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Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
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News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 14 Nov 2011 [PDF]
• Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader AFPS 14 Nov 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during a security operation in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
• Attacker Killed Near Venue As Opponents Try To Sidetrack Afghan Jirga RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- Afghan security forces thwarted suicide attack outside the venue of this week's national grand assembly.
• Taliban Claim To Have Loya Jirga Security Plan RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- The Taliban in Afghanistan has published what it claims are security plans for an upcoming national meeting, but the Afghan government has dismissed the claim as baseless.
• Close air support protects coalition forces, kills 70 insurgents AFNS 14 Nov 2011 -- F-15Es and F-16s dropped more than 9,000 pounds of munitions through severe weather on enemy forces trying to overrun a combat outpost in Paktika province, Afghanistan, Nov. 8.
• Marine aviation key to major offensive in Afghanistan USMC News 14 Nov 2011 -- Under the veil of darkness, a team of Marine Corps CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters sped over the Helmand River valley in early October.
• 7th ESB brings commerce, growth to Helmand province while supporting Operation Eastern Storm USMC News 14 Nov 2011 -- Operation Tofan Sharq (Eastern Storm) continues in the upper Sangin Valley of Helmand province, Afghanistan.
• Pakistani Militants Blow Up Music Shops RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- Unknown insurgents blew up two CD shops and a number of other shops in province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Logistical Drawdown Progressing Smoothly in Iraq AFPS 14 Nov 2011 -- The logistical drawdown in Iraq is progressing well and on track to meet the Dec. 31 deadline.
• JB Balad wraps up operations AFNS 14 Nov 2011 -- What was once a bustling hub for U.S. operations in Iraq has now transitioned into a quiet and empty shell of its former self.
• Brig Gen Ja’fari: Iranian, Iraqi nations’ harmony IRNA 14 Nov 2011 -- Commander of Iran’s revolutionary guards said in a meeting with Iraqi Army joint chief of staff harmony between Iranian and Iraqi nations has envies in some countries.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Willard Details Pacific Command’s Mission, Scope AFPS 14 Nov 2011 -- Managing the relationship with China and growing the relationship with India are two of US Pacific Command’s key objectives, the organization’s commander said.
• Newest MSC T-AKE-Class Ship USNS Medgar Evers Christened NNS 14 Nov 2011 -- USNS Medgar Evers was christened Nov. 12 during a ceremony at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.
• DOD highlights U.S. military aircraft capabilities in 2011 Dubai Airshow AFNS 14 Nov 2011 -- AFCENT Airmen will lead the Department of Defense effort to showcase a variety of U.S. military aircraft at the 2011 Dubai Airshow.
• Laser Experts Convene at ONR-Sponsored Forum Focused on Warfighter Needs NNS 14 Nov 2011 -- In pursuit of maritime lasers, the Office of Naval Research is co-sponsoring the Directed Energy Professional Society's annual symposium for the first time.
• Man's best friend finds new mission Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- About 90 "Strike" Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were the Army's first Soldiers to participate in the Tactical Explosive Detection Dogs program.
• Brigade deploys newest asset Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- Unmanned aerial systems are machines which function by remote control or autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans.
• New ammunition combines four artillery cartridges into one Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- The Program Executive Office for Ammunition has started testing a new artillery round that will provide Soldier's with superior performance as well as lighten the military logistics burden.
• USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group Deploys NNS 14 Nov 2011 -- Nearly 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit departed San Diego Nov. 14.
• Makin Island ARG Departs on Maiden Deployment NNS 14 Nov 2011 -- Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group departed San Diego for deployment Monday, Nov. 14.
• Texas Visits Subic Bay during Western Pacific Deployment NNS 14 Nov 2011 -- USS Texas moored alongside submarine tender USS Emory S Land in Subic Bay Nov. 10, for a visit as part of its deployment to the western Pacific.
