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Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 03 Nov 2011 [PDF]
• DOD News Briefing with Maj. Gen. Spoehr via Teleconference from Iraq DoD 03 Nov 2011
• Forces in Iraq Pursue ‘Methodical, Flexible’ Exit Plan AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- With less than two months left to complete withdrawal, the redeployment operation under way in Iraq is extraordinary.
• US Iraq Withdrawal May Tempt Iran to Fill Void VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- The Obama administration’s decision to pull all U.S. troops out of Iraq by the end of this year could tempt Iran to try extending its influence there.
• Several Killed In Attacks On Anti-Al-Qaeda Militiamen RFE/RL 03 Nov 2011 -- Iraqi officials: At least 3 killed and more than 20 wounded when insurgents attacked a group of government-supported militiamen.
• Defense Min: US strengthens presence in P. Gulf to make up for defeat of exit from Iraq IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistical Affairs: Strengthened US presence in Persian Gulf is a hurried and disparate move, aimed at making up for US defeat of being forced to evacuate military forces from Iraq.
• Combined Forces Kill 3 Insurgents, Detain Another AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents, detained one suspect and seized two weapons caches during operations in eastern Afghanistan.
• 2nd MLG moves north along 611, supports ‘Eastern Storm’ USMC News 03 Nov 2011 -- Combat Logistics Battalion 6 and 7th Engineer Support Battalion are pushing north on Route 611, building patrol bases, combat outposts and village stability platforms.
• 2 Guards Killed in Attack on NATO Contractor VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Unknown insurgents killed two Afghan security guards in an attack on a compound housing NATO contractors in Afghanistan's western Herat province.
• Peace in Afghanistan crucial for regional stability – Ban UN News Centre 03 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban stressed that establishing peace in Afghanistan will strengthen stability in the entire region.
• Taliban dismisses Istanbul Conference IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- Taliban described as worthless the international Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan and said that the conference had nothing about foreign forces' withdrawal from Afghanistan.
• Afghans lose faith in Pakistan: Hekmatyar IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- Afghan political personality Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has said that Afghans have lost faith in Pakistan due to its impulsive actions.
• Afghanistan Pakistan Hands Airman trains future Afghan pilots AFNS 03 Nov 2011 -- As an Air Force aviator, Lt. Col. Daryl Sassaman had been to Afghanistan before.
• Platoon Testimony Continues in Afghan Atrocities Case VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Testimony continues in the military trial, court martial, of American soldier Calvin Gibbs, accused of masterminding war crimes allegedly committed by the platoon he led in Afghanistan.
• Pakistan, Afghanistan to put biometrics at border this month IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to launch bio-metric system at their border later this month to check illegal cross-border movements.
• Three die in US spy aircraft in NW Pakistan IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- An American spy aircraft fired three missiles into Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region and killed at least three people.
• Anti-Terrorism Bn. bid farewell to Camp Lejeune USMC News 03 Nov 2011 -- Marines and sailors of Co. F, AT Bn. attached to 2nd Marine Division, prepared to say goodbye to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and officially begin their deployment.
• 90th HRC sends team to Kuwait Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- A small team of Soldiers assigned to the 90th Human Resources Company, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, Third Infantry Division, deployed to Kuwait, Oct. 29, to act as a Casualty Liaison Team.
• JB McChord aircew delivers aid to Turkish earthquake victims AFNS 03 Nov 2011 -- An aircrew from here delivered humanitarian relief supplies to eastern Turkey Nov. 1 to aid victims of a recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake.
• 618th AOC supports effort delivering hope to Turkey AFNS 03 Nov 2011 -- Mobility Airmen of the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) here led planning efforts for an Oct. 31 flight bringing humanitarian assistance to Turkey.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Defense Officials Urge Nuclear Deterrent Funding AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- The nation’s security strategy is built on nuclear deterrence, and the systems and workforce that support nuclear capabilities must be sustained.
• Services Have Learned Irregular Warfare, Leaders Say AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- The military has institutionalized lessons learned from the past decade of nonconventional warfare.
• U.S. Military Seeks Stronger Ties with India AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- The bottom-line message of a report the Defense Department submitted to Congress this week is that the U.S.-India security relationship is strong and getting stronger.
• Army Secretary: Balance Needed as Wars Draw Down AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- With the drawdown of forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, talented soldiers will need to be retained while Army infrastructure draws down.
