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Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 29 Jul 2011 [PDF]
• NATO and Libya - Operational Media Update: 28 Jul 2011
• Mock attacks help prepare for worst in Basra Army News 29 Jul 2011 -- In the wake of attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Afghanistan, personnel on Contingency Operating Base Basra joined together during a mock attack to help prepare themselves for a possible worst-case scenario.
• Afghanistan's Warring Sides Seek Advantage Prior to Possible Talks VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- The U.S.-led war in Afghanistan is approaching its 10-year anniversary with no end in sight to the fighting. There are efforts, however, to negotiate a political settlement to the conflict.
• Mullen: Coalition Maintains Momentum in Kandahar AFPS 29 Jul 2011 -- Despite the spikes of violence here coalition and Afghan security forces are keeping the initiative, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday.
• ISAF Condemns Deadly IED Attack AFPS 29 Jul 2011 -- The International Security Assistance Force joined Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in condemning the improvised explosive device attack that killed 18 people today in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, military officials reported.
• Roadside Bombs Kill 19 Civilians in Southern Afghanistan VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- Afghan police say separate roadside bombs killed at least 19 civilians in southern Helmand province Friday.
• Boys of Company G push insurgency from Trek Nawa USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- The sweltering, afternoon sun stretches across the cloudless, Afghan sky causing sweat to drip from the Marines' faces. Living in mud compounds and sweltering tents, eating packaged meals-ready-to-eat three times a day, patrolling for hours on end with 100-pound packs – this is the life of a Marine with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Multinational Force Participates in Cutlass Express Exercise NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- A multinational force made up of representatives from more than 14 nations and agencies participated in the U.S. African Command (AFRICOM) sponsored exercise, Cutlass Express, July 18-22, at Bandari College in Mombasa, Kenya.
• USS Pinckney Awarded USS Arizona Memorial Trophy NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer (DDG) USS Pinckney (DDG 91) earned the USS Arizona Memorial Trophy July 11.
• LCS 1 Continues Maintenance in Post-Shakedown Availability NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- USS Freedom (LCS 1) continued a scheduled, four-month milestone maintenance period July 28.
• Mesa Verde Helps Others in Greece NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) Sailors and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marines volunteered their liberty time to assist with the beautification of the St. Nakafious Parish during a port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, July 25-26.
• NMCB 133 Actions, Training Save Timorese Lives NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 Seabees were the first responders to a motorbike accident while returning from a liberty outing in the Bobonaro District of Timor-Leste, July 24.
• USS Cape St. George Builds Eco-Friendly Corrosion Control Devices NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- In an effort to cut down costs and promote a green work environment, crew members of the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) are using sodium bicarbonate media blasters, or soda blasters, during the Ship's Restricted Availability maintenance period in San Diego, July 25.
• USNS Comfort Brings Continuing Promise to Costa Rica NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, July 28 for its eighth of nine mission stops during Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11).
• CTF 63/MSCEURAF Changes Leadership NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Commander, Task Force (CTF) 63 and Commander, Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa (MSCEURAF) held a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Capodichino, Naples, Italy, July 29.
• Air Force Space Command Breaks Ground on RAIDRS Program NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- U.S. Air Force Space Command held a groundbreaking ceremony July 28 for the Rapid Attack Identification, Detection and Reporting System (RAIDRS) at Radio Transmitter Facility (RTF) Lualualei in Waianae, Hawaii.
• Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Lend Helping Hands in Crete NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) wrapped up an 11-day scheduled maintenance availability during a port visit to Chania, Crete, July 21.
• Cape St. George Sailors Give Ship Makeover, Enhance Combat Readiness NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- The Sailors of guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) are giving the ship an extreme makeover during the Ship's Restricted Availability (SRA) maintenance period at the shipyards in San Diego, July 28.
• Navy Awards Hawaii Business Architect-Engineering Contract NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific awarded a $7.5 million firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract July 28 to Design Partners Inc. of Honolulu for architect-engineering services at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities in the Pacific.
• NAS Kingsville Sets Modified Tropical Storm Condition Three NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Naval Air Station Kingsville has set modified Tropical Storm Condition Three July 28th in preparation for the arrival of Tropical Storm Don.
