Operations
Defense Policy / Programs
Defense Industry
Other Conflicts
News Reports

Current Operations

• OIF/OEF/OND Casualty Update 14 Dec 2012 [PDF]
• Envoy Reflects on Taliban, Pakistan Experiences AFPS 14 Dec 2012 -- An envoy who is one of the few U.S. officials to ever meet with Taliban representatives shared his perspective on two years of effort to open a channel with them, and on the challenges that lie ahead in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Defense Policy / Programs

• Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey AFPS 14 Dec 2012 -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.
• US to Send Patriot Missile Batteries to Turkey VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- NATO preparations to help shield Turkish territory from potential Syrian aerial attacks gained new backing Friday as the U.S. announced it is sending two batteries of defensive Patriot missiles to Turkey.
• US To Deploy Troops, Missiles to Turkey RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- The United States said Friday it will send troops and missiles to its NATO ally Turkey in response to alleged security threats from Syria.
• Remarks by Secretary Panetta in Incirlik, Turkey DoD 14 Dec 2012 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta
• USACE delivers NATO Special Operations Headquarters in Belgium Army News 14 Dec 2012 -- U.S. and international military officials have cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art facility constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District that will enable the NATO special operations forces community to plan, coordinate and conduct vital missions around the globe.
• Army leaders probe 'deep future' Army News 14 Dec 2012 -- Trying to anticipate what the world might be like in 2030 would seem to be in the realm of science fiction writers - but the Army is interested too.
• Soldiers train with remote-controlled mine-clearing system Army News 14 Dec 2012 -- Tripping improvised explosive devices and unexploded ordnance in a controlled way to avoid Soldier injury has become an automated process now for Soldiers here and at Fort Bliss, Texas.
• Corps of Engineers to remove rock from Mississippi River channel Army News 14 Dec 2012 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced today the schedule for removing rock formations in the Mississippi River near Thebes, Ill., that pose a threat to navigation as water levels on the river drop.
• USACE Galveston District awards $8.87 million contract to dredge Matagorda Ship Channel Army News 14 Dec 2012 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, awarded a contract to Orion Marine Construction Inc. in the amount of $8,876,000 for maintenance dredging of the Matagorda Ship Channel to include a critically shoaled area of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near the entrance channel in Matagorda County, Texas.
• Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group Returns from Deployment NNS 14 Dec 2012 -- Nearly 2,000 Sailors aboard the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (IWO ARG) are scheduled to return to their homeports Dec. 18th and 20th following a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets areas of responsibility.
• Ike, Hue City to Return from Deployment NNS 14 Dec 2012 -- More than 4,300 Sailors serving in the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) are scheduled to arrive at their homeports in Norfolk and Mayport, Fla., Dec. 19, following six months of operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
• Blackjacks Bolster Proficiency in Field Exercise NNS 14 Dec 2012 -- Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 (TACRON-21), also known as the Blackjacks, located at Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek, recently completed a three-day field exercise aimed at increasing the proficiency of the squadron's Marine Augmentation and Emergency Response Teams (MAT/ERT).
• Air Force officials receive closure letter for environmental restoration site AFNS 14 Dec 2012 -- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a closure letter Nov. 1, for the environmental restoration of a site located 4.5 miles southwest of the flightline here, where a B-47 plane crashed in 1958.
• Dempsey Warns of Sequestration's Potential Impact AFPS 14 Dec 2012 -- The potential impact of sequestration, if it happens, could significantly degrade the Defense Department's overall readiness for years to come, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs said here yesterday.
• More Effort Needed to Counter IEDs, General Says AFPS 14 Dec 2012 -- The Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization has made progress against IEDs, "but it isn't enough," Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday.
• CONR to Conduct Air Defense Exercise in National Capital Region DoD 14 Dec 2012-- The Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (CONR) will conduct Falcon Virgo exercise flight operations Saturday, Dec. 15 in the National Capital Region (NCR), Washington, D.C.
• USS Cheyenne Departs for Western Pacific Deployment NNS 14 Dec 2012 -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Dec. 13, for a scheduled six-month deployment in the Western Pacific region.
• Philippines Host Meetings with US Officials to Discuss Defense VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- As tensions continue to simmer between the Philippines and China over competing claims in the South China Sea, the Philippines is cleaving more closely to its Mutual Defense Treaty partner, the United States. Manila hosted several meetings this week with U.S. officials to discuss defense, maritime rule of law and strengthening other ties.
• Paying the world's best training forward: Unity drives U.S., Korean joint chemical exercise Army News 14 Dec 2012 -- Even when they come from coasts more than 5,000 miles apart, there's sometimes little clear distinction between the lives of soldiers who reside and train in separate countries.
• AFSOC builds partnerships with sister services, foreign militaries AFNS 14 Dec 2012 -- More than 30 servicemembers and civil servants from 10 different countries gathered here to attend the Building Partner Aviation Capacity Course Dec. 3 to 14.
• Russia to Develop Precision Conventional ICBM Option RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia may develop a non-nuclear precision-guided payload capability for its new hundred-ton class liquid-fueled ICBM if need be, Strategic Missile Forces (RSVN) Commander Col. Gen. Sergei Karakayev said on Friday.
• Russia to Test 11 ICBMs in 2013 RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia's Strategic Missile Force (RSVN) plans to test-fire 11 intercontinental ballistic missiles in 2013, after firing only five this year, its commander said on Friday.
• December 14, 2012 - U.S. Department of State Daily Press Briefing US Dept. of State 14 Dec 2012
• Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 12/14/2012 The White House 14 Dec 2012