• Team begins AEWE data collection Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- The Army Test and Evaluation Command is crunching data generated by the Spiral G assessment during this year's Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment.
• Hammer Focus kicks off Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- Soldiers of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, headed to the field Oct. 25 for Hammer Focus.
• The Army Future Study To Aid Transition To Future Force Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- The Army Chief of Staff's Unified Quest 2012 Future Study Plan is under way and aims to help senior leaders determine the challenges and opportunities and provide insights and recommendations to help prepare the current force as it moves into the future, a top general said.
• Army Boosts Focus On Pacific In Latest Look At 2020 Challenges Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- The Asia-Pacific region looms large in the Army's latest look at the national security challenges of 2020 and beyond, according to the three-star general overseeing the effort.
• U.S. Army South, Chile wrap up army-to-army Staff Talks Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, U.S. Army South commander, and Maj. Gen. Alejandro Arancibia Ramirez, director of international relations and head of the Chilean delegation, signed a formal agreement that marked the end of the annual army-to-army bilateral Staff Talks between their countries' armies during a ceremony Nov. 2 at Army South headquarters here.
• Army Guard sees unexpectedly high retention rate Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- The Defense Department announced recruiting and retention numbers for the 2011 fiscal year recently, stating that the Army National Guard intentionally achieved only 95 percent of its recruiting goal in order to stay within its authorized end strength.
• Frequency management keeps airwaves clear for Network Integration Evaluation Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- White Sands Missile Range, in support of Network Integration Evaluation 12.1, is keeping the airwaves clear with frequency management throughout the long test taking place here until mid November.
• DCNO for Ops, Plans, Strategy Addresses HASC Subcommittee NNS 03 Nov 2011 -- The Navy's deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategy appeared before the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Nov. 3.
• U.S. Navy Delivers Sixth Coastal Patrol Boat to Iraq NNS 03 Nov 2011 -- The Navy formally delivered the sixth 35-meter patrol boat (P-305) to the Iraqi navy at the Umm Qasr naval facility in Iraq Nov. 3, after the ship successfully completed reactivation in Bahrain, Oct. 23.
• USS San Francisco Undocks Early NNS 03 Nov 2011 -- USS San Francisco (SSN 711) successfully undocked 20 days ahead of schedule at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Det. San Diego, Nov. 1, saving the Navy more than $1 million and settting the stage for an on-time or early delivery of the submarine to the fleet.
• 'Exoskeletons' Supports Shipyard Work NNS 03 Nov 2011 -- Navy shipyard workers are becoming modern day 'iron men' using 'exoskeletons' to maintain the nation's ships at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF), Nov. 3.
• NPS Explores Joint Research, Education Programs with India's Peer Defense Institutions NNS 03 Nov 2011 -- A new and promising partnership between Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and India's peer defense institutions has emerged in the form of joint research and education in response to U.S. leaders calling for collaboration between the two countries.
• Off-the-shelf solutions speed new equipment to Reserve, Guard AFNS 03 Nov 2011 -- By using ideas from recently deployed Airmen and using off-the-shelf technology, the Reserve Component has developed new equipment that saved lives and led to highly successful combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Army Aviation community synchs efforts Army News 03 Nov 2011 -- Members of the Army Aviation community from around the world gathered at Fort Rucker Oct. 24-28 to tackle issues together and chart the future of the Aviation Branch.
• 33rd RQS kicks off Pacific Thunder AFNS 03 Nov 2011 -- Members of the 33rd Rescue Squadron are teaming up with the 25th Fighter Squadron for Exercise Pacific Thunder 2011 Oct. 31 through Nov. 9 at Osan Air Base, Korea.
• Russia test launches Topol ICBM RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- The Russian Space Forces test launched a Topol RS-12M intercontinental ballistic missile.
• Monthly press briefing by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen NATO 03 Nov 2011
• Rasmussen Cites Progress in Afghanistan, Libya AFPS 03 Nov 2011 -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized today that it won’t undermine the alliance’s commitment to Afghanistan as progress there continues.
• Third victim in arsenal blast dies CNA 03 Nov 2011 -- Another victim succumbed Thursday to severe burns from the Oct. 28 arsenal explosion in Yilan County.