• FRC Southwest Completes Revamped Sustainable Design Project NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- NAVFAC Southwest, Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Southwest, and Naval Base Coronado (NBC) celebrated the completion of a renovation project at Naval Base Coronado with a ribbon cutting ceremony July 22.
• Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Visit Rhodes, Greece NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) wrapped up a five-day port visit to Rhodes, Greece, July 27.
• USS City of Corpus Christi Holds Change of Command NNS 29 Jul 2011 -- Cmdr. Christopher Buziak relieved Cmdr. Robert Gaucher as commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) during a change of command ceremony at the Parche Memorial Park, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 29.
• Marines improve crew-served capabilities USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 trained with the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon at Range 10 here July 20, firing both training and high-explosive rockets.
• 'Nobody told me the war wouldn't be easy': South African soldiers and U.S. Marines combine forces for simulated assault USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- After two straight days of almost nonstop rain about 225 South African National Defence Force soldiers and U.S. Light Armored Reconnaissance Marines wait to begin a company-sized assault on a barren ridge populated by imaginary enemy troops and their pill boxes.
• Wing Marines learn to survive jungle USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- Marines with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18 finished a five-day jungle survival course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center July 22.
• K-9 unit trains to protect Marines, public USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- Dogs have often been referred to as man's best friend, but the K-9 working dogs at the Provost Marshal's Office, Headquarters and Service Battalion, are referred to as partners.
• 3rd MEB wraps up Talisman Sabre 2011 USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- As the Marine Forces Command for Talisman Sabre 2011, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, part of III Marine Expeditionary Force, has contributed to the success of the exercise.
• Combat Logistics Battalion 24 prepares for future large scale evacuations operations training USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – In 2006, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit aided in the rescue of thousands of American citizens from Lebanon after fighting between the terrorist group Hezbollah and Israel threw the country into turmoil.
• Specialized search dogs add new weapon to fight against IEDs USMC News 29 Jul 2011 -- Specialized search dogs have become a new weapon in the war on improvised explosive devices, roving more than 100 meters in front of their handlers to find the deadly devices before they can be triggered.
• Officials say Joint Strike Fighter program is on track AFNS 29 Jul 2011 -- The Joint Strike Fighter Program Office deputy director expressed confidence in the progress of the JSF program at an Air Force Association breakfast program here July 27.
• Capitol Hill reviews Reserve role, budget, mobilization AFNS 29 Jul 2011 -- As Congress debates ways to address the federal debt ceiling, reserve component military leaders were on Capitol Hill recently to testify and answer questions about retaining operational roles, changes to mobilization and future budget challenges.
• Minot situation serious, stop movement order remains AFNS 29 Jul 2011 -- The situation remains serious in the Minot Air Force Base, N.D., area, and the stop movement order remains in place, Air Force officials announced July 29.
• Obama Chooses Carter for 'Transparency' Board AFPS 29 Jul 2011 -- A senior Defense Department official who has a lead role in Pentagon cost-saving and efficiency efforts has been named to a new White House board to cut waste in federal spending.
• Reserve Chiefs Press for More DOD Call-Up Authority AFPS 29 Jul 2011 -- Reserve-component leaders made the case this week for legislative changes that would give Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta more flexibility in using Guard and reserve members to support theater security cooperation and other military missions around the world.
• Army airborne ISR platform slated for early 2013 arrival Army News 29 Jul 2011 -- Army acquisition officials say they expect the service's newest airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset to be available to the force within 18 months.
• U.S. in talks with NATO states on deployment of radar system in Europe RIA Novosti 29 Jul 2011 -- The United States is in talks with a number of NATO states on the deployment of a radar system as part of its mooted missile shield in Europe, a spokesman for the U.S. Department of State said.
• Russian Black Sea Fleet to receive 6 new diesel subs RIA Novosti 29 Jul 2011 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet will be strengthened with six Kilo class diesel-electric submarines in the next few years, Navy Commander Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said on Friday.
• Russian Navy to commission 8 Graney class nuclear subs by 2020 RIA Novosti 29 Jul 2011 -- The Russian Navy will receive at least eight Graney class nuclear-powered attack submarines in the next decade, Navy chief Adm. Vladimir Vysotsky said on Friday.
