Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• Combined Force Arrests Haqqani Leader AFPS 12 Oct 2012 -- An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader in Paktiya province today, military officials reported.
• RCT-7 heads off to Afghanistan USMC News 12 Oct 2012 -- Kaydence is almost 2 years old. She likes blowing kisses and playing with her 8-week-old baby brother. She really likes Gatorade. And she loves her daddy.
• 'First Team' Returns USMC News 12 Oct 2012 -- Hundreds of friends and families of 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, flocked to Del Valle Field Sunday, to welcome their Marines and sailors back home from Afghanistan.
• 30th Medical Command Cases its Colors Army News 12 Oct 2012 -- The 30th Medical Command cased its Colors here, today, in preparation for its deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 30th MEDCOM will control all medical assets in Afghanistan.
• Corps of Engineers delivers garrison installation for Afghan forces in Herat Army News 12 Oct 2012 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' mission is to build high-quality facilities where security forces may live and train.
• Pakistan protests U.S. drone strikes in tribal regions IRNA 12 Oct 2012 -- Pakistan lodged protest with the American embassy in Islamabad over the recent two U.S. drone strikes in the country's tribal regions, which killed and injured scores of people.
• PAKISTAN: Fears of Taliban resurgence in north IRIN 12 Oct 2012 -- The shooting on 9 October of Malala Yusufzai, a 14-year-old girls' education campaigner from Swat Valley in northern Pakistan, is a reminder that militancy is still a significant threat in the north.