• S. Korean and US Armies Stage Military Exercises KCNA 03 Nov 2011 -- The south Korean puppet forces and the U.S. imperialist aggression troops present in south Korea have staged in Phohang, North Kyongsang Province, a DPRK-targeted joint landing drill as part of Hoguk, large-scale joint military exercises.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communication Ben Rhodes, and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs Mike Froman The White House 03 Nov 2011
• November 3, 2011 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 03 Nov 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 03, 2011
• BAE Systems Confirmed as Key Partner to CIOG BAE Systems 03 Nov 2011 -- BAE Systems has been selected as one of the five Preferred Industry Partners (PIPs) for the Applications Managed Services Partnership Arrangement (AMSPA) – as the lead for the Warfighter and Intelligence Domain.
• BAE Systems Will Support Warrior Upgrade BAE Systems 03 Nov 2011 -- BAE Systems will provide two vital inputs for the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme:
• U.S. Air Force Officially Designates Aircraft Flying Battlefield Airborne Communications Node System Northrop Grumman 03 Nov 2011 -- The two different aircraft platforms that fly the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) system, developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation, have been officially designated by the U.S. Air Force as the E-11A and the EQ-4B.
• National Armaments Directors Approve MEADS Program Continuation Plan Lockheed Martin 03 Nov 2011 -- The National Armaments Directors of Germany, Italy and the United States approved a contract amendment that funds two flight intercept tests of the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS).

Other Conflicts

• 3 November 2011 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 03 Nov 2011
• EU's Ashton urges Israel to rescind settlement decision IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton called on Zionist regime to rescind its decision to accelerate its settlement activities in occupied Holy Qods and West Bank.
• Irish, Canadian ships to try to break Gaza blockade Friday RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- An Irish and Canadian ship with cargoes of humanitarian aid for Gaza residents will arrive on the shores of the Palestinian enclave on Friday.
• U.S. to stop financing world organizations admitting Palestine - senators RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- A number of U.S. senators warned that the United States will not be taking part in financing of international organizations, which will be granting Palestine their membership status.
• Israel freezes UNESCO funding over Palestine RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- Israeli will freeze its annual contributions to the UNESCO budget after the UN cultural body granted membership to Palestine.
• Kenya Tweets Warning: Do Not Sell Donkeys to al-Shabab VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- A Kenyan military spokesman has sent out this warning on Twitter: Do not sell donkeys to Somali militant group al-Shabab.
• ICC Trying to Secure Surrender of Gadhafi Son, Spy Chief VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- The chief prosecutor of the ICC says his office is collecting evidence against former Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s son Seif al-Islam.
• Iran ready to help Libya’s new government IRNA 03 Nov 2011 -- Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi voiced Iran's readiness for transfer of experiences to people and government of Libya.
• Closer Indian-Pakistani Trade Ties Could Mark Start of a Thaw VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Businessmen and analysts see this week's decision by Pakistan to grant India "Most Favored Nation" trade status as a major breakthrough.
• President touts special 'cross-strait model' CNA 03 Nov 2011 -- President Ma: Government is developing ties with mainland China according to a special "cross-Taiwan Strait model."
• Nigeria Conducts House Searches for Militant Weapons VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- A Nigerian military spokesman says security forces are conducting house to house searches for illegal weapons in Maiduguri.
• Tbilisi tells Russia to stop ‘militarization’ of Abkhazia, S.Ossetia RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- Georgia’s Foreign Ministry issued an official statement urging Moscow to immediately stop “the occupation of Georgian indivisible territories” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

News Reports

• US Report Cites Growing Economic Cyber Espionage VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- A new U.S. intelligence report says China and Russia are using cyber espionage to steal U.S. trade and technology secrets.
• U.S. Report Blasts China, Russia For Cybercrime RFE/RL 03 Nov 2011 -- The US says that Chinese and Russian intelligence services, as well as corporate hackers in those countries, are offenders in cybertheft.
• US Skeptical of Assad Peace Commitments VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- The United States expressed deep skepticism that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad intends to fulfill commitments made to the Arab League.
• Activists: Syrian Troops Kill 20 Despite Pledge To End Violence RFE/RL 03 Nov 2011 -- Rights activists say Syrian troops killed at least 20 people just one day after Syrian government promised to end violence.