Defense Industry

• DoD News: Contracts for December 14, 2012

Other Conflicts

• 14 December 2012 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 14 Dec 2012
• 14 December 2012 - Press Conference on End of Germany's Security Council Tenure United Nations 14 Dec 2012
• Russia Looks Ahead to a Post-Assad Syria VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia backtracked Friday on comments about Syria made by a key official only a day earlier.
• Russia Seeks to Retain Influence Over Syria if Assad Falls VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia's foreign ministry says Moscow's policy on Syria has not changed, despite a top diplomat's reported comment that Syria's opposition may win its battle against President Bashar al-Assad.
• Russia Denies Its Syria Position Has Changed RFE/RL 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia has denied that one of its top diplomats said President Bashar al-Assad is losing control of Syria.
• EU Looks at Options to Support Syrian Opposition RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- European Union leaders at a summit in Brussels on Friday stressed the need to support the coalition of opposition groups in Syria in the "most effective way."
• Following refugee camp visit, UN officials flag need for more funds to help displaced Syrians in Iraq UN News Centre 14 Dec 2012 -- In the wake of a visit to a refugee camp for displaced Syrians in Iraq, senior United Nations officials have highlighted the urgent need for donor funding to increase the aid being provided to those fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Syria.
• China Defends Flight Over Disputed Islands VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- China has defended the flight of a government plane in disputed airspace near contested islands in the East China Sea, an incident that provoked a diplomatic dispute with Japan.
• Thousands of Hamas Supporters Rally in West Bank VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- For the first time since 2007, Hamas supporters flooded the streets of the West Bank to mark the Islamic movement's 25th anniversary. Riding a wave of increasing support after the deadly exchange of fire with Israel last month, Hamas called for more rallies across the West Bank.
• At UN-backed meeting, Cameroon and Nigeria agree to expedite boundary demarcation process UN News Centre 14 Dec 2012 -- Representatives from Cameroon and Nigeria ended today a meeting over the demarcation of the boundary between the two countries with a reaffirmation of their willingness to expedite the process in relation to the land-based areas which remain to be identified, according to the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA).