• U.S.-S. Korean Nuclear War Exercises KCNA 14 Nov 2011 -- US Strategic Command staged "exercises for operating extended deterrence means" under the supervision of the "extended deterrence policy committee".
• Air Force participates in joint homeland defense exercise AFNS 14 Nov 2011 -- A variety of military and federal organizations participated in a first-of-its-kind homeland defense event Nov. 7.
• PM NV/RSTA Demonstrates Sensor System Interoperability and Networking Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- Over the past few years, the U.S. Army has increasingly focused on bringing together what were once disparate tests of its various network systems into holistic and realistic semi-annual exercises.
• Satellite terminals work in tandem with new and current technology Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- Ground satellite terminals are being leveraged in the Army's most recent Network Integration Evaluation.
• Handover of Deseret Chemical Depot approved Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- In less than two years, the Deseret Chemical Depot will once again become Tooele Army Depot South Area.
• APG to unveil alternative energy source Army News 14 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Army is installing hydrogen fuel cells at three APG facilities as part of an initiative to boost alternative energy sources at military installations.
• Medvedev to assess reaction to Euro missile defense RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- Russian Pres. Medvedev announced that he would deliver a complete assessment on the US-backed European missile defense system.
• Russia may sell air defense systems, helicopters to Saudi Arabia RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- Russia is close to signing new contracts with Saudi Arabia on the export of helicopters and air defense missiles systems.
• Badminton To Hone Russian Military? RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- The "Izvestiya" newspaper reported defense ministry officials as saying soldiers would be made to play badminton.
• Russian Defense Ministry denies badminton purchases RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- The Russian Defense Ministry denied reports that it had bought of badminton rackets and shuttlecocks for military units.
• Russian Defense Ministry to supply snipers with birdies RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- The Russian Defense Ministry will buy badminton rackets and shuttlecocks in 2012 and plans to provide military units with equipment.
• Tender to buy 197 light choppers for IAF, army hits roadblock IRNA 14 Nov 2011 -- Plans of Indian Air Force and the army to replace their fleet of ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have hit a roadblock.
• Pakistan Air force plane crashes IRNA 14 Nov 2011 -- A Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashed in the country's Eastern province of Punjab, killing its pilot.
• Misleading media reports on Army redundancies and structure UK MOD 14 Nov 2011 -- There have been various misleading and inaccurate media reports this weekend speculating on the future number of soldiers and the future structure of the British Army.
• UK: Missiles Could Be Used To Protect Olympics RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond says that ground-to-air missiles could be deployed to protect the 2012 Olympic Games in London if deemed necessary.
• Taiwan prepares to start drill on Pingtung highway CNA 14 Nov 2011 -- Taiwan's armed forces staged a rehearsal for a military drill that will be held for the first time on the Chia Tung Highway Strip.
• Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest, 11/14/2011 The White House 14 Nov 2011
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, November 14, 2011 US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2011

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for November 14, 2011
• CACI Awarded $273 Million Multiple-Award Contract to Provide HR Solutions Support for U.S. Army CACI 14 Nov 2011 -- CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that it has been selected as one of 15 prime contractors to support the Recruitment and Retention mission area under the U.S. Army's HR Solutions program for the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) Manpower & Reserve Affairs (M&RA).
• Sikorsky Aerospace Services to Perform A-to-L Upgrades on Royal Saudi Land Forces' BLACK HAWK Helicopters Sikorsky 14 Nov 2011 -- Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) announced today the signing of a follow-on contract with the Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command (RSLFAC) to upgrade its fleet of BLACK HAWK UH-60A helicopters to the more modern UH-60L aircraft configuration.
• Lockheed Martin Receives $383M Contract From U.S. Army to Maintain Aerostat Detection Systems Lockheed Martin 14 Nov 2011 -- The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $383 million contract to maintain, operate and sustain the Persistent Threat Detection Systems (PTDS).