• Harder for Taiwan to buy arms from U.S.: president CNA 29 Jul 2011 -- President Ma Ying-jeou said the changing relationship between the United States and China makes it harder for Taiwan to purchase weapons from the U.S., according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report published Friday.
• DPP says China's 'threatening' remarks unnecessary CNA 29 Jul 2011 -- The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said Friday it is willing to pursue common interests with China, and that Beijing's 'threatening remarks' prior to Taiwan's 2012 presidential election are 'unnecessary.'
• Veterans take nuclear cancer claims to UK Supreme Court IRNA 29 Jul 2011 -- Veterans of Britain's 1950s nuclear bomb tests in the Pacific Ocean and Australia have won a judicial review to take their claims for compensation to the UK's Supreme Court.
• Iranian Navy frees Hoda cargo ship in successful anti-piracy operation IRNA 29 Jul 2011 -- The Iranian Navy fleet have saved Iranian Hoda cargo ship against a pirate attack in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
• Polish Defense Minister Resigns After Presidential Plane Crash Report RFE/RL 29 Jul 2011 -- Polish Defense Minister Bogdan Klich has resigned after a government report found serious errors by the crew of the plane that crashed in Russia last year while carrying Poland's president.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 7/29/2011 The White House 29 Jul 2011
• July 29, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 29 Jul 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for July 29, 2011
• Boeing Delivers UAE Air Force and Air Defence's 3rd C-17 Boeing 29 Jul 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] on July 28 delivered a third C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force and Air Defence at the C-17 program's final assembly facility in Long Beach.
• Raytheon Develops Miniature Antenna To Extend Millimeter Wave 'Friendly' Identification Technology for Soldiers, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Raytheon 29 Jul 2011 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has developed a miniaturized interrogation antenna capability to extend use of its Cooperative Target ID technology to soldiers and unmanned aircraft to help prevent fratricide. This effort builds upon an existing Raytheon antenna design and additional enhancements performed in concert with the U.S. Army CERDEC Intelligence & Information Warfare Directorate (I2WD).
• Thales and Dassault Aviation sign contract to upgrade Indian Air Forces Mirage 2000 fleet Thales 29 Jul 2011 -- Thales and Dassault Aviation today signed a contract for the upgrade of the Indian Air Force's Mirage 2000 fleet.

Other Conflicts

• 29 July 2011 - DAILY PRESS BRIEFING BY THE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE SECRETARY-GENERAL United Nations 29 Jul 2011
• UK welcomes investigation into killing of Libyan rebel army chief IRNA 29 Jul 2011 -- The UK government on Friday condemned the killing of the Libyan rebel army's chief of staff Abdel Fatah Younis, while shying away from attributing responsibility, describing instead the circumstances of his death as 'unclear'.
• Gunmen Kill Head Of Libyan Rebel Armed Forces RFE/RL 29 Jul 2011 -- The military commander of the Libyan rebel movement has been shot dead along with two other senior officers.
• UN calls for more funds to save lives across Horn of Africa UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The United Nations today appealed for a further $1.4 billion to save the lives of some 12 million people across the Horn of Africa stricken by a worsening drought, and to stop the crisis from becoming an 'even bigger catastrophe.'
• Displaced Somalis Seek Food in Dangerous Mogadishu VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- Somalis trying to escape drought and famine continue to flock to Mogadishu, despite renewed fighting between pro-government forces and the militant group al-Shabab. Many of those going to the capital had fled the city months and years earlier to escape the fighting.
• Analysis: Donor aid boosts West Bank infrastructure despite impediments IRIN 29 Jul 2011 -- West Bank infrastructure projects have increased as a result of the Palestinian Authority's (PA) state-building efforts and increased donor funding, although significant barriers to implementation remain, report officials from Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad's office, PA ministries and donors.
• HORN OF AFRICA: Famine to spread across southern Somalia - UN IRIN 29 Jul 2011 -- The food crisis in the Horn of Africa is likely to continue for most of 2011 and famine is expected to spread to the whole of southern Somalia, the UN said on 29 July.
• SOMALIA: Hundreds of drought-displaced seek shelter in Somaliland IRIN 29 Jul 2011 -- Hundreds of families from south-central Somalia who have sought refuge in the self-declared independent Republic of Somaliland lack food, shelter and water, say local officials.
