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13 December 2011 Military News

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Defense Policy / Programs
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Current Operations

OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 13 Dec 2011 [PDF]

US Troops Leave Iraq, Controversy over War Continues VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- The war in Iraq lasted nearly nine years and Middle East analysts continue to disagree over the success or failure of the mission.
Retired Army Major Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Engaging in Money Laundering Related to Contracting in Support of Iraq War US Dept. of Justice 13 Dec 2011
UN envoy encourages all Iraqis to continue promoting human rights UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations envoy for Iraq has encouraged the Government, the Council of Representatives and citizens to continue to promote and protect human rights.
Iraqi Official Says Iranian Dissident Exiles To Be Relocated RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Iraq's deputy FM:Iranian exiles living at a camp in Iraq may soon be allowed to leave for other countries or return to Iran.

Combined Force Finds Hashish Cache in Afghanistan AFPS 13 Dec 2011 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force found a drug cache in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Panetta Arrives in Afghanistan to Assess Progress AFPS 13 Dec 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived to thank U.S. service members for their role in reversing momentum against the Taliban.
Panetta in Afghanistan, Calls 2011 a 'Turning Point' VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta is in Afghanistan to check on the progress of U.S.-led counterinsurgency efforts.
Allen Cites Time of Optimism in Afghanistan AFPS 13 Dec 2011 -- Commander of U.S. and NATO troops said it’s a time for optimism in Afghanistan, as progress continues and Afghan forces assume increasing security responsibility.
U.S. Defense Chief Panetta Visits Kabul RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has arrived in Kabul to reaffirm Washington's commitment to Afghanistan.
5th ANGLICO replaces 1st ANGLICO in Afghanistan USMC News 13 Dec 2011 -- In preparation for the transfer of authority on Dec. 4, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and 5th ANGLICO have been convoying to bases throughout the Helmand province of Afghanistan recently.
First Afghan pilot class in 30 years kicks off in at Shindand AFNS 13 Dec 2011 -- The Afghan air force marked the beginning of its first undergraduate pilot training held exclusively inside Afghanistan in more than 30 years during a ceremony Dec. 10 here.
Iran, Afghanistan discuss defense cooperation IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi underlined the need for Iran-Afghanistan defense and military cooperation.
HRW Blasts Uzbekistan Over 'Unmet Torture Promises' And Other Abuses RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Human Rights Watch has leveled sharp criticism at Uzbekistan over its rights record and chided Western governments for turning a blind eye.

NATO asked to answer Pakistan's questions on attack IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Prime Minister Gilani asked NATO to answer ‘disturbing questions’ about its last month airstrikes on two Pakistani border posts, which had killed 24 soldiers.
Pakistan to shoot down intruding US drones IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Pakistan will shoot down any US drone that intrudes its airspace as per new directives, a media report has quoted senior Pakistani official as saying.
Taliban must surrender for talks, says Pakistani minister IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the government would not hold talks with Taliban until they surrender.
Pakistani Police Rescue Dozens Of Students Chained In Islamic Seminary RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Police in southern Pakistan have found dozens of students chained and held in the basement of an Islamic seminary.

Remarks by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta in Djibouti DoD 13 Dec 2011
Panetta Thanks Troops in Djibouti AFPS 13 Dec 2011 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta kicked off a trip to various countries, thanking members of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa here for their role in maintaining stability and preventing conflict in the region.
US Defense Chief: Djibouti a Key Ally VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says countries like Djibouti are key to counterterrorism efforts, as the U.S. shifts its focus to al-Qaida affiliates in Somalia and Yemen.
U.S. Military Advisers to Support African Fight Against LRA AFRICOM 13 Dec 2011 -- U.S. troops serving as advisers in the fight against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) are beginning to deploy from Uganda to LRA-affected areas.
Air Force MQ-9 crashes in Seychelles AFNS 13 Dec 2011 -- An Air Force MQ-9 Reaper crashed at the Seychelles International Airport in Mahe at 10:22 a.m. Dec. 13.
U.S. Marines support Somalia-bound Djiboutian motor group USMC News 13 Dec 2011 -- A small team of Sicily-based Marines spent nearly three weeks partnering with Djiboutian supply and maintenance soldiers.

