Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• DOD Identifies Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation DoD 15 Mar 2012 -- The Department of Defense today identified three major units to deploy as part of the upcoming rotation of forces operating in Afghanistan.
• Panetta Stresses Importance of Staying Course in Afghanistan VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- In Kabul Thursday, Afghan President Hamid Karzai called for NATO forces to pull back from Afghan villages, following Sunday's killing of 16 civilians in southern Afghanistan, allegedly by a U.S. soldier.
• Karzai Urges NATO Withdrawal From Afghan Villages VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai is calling for NATO forces to pull back from Afghan villages and relocate to their bases following the killing of 16 civilians in southern Afghanistan earlier this week, allegedly by a U.S. soldier.
• Combined Force Captures Taliban Leader AFPS 15 Mar 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader and detained an additional suspected insurgent in the Baghlan-e Jadid district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province today, military officials reported.
• Suspect in Afghanistan Airfield Incident Dies AFPS 15 Mar 2012 -- The suspect in yesterday's car theft and possible attack at Bastion Airfield in Afghanistan's Helmand province died this morning while under medical care, the commander of International Security Assistance Force Joint Command said here today.
• Afghan Taliban Halts U.S. Talks; Karzai Urges NATO To Leave Villages RFE/RL 15 Mar 2012 -- Taliban militants say they have suspended preliminary talks with the United States aimed at building confidence and clearing the way for eventual peace talks on the conflict in Afghanistan.
• Panetta: All United in Afghanistan Strategy AFPS 15 Mar 2012 -- His sixth trip to Afghanistan, more so than some others, made him feel there’s a 'very good chance of succeeding' in the mission and the long war here, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.
• Combined Task Force Spartan completes Afghanistan mission Army News 15 Mar 2012 -- Soldiers in 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), Combined Task Force Spartan officially completed their mission in the Zharay and Maiwand districts during a transfer of authority ceremony Wednesday at Forward Operating Base Pasab with Soldiers of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, CTF Fury.
• 'Zero Chance' That U.S. Soldier Will Be Tried In Afghanistan, Expert Says RFE/RL 15 Mar 2012 -- including nine children and three women -- There have been numerous calls in Afghanistan from both citizens and lawmakers for the U.S. soldier accused of killing 16 civilians -- including nine children and three women -- to face justice in Afghan courts.
• Cameron and Obama - we will not give up on the Afghanistan mission UK MOD 15 Mar 2012 -- 'We will not give up on the mission in Afghanistan', Prime Minister Cameron said at a joint press conference with US President Obama yesterday.
• Pakistan decides in principle to reopen NATO supply routes: daily IRNA 15 Mar 2012 -- A leading news daily claimed on Thursday that Pakistan has decided in principle to reopen the NATO supply routes.
• John Paul Jones, Baranof Rescue 24 Filipino Mariners NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- Guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Baranof (WPB 1318) rescued 24 Filipino mariners in Arabian Gulf, March 15.
• Navy, Coast Guard Crews Rescue Arabian Gulf Mariners AFPS 15 Mar 2012 -- Crews of the Navy guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones and Coast Guard Cutter Baranof rescued 24 Filipino mariners here today, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command officials reported.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Army Releases February Suicide Information DoD 15 Mar 2012 -- The Army released suicide data today for the month of February.
• Official: DOD Improves Posture on 'Loose Nuke' Threat AFPS 15 Mar 2012 -- Though the Defense Department's role in nuclear nonproliferation centers on dismantling weapons of mass destruction in former Soviet Union states, DOD also plans, equips and trains for scenarios in which terrorists get their hands on nuclear weapons, the principal deputy assistant defense secretary for global strategic affairs said yesterday.
• SecAF and CSAF discuss changes to active, reserve mix to Congress AFNS 15 Mar 2012 -- The Air Force's two top leaders discussed planned adjustments to the Air Force's active and reserve components during a congressional hearing here March 14.
• Black Sea Rotational Force kicks off with Operation Agile Spirit USMC News 15 Mar 2012 -- Marines and sailors with SPMAGTF Black Sea Rotational Force began their 6-month deployment with Operation Agile Spirit on Vaziani Training Area in Georgia, March 12. The combined operation between the United States Marine Corps and the Georgian Land Forces is designed to enhance interoperability, promote regional stability and build camaraderie amongst the forces.
• Blue Ridge Arrives in Hong Kong NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet staff arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit March 15.
• San Diego Heads for New Homeport NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- The future USS San Diego (LPD 22) departed Huntington Ingalls Industries' Pascagoula, Miss., shipyard, March 15, 'sailing away' from the building yard manned for the first time by the ship's crew.
