profile, humanitarian visit to Palestinians in the West Bank.
• Israel tells Lufthansa to keep pro-Palestinian activists off planes IRNA 08 Jul 2011 -- Israel told several European airlines to remove pro-Palestinian activists from flights bound for the Jewish state amid an impending mass fly-in of activists.
• UN agency appeals for urgent help for Somali refugees UN News Centre 08 Jul 2011 -- The United Nations refugee agency said today that the flood of Somali refugees into Ethiopia could overwhelm the ability of humanitarian agencies to help them, and called for urgent international assistance.
• Congolese Colonel Surrenders Over Mass Rape Accusations VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- A Congolese colonel accused of leading his troops on a multi-day rampage and mass rape has turned himself in.
• Karabakh Leader: Azerbaijan's Warnings Not Keeping Airport Closed RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Authorities in the breakaway Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karabakh deny that a delay in the opening of an airport near the main city, Stepanakert, is due to threats made by Azerbaijan.
• Karabakh deal only possible 'if Azerbaijan drops amendments' RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- An agreement on Nagorny Karabakh will be only possible if Azerbaijan gives up a number of amendments suggested during a meeting in Kazan.
• UN tribunal for Balkans crimes transfers convicted police officer to Germany UN News Centre 08 Jul 2011 -- The UN International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has transferred a former police officer to Germany to serve out his 12-year prison sentence.

News Reports

• Half a Million Syrians Protest in Hama VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Nearly half a million anti-government protesters filled the streets of the volatile Syrian city of Hama Friday.
• Nearly Half Million Syrians Protest in Flashpoint City VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Near a half a million protesters jammed the streets of the flashpoint city of Hama in an anti-Syrian government rally on Friday.
• Tens Of Thousands Of Syrians Protest In Hama RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Tens of thousands of Syrians carrying olive branches have thronged the central city of Hama to shout for the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad.
• Syria angered by U.S. ambassador's visit to rebellious Hama RIA Novosti 08 Jul 2011 -- Syria has condemned a visit by the U.S. ambassador to the restive city of Hama as incitement.
• Tens of Thousands Jam Cairo's Main Square Demanding Reforms VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Tens of thousands of Egyptians gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square and several other towns to call for faster reforms.
• Egyptians Demand Faster Reforms VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Tens of thousands of protesters have massed across Egypt to voice growing frustration with what they see as a slow pace of government reforms and delays in prosecuting former officials.
• Egyptians Hold Nationwide Protests To Demand Justice, Reforms RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Thousands of Egyptians have taken to the streets around the country to demand justice for victims of ousted President Hosni Mubarak's regime.
• Secretary Clinton Statement on Holding Iranian Human Rights Abusers Accountable US Dept. of State 08 Jul 2011
• U.S., U.K., Canada Step Up Travel Curbs On Iran RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- US Secretary of State Clinton says new sanctions on Iran are "an important reminder to Iran."
• Iran's First Postrevolutionary President Talks About Power Struggle RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- Supreme Leader Khamenei has tasked a committee with looking into "legal violations" committed by the government.
• Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Space Shuttle Main Engines Power Final Flight to International Space Station Pratt & Whitney 08 Jul 2011 -- In an awesome display of technology and immense power that capped a 30-year legacy of boosting orbiters into space, three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) today successfully powered the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on the program's final flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
• ATK Solid Rocket Motors Boost Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Program ATK 08 Jul 2011 -- An unprecedented crowd of over one million witnessed the Shuttle program's final liftoff today from the Kennedy Space Center. Space Shuttle Atlantis had a picture perfect launch at 11:26 a.m. EDT boosted by ATK's (NYSE: ATK) Reusable Solid Rocket Motors (RSRMs). This launch culminates a remarkable, three-decade-long program and marks the beginning of a noble legacy in space exploration.
• Hamilton Sundstrand supports final space shuttle mission; plans continued involvement with U.S. Space Program Hamilton Sundstrand 08 Jul 2011 -- Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX), today supported the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, continuing its legacy of contributions to every launch since the shuttle's maiden mission in 1981.
• As Space Shuttle Program Ends Lockheed Martin Looks Back With Pride and Forward With Promise Lockheed Martin 08 Jul 2011 -- The final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program is underway, and Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Space Systems Company (LMSSC) has played a significant role from the very beginning. In addition to important shuttle systems that were a part of every flight, the company has had payloads on at least 30 missions that included spacecraft, satellites, instruments, telescopes, experiments, and various components.
• Malaysian Capital Braces for Electoral Reform Rally VOA 08 Jul 2011 -- Authorities in Malaysia's capital are bracing for a demonstration on Saturday that organizers hope will attract tens of thousands of people demanding free and fair elections.
• Andijon Prison Death Toll Grows With Fresh Protester Death RFE/RL 08 Jul 2011 -- A man who took part in antigovernment protests in the southern Uzbek city of Andijon six years ago has died in prison.
• Security Council praises progress towards peace and stability in West Africa UN News Centre 08 Jul 2011 -- The Security Council today voiced satisfaction with the progress countries in West Africa are making towards greater peace and stability, welcoming the positive developments in post-conflict recovery and peacebuilding, particularly in Guinea and Niger, as well as the end of the violent post-election crisis in Côte d'Ivoire.