Defense Policy / Programs

• U.S., China to Consider Sharing Resources during Joint Missions AFPS 12 Oct 2012 -- In what U.S. Pacific Command's logistics chief calls a groundbreaking development, officials from the United States and China plan to meet to discuss sharing logistical resources, including fuel, as they operate together during counter-piracy and humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions.
• 7th ID eyes Pacific, reactivates as Army's 'Stryker Division' Army News 12 Oct 2012 -- Bayonet division colors uncased at its reactivation ceremony on JBLM's Watkins Field in front of hundreds of senior leaders, Soldiers, former 7th Inf. Div. veterans, and civilians.
• ARL's combustion lab sparks studies that could lead to JP-8 'super engine' Army News 12 Oct 2012 -- Studies are underway at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, or ARL, to create a 'super engine' that could allow ground vehicles, stationary power generators, and small UAVs, for example, to operate with the same kind of fuel.
• Navy Seabees Volunteer while Deployed in Peru NNS 12 Oct 2012 -- During military deployments, many troops use their off-duty time to get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. For three U.S. Navy Seabees deployed to Huaytará Peru, they volunteered their off time to repair the town's fountain.
• Seabees Help Assemble Expeditionary Medical Facility NNS 12 Oct 2012 -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Units 303 (CBMU 303) and 202 participated in the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) exercise for 10 days in late August, at the Naval Expeditionary Training Center Institute (NEMTI) on Camp Pendleton, Calif.
• USS Toledo Returns from Deployment NNS 12 Oct 2012 -- With cheers from family and friends rocking the piers in New London, the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769) returned home to Naval Submarine Base New London, Oct. 12, following a nearly seven-month scheduled deployment.
• Joint Warrior 12-2 Draws to a Close NNS 12 Oct 2012 -- Exercise Joint Warrior 12-2 concluded off the coast of Scotland, Oct. 11.
• Panetta Appeals for Stepped Up Cyber Security VOA 12 Oct 2012 -- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says recent computer virus attacks on Persian Gulf oil and gas companies were 'probably the most destructive cyber assault the private sector has seen.'
• Washington, Stennis Carrier Strike Groups Operate in Andaman Sea NNS 12 Oct 2012 -- The USS George Washington and USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) steamed together in the Andaman Sea Oct. 12, conducting integrated flight operations while also practicing surface and anti-submarine drills.
• New Strategy to Posture Transcom for Post-war Future AFPS 12 Oct 2012 -- A new, five-year strategic plan unveiled today at U.S. Transportation Command will posture it to ensure the military maintains its global mobility edge entering a post-war future, Air Force Brig. Gen. John E. Michel, Transcom's chief change and learning strategist, told American Forces Press Service.
• Official: DOD Seeks 'Small Footprint' in Africa AFPS 12 Oct 2012 -- For Djibouti, location is everything.
• Gen. Shelton convenes accident investigation AFNS 12 Oct 2012 -- Air Force Space Command commander General William Shelton has ordered an Accident Investigation Board (AIB) to investigate why a Delta IV RL-10B-2 upper stage engine did not perform as expected during the Oct 4 launch of a GPS IIF satellite.
• 11th MEU Prepares for New Supply System USMC News 12 Oct 2012 -- The findings of a September 2011 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlight the incredible difficulty of conducting audits and equipment accountability for each branch of the military. Since first attempting a full-scale audit in 2008, the Marine Corps has continually made progress and leads the other services in refining the accountability process. Now, as the Corps begins implementation of the Global Combat Support System Marine Corps (GCSS-MC), accountability and financial management stand poised to improve substantially.
• 15th MEU lends helping hand to Timor-Leste USMC News 12 Oct 2012 -- A Marine Expeditionary Unit is tasked to be America's rapid-response force, protecting U.S. interest abroad and able to plan and conduct combat operations when the nation needs it most. Sometimes, however, Servicemembers are able help other nations when they are in need.
• Marine Corps Joint Strike Fighter conducts first aerial refuel USMC News 12 Oct 2012 -- In the sky above the Gulf of Mexico near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the future of Marine aviation punched through the warm Florida air Oct. 2. F-35B Joint Strike Fighters with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 from Eglin conducted the first air-to-air refuel of an operational aircraft in the program's history. Previous aerial refueling operations with the F-35 had been conducted with test aircraft.
• MWSS-171 stays vigilant, prepared for all things USMC News 12 Oct 2012 -- Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 continues to train all over the globe. In the past few months, the unit contributed Marines to five different exercises across the globe.
• 'Capital Shield' tests Army's first responders in nation's capital Army News 12 Oct 2012 -- Soldiers with the 911th Engineer Company (Technical Rescue) dug through the rubble of a collapsed building in Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, as part of the "Capital Shield 13" regional training exercise.
• 409th CSB provides European contracting support Army News 12 Oct 2012 -- The 21st Theater Sustainment Command's contracting partner, the 409th Contracting Support Brigade, has a geographic footprint that spans across 104 countries.
• US to Continue Talks with Russia on Nunn-Lugar Program RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- The United States is interested in continuing talks with Russia on a US-funded Russian armaments disposal program, known as the Nunn-Lugar program, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said on Thursday.
• Three Dead, One Injured in Russian Navy Be-12 Plane Crash RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- A Russian amphibious antisubmarine warfare aircraft in service with the Black Sea Fleet crashed on Friday in Ukraine killing three and injuring one crewmember, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
• BrahMos to Test Submarine-Launch Missile by Year-End RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- BrahMos, the Russian-Indian supersonic cruise missile joint venture, is to test-fire their anti-ship missile from a submarine platform by year-end, the Russian partner NPO Mashninostroyenie said Friday.
• Russia and India Sign Transport Plane Deal RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- India and Russia gave the green light on Friday to a long-delayed joint project to develop a Military Transport Aircraft, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (OAK) said after the signing ceremony in New Delhi.
• Mirage fighter pilot's ashes brought home from France CNA 12 Oct 2012 -- Defense Minister Kao Hua-chu paid tribute to a Taiwanese Air Force jet fighter pilot who died in a recent crash in France, as the pilot's remains were brought home Friday.
• New anti-laser eyewear for pilots tested UK MOD 12 Oct 2012 -- A new type of laser eye protection (LEP) for pilots is being tested by the Ministry of Defence.
• Iraq Agrees to Buy 28 Czech Combat Jets RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- Czech plane maker Aero Vodochody will deliver 28 L-159 advanced trainer/light-attack jets to the Iraqi Air Force after a preliminary agreement was reached on Friday, Czech Defense Minister Alexandr Vondra said.
• October 12, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2012
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 10/12/2012 The White House 12 Oct 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for October 12, 2012

