Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 17 Jan 2012 [PDF]
• Airstrike Kills 2 Insurgents in Afghanistan AFPS 17 Jan 2012 -- A combined Afghan and coalition security force called in an airstrike that killed two insurgents in the Manduzai district of Afghanistan’s Khost province.
• Air Force completes Kabul shooting investigation AFNS 17 Jan 2012 -- The Air Force completed its investigation into the April 27, 2011 shooting incident at the Afghanistan air force Headquarters located in Kabul, Afghanistan, in which eight U.S. Air Force Airmen and one civilian contractor were killed.
• Kabul Airport Shooting Probe Determines Gunman Acted Alone AFPS 17 Jan 2012 -- The Air Force’s investigation into an April 27 shooting incident that left eight U.S. airmen and a civilian contractor dead in Kabul, Afghanistan, determined that the gunman acted alone.
• NATO's senior civilian in Afghanistan discusses challenges ahead UK MOD 17 Jan 2012 -- NATO's senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, Ambassador Sir Simon Gass, gave a lecture at the Royal United Services Institute on the challenges ahead.
• UN envoy arrives to help Afghanistan through new period of development UN News Centre 17 Jan 2012 -- The new United Nations envoy to Afghanistan arrived in the capital, Kabul to take the helm of the world body’s presence there and assist the country amid a period of transition.
• Mission accomplished: Marine Osprey squadron flies last mission of Afghanistan deployment USMC News 17 Jan 2012 -- A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey squadron flew its final combat mission to complete its deployment to Afghanistan.
• DoD AL&T sees technology saving Soldiers lives in the field Army News 17 Jan 2012 -- Senior Department of Defense officials for acquisition, contingency contracting and program support saw first-hand how systems are helping defeat improvised explosive devices.
• USACE's Afghanistan Engineer District-South meets 99 percent of 1st quarter 2012 construction goal Army News 17 Jan 2012 -- Getting projects completed in Afghanistan is challenging, but the Afghanistan Engineer District-South set a goal of completing or "placing" almost $190 million worth of construction for 1QFY12.
• Energy initiatives save money, resources, provide reliable power Army News 17 Jan 2012 -- Cutting edge technology and energy initiatives for Operation Enduring Freedom that bring energy efficient power generation to forward deployed units were showcased to senior Department of Defense personnel.
• NTTC Trauma Instructors Provide Trauma Training to Role-3 Deployers NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Kandahar Role 3 Hospital course Sailors attended a lecture Jan. 16 at the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute at Camp Pendleton, Calif., designed to familiarize them with injuries they could see at the busiest military trauma hospital.
• AFGHANISTAN: Avalanches cut off parts of drought-hit northeast IRIN 17 Jan 2012 -- Avalanches in northeastern Afghanistan have cut off tens - if not hundreds - of thousands of people already at risk of hunger due to drought, opening the door to a potential humanitarian crisis if aid cannot reach them, says a provincial official.
• Pakistani Taliban Claims Responsibility for Killing VOA Reporter VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibilty for killing of Pakistani reporter Mukarram Khan Aatif, who worked for the Voice of America.
• Carl Vinson Conducts Second OEF Mission in 12 Months NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- USS Carl Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 Sailors began conducting air missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Jan. 14.
• Iran official says Obama's letter holds nothing new ISNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Senior Advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the letter from US President Barack Obama contained no new information.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Secretary Clinton Statement on International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2012
• U.S. to Launch Space Arms-Control Initiative RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- The United States is launching a new space arms-control initiative.
• NATO Anti-Missile Radar in Turkey Put into Operation RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- A NATO missile defense radar deployed in Turkey has been put into operation.
• Russian Scientists Mock U.S. Radar Theory on Mars Probe RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- The theory that Russia’s Mars mission failed due to a U.S. radar is extremely “exotic,” Russian scientists said.
• Russia to Test if U.S. Radar Downed Phobos Probe RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- A Russian government commission inquiring into why the Phobos-Grunt Mars probe crashed this week is to test whether it was affected after launch by U.S. radars.
• U.S. Radar May Have Damaged Russian Mars Probe RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- A powerful electromagnetic emission from a U.S. radar in the Pacific could have caused the malfunctioning of the Russian Phobos-Grunt probe.
• Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of President Saakashvili of Georgia The White House 17 Jan 2012
• KCNA on US and "Nuclear-Free World" KCNA 17 Jan 2012 -- It was recently disclosed that the United States has continued its secret nuclear weapons test, stunning the world.
• CMSAF discusses top issues AFNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy addressed a capacity crowd of Airmen and civilians at the Langley Theater on Jan. 11, and covered a wide variety of key Air Force issues.