• Northrop Grumman-Built STSS Demonstration Satellites Participate in THAAD Weapon System Multiple Missile Test Northrop Grumman 14 Nov 2011 -- The Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) demonstration satellites tracked two different missile targets and delivered data in real-time to support a successful Oct. 5 flight test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system, according to Northrop Grumman Corporation, prime contractor, and the Raytheon Company, sensor payload provider.
• Raytheon Wins DHS ICE Investigative Case Management Modernization Contract Raytheon 14 Nov 2011 -- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has awarded a contract to Raytheon Company for the development of a modernized investigative case management system to replace the agency's legacy system.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Offices of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General and the Spokesperson for the General Assembly President, 14 November 2011 United Nations 14 Nov 2011
• UN calls for immediate resumption of direct Israel-Palestinians talks UN News Centre 14 Nov 2011 -- The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the search for Middle East peace called on Israel and the Palestinians to resume direct talks.
• International Negotiators Meet, Little Progress on Mideast Peace VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- International diplomats seeking to re-start the stalled negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians have held separate meetings with the two parties.
• Obama Expresses 'Disappointment' on French Palestinian Vote VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- US President Barack Obama says he used a private meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy earlier this month to express "significant disappointment" with a French vote in favor of Palestinians joining UNESCO.
• UN official voices concern over Lebanon’s control of its borders UN News Centre 14 Nov 2011 -- Lebanon must regain control of its borders to ensure stability, a senior UN official said, expressing his concern over recent incursions of the Syrian military into the Middle East country.
• UN Monitoring Group to Recommend al-Shabab Sanctions VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- The UN special envoy for Somalia says a Security Council-appointed monitoring group will recommend sanctions against the al-Qaida linked militant group al-Shabab.
• Report: Somalis Want Justice, Dignity VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- In Somalia, as in other conflict areas, civilians have suffered the most.
• Ban voices ‘deep concern’ over worsening rhetoric between Sudan and South Sudan UN News Centre 14 Nov 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban expressed deep concern about the escalating tensions between neighbouring Sudan and South Sudan.
• Sudan Rebel Groups Form Alliance to Topple Bashir VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Four major Sudanese rebel groups have formed an alliance aimed at toppling the government of President Omar al-Bashir.
• Security Council demands end to attacks by rebel Lord’s Resistance Army UN News Centre 14 Nov 2011 -- The Security Council today strongly condemned ongoing attacks carried out by the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) across Central Africa and demanded an immediate end to the atrocities.
• Resolution of boundary dispute with India will take time: China IRNA 14 Nov 2011 -- Ahead of the crucial Sino-Indian Special Representative talks on boundary dispute, China said a fair solution cannot be achieved 'overnight' and will 'take time'.
• Kazakhstan On High Alert After Shooting Spree By Suspected Militant RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- Security is tight in Kazakhstan following a shooting spree and a suicide bombing by a suspected militant.
• Last Fugitive From Tajik Jailbreak Caught RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- The last of the 25 convicts who escaped last year from a high-security prison in Tajikistan has been captured.

News Reports

• News Conference by President Obama The White House 14 Nov 2011
• New Reports Link N. Korean, Iranian Nuclear Programs VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- News media in Northeast Asia are reporting details of alleged cooperation between Iran and North Korea in trying to build atomic bombs.
• Obama Says U.S., China, Russia Are United Against Iranian Nuke RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- President Obama: China, Russia, and the US are united in the goal of ensuring that Iran does not make atomic weapons.
• Obama: Russia, China United With US on Iran Nuclear Issue VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- U.S. President Barack Obama: US, China and Russia are united on the need to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
• EU Ministers Put Off Decision On More Iran Sanctions RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- European Union foreign ministers have warned of tougher sanctions against Iran, but said they will wait till their next meeting on December 1 before taking further action.
• Iranian sanctions at dead-end says Moscow RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- The option of sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear program is exhausted and the issue should be solved by talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
• Report: Russian Expert Advised Iran On Nuclear Program RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- A Washington-based NGO has says Iran apparently had the help of a Russian scientist in developing a detonator and high explosives for its nuclear program.