Other Conflicts

• 12 October 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 12 Oct 2012
• Russia Denies Syria Plane had Weapons on Board RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- Russia's foreign minister said on Friday that a Moscow-Damascus passenger airliner forced to land in Turkey over suspicions it had weapons on board was legally carrying Russian radar parts.
• UN-Arab League envoy discusses Syrian crisis with Saudi King UN News Centre 12 Oct 2012 -- The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis, Lakhdar Brahimi, today discussed the situation in Syria with the King of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, during a meeting in the city of Jeddah.
• UN and partners step up efforts to protect Syrian refugees during winter months UN News Centre 12 Oct 2012 -- The United Nations refugee agency today said it is boosting its efforts to protect tens of thousands of uprooted Syrians during the cold weather expected throughout the upcoming winter months.
• Rebels, Troops Clash Over Air Base in Syria VOA 12 Oct 2012 -- Syrian rebels have clashed with government troops over control of an air defense base near the country's most populous city.
• Security Council paves way for possible intervention force in northern Mali UN News Centre 12 Oct 2012 -- Citing the threat to regional peace from terrorists and Islamic militants in rebel-held northern Mali, the United Nations Security Council today held out the possibility of endorsing, within the next 45 days, an international military force to restore the unity of the West African country.
• Security Council extends mandate of UN peacekeepers in Haiti for another year UN News Centre 12 Oct 2012 -- The Security Council today extended the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti for another year, and decided to reduce the overall force levels as responsibility for security is gradually handed over to the national police.
• Libya: UN urges protection of civilians following deadly clashes in Bani Walid UN News Centre 12 Oct 2012 -- The United Nations today voiced concern over the impact of recent security developments, including loss of life and injury, amid deadly clashes between armed groups in the Libyan town of Bani Walid.
• BANGLADESH: Rohingya refugees face more restrictions IRIN 12 Oct 2012 -- Activists warn of further restrictions on Rohingya refugees in southeastern Bangladesh following recent communal violence.
• UGANDA: Military deployed to Kenyan border to curb cattle rustling IRIN 12 Oct 2012 -- The government of Uganda has deployed military personnel to its border with Kenya in a bid to stamp out cross-border cattle rustling.
• UN Set to Pass Mali Resolution VOA 12 Oct 2012 -- The U.N. Security Council is expected to pass a resolution Friday clearing the way for deployment of foreign troops to the troubled nation of Mali.

News Reports

• EU Awarded Nobel Peace Prize RFE/RL 12 Oct 2012 -- The 2012 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the European Union for its long-term role in fostering peace, democracy and rights on the continent.
• Russia Demands Fair Treatment of Suspects in US Export Case RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded on Friday that US authorities stop applying psychological and moral pressure on Russian citizens arrested last week on suspicion of illegally exporting 'sensitive US technology' to Russia.
• Spokesman: Iran ready to show flexibility to remove West's concerns IRNA 12 Oct 2012 -- Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mihman-parast said Iran is ready to show flexibility to remove the West's concerns, but this move should have reciprocal measure, too.
• Supreme Leader: Iranian nation not to fall short against any aggression IRNA 12 Oct 2012 -- Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said on Friday that Iranian nation does not favor aggression and invasion, while not coming short against any aggression.
• UN Paints Bleak Rights Picture In Iran RFE/RL 12 Oct 2012 -- The UN human rights expert on Iran has painted a bleak picture of rights abuses in the Islamic Republic.
• Secretary Clinton on Democratic Transitions in the Maghreb US Dept. of State 12 Oct 2012
• UN begins relocation of Central African Republic refugees affected by floods in Chad UN News Centre 12 Oct 2012 -- The United Nations today announced it has begun relocating Central African Republic (CAR) refugees living in southern Chad to a new site due to floods that have affected the camps hosting some 17,000 people.
• Uzbek Diplomats Break Silence On Swiss Money-Laundering Case RFE/RL 12 Oct 2012 -- Uzbek diplomatic officials have offered rare commentary on a Swiss money-laundering case involving four Uzbek nationals with ties to Gulnara Karimova, the daughter of the Uzbek president.;
• News Analysis: Ivanishvili's Cabinet Choices And His Domestic Reform Agenda RFE/RL 12 Oct 2012 -- and the entire ministry -- The Georgian Dream coalition swept to victory in legislative elections earlier this month promising to deliver on the lofty promises of Georgia's 2003 Rose Revolution.
• Arms Dealer Bout Defense Claims 'New Evidence' RIA Novosti 12 Oct 2012 -- Defense lawyers for jailed Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout claim there is new evidence to support their appeal for the case to be reconsidered.