• Future USS Michael Murphy Completes 'Super Trial' NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- The future USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), and the final ship of the original 62-ship procurement of the DDG 51 class shipbuilding program, successfully completed a combined builder's and acceptance 'super trial' March 9, after spending four days underway in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Submarine USS Jefferson City Returns from Deployment NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- Friends and families of Sailors aboard Los Angeles-class, fast-attack submarine USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) welcomed home the submarine and its crew today following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.
• Secretary of the Navy Visits Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus made his first visit to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, March 12.
• Leaders Identify Challenges, Opportunities and Way Ahead at NWDC Maritime Innovation Symposium NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- More than 150 members from the maritime services, academia and industry gathered this week to kick-off Navy Warfare Development Command's (NWDC) 'Innovation Series 2012' at a Maritime Innovation Symposium themed 'Regaining the Innovation Advantage...Awakening Our Creative DNA' on Naval Station Norfolk.
• ONR Outreach Focuses on Pacific Total Force NNS 15 Mar 2012 -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) will bring its technologically advanced fuel cell vehicle (FCV) and scientific expertise to the 2012 Pacific Operational Science & Technology (S&T) Conference in Honolulu, March 19-22.
• Desert Rogues prepare for Afghanistan Army News 15 Mar 2012 -- During a ceremony held at Fort Stewart's Marne Garden, Soldiers from 1st 'Desert Rogue' Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, cased their unit colors in preparation for the battalion's upcoming deployment to Afghanistan, March 14.
• Army's newest laboratory complex opens April 11 Army News 15 Mar 2012 -- The U.S. Army will open its new complex -- the Ground Systems Power and Energy Laboratory (GSPEL) -- during a grand opening ceremony at the Detroit Arsenal at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.
• CBRNE Analytical and Remediation Activity labs do more than impress Army News 15 Mar 2012 -- These are not your average bi-focal wearing, white lab coat clad, gray bearded scientists that don't stray far from their experiments. Instead, they are deployable men and women of all sizes and ages who have a laundry list of advanced degrees and a passion for what they do--diagnosing chemical, biological and explosive samples.
• Soldiers of 'Big Red 1' take center stage in Apache, Gray Eagle tests Army News 15 Mar 2012 -- Two aviation platforms that have the potential to revolutionize the way the Army will address future global threats are flying high above the deserts of California this month thanks to the skills of more than 100 1st Infantry Division Soldiers.
• Tolo TV Interview with Secretary Panetta DoD 15 Mar 2012 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Daoud Sultanzoy, Tolo Television
• Russian Black Sea Fleet Secrets Threatened by Hotel Project RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- The Staff of the Russian Black Sea Fleet said it faces information safety problems over plans to build a hotel in the immediate vicinity of its headquarters.
• Russia to Build Mini Drone for Vietnam RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Russian warplane maker Irkut has signed a contract with Vietnam to build a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the Southeast Asian country, Izvestia daily reported on Thursday.
• Russian Specialists to Modernize Helicopters in Bulgaria RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Moscow and Sofia signed a deal to repair and modernize Soviet-era helicopters in Bulgaria, the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said on Thursday.
• Navy Merlins take part in anti-submarine exercise UK MOD 15 Mar 2012 -- Two Merlins from 820 Naval Air Squadron have been taking part in the world's biggest anti-submarine exercise, NATO's Proud Manta.
• Paratroopers train with French Airborne Cavalry UK MOD 15 Mar 2012 -- British and French troops have been training together to improve their urban fighting skills and develop co-operation between the two armies.
• India to launch aircraft version of Brahmos by December 2012 IRNA 15 Mar 2012 -- The Aircraft version of the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world, the Brahmos, would be launched by December 2012, a top official of the Brahmos Aerospace, an Indo-Russian joint venture company has said.
• Germany's Defense Ministry Complains Over Nord Stream Route RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Germany's Defense Ministry has challenged a permit issued by the Stralsund Mining Department for the laying of Russia's Nord Stream gas pipeline which will carry natural gas to Europe, Hamburger Abendblatt reported on Thursday.
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 3/15/2012 The White House 15 Mar 2012
• March 15, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for March 15, 2012
• Boeing Delivers 1st Aircraft Under US Navy F/A-18E/F and EA-18G MYP III Contract Boeing 15 Mar 2012 -- Boeing has completed delivery of the U.S. Navy's first aircraft acquired through the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Multi-Year Procurement (MYP) III contract, ahead of schedule.