• At Least 10 Killed in Syria Despite Peace Plan VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Activists say Syrian security forces killed at least 10 people a day after the government agreed to a plan that calls for an end to violence against demonstrators.
• Syrian opposition rejects Russian-backed Arab League peace plan RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- The Syrian opposition rejected the Arab League peace plan for Syria.
• Islam in Tunisia - Will Ennahda Win Usher in Religious Reform? VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- It has been nearly two weeks since Tunisia’s Ennahda Party won 90 out of 127 seats on the new National Constituent Assembly.
• Analysis: A guide to Egypt’s first post-revolution elections IRIN 03 Nov 2011 -- Millions of Egyptians will head to the polls on 28 November in the first parliamentary vote after a popular uprising ended Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.
• Remarks by President Obama and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France in a Joint Statement The White House 03 Nov 2011
• US, France Say Iran Needs to Meet Nuclear Obligations VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- US President Obama says that he and France's president agree on the need to maintain "unprecedented international pressure" on Tehran.
• Iranian Military Chief Issues Warning RFE/RL 03 Nov 2011 -- Iran's military chief has warned Israel against launching any military action against the country.
• On Eve Of Hajj, Pilgrims At Center Of Iran-Saudi Rift RFE/RL 03 Nov 2011 -- when the Iranian government began using the hajj as a political platform to export the Islamic revolution to the Persian Gulf states.
• Cuba Legalizes Private Property Sales VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Cuba says it will allow people to buy and sell homes for the first time in more than 50 years.
• Operators Dismiss Fears Over Japanese Nuclear Plant VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Operators of crippled nuclear plant say a radioactive gas found inside one of the plant's reactors most likely was produced by normal causes.
• Chernobyl disaster workers continue rally near Ukraine’s government building RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- Former Chernobyl workers and human rights activists in Ukraine protesting against planned social benefit cuts.
• US Congressional Report Notes Marked Drop in China Human Rights VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- As China prepares for its next leadership reshuffle in 2012, the country is facing growing social unrest and criticism.
• 11th Tibetan Buddhist Self-Immolates in Southwestern China VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- China says a Tibetan nun has died after setting herself on fire in southwestern China.
• Analysis: DRC poll campaigns under way amid fears of pre-rigging, violence IRIN 03 Nov 2011 -- Deteriorating security, rampant poverty and illiteracy, logistical difficulties and allegations of rigging are among the concerns raised ahead of the DRC's presidential and parliamentary elections, scheduled for 28 November.
• Confusion Ahead of Liberia's Presidential Run-Off VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- In Liberia, there is confusion ahead of Tuesday's presidential run-off election because the opposition Congress for Democratic Change party appears unable to decide whether it is boycotting the vote.
• Zimbabwe Prime Minister Urges Mugabe to Step Down VOA 03 Nov 2011 -- Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is urging President Robert Mugabe to step down because of his health and advanced age.
• Côte d’Ivoire: UN to provide multi-faceted support for legislative elections UN News Centre 03 Nov 2011 -- The head of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire has assured authorities there that the Organization will provide the West African country with the support it requires.
• Guinea-Bissau must build on recent gains to advance peace – UN envoy UN News Centre 03 Nov 2011 -- While Guinea-Bissau has made important progress recently, including in police reform, it is vital that it press ahead with other challenges.
• Why Is Moscow So Interested In Securing Viktor Bout's Return? RFE/RL 03 Nov 2011 -- With the conviction in the United States of arms dealer Viktor Bout on November 2, the Russian government has stepped up its protests and vowed to secure Bout's return to Russia.
• Moscow to push for Bout’s return – Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- Russia said on Thursday it would push for Viktor Bout’s return following his conviction in an arms deal case by the United States.
• Russia expects Bout to appeal conviction in U.S. – Foreign Ministry RIA Novosti 03 Nov 2011 -- Russia expects Viktor Bout to appeal his conviction in the United States on charges of illegal arms dealing.
• Global food prices drop to 11-month low in October, UN agency reports UN News Centre 03 Nov 2011 -- Food prices dropped to an 11-month low in October, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said.
• Six Astrium satellites to be launched on the second Soyuz flight from Kourou EADS 03 Nov 2011 -- Astrium, the European space industry leader, is prime contractor for all six satellites to be launched in mid-December by the 2nd Soyuz launcher to lift off from Kourou.