News Reports

• Rivals Clash Ahead of Egypt Constitution Vote VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- As Egyptians prepare to vote in the first round of a constitutional referendum Saturday, both opponents and supporters of the controversial document were out in the streets to protest.
• UN experts urge review of Egypt's draft constitution to ensure equality and women's rights UN News Centre 14 Dec 2012 -- A group of United Nations human rights experts today voiced deep concern about Egypt's draft constitution, and called on its Government to ensure equality, non-discrimination and protection and promotion of women's rights in the final text.
• South Korea Analyzing North's Rocket Debris VOA 14 Dec 2012 -- South Korea says its navy has retrieved debris from the North's rocket launch earlier this week and will analyze it to learn more about Pyongyang's missile capability.
• Kim Jong Un Visits Sohae Space Center to Congratulate Scientists, Technicians KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- The dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and first chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission visited the Sohae Space Center located in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province to congratulate scientists and technicians on their great contribution to the successful launch of the second version of the satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.
• Pyongyang Army-People Rally Hails Successful Satellite Launch KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- A Pyongyang army-people rally was held at Kim Il Sung Square Friday to hail the successful launch of the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.
• Pyongyang Army-People Rally Hails Successful Satellite Launch KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- A Pyongyang army-people rally was held at Kim Il Sung Square Friday to hail the successful launch of the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.
• Pyongyang Army-People Rally Hails Successful Satellite Launch KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- A Pyongyang army-people rally is now under way at Kim Il Sung Square to hail the successful launch of the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.
• Satellite Liftoff Displays Development of DPRK's Science KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully launched the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 with carrier rocket Unha-3 on Wednesday.
• Credit for Successful Satellite Launch Goes to Kim Jong Un: Scientist KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully launched the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 on Dec. 12, delighting all the people of the country.
• Satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 Will Be Helpful to Progress of National Economy: Educationists KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea launched the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 on Wednesday.
• Any Country Has Right to Use Outer Space: Pyongyang Citizens KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully launched the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 on Wednesday.
• Successful Satellite Launch Makes Korean People Sorely Miss Kim Jong Il KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully launched the Pyongyang, December 14 (KCNA) -- With the successful launch of the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3, all the people in the DPRK are now very grateful to leader Kim Jong Il for having turned the country into a full-fledged satellite manufacturing and launching state.
• DPRK's Successful Satellite Launch Hailed by Deputy Head of Joint Chiefs of Iranian Army KCNA 14 Dec 2012 -- Masoud Jazayeri, deputy head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Army, on Wednesday warmly congratulated the government and people of the DPRK on their successful launch of the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3.
• Iran-IAEA one more step toward new modality IRNA 14 Dec 2012 -- 7th round of talks between Iran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was held in Tehran on Thursday and both sides said there was progress in the talks.
• China calls for immediate talks between Iran, G 5+1 IRNA 14 Dec 2012 -- China once again underlined that West's unilateral sanctions against Iran is useless and the only solution to nuclear issue is talks.
• Iran Denies UN Experts Access to Parchin Site Again RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- Iran has denied again a request by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to allow its experts to visit a suspected Iranian nuclear site, Iranian media reported.
• Duma Okays Russia's Answer to US Blacklist RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- The lower house of the Russian parliament on Friday gave preliminary approval to a draft law penalizing US nationals involved in violating the rights of Russian citizens, touted as Moscow's response to the Magnitsky Act.
• Obama Signs Magnitsky Act Into Law RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- US President Barack Obama on Friday signed into law the Magnitsky Act, a bill punishing Russian officials for alleged human rights violations that US lawmakers attached to a landmark trade bill normalizing trade relations with Moscow.
• Russia's Wayward Satellite to Reach Orbit Sat. RIA Novosti 14 Dec 2012 -- Russia's troubled Yamal-402 satellite should reach its designated geostationary orbit on Saturday when it uses its engine for the fourth time, Gazprom Space Systems (GSS) company said on Friday.
• Serious shortcomings at asylum processing centre in Nauru, UN refugee agency warns UN News Centre 14 Dec 2012 -- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) today warned of serious shortcomings at an offshore processing centre on the South Pacific island nation of Nauru to which Australia sends asylum-seekers.