Other Conflicts

• 15 March 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 15 Mar 2012
• Status quo in Syria 'indefensible,' Ban says on anniversary of uprising UN News Centre 15 Mar 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today marked the anniversary of the uprising in Syria by calling for an end to the ongoing bloodshed, which has claimed more than 8,000 lives since popular protests began a year ago, and for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
• Iran starts humanitarian aid to Syria via air IRNA 15 Mar 2012 -- Iran supports Syrian nation's resistance toward western-motivated unrests and Tehran started sending its humanitarian aid to Damascus via air, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian , Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs said on Wednesday.
• Turkey May Set up Buffer zone at Syrian Border RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Turkey is considering the creation of a buffer zone at the Syrian border to support refugees fleeing the conflict-stricken country, Turkish deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay told the NTV channel on Thursday.
• Damascus 'Positive' on UN-Arab Mission After Year of Unrest RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Damascus is interested in the success of UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan's mission intended to restore peace in Syria, the country's Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi said as the bloody uprising against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad entered its second year on Thursday.
• Saudi Arabia Closes Embassy in Syria RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Saudi Arabia has shut down its embassy in Syria and has withdrawn all its staff and diplomats, al-Arabiya reported citing a statement by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry.
• Syria's Assad Withstands Pressure That Toppled Other Arab Leaders VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- In Egypt, Hosni Mubarak's long-trusted military helped force him from office. In Libya, top officials scrambled to distance themselves from Moammar Gadhafi almost from the start. Tunisia's Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali fled his country within weeks, while in Yemen, Ali Abdullah Saleh took his time. But he, too, prodded by neighboring countries, is now in exile.
• Death Toll Mounts as Syria Marks Uprising Anniversary VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- At least 23 people are reported dead as Syrian forces continue a crackdown on dissent Thursday, the first anniversary of the uprising, while state television showed huge rallies in support of President Bashar al-Assad.
• SECURITY: Fighting Kony with beer, spy planes and YouTube IRIN 15 Mar 2012 -- It is just before noon in the village of Limayi in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Half a dozen empty beer bottles lie scattered at the feet of five Congolese soldiers lounging in easy chairs beneath a mango tree. A freshly opened bottle is propped-up against an automatic assault rifle lying in the dust.
• Ethiopia Attacks Military Base Inside Eritrea VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- Ethiopian troops have carried out a cross-border attack against military training camps inside Eritrea.
• AMISOM to Replace Ethiopian Troops in Central Somalia VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- Somalia's joint security committee has agreed to deploy AU troops to areas of central and southern Somalia captured recently from militant group al-Shabab by Ethiopian forces. The announcement came Wednesday at a meeting in Mogadishu.
• SOMALIA: Thousands displaced by fighting in Gedo IRIN 15 Mar 2012 -- Several thousand people have been displaced by clashes between Al-Shabab insurgents and Somali troops assisted by Ethiopian and Kenyan soldiers in Somalia's southwestern Gedo region, locals told IRIN.
• UN envoy strongly condemns attack on Somali government compound UN News Centre 15 Mar 2012 -- The United Nations envoy for Somalia has strongly condemned the suicide attack that took place yesterday at a government compound in the capital of the Horn of Africa nation.
• ICC Prosecutor to seek near maximum sentence for convicted Congolese warlord UN News Centre 15 Mar 2012 -- The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) today described the conviction of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga Dyilo on charges of recruiting child soldiers as 'a victory for humanity,' adding that he will ask for a prison term that is close to the maximum 30 years.
• SRI LANKA: Indian boost for IDP housing IRIN 15 Mar 2012 -- India's government is set to undertake a multimillion dollar reconstruction of 49,000 houses for internally displaced people in former war zones in northern and eastern Sri Lanka, which almost doubles the number of homes under construction or completed for returnees.
• Israel Accuses Iran of Fueling Terrorism in Gaza RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blatantly accused Iran of being a source of terrorism and violence in Gaza Strip.
• Ban commends Sudan, South Sudan for progress in talks to resolve outstanding issues UN News Centre 15 Mar 2012 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has commended the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan for the progress they have made in talks aimed at resolving post-independence issues, including agreements reached on the status of citizens of each State and the demarcation of the border.

News Reports

• CIS States Agree Measures to Curb Terrorism Financing RIA Novosti 15 Mar 2012 -- Anti-terrorism chiefs from the countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) made cutting off financing for terrorism and extremism their top priority at a meeting on Thursday.
• IEA Says Iran Oil Exports Could Fall 50 Percent RFE/RL 15 Mar 2012 -- The International Energy Agency (IEA) claims that Iranian oil exports could fall by as much as 50 percent in July, when European sanctions over that country's nuclear program take full effect.
• Top Chinese Leader Fired VOA 15 Mar 2012 -- A top Chinese leader has been removed from his post, as part of a widening political scandal in which one of his trusted aides visited the U.S. consulate in southwestern China.