• State Partnership Program Emphasizes Building Relationships AFPS 17 Jan 2012 -- A small, but innovative, program demonstrates the U.S. military’s “very agile and flexible” capabilities in working with partners, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
• SDDC operations branch the 'hourglass' of DOD surface transportation Army News 17 Jan 2012 -- The deputy chief of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Command Operations Branch described SDDC's operations center as an hourglass.
• Army acquisition executive emphasizes affordability as defense spending downshifts Army News 17 Jan 2012 -- Heidi Shyu's whirlwind visit Dec. 20 to Picatinny Arsenal included a town hall in which she underscored the need to streamline acquisition.
• Minju Joson Japan Accused of More Zealously Toeing U.S. Policy KCNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Japanese defence minister: "Japan would like to properly approach its new defence strategy and welcome it as there is no change in its stance of giving priority to the Asia-Pacific Region".
• Pretrial Proceedings Begin for Alleged USS Cole Mastermind AFPS 17 Jan 2012 -- US commander defended the new policy that allows government officials to monitor prisoners’ mail during the opening day of pretrial proceedings for alleged USS Cole bombing mastermind.
• French Judge Seeks Access to Guantanamo Prison VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- A French judge has requested permission from the United States to visit the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay.
• Navy Announces Disestablishment of SEAL LDO Designator NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Navy has announced the phase-out of the SEAL Limited Duty Officer designator, officials said Jan. 17.
• Naval Special Warfare Group 1 Commemorates 50th Anniversary NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Distinguished guests joined with special warfare personnel, past and present, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Naval Special Warfare Community Jan. 13.
• NPS Acquires Two USVs, Opens Sea Web Lab for Expanded Undersea Warfare Research NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Naval Postgraduate School leaders, students and guests gathered to welcome two new unmanned surface vehicles.
• Army integrating intel systems to increase response time in the field Army News 17 Jan 2012 -- The time it takes to verify and analyze data can critically impact whether or not a team can properly engage a target.
• USS Houston Arrives at New Homeport NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- USS Houston arrived at its new homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 17, after completing a change of homeport from Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 in Apra Harbor, Guam.
• USS James E. Williams Participates in COMPTUEX NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- USS James E Williams is participating in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 16 to certify the ship for its upcoming fourth deployment.
• USS Bataan Welcomes Aboard Italian Harrier NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- A few hours after transiting the Strait of Messina, multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan welcomed an Italian AV-8B Harrier on board Jan. 13.
• Bataan Displays Osprey Capabilities NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan hosted French aviators and engineers interested in the capabilities of the MV-22 Osprey Jan. 14.
• Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Conclude Port Visit in Malta NNS 17 Jan 2012 -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island concluded a four-day port visit in Valetta, Malta, Jan. 16.
• Russian Missile Forces Hold High Alert Drills RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces are holding a series of exercises to practice putting road-mobile missile systems on high alert.
• Carrier Ready for India After Eight Year Wait RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- A Russian aircraft carrier being refurbished for the Indian Navy will begin sea trials in May for the first time in two decades.
• Russia's 3rd Su-35S fighter starts test flights RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Russia's Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer started test flights of its third series-produced Su-35S Flanker-E multirole fighter.
• New AWACS Plane Enters Russian Air Force Service RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- A modernized A-50U airborne warning and control system aircraft entered service with the Russian Air Force.
• RFA Wave Knight rescues sailors in distress UK MOD 17 Jan 2012 -- Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Wave Knight responded to a mayday distress call this weekend from a 70-foot (21m) pleasure craft sailing in the northern Arabian Sea.
• Taiwan Puma EC-225 choppers make debut CNA 17 Jan 2012 -- An EC-225 Super Puma search-and-rescue helicopter acquired by the Taiwan Air Force was put through its paces for the media.
• Turkey Reacts To Rick Perry's 'Terrorist' Accusation RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- Turkey's government expressed outrage at comments by US Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry, who suggested the country is ruled by Islamic terrorists.
• Pakistani pilot dies in Turkey air crash IRNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Pakistan Air Force pilot, posted in Turkey was killed as his plane crashed while on a routine training mission.
• Mexican Navy Detains 'Stolen Yacht' with Two Russians Onboard RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Mexican Navy Forces in the Caribbean Sea have detained a yacht with two Russian nationals on board that was reported stolen from a U.S. owner.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 1/17/12 The White House 17 Jan 2012
• U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing, January 17, 2012 US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for January 17, 2012
• Raytheon BBN Awarded $5.5 Million to Develop Speech, Text Translation Capabilities for US Army Raytheon 17 Jan 2012 -- The U.S. Army has awarded Raytheon BBN Technologies a $5.5 million contract to develop a two-way communication and translation system that can be used on a variety of operating systems and platforms, including portable, mobile and net-enabled devices.