Defense Policy / Programs

US Congress Moves Forward With Massive Defense Bill VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- The U.S. Congress is moving forward with a massive defense bill with a controversial provision on the military detention of certain terror suspects.
US Envoy: Better Ties With Burma No Threat to China VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- The U.S. special envoy to Burma says Washington's improved relations with the southeast Asian country should not be seen as a threat to China.
Marine Corps reactivates 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade USMC News 13 Dec 2011 -- The Marine Corps reactivated 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, commanded by Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake, today during a ceremony on Camp Courtney.
Pentagon developing next-generation helicopter equipment Army News 13 Dec 2011 -- The Army-led science and technology Joint Multi-Role Demonstrator effort to design a next-generation vertical-lift aircraft by 2030 is heavily focused on leveraging advanced electronic and avionics capabilities.
USS Enterprise Completes UNREP in Preparation for Deployment NNS 13 Dec 2011 -- The USS Enterprise completed an underway replenishment with USNS Big Horn and USNS Sacagawea while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 7.
HSM-77 Deploys with CSG-9 NNS 13 Dec 2011 -- The "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77 departed Naval Air Station North Island Dec. 13, to meet USS Abraham Lincoln and the rest of Carrier Strike Group 9 for a deployment.
7th Civil Support Command ESS-X site adds value Army News 13 Dec 2011 -- The 7th Civil Support Command's Equipment Storage Site Expanded provides an efficient and value added asset for the Army Reserve in Europe.
Executive Order -- 2011 Amendments to the Manual for Courts-Martial, United States The White House 13 Dec 2011
Helicopter Squadron Rescues Families from Capsized Boat NNS 13 Dec 2011 -- Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 Detachment 2, embarked aboard USS Bataan, aided distressed mariners in the Gulf of Aden, Dec 7.
Air Force to lift hiring freeze Dec. 15 AFNS 13 Dec 2011 -- The hiring freeze implemented in August will be fully lifted Dec. 15, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.
Federal Hiring of Veterans Reaches 20-Year High AFPS 13 Dec 2011 -- Nearly 29 percent of federal government hires in fiscal 2011 went to military veterans, marking a 20-year high, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry said.
Veterans’ Homelessness Drops Amid Partnerships, Outreach AFPS 13 Dec 2011 -- The U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development announced that a new national report shows that homelessness among veterans has been reduced.

Commander-in-Chief visits new RAF intelligence aircraft training programme UK MOD 13 Dec 2011 -- The second-highest-ranking Royal Air Force officer has visited British personnel who are being trained in America to use the Rivet Joint aircraft - the RAF's new airborne signals intelligence aircraft.
RFA Wave Ruler returns to UK after 21-month deployment UK MOD 13 Dec 2011 -- RFA Wave Ruler arrived home yesterday, 12 December 2011, after spending nearly two years working across hurricane zones and drug-trafficking routes.

China Considers Seychelles Naval Port Offer VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- China says it may use the Seychelles to rest and resupply its navy ships while they carry out anti-piracy missions.

Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft crashes IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed soon after taking off from Lohegaon airbase near Pune.

Taiwan passes amendment to military service act CNA 13 Dec 2011 -- The Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to the Act of Military Service System.
Taiwan Army blog helps solve communication problems CNA 13 Dec 2011 -- A blog launched to assist communication between enlisted men and their commanding officers has helped solve dozens of problems.

Japan Accused of Laying Groundwork for Overseas Expansion: Minju Joson KCNA 13 Dec 2011 -- There held a vice ministerial-level meeting for reviewing the "three principles of arms export" in Japan on Nov. 28.

Iran's Threat to Blockade The Strait Of Hormuz RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- A hard-line Iranian newspaper considered to speak for Iran's supreme leader has come out in support of closing the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
IKIU-built unmanned plane tested successfully IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- A team of Imam Khomeini International University airspace experts tested an unmanned plane with range of 240 KM and continuous flight of 3 hour successfully.

Kim Jong Il Commands Firing Drill of KPA Large Combined Unit 966 KCNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Kim Jong Il commanded a firing drill of the Large Combined Unit 966 of the Korean People's Army.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 12/13/2011 The White House 13 Dec 2011
U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, December 13, 2011 US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2011