• China Rebuffs Obama’s Criticisms on Trade, Currency VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- China is pushing back at criticism from US President Barack Obama about Beijing’s currency and trade policies.
• Obama says undervalued yuan hurts U.S. economy RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- US President Barack Obama said China was now a "grown-up economy" and should act more responsibly on its currency.
• Syria Faces Growing Isolation for Crackdown VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Syria called the Arab League decision to suspend its membership illegal.
• Syria Under Growing International Pressure To Stop Violence RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- Syria has come under renewed international pressure to halt a bloody crackdown against antigovernment protesters.
• Jordan's King Abdullah Calls for Assad's Resignation VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Jordan's King Abdullah has called for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down.
• Syria Calls Arab League Suspension 'Dangerous Step' RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- Syria says an Arab League decision to suspend it amid an ongoing response to antiregime protests was "an extremely dangerous step."
• Syrian opposition leader urges Russia to abandon Assad RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- A leading Syrian opposition figure has said “it is about time” Russia changed its stance towards President Bashar al-Assad’s “despotic regime.”
• West ‘encouraging’ Syrian opposition to continue standoff - Lavrov RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- The West is encouraging the Syrian opposition to continue its confrontation with the ruling regime, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
• EU tightens sanctions against Syria RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- EU foreign ministers approved a package of additional sanctions against Syria on Monday over the bloody crackdown on protests by President Bashar Assad's regime.
• Arab League to send 500 monitors to Syria RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- The Arab League will send 500 monitors to Syria to help resolve the ongoing crisis in the country, the Arab Medical Union's head, Ibrahim al-Zafarani, said.
• Elections In South Ossetia, Transdniester Pose Prickly Problems For Moscow RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- The December 4 State Duma elections in Russia are not the only voting that is on the Kremlin's mind these days.
• South Ossetia Vote For New Leader Goes To Runoff RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- Officials in Georgia's breakaway province of South Ossetia say an election to pick a new leader there will go to a runoff between a Kremlin-backed candidate and a former senior education official.
• South Ossetia president to be determined by runoff RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- South Ossetia’s presidential election will continue into the second round as none of the candidates has gained the required number of votes to win.
• South Ossetia faces second round of presidential elections RIA Novosti 14 Nov 2011 -- The second round of presidential polls in South Ossetia will be contested by Emergency Minister Anatoly Bibilov and former Education Minister Alla Dzhioyeva.
• Burma Democracy Leader Cites Progress, Challenges VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Burma’s democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has cited positive steps toward democracy by the military-backed government.
• Liberian Opposition Leader Charges Police with Attempted Assassination VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Liberia's top opposition leader says he believes he and his running mate, George Weah, were targeted for assassination.
• Equatorial Guinea Opposition Cries Foul Over Constitutional Vote VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Opposition to Equatorial Guinea's long-time, autocratic President Teodoro Obiang Nguema are crying foul, both inside and outside the country.
• Kenya Poll Chief Vows to Conduct Credible Elections VOA 14 Nov 2011 -- Officials of Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) are scheduled to meet Tuesday, to begin drawing constituencies ahead of next year’s general elections.
• Armenian Ruling Party In Rare Election Loss RFE/RL 14 Nov 2011 -- The ruling party of Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian suffered a rare loss when the long-serving mayor of a northern town was defeated.
• Northrop Grumman Modular Space Vehicle Successfully Completes Preliminary Design Review Northrop Grumman 14 Nov 2011 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation has completed on schedule the preliminary design review (PDR) for its modular space vehicle (MSV), allowing the program to proceed to its critical design review and closer to manufacturing.
• Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Sunshield Flight Processes on Full-Size Model of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Northrop Grumman 14 Nov 2011 -- Engineers at Northrop Grumman Corporation have confirmed how the James Webb Space Telescope's five ultra-thin sunshield layers are attached, folded and stowed for launch using the Sunshield Full-Scale Mockup test article.