• Lockheed Martin Acquires Procerus Technologies Lockheed Martin 17 Jan 2012 -- Lockheed Martin today announced the acquisition of Procerus Technologies, a company specializing in autopilot and other avionics for micro unmanned aerial systems. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but are not material to Lockheed Martin’s results.
• Lockheed Martin Missile Defense Programs Achieve Significant Milestones In 2011 Lockheed Martin 17 Jan 2012 -- Lockheed Martin-developed missile defense system elements achieved 16 significant milestones during 2011, further solidifying the corporation’s position as a leader in ballistic missile defense (BMD).
• Missile Defense "National Team" Awarded C2BMC Contract Lockheed Martin 17 Jan 2012 -- Lockheed Martin, as prime contractor leading a consortium of five major defense contractors, has been awarded a follow-on contract with an estimated value of $980M to continue work on the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications program for the Missile Defense Agency.

Other Conflicts

• Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 17 January 2012 United Nations 17 Jan 2012
• At Least 30 Reported Killed in New Syrian Violence VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Violence has surged in Syria, and Western members of the UNSC have sparred with Russia over how to stop the bloodshed.
• Syria's Religious Minorities Wary of Uprising VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- As pressures mount on the Syrian government, those at the center of power are working hard to keep whatever allies they have close at hand.
• Syria Rejects Qatar's Call for Arab Troops VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Syria has rejected a Qatari proposal to send Arab troops to the country to stop 10 months of unrest.
• UN Security Council to Examine Russian Proposal on Syria VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Experts from the 15 nations on the U.N. Security Council are scheduled to discuss a new draft resolution on the violence in Syria.
• Russia Circulates New Syria Draft At UN RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- Russia has circulated a revised UN Security Council resolution on Syria, but Western diplomats are quoted as saying the draft still appears to fall short of a strong condemnation of regime's crackdown.
• Russia pitches 3rd Resolution Draft on Syria RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Russia has circulated a draft of the United Nations Security Council’s resolution on Syria, its third since December.
• Yemen's Foreign Minister Warns of Possible Election Delay VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Yemen's foreign minister says next month's planned election to replace embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh may be delayed because of security problems in the country.
• Iraq Faces Many Challenges After US Military Withdrawal VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- The last American soldier left Iraq last month, leaving behind a country President Obama described as "sovereign, stable and self-reliant."
• UN agency seeks $300 million to assist Palestinians in West Bank and Gaza UN News Centre 17 Jan 2012 -- The United Nations launched an emergency appeal for just over $300 million to assist Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
• US Senators Support Philippines in S. China Sea Dispute VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Four U.S. senators visiting Manila have been discussing the South China Sea territorial dispute and touting their support for the Philippines.
• Taiwan protests Japan's naming of islands CNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Taiwan has lodged a protest with Japan over Tokyo's recent attempt to name several uninhabited islands claimed by Taiwan.
• Statement from NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Violence in South Sudan The White House 17 Jan 2012
• Tribal Violence Leaves More Devastation in South Sudan VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Tribal violence in South Sudan's Jonglei state reached alarming levels with thousands of armed young men involved in attacks on villages.
• South Sudan Accuses Sudan of Stealing Oil VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- South Sudan accused its northern neighbor Sudan of stealing more than 2.1 million barrels of oil, and warned buyers and shippers that they might face prosecution.
• Russia May Pull Peacekeepers out of South Sudan RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Russia may withdraw its helicopters servicing UN peacekeepers in South Sudan amid concerns over the safety of its personnel.
• US Warns of Impending Food Crisis in Parts of Sudan VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- The United States is warning of a severe food crisis in parts of Sudan if the Khartoum government does not give the United Nations and its aid partners immediate access to the affected areas.
• Attacks Reported in Northern Mali Town VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Attacks in the Northern Mali town of Menaka were confirmed Tuesday by Lieutenant Colonel Diarran Kone in the country's National Public Information Service.
• Eritrea Envoy Urges UN to Lift 'Unfair' Sanctions VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Eritrea's envoy to the UN says his country is vindicated following a recently-released preliminary U.N. report that found insufficient evidence that Asmara provided weapons to Somalia militant group al-Shabab last year.
• Secretary Clinton Remarks With President Alassane Ouattara After Their Meeting US Dept. of State 17 Jan 2012
• Clinton, Ouattara Discuss Ivory Coast Reconciliation VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in West Africa, where she met with Ivory Coast's leader Alassane Ouattara about efforts to reconcile divisions remaining.
• EU Rapporteur Slams Kosovar Albanian Border Protest RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- The European Parliament's rapporteur for the Western Balkans says violent clashes between Kosovar police and Albanian protesters trying to blockade the Serbian border hurt international attempts to improve relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
• Greece, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia wrap up UN-mediated talks UN News Centre 17 Jan 2012 -- Representatives of Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have wrapped up two days of United Nations-mediated talks on the dispute over the official name of the latter country.