Defense Industry

DoD News: Contracts for December 13, 2011
Boeing Delivers 2nd Peace Eye AEW&C Aircraft to Republic of Korea Air Force Boeing 13 Dec 2011 -- The Boeing Company today delivered the second Peace Eye 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
L-3 Agrees to Acquire Kollmorgen Electro-Optical L-3 Communications 13 Dec 2011 -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Kollmorgen Electro-Optical (KEO) unit of Danaher Corporation.
Lockheed Martin Wins RF-ITV II Contract Lockheed Martin 13 Dec 2011 -- Lockheed Martin has been awarded work by the U.S. Army’s Product Manager, Joint-Automatic Identification Technology organization to provide operations and maintenance for the Radio Frequency In-Transit Visibility (RF-ITV) system. If all options are exercised over the course of five years, the contract is valued at $126 million.
Raytheon SDB II Flight Test Keeps Program Ahead of Schedule Raytheon 13 Dec 2011 -- Raytheon Company completed a series of captive flight tests on the Small Diameter Bomb II tri-mode seeker, keeping the program ahead of schedule. The tests demonstrated that the company's tri-mode seeker could acquire and track moving vehicles.
Raytheon Establishes New JLENS Test Site at White Sands Missile Range Raytheon 13 Dec 2011 -- Raytheon Company recently established a test site at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., for its cruise missile defense system – the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS).
Raytheon's Next Generation Jammer Power System Passes Technology Readiness Tests Raytheon 13 Dec 2011 -- A critical power generation subsystem of Raytheon Company's Next Generation Jammer has demonstrated its technical maturity through successful completion of a series of sea and altitude level wind tunnel tests.
Sikorsky Signs with Brunei Ministry of Defence for Sale of S-70iTM BLACK HAWK Helicopters Sikorsky 13 Dec 2011 -- Sikorsky Aircraft, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp., has formally signed a contract with the Brunei Ministry of Defence to provide 12 S-70iTM BLACK HAWK helicopters with associated spare parts, training and ground support equipment. The contract contains an option for 10 additional aircraft.
BAE Systems Seeker Performs in First Multi-Kill THAAD Test BAE Systems 13 Dec 2011 -- BAE Systems’ infrared imaging seekers detected two short range ballistic missiles for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system flight test program at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.
Lockheed Martin Delivers GPS III Pathfinder Satellite to Denver on Schedule Lockheed Martin 13 Dec 2011 -- The Lockheed Martin team developing the U.S. Air Force’s next generation Global Positioning System has delivered the program’s pathfinder spacecraft to the company’s Denver-area facility.
U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin Complete Environmental Testing of the Nation’s Next Missile Warning Satellite Lockheed Martin 13 Dec 2011 -- Lockheed Martin has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the U.S. Air Force’s second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-2) satellite.

Other Conflicts

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 13 December 2011 United Nations 13 Dec 2011

Syrian Defectors Kill 7 Security Force Members in Revenge Attack VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- Rights activists say Syrian army defectors killed seven government security force members while ambushing a patrol.
Diplomats Distressed About Syrian Unrest VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- Several U.N. Security Council members say they are distressed by information presented at a meeting by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.
UN Says Syria Crackdown Death Toll Exceeds 5,000 VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations says the death toll from months of unrest in Syria has now surpassed 5,000 people.
UN Says More Than 5,000 Have Been Killed Since Syria Protests Began RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said more than 5,000 people have been killed during the uprising in Syria.
Russia's Lavrov Says Western Stance On Syria 'Immoral' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Russia's foreign minister has rebuffed calls on Moscow to back sanctions against Syria, saying that ultimatums won't help end the crisis.
Syria sanctions ‘counterproductive’ - Moscow RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2011 -- Russia continues to oppose sanctions against Syria, which would be counterproductive, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
Syrians’ turn out at election polls noticeable IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Syria’s 10th Local Administration Councils Elections which began at 7:00 a.m. Monday was a scene for noticeable turn out of Syrian voters at election polls in most parts of the country.

Security Council urges comprehensive strategy to tackle Somalia’s crises UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- The Security Council stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the political, security and humanitarian challenges in the country through collaborative efforts.
UN Chief: More Troops May Be Necessary for Somalia VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the retreat of militant groups such as al-Shabab from Mogadishu presents an opportunity to stabilize the country.
UN Launches Annual $1.5 Billion Appeal for Somalia VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- The United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for Somalia Tuesday kicked off an annual appeal to assist Somalis affected by drought and war.

Violence Eclipses South Sudan Aid Meeting VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- Leaders of the newly-independent South Sudan met with officials of donor countries and would-be investors in Washington in a conference overshadowed by conflict in areas of Sudan bordering the new state.

LIBYA: Rocky road ahead for Libya’s Tawergha minority IRIN 13 Dec 2011 -- A major challenge facing Libya as it emerges from a nine-month civil war will be reconciling and integrating thousands of Tawergha.

Rodong Sinmun on South Korean Policy KCNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Whoever is concerned about the destiny of the nation should not turn aside from the country's reunification.

Chad failed to arrest Sudanese President, ICC tells Security Council UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- The International Criminal Court decided that Chad has not met its obligation to fully cooperate with the court by failing to arrest and surrender Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
ICC Reports Chad, Malawi to Security Council VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- A spokesman for the International Criminal Court says the court is referring Chad and Malawi to the United Nations Security Council over their refusal to arrest indicted Sudanese President Hassan Omar al-Bashir.
Ugandan judge elected to serve on UN World Court UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- The General Assembly and the Security Council elected a Ugandan jurist to fill the final vacancy on the International Court of Justice.