• KENYA: Drought exacerbates conflict in Turkana IRIN 29 Jul 2011 -- Cross-border armed conflict over resources among Turkana pastoralists in northeastern Kenya has increased following the severe drought ravaging parts of the Horn of Africa. Besides rampant malnutrition, the desperate competition has led to increased livestock theft, shootings and forced migration.
• Ban calls for more Israeli steps to lift blockade of Gaza UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The Israeli Government needs to take more steps to lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip, particularly to allow the free import of construction materials into the area, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today.
• Sudan: Security Council extends mandate of UN-African mission in Darfur UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the joint United Nations-African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Sudan's conflict-affected region of Darfur (UNAMID) for one year, while welcoming the intention of the Secretary-General and the AU to review the number uniformed personnel required for effectiveness.
• Security Council extends mandate of monitoring group for Somalia and Eritrea UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations panel of experts monitoring compliance with sanctions related to the conflict in Somalia for another year as it also agreed to expand the group's mandate to better enforce the sanctions.
• Serb Who Led Bosnian Forces Back Home After Austrian Extradition Battle RFE/RL 29 Jul 2011 -- The retired Serbian-born Bosnian army general at the center of a high-profile extradition battle has arrived in Sarajevo following Austrian authorities' dismissal of a Serbian handover request, RFE/RL's Balkan Service reports.
• UN agency assists Congolese refugees to return home from Gabon UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The United Nations refugee agency is helping hundreds of Congolese to repatriate from Gabon to their former homes over the next week as a deadline looms for them to either apply to remain in Gabon or lose their refugee status.
• UGANDA: War crimes trial may affect LRA defections - analysts IRIN 29 Jul 2011 -- The trial of Thomas Kwoyelo, a former rebel in Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), the first such case before the Ugandan High Court's International Crime Division (ICD), is eliciting mixed reactions. Analysts say that while it may satisfy northerners' desire for justice, there are concerns over its impact on future LRA defections.

News Reports

• S. Korean Nuclear Envoy Cautious About Renewed Diplomacy with North VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- South Korea's chief nuclear envoy says he is not very optimistic about the United States' and South Korea's renewed diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
• US, North Korean Diplomats Arrive for Second Day of Talks VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- U.S. and North Korean diplomats have arrived to start a second day of talks in New York Friday.
• U.S.-Russia 'Reset' Faces Biggest Challenge RFE/RL 29 Jul 2011 -- The White House touts its "reset" policy toward Russia as one of its key diplomatic successes. But the Russian authorities were caught off-guard when Washington quietly barred some of their officials from traveling to the United States this week, a move that threatens to undo some of the gains Washington has made boosting ties with Moscow.
• Lebanon: UN tribunal identifies names of four men accused of Hariri murder UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The United Nations-backed tribunal set up to try those alleged responsible for the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri today released the identities of the four men accused of the crime.
• Islamists Show Solidarity in Massive Egypt Rally VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- Tens of thousands of Egyptians supporting a variety of political movements rallied on Cairo's Tahrir Square Friday. The groups don't necessarily agree on what kind of country to build in the wake of the revolution five months ago, but their leaders decided to try to show solidarity during Friday's protest.
• Angry Egyptians Pack Tahrir Square, Demand Swifter Reforms VOA 29 Jul 2011 -- Tens of thousands of angry Egyptians packed Cairo's main square on Friday, demanding a swifter pace of reform and justice.
• Washington's Linkage Of Iran And Al-Qaeda Could Have Consequences For Nuclear Talks RFE/RL 29 Jul 2011 -- The U.S. government has accused Iran of permitting Al-Qaeda operatives to funnel a substantial amount of money through its territory to their leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Myanmar: Ban underlines need to release all remaining political prisoners UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- Releasing all remaining political prisoners is the single most important step that authorities in Myanmar can take, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, expressing hope that the Government of the Asian nation will soon take steps towards greater democracy.
• UN urges anti-drug measures for both Afghanistan and 'consumer countries' UN News Centre 29 Jul 2011 -- The head of the United Nations anti-drugs agency has called for strengthening border controls around Afghanistan – still the world's leading producer of opium and heroin – boosting security in that country, and lowering demand in so-called 'consumer countries.'