News Reports

• Remarks by President Obama and His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan The White House 17 Jan 2012
• Arab Spring Challenges Western, Regional Powers VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Middle Eastern countries that had uprisings last year are moving to establish democracy, at varying paces and with varying success.
• Obama: US to Work Closely with Jordan on Mideast Talks VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- President Barack Obama says the United States will consult closely with Jordan to advance peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
• Obama, Jordan's King to Discuss Mideast Crises VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is meeting Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House Tuesday at a time of numerous crises in the Middle East.
• Kremlin Walks a High Wire on Iran's Nuclear Program VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Russia built for Iran its first nuclear power plant, then refused to sell to Tehran the anti-aircraft missiles to defend it.
• Iran Says UN Nuclear Team to Visit This Month for Talks VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Iran says senior U.N. nuclear officials will travel to the country later this month to discuss their concerns about the Iranian nuclear program.
• US Asks South Korea to Cut Iran Oil Imports VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- South Korea says more discussions are necessary before it can make a decision on cutting purchases of Iranian crude oil.
• U.S. Urges South Korea To Cut Iran Oil Imports RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- A senior U.S. official has called on South Korea to reduce its crude oil imports from Iran to help pile pressure on the Islamic republic.
• FM spokesman: Europe not ready to start serious Iran oil sanctions IRNA 17 Jan 2012 -- FM spokesman Mehmanparast: European countries are not ready to start serious talks on imposing oil sanctions against Iran.
• Iran Criticizes Saudi Comments on Oil Exports VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Iran has criticized Saudi Arabia for saying it could increase its oil output if Western sanctions cut oil exports from Iran.
• Saudi Plan to Boost Oil Output 'Unfriendly' - Iran RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Iran's foreign minister has warned oil exporting countries against making "unfriendly" statements about boosting output if Iran’s exports of 2.2 million barrels a day are hindered by international sanctions.
• Salehi advises Saudi officials to avoid unwise remarks IRNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi advised Saudi Arabian officials to avoid making unwise remarks.
• Iran to respond following scientist assassinations ISNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi said the country's security officials would present appropriate response following the assassination of nuclear scientists.
• Cyberspat Erupts As Baku-Tehran Relations Become Increasingly Strained RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- Iranian-Azerbaijani tensions have apparently erupted into a cyberskirmish that has affected dozens of websites in both countries.
• US, Japan, South Korea Discuss Restarting Six-Party Talks VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- Top officials from the US, South Korea and Japan met for talks focusing on restarting stalled 6-party negotiations on North Korea.
• Those Who Hurt Dignity of DPRK Supreme Leadership Deserve Severest Punishment KCNA 17 Jan 2012 -- One month has passed since General Secretary Kim Jong Il, the great father of the nation and loadstar of national reunification, passed away.
• Minju Joson on S. Korean Minister of Unification KCNA 17 Jan 2012 -- Ryu U Ik, minister of Unification of south Korea, uttered it was "regretful" and "accusation distorting the good will."
• US Senate to Consider Democracy Leader's Views on Burma Sanctions VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: US officials will be heavily influenced by the views of Aung San Suu Kyi as they consider whether to ease economic sanctions on the Southeast Asian nation.
• Ruling on 'Kenyan 6' May Affect Upcoming Elections VOA 17 Jan 2012 -- The Hague-based International Criminal Court is expected to rule next week on whether the cases of six suspects accused of masterminding Kenya's 2007-2008 post-election violence will proceed to trial.
• In Kyrgyzstan, Prison Riot Reveals Cracks In System RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- A day after a deadly prison riot in the Kyrgyz capital, authorities are divided on both the cause of the violence and its outcome.
• Kazakh Opposition Protests Election Results RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- Some 200 opposition activists and supporters have rallied in Kazakhstan's largest city of Almaty to protest the results of the January 15 parliamentary elections.
• U.S. Urges Kazakh Vote Transparency RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- The United States has acknowledged the assessment by outside observers that Kazakhstan's parliamentary elections fell short of international democratic standards.
• Three Parties Make it to Kazakh Parliament RIA Novosti 17 Jan 2012 -- Three parties were elected to the Kazakh parliament in Sunday’s vote, the pro-presidential Nur Otan, the pro-business Ak Zhol and the Communists.
• Armenian Opposition Upset With PACE Official RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- Leaders of the two opposition parties in Armenia's parliament have accused a top official of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly of pro-government bias.
• EU Ratchets Up Legal Pressure On Hungary RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- The European Commission said today that it would take legal action against Hungary for failing to change new laws that do not comply with EU legislation.
• Jailed Belarusian Opposition Activists Placed In Stricter Conditions RFE/RL 17 Jan 2012 -- A jailed former Belarusian presidential candidate has been placed in solitary confinement.