News Reports

President: US officials will soon see Iran's technological achievements IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- President Ahmadinejad derided the US officials for refusing to admit that Iran has guided the stealth aircraft to land.
Iran does not need China, Russia for inverse engineering, says MP ISNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Iran's Parliament Boroujerdi said the country does not need China and Russia for inverse engineering's technology.
Iran minister: US spy drone, Islamic Republic of Iran's property ISNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Tuesday the US spy drone is the Islamic Republic of Iran's property.
Iran Says It Will Not Return US Drone VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- Iran has rejected a U.S. request to return a drone that Tehran says it brought down near the Afghan border earlier this month.
Iran Dismisses U.S. Request To Return Spy Drone RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Iran has dismissed a U.S. request expressed by President Barack Obama to return a U.S. drone that Iranian officials say was captured in Iranian airspace by its armed forces.
Iran calls Obama's demand for return of drone "escape forward" ISNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast called the US President Barack Obama's remarks on giving back the American spy drone "escape forward."
Western powers prepare fresh sanctions against Iran RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2011 -- The Western powers will impose a fresh round of sanctions against Iran early next year, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said during his visit to the United States.
Iran Indicts 'American, Zionist Spies' RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Iran's official IRNA news agency says Iran has indicted 15 people on charges of "spying" for the United States and Israel.
Indictments issued for 15 individuals spying for US, Israel IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Prosecutor of Tehran's public and Islamic Revolution courts Abbas Jaafari Doulatabadi said that indictments have been issued for 15 individuals spying for the United States and Israel.
Iran lodges complaint against protesters entered UK embassy ISNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Tehran Prosecutor-General Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi said the country has lodged a complaint against protesters entered the UK embassy in Tehran.
Commissioning US virtual embassy aimed at spying: Boroujerdi IRNA 13 Dec 2011 -- Chairman of Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said that the US is seeking to collect data and information through virtual embassy after the British Embassy was closed down in Iran.

Human Rights Group: China Executes 4,000 a Year VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- A U.S.-based human rights group says that China has made "dramatic progress" in reducing the use of the death penalty.

East Congo Protesters Arrested VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- Congolese authorities arrested protesters in the eastern city of Goma Tuesday after breaking up a demonstration against the re-election of President Joseph Kabila.

Ban voices concern about leadership deadlock in Papua New Guinea UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- Secretary-General Ban expressed concern about mounting political tensions in Papua New Guinea.

Palestinian flag flies at UNESCO to mark admission as new member UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- The Palestinian flag was raised for the first time at the Paris headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Canada Bans Veils During Citizenship Ceremonies RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- The Canadian government has announced it will bar all women from wearing face coverings from taking part in citizenship ceremonies.
Kazakh Students Win Fight Against Hijab Ban RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Officials at a university in northwestern Kazakhstan have lifted a hijab ban for students after eight female students threatened to sue the school.

Moscow Protests Get Legs with Social Media VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- A Moscow march to protest election fraud unexpectedly drew tens of thousands of people on Saturday.
Medvedev Announces First Session of Russia's New Duma VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- Russian President Medvedev has announced the first session of the country's newly elected parliament.
Medvedev urges easing of ‘restraints’ in Russian politics RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2011 -- President Medvedev called for an easing of “accumulated restraints” in Russian political life.
Medvedev vows ‘fair decisions’ after vote fraud probe RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2011 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterated his pledge to carefully investigate all alleged violations in the December 4 elections.

EU Official: 'Serious Concern' About Tymoshenko VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- A European Union envoy says he has voiced "serious concern" to Ukrainian President and top officials in Ukraine about jailing of Yulia Tymoshenko.

China: Canada's Kyoto Protocol Withdrawal 'Regrettable' VOA 13 Dec 2011 -- China is calling Canada's decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol "regrettable" and says it goes against the efforts of the international community.
Canada’s withdrawal from Kyoto Protocol regrettable – UN climate official UN News Centre 13 Dec 2011 -- Canada’s decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol is surprising and regrettable, the United Nations climate change chief Christiana Figueres said.
Canada Pulls Out Of Kyoto RFE/RL 13 Dec 2011 -- Canada's Environment Minister Peter Kent said his country is invoking the legal right to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol on climate change.
Canada walks out on Kyoto Protocol RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2011 -- Canada has become the first country to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol, Environment Minister Peter Kent said.

Astrium will continue to manage the ISS on behalf of ESA EADS 13 Dec 2011 -- The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Astrium, Europe’s number-one space company, to manage the continued operation and exploitation of the European components of the International Space Station (ISS) as the lead partner in an industrial consortium.

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